I’m a local now, the sights and sounds of Bangkok are normal to me. I lived in San Francisco for 15 years, a number of people that visited me during my years there would say ‘wow, San Francisco is weird’. I always laughed at that statement, their weird was my normal, when you see something everyday, it becomes the baseline rather than the exception.

Certainly Bangkok is the same- the sights and sounds that are hardly recognized by locals would surprise (and entertain) many a guest to the Big Mango.

Soi Nana (Sukhumvit Soi 4, with Soi meaning Street) at 6am is always guaranteed to raise an eyebrow. I live in lower Sukhumvit and go out for bike rides many mornings just before 6am, my cut through to the quiet roads involves a trip down Soi Nana. And it’s always a great trip.

This morning was a scene likely only found in BKK: gaggles of lady boys, bar staff just getting off work, the dilapidated farangs that won’t gong themselves and go home, a fortune teller, noodle venders setting up for the day, and a monk on morning alms.

Please Bangkok and Soi 4, never change.