Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces and Self-Discovery

by Bhuban Patra

184 pages, Hardcover

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Bhuban Patra is an author by choice and a traveller by heart.
Born in Balasore and raised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Bhuban discovered his passion for storytelling through his explorations across the region. What began as a blog documenting the forgotten monuments, rich heritage, and untold stories of Odisha soon evolved into a deeper creative journey. His spontaneous photography and keen cultural sensibilities led him from the trails of history to the realms of fiction.
His debut novels, Lotus Land (Fiction) and Where is Ekamra (Non-Fiction), were widely appreciated for their emotional depth and narrative sensitivity. Lotus Land was shortlisted among the Top 5 for the Cover Prize Award by Oxford Bookstore, while Where is Ekamra was recognised among the Top 100 Debut Novels of 2019. The latter also earned Bhuban a place among the Top 100 Authors, certified by Literature Light and Canon Beam Journals.
Selected Publications:
• NARASINGHA – Konark Secrets Book 2 (Leadstart Publishing) | Genre: Historical/Mythological Fiction | ASIN: B0CNRB91QF
• LOTUS LAND – Konark Secrets Book 1 (Leadstart Publishing) | Genre: Historical/Mythological Fiction | ASIN: B08P1KSJRC
• WHERE IS EKAMRA (Evincepub Publishing) | Genre: Non-Fiction | ISBN: 978-9388277426
A contemporary traveller at heart, Bhuban continues to explore themes of transformation, identity, and the invisible threads that bind people, places, and memories. When not writing or exploring, he works in a senior management role at a multinational company, shaping strategies by day and stories by night.

Reviews

[Kangkana Chakravarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok by Bhuvan Patra presents a smooth, beautiful, and detailed picture of Bangkok by diving deeper inside the alleys, streets and unknown roads in a foreign nation. Now, by reading the blurb, readers might make a mistake by considering this book a simple travel guide, and if you do so you are wrong. Because this book is about moments, memories, streets, nature followed by silences explored by a boy far away from his birthplace in an unknown land by uncovering its beauty, and unique cultural scenario.

Bhuban Patra’s writing carries a quiet honesty, blending observation with introspection, making Bangkok feel less like a destination and more like a companion in self-discovery. Each place captures a beautiful moment and encounter that the author goes through. As a reader, I connected deeply with his emotions, and every page made me feel like it was me who was traveling in Bangkok. The narration flows like a slow walk through unfamiliar lanes, unhurried, thoughtful, and deeply human.

To summarize, for me Wai Bangkok was a refreshing read. I'm sure people who love to read books that share inner journey connecting with outer journey will definitely relish this book.

Best takeaways from the book

Travel as self-reflection, not tourism

Introspective

Emotional connection to place

Calm, contemplative narrative voice

[Astha Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review
Book Name: Wai Bangkok
Author: Bhuban Patra
Review by: @astha_reads


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🌟 What’s the Story?

Wai Bangkok is a collection of seven short and quiet stories set in Bangkok.
The stories are told from the point of view of Indian characters who are living in or visiting the city.

These are not fast or dramatic stories.
They focus more on inner feelings like loneliness, belonging, love, identity, and self-acceptance.

There are very few dialogues.
Most of the book explores thoughts, emotions, and the bond between people and the city.

Bangkok stays present throughout the book, through streets, rain, food, temples, and silence.
Slowly, it becomes a space where the characters reflect, heal, and understand themselves better.

This book is more about feeling than plot.


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💖 What I Loved

✨ Calm and Peaceful Writing
The writing is soft, slow, and honest.
It feels soothing and never tries too hard to impress.

✨ Bangkok as More Than a City
Bangkok feels alive in the book.
It is shown through everyday life, not tourist places, which makes it feel warm and real.

✨ Focus on Inner Emotions
Loneliness, confusion, and quiet happiness are handled gently.
Everything feels natural and relatable.

✨ Themes of Identity and Acceptance
Queer themes are written with sensitivity and respect.
There is no drama, only quiet understanding.

✨ Simple Language with Meaning
The English is easy to read, yet the thoughts stay with you.
Some lines make you pause and reflect.


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🤏 What Didn’t Work For Me

🌱 Very Slow Pace
The book moves at a very calm speed.
Readers who enjoy fast stories may find it slow.

🌱 Less Dialogue, More Thoughts
There are very few conversations.
At times, I wished the characters spoke more.

🌱 Loose Story Structure
The focus stays on emotions rather than clear story arcs.
Some pieces feel more like reflections than full stories.

These are not flaws, just personal reading preferences.


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🎯 Who Should Read This?

💌 Readers who enjoy slow, emotional, and reflective books

💌 People who like stories about self-discovery and inner journeys

💌 Readers interested in gentle LGBTQ+ themes

💌 Travelers or expats who relate to life in a new city

💌 Anyone looking for a calm and peaceful read


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✨ Final Thoughts & Rating

Wai Bangkok is a quiet and sincere book.
It does not rush or try to be loud.
It simply stays with you and lets you feel.

