Yeah I avoided Starbucks which was downstairs from my hotel, saw the prices, seemed even worse than back in the Bay Area but I haven't been to Starbucks in years.

I did get an egg and cheese McMuffin, has brown and 12 oz cappuccino from McDonalds' also downstairs, for 149 THB, about the same as it probably would be back in the US.

Still better than what the buffet breakfast at the hotel was charging, 550 THB and the food was so-so and the coffee was just bad.


Went to Talat Noi and went to Hong Sieng Kong. It appears there are a couple of coffee shops in that area which converted an old historic building into a coffee shop or restaurant. The first place I went to was Mother Roaster Talat Noi, which had colorful mural on the outside but when you stepped in, you saw all those old engines that you see all over this district and I could smell the oil. There was a set of stairs leading upstairs to where the cafe was but I didn't go up. Could see a nice balcony but it was in some narrow alley way, so I kept going.

Then the So Heng Tai Mansion, again, looks like it's a cafe/restaurant and you either had to order a minimum about of food and drink to look around or pay 50 THB entrance. Took a few pictures from the courtyard but didn't go in. That place gets mediocre reviews in Google Maps.

I had bookmarked Hong Sieng Kong, which shows a nice garden. Again, you were prompted to buy something to be able to go inside. So I bought an ice coffee and a small slice of cheesecake for 160 THB each. Those are definitely US prices. But I figure part of it was the entrance fee.

Place was worth it. It had a big club space with a performing stage like a jazz club and it had all kinds of vintage decor and furniture as well as this big tree going up one wall, with vaulted ceilings.

But you don't have your coffee there, you keep going and you reach outdoor spaces, including riverfront tables, most in shade from trees or parasols. It was quiet there, though there was usual boat traffic. The garden and the waterfront terrace were great, again, I don't know the historical significance but you saw some old Chinese decorations (red lamps) as well as furniture and like an old cart that looks to have been horse-drawn.

Most of the other people just had drinks and little pastries. Not sure if anyone ordered regular food or whether they offered any. It wasn't the most scenic stretch of the river, not like seeing Wat Arun across the river. But it was a pleasant place, kind of cleaned up and well maintained, a contract from the alleys outside, with a lot of places with salvage mechanical engine parts stacked up randomly.