Allison tucking into a meal at one of her favorite street food stalls in Bangkok.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Why I went to Bangkok, Thailand<\/strong>
\nI\u2019ve been to Bangkok six or seven times before, but something always draws me back to the city. This time it was the inaugural Bangkok Biennale. Running from October 2018 until February 2019, the art festival sprawled across the city, showcasing more than 200 artworks in 20 venues. But I didn\u2019t only come for the art. Thai food is one of my favorite cuisines and this city is quite simply the best place to get it.<\/p>\n

My highlight of the trip<\/strong>
\nThe Bangkok Biennale took over some of the city\u2019s most special buildings. Exhibitions were housed in Buddhist temples, luxury hotels and a landmarked trading house that is typically closed to the public. As many of the sites are set along the Chao Phraya river, I was able to explore by boat.<\/p>\n

The Chao Phraya river runs through the center of Bangkok. Exploring by boat allows you to take in the top sights without battling Bangkok\u2019s infamous road traffic. You can visit Wat Pho and its famous Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun decorated in Chinese pottery and the glittering Grand Palace all by boat.<\/p>\n

What else I love about Bangkok<\/strong>
\nI love Bangkok because it\u2019s a modern metropolis with a distinctly old soul. Walk a couple blocks off the main drag and suddenly you\u2019re in Old Siam again. While new openings are constantly popping up, it\u2019s the classic spots that nag at me most when I\u2019m away.<\/p>\n

I like to start the day with breakfast at On Lok Yun, just outside of Chinatown. This old-school coffee shop serves Thai tea, Western breakfasts and eggy kaya toast, a regional specialty. When the midday sun gets too hot, I love to escape to Scala, a charming 1960s-era cinema (with, crucially, air conditioning). Then, after dark, I like to make a stop at The Bamboo Bar. The dark and glamorous bar at the Mandarin Oriental originally opened in 1953. There\u2019s live jazz every night, top-notch cocktails and endless atmosphere.<\/p>\n