David Hilgier Photographs

Numerous street food vendors can be found at the north gate to Chiang Mai. Some revealed to the rest of the world by visits from Anthony Bourdain. Each carving out their own section of the block where patrons can grab a quick meal and cold beer while watching the evening rush surrounding the make shift market.

A highlight from our time in Thailand was a day spent at Thai Secret Cooking School. This is the welcoming and spirited proprietor of the school, May, who is passionate about her culture and cuisine. She has curated a memorable day that affords the opportunity to explore a local market, pick produce from her farm, and prepare five courses of Thai food.

Meandering through produce and food markets is always a favorite when traveling. A window offering a quick glimpse at what day to day life is like in any particular region.

As we wandered Bangkok’s Old City, we were witness to this ritual that had occurred countless times before. The transition from day to night marked by the street food vendors setting up their sidewalk stalls for the evening patrons.

As nighttime arrives, what were once only street corners a few hours prior are transformed into utilitarian food stands serving locals and passersby simple yet delicious food. One of the reasons I travel is to sit on one of those plastic stools, watch the traffic and people pass by, drink a cold beer, and eat a meal unique to the heritage and expertise of that stall’s owner.

The view of Bangkok from Wat Saket (The Golden Mount). A personal favorite of the temples we visited on this trip for many reasons. One being the vantage point it provides of the city below. From its height, the distinct layers of the city clearly visible. Modern Bangkok looms in the background encroaching further and further into the old and historic districts of the city.

A Tuk Tuk waits on the roads outside of Wat Traimitr Withayaram Worawihan. I’m continually drawn the methods of transit I encounter while traveling and how they impact and define a sense of place. Tuk Tuks were no exception. Loud, unavoidable, and vibrantly colored with their visible exhaust contributing to the haze permeating the cities, they served as both backdrop and soundtrack to our time in Thailand.

Yaowarat is one of the main thoroughfares of Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand and is filled with noise, texture, smell, and color. Equally as interesting as this road were the labyrinths of side streets that divereged from it. It was intriguing how each of these branches seemingly had a specific commerce purpose whether it be groceries, woodworking, monk supplies and offerings, or mechanical parts.

Countless colorful buses wait to drop off and pick up visitors of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Prior to our flight to Bangkok, we spent our morning and last Yen meandering through the Tsukiji Fish Market. Street food seemed outside the norm in our limited time in Japan, so this was a fun change of pace. Favorite of the morning was an Asahi Dry Lager and Grilled Tuna. Simple yet so delicious. Sadly, this also marked the end to our time in Japan. I know we only scratched the surface of this complex, considered, and beautiful country. I cannot wait to return.