If you enjoy silence, emotions, and slow healing, this book will connect with you.

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5

💬 “Some books don’t tell loud stories, they quietly stay with you.”


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[Udoti Mohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: Wai Bangkok – Stories of Culture, Faces and Self-Discovery by Bhuban Patra

“A gentle journey through a city that slowly becomes home”

Wai Bangkok is a quiet, contemplative collection of seven short stories set in Bangkok—a city that feels less like a backdrop and more like a living, breathing character. Bhuban Patra doesn’t rush to impress. Instead, he allows the city and its people to unfold slowly, gently, and honestly.

Each story is narrated in the first person by a calm, reserved narrator from Odisha. Through this lens, Bangkok is not shown through tourist clichés or crowded landmarks, but through ordinary streets, fleeting encounters, silences, and emotions. The stories revolve around people who are far from their comfort zones—trying to belong, understand new cultures, and find a sense of home in unfamiliar spaces.

Among the seven stories, “Love Without Labels” stood out to me the most. The bond between Radhika Sharma and Namtan is tender, genuine, and deeply moving. Their connection—shaped by art, emotional resilience, and meaningful silences—made me reflect on my own understanding of relationships. It’s in the smallest details where this story truly lingers.

What I loved most about this book is how Bangkok slowly becomes home. As a reader, you stop observing the city from the outside and begin living in it. Themes of loneliness, solitude, self-discovery, and presence are woven beautifully throughout. The writing is slow and gentle, yet emotionally rich. The language is simple, but its meaning runs deep.

Nature, diving, travel, and human connections blend seamlessly, showing how being alone can sometimes bring the clearest understanding of oneself. The stories don’t explain everything—and that’s their strength. They invite you to pause, reflect, and sit with your own thoughts.

Reading Wai Bangkok felt like having a soft conversation with myself. It reminded me how deeply a place can shape us, often without us realising it—until we leave and its footprints remain behind.

[readerkd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Wai Bangkok would be all about Thailand, and yeah, Bangkok is a big part of the book—the bright lights, the sounds, tuk-tuks, and amazing street food. But then it hit me: this book isn't just about the city. It's really about the Indian people living there, still carrying a piece of India with them.

Each story feels like a hushed secret someone's finally sharing. Some characters feel bad for leaving their home, some chase success, and others just want a quiet life. I like that Bhuban Patra didn't make them perfect. They're messy, unsure, and sometimes selfish, which makes them feel so real. I kept thinking, I know people just like this.

The writing is soft but strong. Sometimes I had to stop and just take in the sadness or beauty of a line. Nothing feels rushed or made up.

The characters in this book don't really fit in anywhere.They're shaped by memories of where they grew up and what it's like living in a new city. Maybe one character still smells their childhood food, or another misses festivals they can't go to anymore. These feelings are really well-put, and they made me think about my own experiences with where I'm from and who I am.

I liked how the book was gentle but also honest. There wasn't any over-the-top drama. Instead, the writing just trusted me to feel things through small, moving parts. By the time I finished, I didn't just get the characters better—I also understood more about myself and what it means to feel like you belong, or like you're stuck in the middle.

What got to me the most was the loneliness. Not the dramatic kind, but that quiet, everyday feeling of not quite fitting in, smiling on the outside but hurting a bit inside. I think anyone who's moved away, even just to another city, will get that feeling.

By the end, I wasn't focused on the story's twists. I was thinking, These people are real. They're still out there living their lives. Honestly, I didn't think this book would stick with me as much as it has, but it truly has.

[Nivetha Kannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books don’t ask you to rush through their pages. They ask you to pause, observe, and feel. Wai Bangkok is one such collection of seven stories.

Bhuban Patra doesn’t present Bangkok just as a glittering tourist postcard. Instead, he shows us the city through the quiet moments - lonely rented apartments, cultural misunderstandings, fleeting connections at night markets, and the unspoken ache of living between two worlds. Across seven intimate stories, we meet characters who are not searching for adventure as much as they are searching for grounding, meaning, and a sense of belonging.

What stood out to me most is how deeply human these stories feel. The expatriates, locals, and wanderers are not defined by grand events but by small, honest experiences - missed conversations, silent realizations, and moments where the city gently nudges them toward self- awareness. The author captures that in-between space so beautifully, the place where you are neither fully lost nor completely found.

Bangkok itself feels alive throughout the book. It breathes, observes, and quietly shapes the lives unfolding within it. The city becomes a silent character - sometimes overwhelming, sometimes comforting, often transformative. The writing is candid and tender, never forcing emotion but allowing it to emerge naturally, making the reading experience deeply immersive.

What I loved most is the emotional restraint. These stories don’t dramatize displacement, they honor it. They acknowledge loneliness without exaggeration and connection without idealization. Each story leaves behind a lingering thought, inviting reflection rather than offering neat conclusions.

