21 Oct '15

Photo of the Week 227: Bangkok

Posted in Behind the Blog– Photos of the Week– Thailand

67 comments

Greetings from Bangkok! Okay, well technically I’m not in Bangkok anymore, but I was when I first penned this post. Unfortunately I fell off the grid for a few days and didn’t get the chance to upload, but you’ll hear more about that next week. For now — Bangkok.

I returned back to the Big Mango just a few weeks after last leaving in order to attend the very first TBEX Asia. I’ll be writing more in the future about this conference and the milestone that speaking at it was for me, but suffice it to say I feel humbled by how far I’ve come since I first eagerly attended TBEX in North America back in 2012. More — much more — on TBEX later. I’m already looking forward to the 2016 edition in Manila!

Other unrelated highlights of the week included a shopping spree at Chatuchak Market for my new apartment on Koh Tao, a beautiful run through Lumphini Park, and unexpectedly hanging out with a huge contingent of my Koh Tao family who also just so happened to be in the city (not that I should be surprised — I can’t go anywhere without bumping into this crew!)

Next week, I’ll be checking in from my PostBEX tour to Trang and Satun, a new corner of Thailand for me. Between now and then, you’ll be reading about my time in Tennessee — posts I’m so excited to share! Wishing you a wonderful week from wherever you’re reading. And now, onto Photo of the Week…

Photo A

Eating all the things in Bangkok

Photo B

Looking over over the city from the Sofitel So

Photo C

Kicking off TBEX Asia

Photo D

Recharging at the Sofitel So Bangkok

Photo E

A brilliant keynote from the inspiring Jodi at Legal Nomads

Photo F

Fireworks over the Chao Phraya River

Which your photo is your favorite?

Update: Travel Blog Success was merged with Superstar Blogging by Nomadic Matt. It’s an equally impressive course that I plan to take and review eventually — click here to take it yourself!

I rarely stop yacking about how Travel Blog Success helped me make Alex in Wanderland what it is today — a financially successful and creatively fulfilling travel blog that just celebrated its fourth anniversary. It’s the first thing I recommend to those who write to me for blogging advice, and was instrumental in getting me to where I am now.! Our secret member’s Facebook group gives me daily inspiration, feedback, and hearty laughs. Yes, the warmest community in travel blogging is on sale now!

67 Comments...

Petra @ The Global Couple
October 21 2015

Nice photos! I like the last one the best 🙂 The reflection on the water is just awesome!

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  It was a fun little surprise — luckily I was already standing right by the river, so I was in the prime position!
  
Katie
October 21 2015

Photo B – that pool looks so inviting! I just booked my hostel for my first visit to Bangkok. Not as nice as So I am sure but it looks like a funky retro place and has a pool 🙂

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Bangkok has some AMAZING hostels. Which one are you headed to?
  
  - Katie
    October 25 2015
    
    I’m heading to the RetrOasis in Sukhumvit 🙂
    
    - Alex
      October 27 2015
      
      Nice! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
      
Sarah
October 21 2015

That hotel pool though- that can’t be real!? I thought these only existed on Greek Islands… Not city’s centres! London totally needs one. Looking forward to hearing about all of this.

Photo D is my pick. Because luxury. That bath tub. Woah.

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  I know, right?! I think they did such an amazing job making the pool feel like an extension of the park below. It’s magical!
  
becky hutner
October 21 2015

I meeeean, as far as rooftop infinity pools go, it doesn’t get much better than B.

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Seriously. It might be my favorite one in Bangkok!
  
Gemma
October 21 2015

A. I’m mad for mango and cool for coconut. Craig does not like either of these which made travelling in Thailand pretty tough. His loss! Have a mango and sticky rice on me girl!

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Whoa! I can see how coconut is kind of an acquired taste but I was sure that mango was universally beloved. Well, hey, more for us 🙂
  
Joella
October 21 2015

Oh wow- B looks perfect to me!

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Yup — take. me. back.
  
