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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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I arrived in Bangkok to the expected noise and hectic life that this city is known for. All at 10.30 a night, so It was nice to arrive in the quiter Thewes quarter to a comfortable room in a small guest house with aircon.
Next morning I had to move guest houses as there are no spare rooms for tonight, the one just along the alleyway seemed fine plus they could arrange for my Visas to be done which is great news, although I shall have to wait 2 extra days as there is a Budda festival on that means a 2 day public hoiday. So I had 4 days of time rather than the planned 2.
So once settled into my new guest house it was time to explore some of this vast and hectic city. I found a tuk tuk just outside and made for where everybody in Bangkok seemed to be going, The Grand Palace.
The beauty of this huge Placae which dates back to 1785 is hard to describe, its simply breathtaking, I know I have used this phrase so many times, but it is truly incredible to walk round, the amount of work and detail is overpowering. So much gold leaf and intricate detail in every building.
Today its only used for state functions, and is definately a mecca for visitors, although it has to be said that it is an absolute MUST when visiting Bangkok.
This is also the countries most sacred site, and according the guide book has a dress code, although no one said anything to me about open toed sandals.
So I spent a mezmerising morning here on a hot and very busy day but it was great to see, especially the wall murals which are being painstakingly restored.
From here I made my way the short distance to Wat Po, Bangkok's oldest temple, built in the 17th century this temple is most famous for housing the huge gold statue of the recling Buddha, not as grand as the Palace by any means, but the Buddha it very impresive and reason enough to visit.
By the time I had wondered around I was quite happy to return to the relative quite of the Thewes district and find a restaraunt for a meal and a beer which was much needed and a chance to refelect on my day.
For the following day I had booked a trip to the famous Damoen Saduak Floating Market by longtail boat, and The Bridge Over The River Quay. These are probably 2 of the most popular places to visit when you go within easy reach of Bangkok, but definately worth the effort.
Its an intersting, if not a little hairy ride through the canals with little or no room to pass boats going in the opposit direction equally as fast. The huge engines on these boats made famous in the Bond film seem ungainly and rather noisy at times, but this is what makes riding in these boats part of the experience.Passing unde bridges and through what appear to be warehouses on stilts one soone becomes lost as there are so many turns.
Eventually after about 1 hour we reach the market. Its not hard to see why we cannot go any further in such a large longtail boat. the canals are narrow and very very busy with turists, traders and locals alike. It hard to iamgine a more colourful and spectacular site, and every bit as I had imagined. A local lady punted us through the network of small canals amoungst the stalls on water, their small punts overflowing with everything from cups of tea to fruits and handicraft, its absolutely fascinating. We arrived back at the quay 30 minutes later with enough time to walk round and look down on this specticle.
So finally it was time to make our way to that famous bridge (which is in superb condition thanks to much restoration work). Perhaps to some it may seem not so inspiring, but personally I enjoyed seeing it. And I ahve to admit that bearing in mind the equipment available to construct such a b ridge that completing it in 3 months is impressive.
After a look round the equally impressive war museum and a walk on and over the bridge it was time to head back to Bangkok in mid afternoon.
The evening being spent refelecting on an intersting day over a beer and dinner at a local restaurant near the guest house.
The following day I visited The oldest teak building in nThailand, the Vimanmek Palace. Still used by the King today. Although you are not allowed to use a camera inside its well worth the short guided tour. From here I visited Wat Benjsmsbophit before catching a Tuk Tuk to China Town. Now I know what people mean about Bangkok being so busy, noisy, hot and poluted. But I am gald I went becouse it was just fascinating wandering through the markets.
Oh I forgot to mention, you need to watch the Tuk Tuk drivers, they willl tell you just about anything to lure to some expensive souveniver shop to buy goods where they will get a cut for bringing you along. So you have to be firm about where you want to go and do not let them suggest somewhere. Heed the warnings on the wall in the guest house and you wont go far wrong.
Now my four days in Bangkok are up. I have my Visas for Vietnam and Loas and tomorrow I fly to Saigon to start the next leg of my journey.
previous travel blog entry
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