Wai Bangkok is a thoughtful collection about identity, cultural intersections, and the subtle ways travel reshapes who we are. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy introspective fiction, character-driven narratives, and stories that stay with you long after the last page, quietly, like a city at dusk.

[noorthebookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why do we travel? 🧳 Does it change us, as a person? Who do we become?
.
𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒃𝒂𝒏 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒂'𝒔
𝑾𝒂𝒊 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐𝒌: 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚

The book stays true to it's name. It revolves mostly around Bangkok & has 7 stories. The stories are slow but sweet paced, something that you enjoy and not get bored of.
They have experiences, with self & with other souls & with non living entities like cities & places.. Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangkok, Bangladesh, Kolkata etc..

𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚―𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅.
𝑰𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒊 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐𝒌, 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒃𝒂𝒏 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔, 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆.

It's about discovering your own self, watch it unfold while living life, facing varied situations & experiences..

𝑺𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒕. 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔, 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈.

I found the stories to be open ended, not like a typical story with a beginning, end & a climax. I liked the titles of the stories especially;
a story about a dream
two hours to goodbye
love without labels
the heart sees clearer.

𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒑―𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉.

They are more of experiencing the journey than reaching the destination.

𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒅, 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝑾𝒂𝒊 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍, 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆.


📌
Best Sellers Rank
24 in Travel Writing
546 in Contemporary Fiction
on amazondotin as on 22.12.2025

[Megha Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like walking alone through a rain-soaked street - calm, thoughtful, and filled with unspoken emotions. This book doesn’t rush to tell its stories; instead, it invites you to slow down and simply feel them.

The collection brings together seven short narratives about individuals who arrive in Bangkok for different reasons - travel, work, escape, or quiet curiosity. What stands out is that the city is never treated as a tourist attraction. Bangkok breathes through ordinary moments: quiet streets, temples, food, rain, silences, and fleeting human connections. Over time, it becomes an emotional space where the characters pause, reflect, and begin to understand themselves better.

The stories focus deeply on inner landscapes rather than dramatic events. Loneliness, belonging, identity, love, and self-acceptance are explored gently, without forcing conclusions. Much of the storytelling unfolds through thoughts rather than dialogue, which adds to the book’s introspective nature. One story that stayed with me was Love Without Labels - a tender, understated portrayal of connection that relies more on shared presence and emotional honesty than spoken words.

The writing style is simple, soft, and accessible, yet the emotions hit hard in quiet ways. There’s a meditative quality to the prose that makes you pause often, sometimes rereading a line just to sit with its meaning. Nature, travel, solitude, and human bonds blend seamlessly, showing how being alone in a new place can sometimes bring the clearest self-realization.

This book is less about plot and more about feeling. It’s a slow, reflective book that feels like an experience rather than a collection of stories, perfect for readers who enjoy literary fiction, cultural exploration, and stories that linger long after the final page.

[Ritika Srivastava · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me thinking hard about something I question: what's the real cost of leaving home? Wai Bangkok doesn't give us numbers or lectures. It shows us feelings.

As I read, I kept noticing the pull between dreams and responsibilities, the individual and the family, India and Bangkok, what's gone and what's now. Every character seems to be walking a tightrope scared to look down. And I felt scared right along with them.

What stood out to me was how Bhuban Patra doesn't paint migration as either a win or a loss. Instead, he shows it as an ongoing back-and-forth. The characters try to start fresh, but they can't cut ties with their past. Memories stick with them: missed festivals, voices on the phone feeling bad about not being there for big moments.

Bangkok becomes the place where who you are keeps changing. Sometimes the city seems kind. Other times it feels cold and uncaring. That back-and-forth matches up with what's going on inside the characters.

I also liked how understanding the storytelling is. The author never makes fun, never preaches. Even when someone lies or does something selfish, it comes from being scared, wanting something, or just being worn out. I found myself feeling for them instead of looking down on them.
Fear, longing, or tiredness are the reasons behind selfish decisions and lies. Instead of passing judgment, I started to sympathize. By the time I was done, I knew that the book had subtly altered my perspective on immigrants and migrant laborers. I began to see resilience and emotional fractures rather than movement. I was reminded by the stories that it's not always easy to fit in. It is never fully earned, and it is frequently painful. Wai Bangkok is introspective, soulful, and emotionally honest, in my opinion. It's the type of book that doesn't yell, but if you pay close attention, it makes a deep impression.

[Isshika Saha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok feels less like a story of a place and more like a quiet exploration of emotional and inner journeys. The symbolic 'wai' greeting gradually deepens in meaning, coming to reflect humility, respect, and the gentle bonds that connect people.

From the very beginning, I felt the contrast between Bangkok’s ancient traditions and its fast-paced modern life. When the narrator, Ranjeet Bokare from Mumbai, steps out of his college gates ten years earlier with a degree in hand, the city feels familiar and within reach. Years later, when he returns, the surroundings remain the same, yet the professional world ahead feels vast and unfamiliar. This shift made me reflect on how time transforms not only places, but the people who move through them.