Justine
October 21 2015

I’m going to go with Photo E because Jodi’s speech was so inspiring and intelligent. Also, congrats to you for your speech. It’s pretty amazing how far you’ve come since 2012. You should be so proud of yourself Alex 🙂

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Thank you Justine — I’m blushing. Sometimes I feel like I’m still swimming upstream and haven’t moved the needle much, so I really appreciate milestones like this for reminding me how far I indeed have come. And yes, Jodi’s keynote was amazing. She could give a TED talk!
  
Sanura
October 21 2015

As a dancer myself I have to go with Photo C. They’re beautiful!

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  It was a treat to see two nights in a row! It’s actually kind of hard to find traditional dance like that in Thailand as a tourist. When my family came I wanted to bring them to see something like it and all I could find was straight up cheese — nothing traditional like this performance was.
  
Victoria@ The British Berliner
October 22 2015

Even though I’m allergic to nuts and I dislike sticky mango and rice, I still love the photograph and that of the Sofitel So in Bangkok. I’ve been to the Sofitel in Vietnam and it was amazing.

Bangkok was also my first Asian destination ever, 16 years ago and I never looked backed! Congratulations on your lovely achievements. 🙂 🙂

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Actually, it was mine too! Changed my life, arriving in that airport!
  
Leah
October 22 2015

Oh, wow, teach me how to take firework shots like F! That’s incredible!

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Top Tip: Take 64 shots, delete 63 of them. At least that’s what I did in this case 😉
  
Steve
October 22 2015

I’m choosing photo E Alex. Love fireworks.

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Me too. Always such a visual treat!
  
Dominique
October 22 2015

Nice fireworks pic! I wish I could do night shots like that one! 🙂 I like the river boats as well by the way! I missed them when I was in Bangkok.

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  They are one of the best ways to travel in the city… no traffic and a nice cool breeze!
  
Britt
October 22 2015

Photo A. That mango looks divine. All of these photos make me so nostalgic for Bangkok!

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  I miss it already! Probably won’t be back for a few months… already looking forward to it!
  
Mary B
October 22 2015

All gorgeous photos, but for me it’s a tie between D & E – E because I love Jodi’s blog, and love it when my favorite bloggers cross paths 🙂 And D because THAT BATH TUB. I feel more relaxed just looking at it.

- Alex
  October 23 2015
  
  Jodi is amazing. She was an incredibly inspiring speaker!
  
Miriam
October 22 2015

Indeed, you have come far! I’m proud of you too, Alex. As a follower for years, I’ve seen how much you’ve grown, and you stay a constant inspiration. A high-five and a hug from Denmark <3

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  You made my day, Miriam. Thank you so much for your kindness… and, as always, for reading 🙂
  
Janice Stringer
October 22 2015

Hi Alex,
I just loved the coolness of photo d….
and can’t wait to hear all about tbex!
I’m going through a few challenges which are seeing me hold on to travel blogging with my finger nails, so it will be interesting to read about the conference.
🙂

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  Sorry to hear about that Janice! We all go through it at some point. TBEX definitely gave me a renewed energy for blogging. Maybe I can pass on some of that inspiration.
  
  - Janice Stringer
    October 24 2015
    
    If it can rub off on me… i’ll grab hold off it with both hands!
    
Julie
October 22 2015

What is it about mango and coconut that make me want to do yoga and ‘be healthy’ starting now? Congrats on your speech!

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  I actually started my own healthy kick yesterday! Here’s hoping I can make it last…
  
Leigh
October 22 2015

Photo A – I can’t wait to try mango and sticky rice when I get to Thailand! Photo B is nice too….wondering if I should change my reservation from the W to the Sofitel?

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  Ah, I’ve ALWAYS wanted to try the W! It’s on my short list for Bangkok hotels left to try… though I’m also pretty excited to return to the Sofitel So again someday soon.
  
Kacy
October 22 2015

TBEX sounds so amazing! I have to go with D because that tub is calling my name.

