ESCAPE: Bangkok, a fever dream in neon and sepia, feeds hungry souls
Thailand’s capital is the world’s most visited city, a place where monks in saffron robes rest in the shade of towering malls, and heritage-inspired meals are served in former family shophouses.
Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital, is a city that seamlessly intertwines neon lights with a sense of reverence for the monarchy. The city serves as the world's most visited destination, where ancient traditions and modern marvels coexist. Monks dressed in saffron robes rest amidst towering malls, and heritage-inspired meals are served in former family shophouses.
The country has been in a state of mourning for almost a year following the loss of the king's mother, Queen Sirikit, in October 2025, and his eldest daughter, Princess Bha, in June.
Throughout Bangkok, reminders of the nation’s loyalty to the monarchy are omnipresent. In hotels, museums, and malls, shrine-like tribute stations stand as tributes to the late royals. Thai people pay their respects by prostrating themselves and offering flowers and other tokens in front of portraits and at the royal funerary urn of the departed Queen Mother. This solemn ceremony continues until the Queen Mother's cremation in December.
Despite the city's modern façade, remnants of Bangkok's past remain. The Khlong Bang Luang neighborhood, for example, has been transformed into a tourist attraction with waterways served as guesthouses for visitors seeking an authentic Bangkok experience. Yet, as the city continues to evolve, young creatives are repurposing nostalgia, rejuvenating the city's heritage through innovative designs.
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