Bangkok Neon
63I have spoken with many people who say that they would never be able to imagine Bangkok without its neon signs. Such signs serve not only to advertise the name of a venue, but also create an atmosphere. While many people associate Bangkok with commerce, temples, go-go bars, and kickboxing, the city’s neon is second to none.Though no one has ever admitted that they have come specifically to view the signs, many people, myself included, have spent an evening strolling around with no other aim than taking in the signs and the atmosphere that they create. Bangkok-based artist Chris Coles appears to share my fascination with neon. In Thailand’s capital, the night time atmosphere and energy cannot be separated from its signs.
Coles’ work is mainly of the go-go heavy areas along Sukumvit, as well as Silom’s (im)famous Patpong. Whiile these areas have other things to distract one’s view, they are excellent venues for neon watching. Yarowat, Bangkok’s frenetic chinatown is another superb spot for taking in the signage. Stepping in to some of the narrower sois and seeing the signs rising on all sides is like stepping on to a movie set. If you are a hardcore fan of glowing letters, do not miss Yarowat.
Yaowarat
While there are other cities that have more and brighter neon, Bangkok's busy and noirish evenings lend themselves perfectly to the glow. Perhaps the humid air holds the glow better. I don't know.
If you're a fan of neon, or a fan of urban evenings, Bangkok is the perfect venue for some urban sightseeing nad signspotting.
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