Bangkok has long been an enticing gateway for young adults to leave their familiar lands behind and embark on a spontaneous exploration of the world. There are the enchanting melodies of Thai music, the unfamiliar characters on street billboards, the exotic flavors of Pad Thai, Tom Yum, mango sticky rice and more. Vibrant colors abound, from fruit juice bottles sold on street-side stalls to ubiquitous elephant-patterned clothes that tourists rush to buy.

And as a starting point for travels of my own youth, I am often reminded of two stories from my first visit when I was just 20. I got lost looking for my hotel in Bangkok and was fortunate enough to have Thai people help me, from a kind student who diligently searched Google Maps to tuk-tuk drivers under the BTS bridges providing me with directions. They helped me to get to the hotel safely amidst the labyrinthine streets with Thai-language signs that I could not recognize.

And the second story is about a particular durian seller. It was late at night, and I was struck by a craving for the aromatic fruit. A friend and I went to the market and found a stall, but the seller refused to sell to us, saying these fruits weren’t ripe yet and we had to wait. But we insisted and he reluctantly gave them away to us, rather than charge us for unripe fruit. Those endearing early impressions of Bangkok have never left me.

Bangkok: The return(s)

Just like my first encounter brought excitement and passion, subsequent visits have inspired more profound emotions. During my second trip to Bangkok, I wandered through its golden temples, while on my third time I explored its shopping malls by the river and contemporary museums far from the city center. For my next encounter with Bangkok, I stepped into a world of diverse cuisine from canal-side eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants in Chinatown.

The fifth time, I met Bangkok again after a long wait due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This reunion became even more emotional, because this I was able to attend an international concert tour by Coldplay – my favorite band – at Rajamangala Stadium. As a longtime Coldplay fan, the concert for me was not just a music show but a journey back to youth. Every lyric, every melody was a memory, a recollection. In recent years, Bangkok has become a familiar destination for international bands and stars in Southeast Asia, such as Linkin Park, Madonna, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Blackpink, Harry Styles, 1975 and, most recently, Bruno Mars. Moreover, Bangkok also hosts small music festivals for indie and underground bands.

After the dream-like concert, the scorching heat of the day gave way to much more pleasant air. My companion and I strolled through the night market around the stadium, ate familiar Thai dishes, then continued to Khao San walking street. The street was still bustling as ever, even more lively because indoor bars had now expanded their space outdoors. Here, you can drink beer, listen to music and dance with new friends. The fun seems never to end in this city, and with every return, Bangkok brings new joy.

Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights between Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Please visit: www.vietnamairlines.com for more useful information and regulations at destinations.