Bangkok

by Sophie · 20th November 2013

We never intended on going to Bangkok this early but due to the worst typhoon ever recorded hitting the Philippines, we gladly diverted.

We knew that Asia would be a haggling culture. At the first opportunity we had to deal with this as the taxi driver from the airport tried to con us! After a few more frustrations we arrived at a comfortable hotel in the city centre. It was a haven away from what is a very bustling and slightly crazy feeling city which has many sides.

The atmosphere is quiet until about 1pm, then it’s bustling until after midnight. Many and most of the streets are lined with vendors selling street food and drinks. We lost count of how many times we were asked if we wanted a massage or suit to be made!

Our first day trip combined the floating market, a snake show and a thai woodcraft workshop – the must-dos! We haggled at the market, Soph held some pythons and came home with a little wood carving.

We visited the Grand Palace, Wat Po and got involved with the Loi Krasong festival. The Grand Palace was impressive, the buildings in this complex were laden with details, ornaments and jewels. Wat Po had an enormous reclining golden Buddha. It also had a very impressive number of decorated buildings within its complex.

On the Sunday, we joined in with the Loi Krathong festival celebrations, where thousands of gorgeous flower floats and candles are released down the river. The riverside was buzzing, but the local parks had a more peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

We also met up with friends – Pommi, his lovely wife, Pon and their handsome little one, Titus. Not just a great catch up, they gave us some tips for our visit and treated us to delicious and very spicy food!

At the end of our 5 days in Bangkok, we had spent over a month continuously in cities. We were ready for Thailand’s jewels… the beaches!

Bangkok tips:

If you’re thinking of upgrading your accommodation anywhere, do it in Bangkok. Not only can you get some great rooms at a reasonable price, it is also a treat to go back to somewhere peaceful after a day out on the chaotic streets!
Cabbages and Condoms restaurant – tasty food, pretty setting and all for a good cause.
The Deck restaurant – fantastic menu and views over the river to Wat Arun