With his professional life unfolding in Bangkok, sensed a quiet desire to understand the people around him. His relationships—with Radhika Sharma as a friend, Meera as his first love, Namtan whom he comes to know gradually, Arnav through poetry, and the guidance of Vijay Sir felt sincere and deeply human. Each connection gently shapes his emotional world, adding depth and meaning to his journey.

Eventually, he finds love within his professional life in Bangkok. It is not a perfect fairy tale, but a relationship rooted in honesty, trust, and understanding .To me, the story softly suggests that love is not about being completed by another, but about having the courage to be whole, authentic, and to walk forward together, hand in hand.

Reading the book felt like looking into a mirror quietly inviting reflection on identity, empathy, and the meaning of home.For me, it was a gentle yet profound journey through human relationships and personal growth leaving me wth a warm, thoughtful and reflective reading.

[Shardha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a quietly powerful collection of 7 stories that captures the heart, contradictions, and the shifting identities found in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. It blends travel, introspection, and cultural observation into a literary journey that explores both Bangkok and the inner landscapes of its characters. It captures the lives of those who find themselves caught between cultures, choices and change.

It makes the readers to notice how two bustling Asian metropolises - Mumbai and Bangkok - could feel so different, yet share an underlying heartbeat. Yet both cities shared an indefinable energy - resilience, a relentless spirit that made them thrive despite their flaws.

The city teaches us that finding yourself isn't always loud or cinematic. Sometimes, it's hidden in the ordinary - in learning a new phrase that makes a stranger smile, in confidently navigating a once - intimidating commute, in cooking vada pav for a multicultural team and watching them savour a piece of your roots.

The crowded night markets, tucked-away alleys, rented condos, and bustling streets, the city Bangkok shapes the destinies and emotions of those who pass through it.

Rather than telling readers what to see, the book takes them to feel Bangkok — with all its contradictions and surprises. I like to appreciate the emotional honesty and the view about love in the descriptions in book.

The story interconnects between travel and self-discovery. The author offers a thoughtful portrait of Bangkok that makes this book a memorable read for anyone interested in the emotional textures of travel, culture and self discovery.

[Abhishek Giri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book : "WAI BANGKOK"
By~ @authorbhuban

Do you know what happens when a listener visits a place, and starts to listen to the whispers while crossing the alleys, roads and hidden pathways? Of course, we get books like Wai Bangkok that captures the soul of a city in the most finest way. It is a literary travelogue that explores the city in a new perspective. The narrative follows the author navigating Bangkok during a deeply personal phase of transition, where unfamiliar streets become spaces for observation, waiting, and emotional reckoning. The story is shaped by silent encounters, shared smiles, quiet cafés, temple courtyards, late night walks and quiet introspection.

Patra presents Bangkok as living city. The city that breathes in its own rhythm. The beautiful contrast that exist between the hustle bustle world and the stillness is what makes the city attractive. In a subtle yet impactful way the book explores loneliness, belonging, and healing. Not aiming to guide you out of it, but by making it visible. This part adds more depth and authenticity to the story.

The book was very atmospheric, relying on sensory details and internal monologue. As the book progress we can see gradual shift of emotions and more connection with the city. Once an unfamiliar city started to feel more intimate. It's streets became more reassuring. Wai Bangkok ultimately suggests that travel is not about movement alone, but about learning how to be present. This book will resonate strongly with readers who value quiet storytelling, emotional nuance, and journeys that unfold inward before they unfold outward.

[Aliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Wai Bangkok slowly, often in quiet moments when the day felt heavy sometimes with a cup of tea beside me, sometimes late at night when everything else had gone still. As I turned the pages, I found myself pausing often, not because the writing was difficult, but because it felt familiar in an emotional way. The book didn’t demand attention; it earned it gently. I liked how it mirrored ordinary life commutes, routines, silent realizations and while reading, I began reflecting on my own transitions and moments of becoming. It felt less like reading a book and more like sitting with someone who was sharing lived experiences, allowing me to listen, relate, and quietly understand myself a little better.
This book is a reflective and quietly powerful collection of seven stories that explore culture, work, identity, and self-discovery. What makes this book special is its honesty. The writing doesn’t romanticise the city in a superficial way; instead, it captures Bangkok through everyday routines, commutes, workplaces, and moments of adjustment that slowly shape a sense of belonging. The author’s observations feel deeply personal yet relatable, especially for anyone who has lived in a new city or navigated professional and emotional transitions.
Each story unfolds at an unhurried pace, allowing the reader to absorb the atmosphere rather than rush through events. The language is calm, descriptive, and grounded in real experiences, making the book feel intimate and sincere. Wai Bangkok is not meant to be binge-read; it invites slow reading and reflection. It’s a book that gently reminds you how growth often happens quietly, one day and one place at a time.

[Chandra Sekhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces and Self-Discovery, Bhuban Patra moves beyond the typical tourist gaze to offer a tender, immersive exploration of Thailand’s capital. While many travel books focus on the golden temples or bustling street food scenes, Patra treats Bangkok not just as a setting, but as a living, breathing character that actively shapes the lives of those who walk its streets.

