Where Did I Stay?
I stayed at Khao San Social Capsule Hostel and was pleasantly surprised by how clean and spacious everything was. When I first arrived, it was a bit quiet, which made me a little nervous, but as the days passed, I easily made friends with the girls in my room and other travelers in passing. The hostel organizes plenty of fun events like pub crawls and boat tours and also offers options to book various activities and transportation.
One of my favorite features was the huge world map in the common area where guests pin their hometowns. I proudly became the first person to mark Hawai’i in a sea full of pins from the UK and Germany. My capsule bed was super comfortable, providing both privacy and coziness. The hostel was centrally located—close to Khao San Road but tucked away enough to avoid the chaos. If you’re a backpacker, I’d definitely recommend this place!
What Did I Do?
Dental Work & Lashes
Dental: Thanatik International Dental Center
I decided to take advantage of my time in Bangkok to fix my two chipped front teeth and take care of two neglected cavities. Thanatik International Dental Center exceeded my expectations with professionalism I’ve rarely experienced in the States. They even arranged a driver to pick me up from my hostel—a 40-minute drive—and drop me off afterward.
Upon arrival, I was welcomed into a pristine space where they took X-rays from the comfort of the waiting room. The entire staff, except for the driver, were women, which made me feel especially at ease. My dentist and assistant explained each step of the process, something I really appreciated. Within 25 minutes, my dentist perfectly matched the composite bonding to my natural tooth color and ensured my bite felt right. She then swiftly filled my cavities, making what I expected to be a nerve-wracking experience surprisingly easy. I walked out in under an hour with what felt like a brand-new smile.
💰 Price: 5,500 baht (about $161 USD) — an insanely good deal compared to U.S. prices.
📍 Location: Thanatik International Dental Center
Lashes: Bangkok Lashes
I treated myself to a lash lift to feel a little more put together during my travels. Bangkok Lashes was professional and the results were fantastic—two weeks later, my lashes were still going strong. While the service was around $46 USD, the quality surpassed what I’ve received in the U.S. My lash tech was incredibly sweet, adding to the overall positive experience. I’ve found Thai people to be consistently kind and welcoming, which makes me love the country even more.
📍 Location: Bangkok Lashes
Going Out on Khao San Road
No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the iconic Khao San Road—a backpacker’s rite of passage. A rooftop mingling at my hostel turned into an impromptu adventure with two new friends. We wandered through the neon-lit chaos, passing scorpion and crocodile skewers, enthusiastic bouncers, blaring music, and vendors peddling roses and bracelets. I met up with a German girl (who’d messaged me on Hostelworld) and her Spanish friend, and together we celebrated young solo travel over cold beers. By 2 AM, I was ready to head back for a peaceful night’s sleep. I didn’t feel the need to return—but I’m glad I experienced it once.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Mae Klong Railway Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Despite being labeled “touristy” by some, the floating market was one of my favorite Bangkok experiences. Drifting along the canals, I watched Thai aunties whip up fresh Pad Thai and uncles scoop coconut rice topped with crushed peanuts. Colorful umbrellas shaded the stalls, and the air was rich with the aroma of grilled bananas and sizzling meats. Though slightly hungover from the night before, I relished the vibrant atmosphere, the kindness of the vendors, and the joy of sampling delicious street food. Sitting in the boat with the sun warming my skin and my heart full of gratitude—these are the moments I travel for.
Afterward, I explored the surrounding market area and indulged in stir-fried morning glory and grilled pork, choosing a stall solely based on the irresistible smell wafting through the air. A refreshing mango smoothie in hand, I headed to my next stop.
Mae Klong Railway Market
While often deemed a tourist trap, the railway market was a uniquely thrilling experience. Vendors calmly guided us to safe spots as the train approached, leaving just inches between us and the passing cars. The anticipation built as we waited under the blazing sun, waving to the conductor and passengers. Once the train rumbled past, everyone (myself included) fled to the nearest air-conditioned café. I sipped on a chilled lemon tea, grateful for the shade and the surreal experience.
Wat Pho Temple
With limited time, I chose to visit Wat Pho, home to the famous reclining Buddha. I wandered the peaceful grounds, temple music playing softly in my ears, and discovered the Lord Khao Tok Shrine—dedicated to the guardian deity of Khao Tok. Worshippers seek blessings for good fortune, career success, and safety. The intricate architecture and serene atmosphere made this a highlight of my cultural exploration.
Tom Yum Goong (Mark Wiens Recommendation)
📍 Restaurant: Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu
As a longtime follower of food vlogger Mark Wiens, I couldn’t pass up his Bangkok recommendation, conveniently located near my hostel. The humble eatery displayed fresh seafood out front, and the smell of frying chilies was so intense I had to move to the back of the restaurant. Locals and tourists alike crowded around steaming bowls of the signature soup.
This Tom Yum Goong was unlike any I’d tasted before—the broth’s creaminess came from prawn heads rather than coconut milk, allowing the lemongrass, chili, fish sauce, and lime to shine. Each spoonful coated my throat with a perfectly balanced punch of spice and sourness, a flavor that’s impossible to replicate back home. It was the perfect meal to commemorate my Bangkok stay.
The Best Massage of My Life + Watermelon Smoothie
By day six, my body ached from long flights and nonstop exploring. My friend Maya (a fellow American traveler) and I decided it was time for some self-care. We strolled to a nearby spa recommended by our hostel receptionist, where the therapists welcomed us with a calming foot wash to rid us of Khao San Road dust.
For the next hour, I melted under the expert hands of my masseuse as she worked out every knot in my shoulders, back, and legs using aromatic oils. It was pure bliss. Afterward, we sipped complimentary tea, soaking in the tranquility. To top it off, we grabbed icy watermelon smoothies from the shop next door and spent the afternoon chatting about life and travel—a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down during a packed trip.
Meeting my old college friend Kate in Bangkok
On my last night in Bangkok, I met up with Kate, an old college friend I hadn’t seen in years. Wanting a break from Thai food, she suggested we head to The Commons Thonglor, a vibrant food space with a variety of options. Kate was craving Korean, so she ordered black bean noodles topped with a fried egg, while I opted for a flavorful harissa chicken bowl from her favorite Mediterranean spot. We sipped on ciders as we caught up on the last four to five years, swapping stories and reflecting on how much life had changed. After dinner, we hopped on a motorbike to a rooftop bar (insert rooftop bar name), where we clinked glasses over fancy drinks, gazing out at the sprawling Bangkok skyline. The night was filled with laughter, future travel dreams, and the warmth of rekindled friendship.
Bangkok—the land of beginnings and endings.
It felt like the perfect place to start my journey. At Khao San Social Capsule Hostel, I met travelers at every stage of their adventures. Some were just arriving, eyes wide with anticipation, while others were wrapping up weeks of exploration. A girl nearing the end of her Thailand trip looked over at a group of us chatting about our plans and smiled, “I’m so excited for you guys. You’re going to have so much fun.” Another traveler shared a list of must-visit places, her words buzzing with excitement. There was something beautiful about these fleeting connections—strangers sharing advice, stories, and a collective sense of wonder.
I’ll be flying out of Bangkok at the end of my travels, returning to this city that seems to hold both hellos and goodbyes. I can’t help but wonder how different I’ll be by then and what memories will be folded into my back pocket.
LeilaniPoetryTravels 