Glai Baan chef/owner Pornsupak “Cat” Bunnag’s solo summer 2022 trip to her native Thailand felt different than her usual yearly visits. For one, her life and business partner, Dan Robinson, stayed home due to other commitments. For another, it was her first homecoming since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The purpose was to visit my family and friends and go explore and try new restaurants, bars and the food scene in general,” Bunnag says. “I am always inspired by so many things on every trip back home, whether it is the way something is plated or new techniques, designs or flavors – or simply the vibe or design of a space.” Bunnag shares highlights from her Bangkok sojourn.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market – also known as JJ Market – is a must for anyone who wants to do what both locals and tourists do: shop and eat. The market has more than 15,000 stalls, and 200,000-plus visitors walk through its aisles every weekend. “They sell everything from animals to food to clothes and furniture,” Bunnag says. She found fewer vendors and shoppers at the market than before the pandemic, but she was happy to see everything opening up again. You can get to the market by Bangkok’s Skytrain, subway system, tuk tuk or taxi. chatuchakmarket.org
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
A visit to Bangkok is not complete without a visit to The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace, the official ceremonial residence of Thailand’s monarchy, was established in 1782. The palace complex, an important cultural site for the Thai people, features stunning architecture, as well as colorful murals and sculptures. Bunnag recommends a visit here because it is “beautiful” and “full of Thai history.” royalgrandpalace.th/en/home
Chao Phraya River
Take a sunset boat ride on the Chao Phraya River and then have dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking it with views of the iconic temple, Wat Arun. The temple sits on the west bank of the river and looks magical illuminated with lights at night. “This is a beautiful area at nighttime,” Bunnag says. She took a boat ride on the Chao Phraya with friends from her school days.
Sukhumvit
Bangkok is known for its street food, but you have to know where to go, as you can’t find it everywhere in the city. For an introduction to Thai street food – which Glai Baan specializes in –Bunnag recommends starting with the Sukhumvit area of the city. “This is the area where I grew up,” she says. “But traffic is really bad, and it can be chaotic.”
