location, location, location
Bangkok – The City of Angels
The City of Angels can be daunting at the best of times, starting with its name:
Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
I’m not kidding – this is the official name for Bangkok, the longest for any city place in the world, mostly shortened to “Krung Thep’.
If you enjoyed Plyan you might be interested in some of the places mentioned. Just keep in mind that I have used them strictly fictitiously in the book. Note: if you’re planning to visit a temple please dress appropriately —shoulders and knees need to be covered.
The temples listed below don’t have websites but there is plenty of information about them on tourism sites and Wikipedia.
Wat Pathum or rather Wat Pathum Wanaram
Located centrally between Siam Paragon and Central World shopping mall. The temple is open to visitors between 9am and 5pm and is known for its beautiful relaxing gardens where you can take a deep breath from the crazy pace outside.
Wat Pasee
12 Ekkamai Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Erawan Shrine
Located right next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel on the corner of Radjadamri/Rachprasong intersection (near Ploenchit skytrain station) in central Bangkok. The shrine is dedicated to the four-faced Brahma God, Than Tao Mahaprom known for his kindness, mercy, sympathy and impartiality.
Since 2020 visitors are no longer allowed to light candle and incense at the shrine for environmental reasons but you can still watch classical Thai dances and offer your respects.
Erawan, Wat Pathum, Paragon are all within walking distance along the skywalk (below the skytrain) and you’ll avoid having to cross intersections. Very handy.
The site is mainly in Thai but if you click on the directory you’ll get all the available info. The mall is huge and features high and mid-level fashion, electronics, cars etc. The lower ground floor is taken up by a supermarket, restaurants and street food style stalls. Well worth a visit.
Also called JJ Market. Huge outdoor market with over 15,000 stalls and vendors that sells everything from plants, antiques, electronics, pets, cosmetics to fresh and dry food and drinks, ceramics, furniture and home accessories, clothing and books.
If you’re looking for something specific I highly recommend to hire a guide. Go early as it gets really hot during the day in the small alleyways.
You can visit the small shopping mall and Pantry Magic closely resembles ‘The Pantry’ that Nui’s parents own.
The hospital is real and located on Thong Lor Soi 9. Though I’ve taken a bit of liberty with the adoptive programme.
This organisation started in 2003 in Phuket and does fantastic work to help street animals through rescue, medical treatments and adoption.
The ‘Game of Thrones’ issue about huskies is real but not just in Thailand. Several countries have seen spikes in abandoned huskies following the success of the series, similar to other pet related movies.