Guest Blog by Nomadic Matt: Jet Setting in Bangkok

It’s a pleasure to introduce my followers to my guest blogger and fellow travel-lover known as Nomadic Matt. I admire Matt for his decision to not follow the typical “9 to 5″ work week. In 2006, Matt began traveling the world. Since, he’s learned that he loves Thailand, pretends to speak Dutch and that maggots taste like French fries! Today Matt is bridging the gap between his nomad ways and our jet set desires with his spin on Bangkok.

When most people think of Bangkok, they think of cheap clothes, cheap food, dirty streets, and the girlie bars. Bangkok is the stop over city of the east- a low cost destination for a few days while you head to some other international hotspot like Hong Kong, Maldives, Sydney, Tokyo, or Shanghai. It’s not the place for the jetsetter. That’s how people like to think of it and locals will never do anything to change that opinion.  Why? Because Bangkok is a trendy, fashionable, and jet setter city.  We like keeping that our secret. From high end malls to restaurants to clubs, Bangkok is not the destination most people think of. The city has many “jetsetters” who live and work throughout the city and demand only the best of everything.  Since Bangkok is the hub of Southeast Asia, it makes it easy for us to get all the comforts we need.
For the shopper jetsetter, there is Siam Paragon and Emporium, two of the most expensive malls in the region. Here you can buy Armani, Monte Blanc, Gucchi, and even a Ferrari. Yes, Siam Paragon has a dealership right in the mall.  All the designer shops have stores in the city and anything you buy in Italy you will find here.  Bangkok is awash in internationals. Ex-pats from around the world, models, and DJs called the city of Angels home. We are drawn here for different reasons but we never lose our taste for the finer things in life. We shop here for the best and get it. Thailand is one of the biggest clothing manufactures in the world. Why not shop at the source?
For the food jetsetter, Bangkok is a culinary dream. There is food from all over the world here. From world class sushi to French cuisine to Italian to elaborate Asian dishes, Bangkok will delight your stomach.  Thai food is mouthwatering, not least for its spicy flavors. Whether you buy it on the street or sit in a restaurant, you’ll always find something good. But for those looking for fine international food, you’ll have to look a bit further and pay a lot more. From international Koi with its model’s night to Senor Picos to Lemoncello and uber scale Indus, you will find whatever international food you desire. Bangkok, as an foodie will tell you, is a gastronomes dream.
And finally, for those who love the night life, Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints. There is a thriving nightlife here and many of the world’s most famous DJs play here. International superstars Tiesto, Paul Van Dyke, Paul Oakenfold as play here. Kimball Collins, famed American DJ, is not a resident DJ here.  Bed Supperclub is where you’ll find Bangkok’s models and upperclass locals and ex-pats. Amid white beds and dual dance rooms, the beautiful people of Bangkok mingle and socialize. After hours clubs like Parkbridge and the new P35 keep the party going until the morning.  Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints- it’s a place to be seen among its trendy clubs.
Next time you are in Bangkok, don’t let the rough exterior fool you. The city is alive and well with high end luxury. Its Paris with an Asian edge. You just have to look a little deeper to find it.

By Nomadic Matt

You can catch more of Matt’s travel tips, photos and videos on his blog here.

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