​The collection comprises seven short stories that weave together the lives of expatriates, locals, and wanderers. Patra, with his background as a travel blogger and photographer, brings a visual richness to his prose. You can almost feel the humidity of the night markets and the quiet isolation of a rented condo high above the city.

​The title itself is significant, the "Wai" is the traditional Thai gesture of greeting and respect. This sets the tone for the book: it is a respectful, intimate entry into the lives of characters caught between cultures. The stories navigate complex themes of displacement, the search for belonging, and the small, often overlooked "cultural missteps" that lead to profound realizations.

​This is not a fast-paced thriller, but a reflective journey. It is perfect for readers who love travel literature but crave the emotional depth of fiction. Patra succeeds in showing that Bangkok is more than a destination; it is a state of mind where people go to lose themselves, only to find something entirely new.

My rating is 4/5

[Booklover_rimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces, and Self-Discovery" by Bhuban Patra is not just a typical travel book about Bangkok. Instead, it feels like listening to personal recollections of people who travel there to blend in, to explore the city, or to discover themselves.

Through seven stories, the author introduces us to Indians from different parts of the country, each visiting Bangkok for very different reasons. We see the city through their eyes, which makes the reading experience incredibly unique. A confident leader like Ranjeet Bokare, revisiting his past in Bangkok, experiences the city very differently from Rabi Das, who is there on an assignment and trying to make sense of his own roots. Every perspective feels distinct, and each one is engaging in its own way.

This book introduces readers to Bangkok’s culture, food, and people, but not in the way most travelogues do. Instead of surface-level descriptions, the city unfolds through deep, emotional stories. It’s the kind of book that makes you crave a vacation, longing to walk through the same streets and witness the same moments as the characters, while also making you deeply feel their dilemmas and inner conflicts.

Colorful and beautiful, much like its cover, Wai Bangkok is a book I highly recommend. Whether you have a small desire to visit Thailand, have already been there, or simply enjoy stories centered on self-discovery, this book is definitely worth reading.

[Rajendra Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bhuban Patra’s "Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces and Self-Discovery" is a compelling and evocative collection that delves into the multifaceted soul💗 of Bangkok—not merely as a bustling metropolis, but as a living, breathing entity that shapes and transforms its inhabitants. The collection features seven intimate stories, each shedding light🔅 on the lives of individuals navigating the rich tapestry of the city🌇.

            In this collection, Bhuban Patra masterfully captures the liminal space that exists between cultures, choices, and change. The author’s compassionate and insightful gaze uncovers the raw humanity beneath the city’s bustling surface, highlighting the challenges and quiet triumphs of those grappling with belonging and identity in a fast-paced, often chaotic metropolis.

             Two stories, in particular, stand out for their emotional depth: “A Story About a Dream,” featuring Arnav Ghosh, and “Love Without Labels,” centered on Radhika Sharma. Bhuban Patra’s writing is rich in detail, painting vivid scenes that bring Bangkok to life—from the chaos of night markets to the serene corners of hidden temples🏯.

           The city emerges as a silent character, influencing the destinies of those who find themselves intertwined in its narrative. "Wai Bangkok" is a collection that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned, urging us to consider the profound impact of place on identity and connection💖🌃

[Shifali B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wai Bangkok" is a collection of short stories for a person who gets transformed personality-wise after facing so many challenges from a change in place. Written in simple English, it enhances the flow of readers in reading these thought-provoking and impactful stories.

It is a collection of 7 stories that explore the hidden corners of the city where expatriates, locals and wanderers intersect. I was overwhelmed with the narrative and how the author explored varied places.

The best part was the prose:
🔥 "What we seek is not an end,
But a beginning, rising quietly,
Like a song in the heart of silence.
The struggles we bear are seeds,
And today, they break into blossoms of resolve."

I was intrigued by the story from his onset in Bangkok, where he gets a place where the author tried pad Thai, a tangy and fiery Som Tam and much more. His indulgence in the workplace and exploration of the city made me feel like I was wandering in the city itself.

In the story "Diving into the Deep", the author shares his journey about chasing landmarks or collecting photographs. It was his deep and profound insight. He shares that sometimes it is better to surrender than to control.

The author has well curated the core of stories relating readers to ancient wisdom and leading them on the path of knowledge through travel and communication. His narrative is relatable and practical.

Overall, it is a commendable read for all.

[Sagar Naskar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bhuban Patra's soft, reflective collection of seven short stories, Wai Bangkok, examines the emotional landscapes of individuals juggling multiple identities, cultures, and decisions. Set in Bangkok, the city becomes more than just a backdrop; it becomes a living, breathing character that shapes people's lives through its streets, quiet moments, and brief interactions. Patra writes in a serene, leisurely style that lets feelings come through. The stories feel personal and profoundly real because of the unexpected depth conveyed by the straightforward language.

