You wouldn’t think that a humble establishment like this would have their own website, but here it is…

I found out about Thip Samai while flipping through my copy of Time Out: Bangkok — my one and only opportunity to eat there fell on the night before my departure for Singapore, and it was a tough call because at the time I was across town at a busy mall and facing a very long drive through legendary Bangkok traffic.

Fortunately Google Maps and a very adroit cabbie came to my rescue. And was it ever worth it!

I followed Time Out’s instructions to the letter and started off with this delicious iced coconut juice, the perfect way to cool down on a typically hot Bangkok night.

And here’s the main event.

Thip Samai does pad thai a little differently, wrapping up the noodles in a layer of egg rather than chopping the egg up and mixing it in. Whatever, it was awesome.

The only possible smear on this authentic Thai experience was that I was sat at a table directly beside two other pasty white people, who had heard about Thip Samai on an Australian TV food show. They were friendly enough but I think both parties would have rather lived under the illusion that they were the only westerners ever to have set foot here. Hence, my terse Tweet from the scene…

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I didn’t hire a guide for any of these attractions as I was on high alert for scams and touts — sure enough, someone had the balls to try the old “Grand Palace is closed for a Thai holiday but let me take you somewhere even better” routine, right in front of the clearly open main gate and two armed guards there! When in doubt, ask the guys with bayonets…

Just south of the Grand Palace lies (literally) the Reclining Buddha:

And just across the river is Wat Arun.

The top level of this structure was apparently closed to the public in 1998 after a tourist slipped and fell to their death — now it’s open again. The second level was plenty high enough for me.

Despite the crowds throughout the day my mind was still fairly blown by the physical manifestations of this exotic culture. It seems to me that in many ways Thailand is the realm of ghosts and demons who decided the fate of this world a long time ago…

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For those who have been, Bangkok is probably about as famous for its congestion as anything else. Here are three quick videos showing the predominant modes of local transportation:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-UO7nh82rs]

First up, the BTS SkyTrain — coincidentally covered in advertising for Nokia’s new N97 Mini.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1TOZhPvI4c]

Next, the Chao Phraya Express Boat — the best way to get to touristy sites along the river.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFpWzJ0K2Vo]

And finally, what I just know you’ve been waiting for, a virtual tuk-tuk ride!

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via flickr.com

Okay Nokia, you can use this photo for free — I’m thinking your campaign could be along the lines of: “The best camera to have is the one you have with you…”

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D3UOaaLPnw]

Sorry that I don’t have more to report, but shortly after I took this video I was sound asleep.

I meant to stay up a little longer, I really did. Al Pavangkanan, a fellow North American who’s also in town, even offered to come downtown and show me around a bit. But after being homeless (ok, bed-less) for two days the allure of soft fluffy pillows proved too hard to resist.

But I’ll make for it today. Just you wait…

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