Bangkok's Sticky Heat & Secret Rooftop Bars: A Botanist's Perspective
okay, so i’m officially melting. like, a potted fern left out in the sun melting. i just checked and it’s a humid blanket draped over everything right now, hope you like that kind of thing. bangkok. wow. i came here chasing orchids, specifically the Aeranthes grandiflora - apparently, some are cultivated in hidden gardens around the city. didn’t find any yet, but i’m not giving up.
I’m a botanist, obviously, so my priorities are a little…different. Forget the temples (though, yeah, they’re impressive). I’m hunting for pockets of green, for unexpected blooms pushing through the concrete. I spent a good chunk of yesterday wandering through *Chatuchak Weekend Market, not for the souvenirs, but because it’s basically a jungle of potted plants and weird, wonderful seeds. Seriously, you can find anything there. Someone told me that if you’re looking for rare succulents, you need to go really early, like before the sun even thinks about showing up. Apparently, the good stuff disappears fast.
I’ve been staying in a tiny guesthouse near Ari, which is…interesting. The walls are paper-thin. I can hear my neighbor practicing the ukulele. Every. Single. Night. It’s…a vibe. If you get bored, Ayutthaya is just a short train ride away - ancient ruins and even more humidity. I’m thinking of heading there tomorrow.
“Don’t trust the tuk-tuk drivers near Khao San Road. They’ll promise you the moon and stars, then charge you a fortune to take you to a souvenir shop.”
Speaking of which, transportation is…an experience. I tried a tuk-tuk once. Once. It was like being strapped to a caffeinated mosquito. I’m sticking to the BTS Skytrain and the occasional Grab. Much less terrifying. I did overhear some drunk advice at a bar last night - apparently, the best mango sticky rice is at a tiny stall near Victory Monument. I’m skeptical, but I’m willing to investigate.
I’ve been trying to find some rooftop bars with decent views and, crucially, some greenery. Most of them are just glass and neon, which is…not my aesthetic. I did stumble upon one near Silom that had a surprisingly lush vertical garden. It was a little pricey, but the cocktails were strong and the view was worth it. Check out TripAdvisor for some recommendations - TripAdvisor Bangkok. Yelp is also pretty good for finding hidden gems - Yelp Bangkok.
I’m also trying to connect with some local botanists. I posted on a Thai gardening forum - Thai Gardening Forum - hoping to find someone who knows where to look for those elusive Aeranthes. No luck yet, but I’m optimistic.
“The street food is amazing, but be careful where you eat. Look for places that are busy with locals.”
Oh, and the weather. It’s consistently…oppressive. 31.86 degrees Celsius, feels like 38.86. Humidity at 71%. Pressure is 1008. Ground level is 1002. Basically, it’s a sauna. I’m drinking enough water to float a small boat. I’m also trying to avoid direct sunlight like the plague. My skin is already screaming. I’m seriously considering investing in a giant sun hat.
I’m heading to Lumphini Park* tomorrow morning to see if I can spot any interesting flora. Apparently, there’s a surprisingly diverse ecosystem there. I’m also going to try and find a decent coffee shop. I’m a bit of a coffee snob, so that’s always a challenge. Check out this guide to Bangkok's best coffee - Bangkok Coffee Guide. Wish me luck. And send help (and maybe a portable air conditioner).
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