July 21, 2026
I was looking for a neighborhood to walk around in Bangkok, hoping to escape all the thousands of people and shady sex elements, that were all over the area (Nana, Sukhumvit), unfortunately where we booked our hotel, for supposed transit connivence. Shame on me for trusting others recommendations and not doing more research on my own, lesson learned! Thankfully Talad or Talat Noi provided that escape for me, for one night. Sadly we didn't make it there till after sunset, when a lot was closed. But I still enjoyed the quiet and chatting with Sherrie, as we explored the neighborhood's knooks and crannies.
Talad Noi is on the fringe of Chinatown area along the River Chao Phraya. It has been home to various ethnic Chinese communities since soon after the foundation of Bangkok. The area was the first port and where immigrants landed. Talat Noi means little market. Many of the original houses remain and the area is considered hip with lots of Street Art. We had a nice dinner, with a great view and breeze, at a Rooftop Restaurant called River Vibe.
The house tour and story of Jim Thompson was so fascinating! The guide had tons of details and was very good.I loved my afternoon in this hidden oasis.
We had some really good meals in Bangkok! There was so much to choose from. There seems to be restaurants and hotels everywhere you look. You also can't judge a place from street level, because so many are on roof decks. Here's some of our favorites!
I've been looking forward to exploring Bangkok, as it has always sounded so exotic to me. My first impressions - big sprawling City, highways just like USA, lots of traffic, it's hot and they really like their King. His picture and statues are Everywhere! The architecture of the skyline is nothing special, until you start noticing all the gold, stone, carvings and opulence of the Temples and The Grand Palace is wow so over the top bedazzled!