The emphasis on everyday moments loneliness in busy places, solace in strangers, and quiet realizations that gradually transform us is what makes this book unique. Particularly while navigating displacement and the quest for belonging, each narrator feels authentic, grounded, and introspective.

The story Love Without Labels features Namtan as my favorite character. I was profoundly impacted by Namtan's artistic sensitivity, emotional fortitude, and underlying courage. Her close and sincere relationship with Radhika Sharma demonstrates how genuine connections don't necessarily require labels or definitions.

I suggest Wai Bangkok to those who appreciate leisurely, contemplative narratives that are full of travel, passion, and introspection. This book encourages you to stop, think, and listen to the city, the characters, and yourself in silence.

[Book Begum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok is a compelling collection of seven short stories that gently unfolds the many layers of Bangkok through the lives of people who arrive in the city carrying questions, memories, and a quiet longing for belonging. Each story introduces a new face and a new emotional landscape, yet all are bound together by a shared sense of displacement and self-searching in an unfamiliar land. Rather than merely serving as a backdrop, Bangkok becomes an active presence in the book—vibrant, observant, and deeply intertwined with the characters’ inner journeys.
One of the strongest aspects of the collection is its cultural sensitivity. Bhuban Patra beautifully captures the experiences of Indians living abroad, highlighting the subtle ways in which they hold on to their roots—through food, language, rituals, and memories—while simultaneously adapting to a different culture. These small, intimate details add authenticity and emotional depth, making the characters feel real and relatable. The stories reflect how migration is not just a physical shift, but an emotional one, filled with nostalgia, confusion, and quiet resilience.
The writing is immersive and atmospheric, rich with vivid descriptions that allow the reader to walk alongside the characters through Bangkok’s streets, cafés, and hidden corners. There is a calm, reflective tone throughout the book, giving it the feel of a slow, soulful journey rather than fast-paced storytelling. Each story lingers, inviting the reader to pause and reflect on themes of identity, connection, loneliness, and self-discovery.
Wai Bangkok is a rewarding read for those who appreciate travel-inspired fiction, culturally rooted narratives, and stories that explore the inner lives of people navigating unfamiliar spaces. It is not just a book about a city, but about the quiet transformations that occur when we step away from home and begin to understand ourselves anew.

[Sakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok by Bhuban Patra is an introspective and beautifully crafted narrative that captures the essence of a foreign land with sensitivity and depth. Rather than presenting Bangkok through a conventional travel lens, the book gently shifts from streets to hidden alleys, and unnoticed corners, allowing fleeting moments and memories to take center stage. The city is revealed in a spiritual and contemplative light, offering comfort and warmth to a lonely man navigating life far away from his home. Bangkok, in this narrative, becomes more than a place it turns into a quiet companion that listens, observes, and heals.

Patra’s writing is simple yet deeply evocative, reflecting solitude, curiosity, and the subtle process of self-discovery that unfolds during solitary travel. His prose allows the city to breathe, making Bangkok feel vividly alive on the page. As readers, we are gradually transported into this unfamiliar world, walking alongside the narrator and sharing his pauses, reflections, and emotional shifts. The journey feels intensely personal, yet universally relatable, as it touches upon themes of belonging, isolation, and inner peace. The author’s calm and honest narration effortlessly holds the reader’s attention, making the experience immersive and memorable.

Wai Bangkok is undoubtedly a must-read for those who appreciate reflective storytelling and travel narratives that explore the inner journey as deeply as the outer one.

[Shweta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok is s kind of book that don’t just tell a story, it places you gently inside a feeling. It is a beautiful narrative that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Bangkok, in the author Bhuban Patra’s pen, isn’t only a travel destination or a postcard city, it is a city of temples and tuk-tuks. A quiet, intimate city that helps you observe and contemplate. In the seven chapters, the author explore the life trying to blend with culture, choices and identity.

What really impressed me is the clarity and emotional approach of the narrative. The stories move through night markets, small talks and cultural gap not as traumatic events or a struggle, but as moments that can slowly shape a person. There is feeling of homesickness but also warmth of new gentle city. Loneliness, but also discovery.

The writing is profound and reflective. It helps the reader to understand how important it is to trust silence, pauses, and the slowness of life. The idea of “belongingness” makes this book deeply relatable for anyone who has ever lived away from home, traveled for progress, or simply felt out of place in their own life.

Wai Bangkok is for all those who is on the journey to search for connection in unfamiliar spaces.

If you enjoy introspective storytelling that values human emotions Wai Bangkok deserves a place on your shelf.

[Afridi Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok feels like a quiet walk through a city that slowly starts walking through you. Instead of rushing through landmarks or dramatic moments, the book pauses at ordinary details like rain-soaked streets, brief conversations, shared silences and lets them breathe. Each story carries a sense of emotional stillness, where characters arrive in Bangkok carrying questions they can’t fully name, and the city gently holds space for those questions rather than answering them outright.

