Bangkok is a trippy spot, where skyscrapers collide with market stalls and where a boat will get you places faster than a tuk tuk.

If you get to come back a second time like I did, you’ll find it still full of surprises you hadn’t discovered the first time around.

We stayed at Lamphu Tree Hotel, a cozy little canal side shack about 7 minutes by foot from Khao San Road. Budget stay that includes breakfast with a view of the sunrise.

Must sees are Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho, where you will find the reclining Buddha.

We ate at Krua Asporn, a truly Thai spot just south of the Democracy monument where hundreds were out celebrating the King’s Birthday. You can’t be scared of spicy though. Try the stink beans with shrimp.

Lamphu Tree Hotel, 155 Wanchat Bridge, Prachatipatai Rd., Banpanthom ,Pranakorn, Bangkok

Krua Asporn, Sam Sen Road, Bangkok