February 21, 2025

Bangkok Stay: Super Hot Week

Bangkok is known for its vibrant streets, delicious food, and bustling city life. But what happens when the weather surprises you, and the air pollution leads to an unexpected perk—free train rides for a week? My recent trip to Fashion Island Mall turned into a memorable day filled with sweet cravings and a much-needed break.

travel Bangkok — *Bangkok’s Countryside*

A Scorching Day in Bangkok☀️

The day was much hotter than expected, but despite the heat, Bangkok’s sunny skies made the city feel alive. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent visitor, the warmth of Bangkok is something you need to prepare for.

🔥 Tip: Stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing if you’re exploring the city during peak daylight hours.

A Lucky Surprise: Free Train Rides for a Week

As I stepped outside, I was lucky enough to get a free train ticket—a rare but welcome experience. Due to air pollution concerns, schools had been temporarily closed, and as a relief measure, public transportation was made completely free for a week.

Travel Tip: Always stay updated on local news and government announcements. You might stumble upon unexpected benefits like free transportation, which can save you money and enhance your travel experience!

A Foodie’s Mission: Fashion Island Mall & Thai Cuisin 🍜

My destination for the day? Fashion Island Mall. While many visit for shopping, I had just one goal in mind—indulging in authentic Thai food.

From aromatic curries to street-style Pad Thai, the mall offers a variety of food choices for visitors. But for me, one thing mattered more than anything else: Thai Tea.

But silly me, I ordered the non-Thai food, still the taste was good. 😛

Reuniting with the sweet Taste of Thai Tea

It had been five years since I last had real Thai Tea, and I couldn’t wait to take my first sip. The moment I arrived, I rushed to grab a cup of sweet Thai Tea.

🥤 How did it taste? Like honey—sweet, rich, and absolutely unforgettable. The creamy blend of strong black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and crushed ice was exactly what I had been longing for. I found myself drinking cup after cup, completely indulging in the nostalgia of the flavor.

While I didn’t explore much that day, sometimes, it’s the simplest experiences that bring the most joy. A hot day, an unexpected free train ride, and the taste of Thai Tea—a combination that made my day.

What do I eat in BKK during the Air Pollution Period?

Unfortunately, I didn’t go out much to wander around BKK cuz of the Air Pollution. Instead, I explored the neighborhood of my stay and tried some Thai food.

Bangkok Street Food — *“Uncle Art Restaurant”*

Owner is so kind, as soon as she found out that we’re tourists, she quickly brought the English Menu and trying to explain in English, that’s so lovely.

I ordered Egg Salad

the sauce was really good.

Veggies were fresh as well.

Fresh Egg Salad

Why Egg Salad 🥗 over other foods like “Pad Thai, Tom Yum, etc…”?

I was enchanted by a small, beautiful food stall near my stay.
A lot of locals are buying for takeout. When the locals are crowded in one place, that’s the one to dig in.
I was originally supposed to have Seafood-Pad Thai, then I saw the salad menu, that’s when the egg salad seduced me to try it!
The veggies were so fresh that I thought they were just picked from the garden right before the salad preparation.
The key here is the “Sauce”.
I forgot to ask what it is made of but I tasted ‘mayonnaise, honey, yogurt’.

About the restaurant

– The name of the restaurant is “Uncle Art”
– There is a food stall open in front of the house.
– Not much space, there are 4 tables and each can fit 4, 5 persons.
– The decoration of the food stall is simple and beautiful.
– It may be a food stall, but it was clean and not a single insect there. – It costs 60 baht.

About the Chefs

The food stall is run by a Husband and Wife ( seem to be owners) with one assistant.
The wife has a sense that she noticed that we are foreigners, so she immediately picked up the English menu and gave it to us.
Also, she tried to explain the menus in English as much as she could, staying in standby mode to receive the orders from us.

Discover the Countryside of Bangkok

If you find yourself outside downtown Bangkok by chance, don’t rush back – explore the neighborhoods. Small canals, local markets, and peaceful temples offer a glimpse into everyday Thai life. It’s a quiet charm many travelers miss, but one you won’t forget.

Wild Flower

Bangkok Countryside

Bangkok Countryside Night Market

Wild Flower

A Typical Hot & Humid Week in Bangkok Looks Like This

Book Your Trip : Logistics and Tricks

Find Affordable Flights

Use Aviasales to find a cheap flight. They scan airlines and travel sites globally so you always get the lowest available price.

Book Your Accommodation

For hostels, use Hostelworld as they are the biggest platform with the best deals for backpackers and solo travelers.

Booking.com – great for Europe
Trip.com – reliable global deals
Agoda – best prices across Asia

These consistently return the lowest rates for budget stays.

Need a Rental Car?

Use Discover Cars to compare global rental companies and find the best price wherever you’re traveling. Simple, transparent, and budget-friendly.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?

Discover walking tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, and unique local experiences with Get Your Guide . Perfect for solo travelers who want safe, well-organized activities.

Group Trips for Solo Travelers?

Use TourHero to find group trips made for solo travelers (especially introverts). Join small groups, make friends effortlessly, and explore safely.

Need Ready-Made Travel Plans?

Try Holicay to get curated itineraries created by travel experts. Perfect for travelers who want stress-free planning with local tips & hidden gems.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Check out my travel resource page – I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.