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  I wouldn’t mind a soak in it right now… I was all too happy to go home early one night and watch Nashville in it!
  
Sanna | Owegoo
October 22 2015

I’m just so jealous right now. Bangkok is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world. I know that you are not technically in Bangkok at the moment but still, And Sofitel So… come on, your are killing me here…. =) I am currently staring out the window and all I see is rain and 50 shades of grey, and not the sexy kind of grey=) Well, at least I can live through your photos. Thanks for that =)

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  Anytime, Sanna! It makes it twice the fun to live it once and then relive it here…
  
Anca | Globaloud
October 22 2015

I’m so in love with infinity pools, but haven’t had a chance to swim in one yet. Having that in mind, I’ll go for the second photo!

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  Ah, I love me a good pool… especially of the infinity variety! Hope you make a splash in one soon!
  
Jenny @ Till the Money Runs Out
October 22 2015

Photo A-ll of the things for sure! Coconut milk ice cream, sticky rice and mango – the stuff dreams are made of!

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  Actually, it was just plain’ ol coconut milk… but now you’ve made me want an ice cream!
  
Marni
October 22 2015

Photo B!! It doesn’t even look real, it looks so perfect!

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  I was so excited to have a sunny morning! It was overall a pretty cloudy and smoggy week, so that was such an exciting development…
  
Kiara Gallop
October 22 2015

I’m torn between A and B. I love mango, sticky rice, and coconut more than anything else in the world, but that pool and that view! Wow!! I’ve looked at how much it costs to stay at the Sofitel So, and it’s somewhere I can only dream of being able to afford! You are one lucky girl 🙂

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  I am indeed. It was a wonderful thank you from the organizers for all the work we put into our presentations… a much appreciated thank you!
  
Rekha Rajan
October 22 2015

Very pics pics. Last time for us it was to be between Bangkok and Phuket…and we chose the later. We will have to make one more trip to Thailand…so finish what we didn’t see.

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  There’s always a good reason to come back to Thailand. I love it here so!
  
Frances
October 23 2015

Wow…. amazing photos!!

I choose the B!! Spectacular… 🙂

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  Thank you! Seems like the reader favorite this week 🙂
  
Kristina
October 23 2015

You always make picking so hard
B. That is just a happy happy place! Nothing better than the pool/lounger/view combo!!
E. I LOVE conferences and congrats on speaking this year and the big journey you have taken to get there!
F. Magical. Looks like one of those nights you just feel so alive 🙂

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  I love conferences too! So great to connect with like-minded people and get inspired. Such a good time!
  
Rashaad
October 23 2015

I choose Photo C – that’s a fun, amazing and energetic way to start a conference.

- Alex
  October 24 2015
  
  Agreed! It was a great kickoff event.
  
Lauren
October 25 2015

Mango sticky rice please! I keep trying to describe it to my boyfriend but I can’t do it justice… Photo D is definitely the fav though, nothing like a deep soak!

- Alex
  October 27 2015
  
  Agreed. It was the perfect way to wind down post-conference.
  
Tina
October 25 2015

Great pictures. Always love south east asian countries. Traveling to these countries are very affordable. Thailand is definitely one of them.

- Alex
  October 27 2015
  
  I love all the luxuries that are out of my reach at home but very affordable in Thailand… weekly massages among them!
  
Marie
October 28 2015

There are many great things that Bangkok could offer. From great foods, wonderful views they also have this amazing feast that you surely would enjoy when you travel Bangkok 🙂 Great post!

- Alex
  October 30 2015
  
  Thanks Marie. It’s a city I could return to over and over again. It just never gets old!
  
Amy M
October 30 2015

I’m embarrassed to admit how long I spent staring at your picture of mango sticky rice. The cravings are very real right now so I’m going to have to go ahead and say that that’s my favourite.

- Alex
  November 2 2015
  
  Go ahead and print it out and stick it on your wall… don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone 😉