The Photography of Dr. Jeff Harper

If you are ever in or around the Charoen Krung Road area of Bangkok (near the Shangri-La and Oriental hotels), pop in the Harmonique Restaurant . . . one of the most visually interesting restaurant in the world . . . and very good traditional Thai food.  Bring your camera!

The Harmonique is located down a dark alley, literally . . .

. . . but a look in the front window will reveal a warm and welcoming enironment.

You'll be spiritually safe within, as the space over the front door has the complete set of spirit chasers in place.

The entry way in seems like something out of a 19th Century novel.

The restaurant is actually a 19th century Chinese family home, converted to a restaurant in the 1950s,  with all the original architectural details intact to this day.

The lighting creates an extraordinary ambiance.

There are tables in small inner rooms, and some in an open air courtyard.  We sat inside a lovely room, as there was a light rain falling.

The view from the inside looking out is just as interesting and complex.

The spaces are decorated with an abundance of interesting old Thai arts and crafts.

Some arrangements were absolutely amazing . . .

. . . and some were very humorous.

I find the live electrical wires interesting . . . it is worth a walk around to study the details of this old Thai house.

I discovered these restaurant awards.

An old family friend, Khun V, acted as the perfect host. We were out on the town with a visiting friend from Hong Kong, Vicky

We had a wonderful meal . . . a nine dish set of traditional Thai delicacies . . .

. . . I loved these . . .

. . . and these were delicious.

My wife enjoyed the coconut ice cream with mango slabs. 

We paid up at the front (reasonable cost) and headed out into the alley.

We were greeted by a friendly Thai tuk-tuk tout, but we had driven.

I enjoyed the walk down the dark alley to our car: a chance to test the low light capability of my new Sigma 50mm f1.4 lens.  WOW!

Our little reptilian friends work day and night to keep the mosquito population down.  Thanks little buddy!

Although this alley might seem a little spooky at night (it wasn't), by day it is full of kindergartners from this charming old school.

I glanced over and looked down a walking path and saw this golden Buddhist chedi buried in the urban mesh of a Bangkok night; a fantastic vision.  This is one of the things I love about Bangkok: the things you see are always surprising.

The free vinyl stickers of the Big Cola advertisers make for good home repair material.

We made it to our car at the end of the alley.  A good time was had by all.  There are always people out and about in Bangkok at all hours of the day and night.  Civic culture to be enjoyed, and witnessed.