Yes, it is true, we have arrived to the last part of this long journey through a big country and I can say already now, that I will be there one day again, as I could just see a touch of all the things which are there. And thinking about the countries next to Thailand, then we have to make big plans for the future.
But now we are in Bangkok. Big town and best to reach with a Minibus, because otherwise it takes much more time to arrive, as the city has a lot of traffic and many rush hours. Usually most Minibuses arrive at the Victory Monument which is deep inside the town and there is the underground, taxis and other vehicles to come forward to your hotel. Again I can say I choose well in looking up a hotel. Yes, the hotel was in the middle of the town but all the high skyline was not exactly in front of the window. Instead I had trees and a big view and a room in Art Deco.
Discover Bangkok is not hard, even known the traffic can be tricky but the underground is easy and taxis everywhere. Just make sure you have some clothes to warm you in the underground as it is cold inside.
Arriving at a weekend means you have to immediately drive to the Chatuchak Market. Right next to the Catuchak Park station. It's a very big market with everything you can imagine to buy. Art, food, corny things, religious things, cloths, china, furnitures, silver, etc. etc. etc... A very big market and easy to get lost inside. Plan a minimum of two hours with your visit. But you sure will find presents there for your beloved one. There is even a Post office to send things home.
Next stop is of course the China town and the Golden Mountain with the Wat Saket. You'll get to see the whole town and all the big bells. You are just next to China Town and step up and down. Then after all go on the street inside a little coffee or sit outside, as you wish and rest.
Chinatown itself is bigger as you may think and all the houses are build as they had the chance to do and old and new are next to each other that it should feel strange, but no... it felt very relaxed and interesting. Just keep focus where you are! Then take a cap to the hotel to eat at the evening or go to disco.
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| a school in China town |
Next day was to take a cap to the river at the Saphan Taksin station from the overground. There you go into a boat and take the way to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon.
The Palace is the Emerald Buddha Grand Palace and the most important Wat. Here you are not allow to wear short cloths, leggings and shoulder free shirts. You even have to take your hat of. Be also prepared for a mass of tourist and a different styles of buildings. Also the prices went up again and the entry cost more then last year. But the renovation and restoration is making progress as I heard from a friend and so you will see a lot new and renewed. There is also the best massage school in Thailand and so take the opportunity and book a massage, even thought you have to wait mostly en half hour before it's your turn. Then after the palace go back to the boat, but then just the street and on the other side of the boat dock there is the biggest sleeping Buddha. Surprise here is, that you can't shoot him in one peace. Not looking like on the postcards. But then.. Big.
Big is also the important Jade Buddha which was once in Ayutthaya.
After all this it's river time again and back to where you started. Then it will be around four a clock maybe and so taking a cap is not the best idea, as you'll stand in traffic more then drive. So overground or motorbike is it then.
Around underground station SiLom and Lumphin there are many god restaurants and that's why dinner was there to take.
Of course Bangkok has much more to offer and so just look up what you like and go there. Shopping is best at King Power Downtown Complex (above from the Chatuchak Market). To buy a traffic ticket for three days by the way won't be the best idea, as it is only underground or overground. So better pay before you drive. And remember caps/taxis are cheap in Bangkok, just make sure they use the Taxameter.
Now the last pictures and the next Blog will be about Tips and what to know and what to do in Thailand.
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| long liv the King and he works here |
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| inside he lays the sleeping/laying Buddha |
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| boat dock |
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| in the back the Wat Arun- seems gray, but it is white |
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| some boats look like houses |
LOVE & LIGHT
