Bangkok literally and figuratively lights up at night. If you visit the temples anytime after 6:30 PM, you will be treated to a visual delight. The temples will turn golden or silver depending on the lighting used on them. The most spectacular of them all is the Grand Palace while Wat Arun is a close second.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Grand Palace
Grand Palace
Grand Palace
Grand Palace
Grand Palace
The temples were not the only ones that lit up the night sky in Bangkok even the shops, bars, restaurants, and everything in between was lit up. The place that stood out the most was Khao San Road the place metamorphosed into a vibrant night scene by 7PM, no wonder why so many foreigners come to that part of the city.
From this:
Khao San Road in the morning
To this:
The music boomed and thumped, people drank, ate, and all sorts of languages rhymed to a funky beat as the night went deeper and deeper. Little did I know that this tiangge looking place with its food stalls, and push carts had such a vibrant night life that explodes EVERY night. During my entire stay in Bangkok it seemed like there was a party every night in Khao San Road. My friend who lived there said that there is no other place in Bangkok like Khao San Road. I'm not exactly a party person, I prefer going outdoors than party the night away but for the party goer this is the place to be.
Everything seemed to be on sale from women, lady boys, clothes, food, beer, foot massages, and anything else. The area also had a strange mix of people from the bachelors, groups of women, and families with their kids from different countries and various walks of life. There was really nothing quite like it (pardon the exaggeration since I'm only a rookie traveler). There is something about chaos, noise, foreign speaking women, and exotic food that draws foreigners to Bangkok.
I also found some strange signs that lit up in neon colors while I was curiously wandering the vibrant night life of Khao San...
This sign was very specific on what it was, very shrewd marketing.
Sex sells I suppose.
On another side of Khao San Road...
Soi Rambuttri is more my place because of its ambiance. Its not the same party/chaotic vibe that Khao San Road emanates. This part of town is more tame in comparison, you could easily eat, chill here, have a bite, or have a nice conversation. I decided to eat here during my last night in Bangkok definitely a good place to eat different kinds of dishes, I tried Thai food of course that cost me 100 Baht.
You don't have to leave Bangkok to get the most out of Thailand. The city itself provides you with plenty to do aside from the usual food/temple tripping. Bangkok offers two different stories that you can dive into and explore for yourself in the morning and at night. Bangkok definitely lights up in more ways than one when the sun falls and night arrives.
