Bangkok is an incredible melting pot.

That was my first impression on my first trip here back in January 2015.

And this description of the city hasn’t changed after coming back multiple times now and also having spent a considerable amount of time here by now.

The streets are filled with people from all walks of life: whether they are tourists, businessmen, hippies, digital nomads, backpackers, retirees, lady-boys, blue-collar workers, white-collar workers or monks, people with very different fashion styles, different attitudes, different perceptions, different goals and different mindsets are all strolling up and down the same sidewalks. Dining in the same restaurants. Sipping drinks in the same coffee shops and bars. The majority of course are Thai, but there are also plenty of Chinese, Indians, Koreans, Europeans, Africans, or people from the Middle East — even Ukrainians and Russians are everywhere. Withstanding the huge diversity, the atmosphere feels peaceful, safe and friendly. Regardless of nationality, age, religion or political orientation, people here live together in harmony and treat each other respectfully and politely.

Given the black and white coloring in most aspects today, a world in a trend of de-globalization, aiming at more self-sufficiency — national priority instead of global collaboration — and the difficulties which most places in the world are facing to bring different cultures and ideologies together, Bangkok feels quite inspiring!

I have spent some time thinking about potential reasons for this. I think it all boils down to Thai culture, maybe also due to the peaceful Buddhist influence.

I am not at all an expert, but from all that I have learned and experienced, I would describe Thai culture as very traditional. Nonetheless, while being traditional and sticking to many norms in their daily life, Thais don’t have the “our way is the right way” and “you should better conform to what we think is correct” attitude, which I feel in most other countries. Instead, people here are warm and welcoming. They seem to be much more open and accepting of different opinions and lifestyles.

This attitude leads to a special atmosphere with a spirit of freedom.

Moreover, while there is a lot of poverty visible on the streets and many people just live on a minimum subsistence level, I rarely see grumpy face expressions.

There is the feeling of a generally optimistic mindset which brings about a very positive vibe.

In addition, the city looks nice. The buildings are tastefully garnished with plants and trees, so that there is actually a healthy amount of green in this metropolis. And it is combined with beautifully designed and decorated interiors with perfect air conditioning to get a pause from the pressing hot humidity outside.

Then there are these huge malls everywhere and international restaurants for every taste, even the delivery services work smoothly.

Everything is just super convenient and easily accessible. I would say that out of the countries I have been to in recent years, the convenience level here is only challenged by Taiwan.

To top it off, the modern architecture of the imposing skyscrapers, filled with rooftop bars and pools, is magnificent!

And finally, a good traditional Thai Massage on a day after an intense sprint interval training is the cream on top. I feel like a newborn.

Anyway, I love this city.