I headed to Bangkok in November 2022, just as the world was returning to normal after the pandemic. I was there for a business conference -- just one of many that were now taking place all over the world. This would be my first trip to Thailand since the start of the pandemic. How had the city changed? Would I find a deserted city centre like I did in San Francisco? Or would it be still recognizable as its old self, the way Barcelona was when I was there earlier in the year.
The title of this TR might have given it away. Bangkok was bustling. It was as if Covid never happened. The crowds, the heavy traffic...it was all the same, as far as I could tell. More folks were wearing masks, but the irony is that mask mandates weren't really in force. Folks there were just masked up on their own accord. I spent a few days there soaking in the atmosphere and attending a packed business conference.
I flew there and back on TG in Economy. I would have flown SQ like I usually do, but SQ fares were just so much higher than TG fares I decided to save a few bucks (for my employer) and fly TG instead. While there, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Erawan. Not only was it one of my favourite hotels in Thailand, it was also walking distance to my conference venue -- perfect.
I didn't manage to head out for a run while I was there -- my schedule was just too tight, but I did eat some interesting things (Is there anything not interesting to eat in Thailand?)
It was interesting to fly Thai again after a long time. My impressions of their inflight product on both the A350 / B787 later in this TR. Prior to my return, at BKK, I checked out both the TG Royal Orchid Lounge and SQ's SilverKris Lounge.
All that coming up shortly!
The title of this TR might have given it away. Bangkok was bustling. It was as if Covid never happened. The crowds, the heavy traffic...it was all the same, as far as I could tell. More folks were wearing masks, but the irony is that mask mandates weren't really in force. Folks there were just masked up on their own accord. I spent a few days there soaking in the atmosphere and attending a packed business conference.
I flew there and back on TG in Economy. I would have flown SQ like I usually do, but SQ fares were just so much higher than TG fares I decided to save a few bucks (for my employer) and fly TG instead. While there, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Erawan. Not only was it one of my favourite hotels in Thailand, it was also walking distance to my conference venue -- perfect.
I didn't manage to head out for a run while I was there -- my schedule was just too tight, but I did eat some interesting things (Is there anything not interesting to eat in Thailand?)
It was interesting to fly Thai again after a long time. My impressions of their inflight product on both the A350 / B787 later in this TR. Prior to my return, at BKK, I checked out both the TG Royal Orchid Lounge and SQ's SilverKris Lounge.
All that coming up shortly!
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