What stayed with me is how Bangkok is written not as a backdrop but as a presence. It listens, observes, and reflects the inner lives of the characters. Loneliness, identity, love, and belonging are explored softly, without forcing conclusions. The writing is simple yet intimate, making you feel like you’re reading someone’s private thoughts rather than a polished narrative. There’s a warmth in how cultural differences, queer identities, and quiet self-acceptance are treated with respect, not spectacle.

This is not a book you race through. It asks you to slow down, to sit with emotions, and to find meaning in small shifts rather than big changes. Wai Bangkok is for readers who enjoy reflective stories that linger gently after the last page, reminding you that sometimes travel changes us not by movement, but by stillness.

[Nilofa Pervin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok – Stories of Culture, Faces, and Self-Discovery by Bhuban Patra
After a long time, I picked up a collection of short stories—and I wasn’t disappointed at all. These seven stories bring Bangkok vividly to life, making the city feel like a living, breathing presence. The subtitle Culture, Faces, and Self-Discovery truly lives up to its promise.
Each story introduces us to people from different backgrounds trying to find their place in an unfamiliar city. In many ways, Bangkok itself becomes the central character—observing, shaping, and absorbing their journeys. I particularly liked how the book reflects the lives of Indians living there, including the mention of an Indian WhatsApp group that keeps them connected to their roots and helps them stay grounded in a foreign land.
One story, Two Hours to Goodbye, felt slightly disconnected for me, as the events described could have taken place in almost any city. I found myself wondering why it was specifically set in Bangkok. However, this minor doubt doesn’t take away from the overall reading experience.
What truly stands out is the rich cultural texture layered throughout the stories. The vivid descriptions offer a fresh and intimate perspective of Bangkok. As someone who has never travelled there, this book felt like a soulful journey—almost like visiting the city through words.
If you enjoy travel-inspired fiction and stories rooted in culture and self-exploration, this book is definitely worth reading.

[Sneha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books announce themselves loudly. Wai Bangkok prefers to sit beside you quietly and let the city speak on its own terms. This collection of seven stories feels like overhearing real lives rather than reading crafted fiction. The focus is not on dramatic events but on subtle shifts inside people who arrive in Bangkok carrying questions they cannot fully explain.
What stood out to me was how naturally the stories flow. Each narrative feels independent yet emotionally connected through shared experiences of displacement, curiosity, and quiet longing. Bangkok appears through ordinary moments like rented rooms, chance encounters, lingering silences, and personal reflections. These details make the city feel intimate rather than exotic.
The writing is gentle and observant. It does not push emotions onto the reader but allows them to surface slowly. Themes of belonging, cultural adjustment, love, and self awareness are explored without judgment or urgency. The characters feel real because their struggles are understated and familiar.
This is not a book meant to be rushed. It works best when read slowly, one story at a time, allowing space for reflection. Wai Bangkok will resonate with readers who enjoy introspective fiction, emotional honesty, and stories that mirror the quiet moments of life rather than its noise.

[Lea Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces and Self-Discovery by Bhuban Patra is a wonderful read that connects one with the soul of the place.

The book is basically a collection of seven short stories, each of which starts with a person coming to reside in Bangkok with one or other agenda in mind. The stories then progress to encompass their various hues of emotions, from loneliness to self discovery to growth and character building, each with the essence of Bangkok in the background.

The story showcases how Bangkok is not just a place but a living, vibrating emotion where thousands of people come each year with different agendas in mind only to leave mesmerized.

I especially liked the story "diving into the deep" and "finding rio". The way it was mentioned that the person thought that the world started where he lived ,only to find the broad wide world of Bangkok and how we are only a small part of it, was an eye opener. Also, the way emotional situations are depicted so precariously and sweetly is a treat to read.

The book is a little slow paced as it should be for the emotional theme that it is trying to bring forward. In thai 'wai' is a form of greeting and this book truly is a greeting to every reader to the core of the place. The title is apt and the word building is good.

A really interesting and emotional read.

[Sayani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by the author and I loved it equally in this book, 'Wai Bangkok' is a collection of seven stories that gives us the touch,of Culture, dreams and Self-Discovery, is a fresh, evocative addition to contemporary travel-inspired fiction that does more than sketch a city it invites into Bangkok’s soul. Published in late 2025, this 179 page book is best described as a mosaic of moments and voices, each reflecting the beautiful complexity of life in a city that is both chaotic and contemplative.

In this book from the beginning the narrative sketched the city was not merely as a backdrop, but a silent character shaping every page. The book presents encounters with expatriates, locals, and wanderers alike, capturing the city’s vibrant contrasts: the crowded night markets and quiet rented apartments, the cultural missteps and heartfelt revelations

This approach gives the reader more than a travel diary; it offers glimpses where place and person intersect to spark introspection and change portraying themes of belonging, displacement, and quiet revelation. A recurring theme throughout the book is identity not just in the grand, dramatic sense, but in the small, tender spaces where culture and self overlap. A very honest and raw writing with an engaging narrative. A very honest and raw writing with an engaging narrative.

