Community Postcard Series

The latest addition to our Community Postcards Series, our second postcard comes from Pin Phianpattanawit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Pin is quite accustomed to riding through the tricky and vibrant streets of the city. Here motorcycles and cars rule the roads, so being a confident rider is vital. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Bangkok is home to a dozen canals and buildings on stilts. Riding through the busy streets is part of the journey to escape the city, but once conquered the lush countryside and winding roads await.

There, the roads are flowing yet unpredictable. Gravel, potholes and road repairs are a common occurrence during the rides she shares with friends.

“I started cycling five years ago and definitely fell in love with it when I was in London. I was there to study abroad, but actually ended up cycling more than studying. I can still remember how hard it was to get up so early to ride in the freezing weather just to see my friend in Richmond Park and ride together to Box Hill. Every single ride is so adventurous, with new routes, new cafes and lots of croissants. When I came back, I brought that feeling and knowledge with me to Thailand - mapping a route, finding a new cafe.” 

Living in Bangkok and being an avid cyclist poses challenges that most of us are not too aware of. The roads are full of unpredictable, fast-moving traffic with the rules of the road being nonexistent at times. Heavy goods vehicles and stray animals on the roadside can make riding in these areas a challenge for most. Pin explains: “That’s why my friends and I always cycle in the early morning. We try so hard to escape the cars and motorcycles.”

Riding early in the morning also gives the opportunity to ride in slightly cooler conditions, with temperatures soaring to an uncomfortable 35°C during the summer months.

For Pin, weekends are her time to escape on the bike and relish the feeling of being with friends. “Normally I work so hard on the weekdays, so my weekend ride is like charging a battery. No work, long rides, hanging out with friends. I love suffering during the long ride, I just love every moment of it.”

Traditional cafe stops are just as common in Bangkok as they are elsewhere in the world. But, understandably, hot drinks are switched out for ice-cold refreshments. One of her favourite places to stop is Wimol Cafe, which is set on the outskirts of the city and offers the opportunity to quickly fuel before heading out to the countryside.

Like most, Pin has her guilty pleasures and sweets are right up her street: “I love sweets and Thai authentic sweets over here are so delicious, rare to find and super cheap.”

When not riding through the lushness of the countryside, Pin ventures into the city by bike. Offering a plethora of options for food and drinks, Pin has one absolute favourite and go-to each time: “Sala Hotel is a luxury hotel in the middle of the city I can highly recommend. My favourite dish there is poached egg on toast.”

You can connect with Pin via the link below and we would like to thank her for writing to us and sharing her stunning imagery.

If you would like to get involved and send us your Postcard, drop us a DM on social media or get in touch via social@universalcolours.com.