The Heart of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Still Beats, Despite Its Touristy Face

Buying sticky rice and mangoes from a boat vendor at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok

The aroma of rich coconut milk and sweet, juicy mangoes stopped me in my tracks; someone at the Damnoen Saduak floating market was whipping up my favorite Thai dessert. Sniffing the air bloodhound-style, I wandered along the narrow canal hunting for the source of the delicious smell. Like a heat-seeking missile, a Thai boat lady … Read more

The Changing Face of Bangkok

Pedestrians on the Sky Train (BTS) elevated walkway at Bangkok's Siam Square

I’ve always loved the Humpty Dumpty sidewalks and gaping sewer holes in Bangkok. The rat’s nest of electrical wires atop telephone poles, tuk-tuks belching black smoke, and motorbikes clogging the broad avenues delighted me; not even the acrid odor of rotting trash mingled with fish sauce put me off. And so it was with great … Read more