[Sushant Reader Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok is a beautiful collection of 07 short story written Bhuban Patra. In this book, each story of this book shows their passion for travel & Life there.It make you want to go to Bangkok right away.

Morever,it explore the themes of identity, self discovery love & belonging as well. All are woven very beautifully.

Environment of two different city written also, Mumbai vs Bangkok like

1) Mumbai: Mumbai was loud, chaotic, and unapologetically raw.

2) Bangkok: Bangkok, it carried a gentler pace. Chaos danced in perfect rhythm-a symphony where motorbikes weaved through boats, and street vendors greeted each other with smiles and respectful Wai's.

The book shows how being alone can help me understand myself better.

You would truly enjoyed a lot about how nature, diving, travel, and people are connected.

There are some story that made you pause and think about your life.

The Bookish Content that made you feel worth to read this book:

1) Book language is simple, accessible & most importantly meaning is very deep.

2) When you reading this book you would felt like having a beautiful conversations with yourself.

Book Reccomendation

Must read if you love to read short-story book or if you are fond of traveling .....you would definitely loved the book content.

[Fatima Shamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Wai Bangkok without any expectations, and it surprised me in a quiet way. The book doesn’t try to impress with big scenes or heavy twists. Instead, it follows people who arrive in a new city carrying their own doubts and emotional baggage. As I moved through the stories, I felt like I was observing lives gently unfolding rather than reading something dramatic. The city feels present, but in a calm, background way, almost like it’s listening more than speaking.

What worked for me was the stillness of the writing. The author focuses on inner thoughts, small interactions, and unspoken feelings. I liked how the stories gave importance to ordinary situations—being alone in a room, noticing unfamiliar customs, or feeling comfort in unexpected places. The writing is very clear and easy to follow, yet it manages to express deep emotions without sounding heavy or complicated. I never felt rushed while reading, which made the experience more personal.

Readers like me who enjoy slow, reflective stories would surely love these stories. It made me think about how places can change us quietly. When I finished it, the stories stayed in my mind like soft echoes rather than loud impressions.

[Preetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces, and Self-Discovery” by Bhuban Patra is a book that takes us into the world-famous city of Bangkok from a fresh and new perspective. It makes you feel, pause and truly notice the life around you.

The book contains seven stories about life in Bangkok and offers real insights into the place. Each one is written from the perspective of an Indian traveler, so it feels easy for us to connect with them. The beauty of this book is that the stories don't focus on the well-known tourist spots and destinations in Bangkok. Instead, they dive into everyday life like living in apartments, walking the streets, emotions with the people they meet and exploring the markets, etc.

The book also captures those lesser spoken feelings of travelers to Bangkok such as isolation or loneliness in a new country, cultural differences and the diversity of food etc. Each story portrays unique emotions and experiences but my favorite is “Two Hours to Goodbyes.” The narration feels realistic and along with the intense emotions of that place. The language is also simple and easy to read.

Overall, this book can make readers travel to that place within those pages and will inspire us to travel in real life to experience the same.

[Anwesha Guru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wai Bangkok is one of those rare books that sneaks up on you. What begins as a set of stories rooted in a city slowly unfolds into something far more intimate, a meditation on identity, displacement, and the quiet moments that shape who we become.

Bhuban Patra’s writing is gentle yet deeply evocative. Bangkok isn’t just a backdrop here; it feels alive, breathing through its people, cultures, and contradictions. Each story captures a fleeting emotion or encounter, making the reader pause and reflect rather than rush ahead. There’s a strong sense of in-betweenness throughout, between cultures, homes, and versions of the self, which makes the book especially resonant for anyone who has ever felt lost, uprooted, or quietly searching.

What I appreciated most was the restraint in the storytelling. The prose doesn’t try to impress; it simply feels honest. Some stories linger long after you’ve finished reading, not because of dramatic twists, but because of how achingly human they are.

This is not a fast-paced read, it’s a soulful one. Perfect for readers who enjoy reflective fiction, cultural nuance, and stories that sit with you rather than shout at you.

Highly recommended for anyone who believes cities change us, and sometimes help us find ourselves.

[Ishan Agrawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thailand especially Bangkok has become second home of Indian people over the years . But it has been stigmatized upto an extent that it is only considered a cheap foreign country where you can have all sort of refreshing vigors. This book shows that it is much more than that

Wai Bangkok is a collection of 7 short stories whose theme revolve around a lot of virtues the center of which is the city Bangkok. Wai is a greeting in Thai that simply means Hello . The book works as a convergence of various sentiments like a sense of belonging, loneliness , affection, identity and self acceptance. Through the eyes of characters it reflects many feelings like the effortless connection with nature and the feeling of self awareness

The story isn't dramatized at any juncture. Though it comes at the cost of pace as the tale moves very slowly and the ones who are not seasoned readers and picked the book thinking that it might be an adventurous read might get disappointed. Though for people who like slow burners it offers a lot and helps you introspect and reflect on your own life .

All in all a decent one time read.