{"id":4644,"date":"2024-09-04T08:22:42","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T08:22:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev-alumn-nus.pantheonsite.io\/alumnus\/?p=4644"},"modified":"2025-07-15T16:07:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T08:07:40","slug":"behind-bangkoks-buzz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/2024\/09\/04\/behind-bangkoks-buzz\/","title":{"rendered":"Behind Bangkok\u2019s Buzz"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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As a General Manager at L’Or\u00e9al, Ms Janice Hu has circled the globe for her career, working in cities from Shanghai to New York.<\/p>

But when the opportunity came to relocate closer to home, the National University of Singapore (NUS) alumna and former NUS Students’ Union BIZCOM chairperson jumped at the chance. \u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to work in Southeast Asia, and Thailand is a familiar place to many Singaporeans.\u201d<\/p>

Based in Bangkok since August of 2023, Ms Hu now spends her spare time exploring the dynamic city with her husband and three young children.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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As a city, Bangkok is brimming with colour and energy. <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cBangkok stands out due to the friendliness and helpfulness of the people. It\u2019s also such an exciting environment,\u201d said Ms Hu, pointing to the city\u2019s blend of culture, nightlife, markets and spas. \u201cYou can always find something to do\u2014from night market shopping to chilling at a rooftop bar.\u201d<\/p>

While the city enjoys sunshine throughout the year, travellers are advised to avoid the extreme heat of April and May, as well as the tropical rain and floods of July and August. Instead, Ms Hu recommends visiting in either June, September, or October. Bangkok will be warm, but comfortable, making the city easier to navigate.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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A cruise along the Chao Phraya River provides a new view of the city and its changing hues at sunset. <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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For top Thai cuisine, try the extensive fare at Sri Trat. <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For those who enjoy walking, consider wandering through the historic back alleys of Chinatown<\/strong> to view the local street art and Thai-Chinese architecture. Martial arts enthusiasts can soak in the energetic atmosphere of Lumpinee Stadium to watch Muay Thai<\/strong>, an iconic Thai sport. And to escape the bustle, a sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya River<\/strong> provides a new perspective on Bangkok, enabling visitors to view sights such as the Wat Arun temple while relaxing with a cold drink in hand.<\/p>

Travellers should also not miss out on the city\u2019s famous\u2014and affordable\u2014street food culture.<\/strong> To get a taste of the local cuisine, Ms Hu suggests trying the Som Tum (Thai papaya salad) with anchovies; Som Tum Khao Pod (Thai spicy corn salad); Larb (a spicy meat salad); or Larb Tod (Larb fried into little balls and eaten as a snack). \u201cI also love the Boat noodles from Thong Smith\u2014they\u2019re very tasty and have great flavour!\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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To pick up a souvenir<\/strong> before departing, visitors can head to the Siam area, home to both Siam Paragon\u2014one of the largest malls in Thailand\u2014and small local shops. The Chatuchak Market is another great option, with over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres.<\/p>

\u201cI like Yu, which is a local aromatherapy shop that does their own essential oil blends and room sprays,\u201d said Ms Hu. \u201cThe EM District is also a great place for shopping\u2014EmSphere, EmQuartier and Emporium are all in this zone.”<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Insider Recommendations<\/strong><\/p>

  • Fuel your morning with a local Thai breakfast at Ega<\/strong> in Sathorn 12, or caf\u00e9 hop to Babyccino<\/strong> for a Western-style brunch in a cosy atmosphere.<\/li>
  • For a day of pampering, head to White Wood Green Spa and Wellness<\/strong> for head-to-toe relaxation or visit Merry Day Nail Care<\/strong> for their signature mani-pedi.<\/li>
  • Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Stop by Luka<\/strong>, Roast<\/strong> or Charlotte Doughnuts<\/strong> in the Sukhumvit area for coffee and snacks.<\/li>
  • Listen to live music while sipping a cocktail at Iron Fairies <\/strong>or Charm<\/strong>. Both options also offer sharing platters and snacks if you get hungry.<\/li>
  • For dinner, Sri Trat<\/strong> offers crisp flavours and unique Thai-inspired cocktails. Or try Baannok<\/strong> for Michelin-starred Thai cuisine and delectable desserts.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Brunch at Luka wins approval from the entire family. <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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    CONTINUED CONNECTIONS TO NUS<\/strong><\/p>

    Despite a job that has taken her away from Singapore, Ms Hu\u2019s ties to her alma mater remain strong.<\/p>

    \u201cIn fact, four of my seven teammates at my first L’Or\u00e9al position were from NUS and one was my junior at the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences!\u201d explained Ms Hu. \u201cAnd I still keep in touch and hang out with many friends from NUS.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Photos by Janice Hu<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Recent transplant Ms Janice Hu (Arts & Social Sciences \u201904) takes us into the heart of Thailand\u2019s vibrant capital.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4645,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_theme","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4644","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4644"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4644\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5097,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4644\/revisions\/5097"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4645"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}