Bangkok
Known as "The Venice of the East" Bangkok is a bustling metropolis with golden temples and night markets around every corner. Dozens of canals branch off the main Chao Phraya river which winds through Bangkok's city center like a serpent, making transportation abundant via metro, bus, river boat (like water bus), motorbike or hopping on any of the colorful taxis and elaborate tuk tuks found in bunches on every street and corner.
Day One
After a long flight from the States, we swung by the hotel to drop off our bags and were ready to explore. While wandering the streets of Silom we unexpectedly stumbled upon the Patpong market, the famous night market known for their cheap shopping, hundreds of knock-off designer goods, and of course Bangkok's red-light district. Just like anyone that's heard of it can imagine, Patpong's streets are lined with bars and many solicitors handing out menus to lure travelers into their "ping pong shows". A little overwhelming/crazy area, but interesting and lively for an evening stroll if your curiosity gets the best of you.
Day Two
We got up early and walked to the river to board a river bus for TB 15/person. It's basically a public transport boat that stops at various piers along the river and is a nice and inexpensive way to see some riverfront sites and high-end hotels. We disembarked at the Tha Tien Pier for a visit to Wat Pho, built in the 16th century being one of Bangkok's oldest and largest wats. The Wat Pho complex doesn't only feature the largest reclining Buddha (46m long and 15m high) but also showcases Thailand's largest collection of Buddha images and statues amidst temples and meditation areas.
  
Reclining Buddha feet (mother of pearl)
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| Wat Pho |
After Wat Pho, we hopped on another river boat to take us a quick 3 min ride almost directly across the Chao Phraya river to have a visit at Wat Arun. Established after the fall of Ayuthaya, King Taskin renovated the site with its local shrine (formerly Wat Jaeng) and created a royal palace and temple to house the Emerald Buddha. This temple was renamed after the Indian god of dawn (Aruna) and was built in honor of founding the new capital. Wat Arun is a must-see site not only because of its history, but also its most eye-catching feature, the 82m high Khmer style tower (prang), which provides rewarding views of the river and cityscape once surpassing a relatively steep stair climb. the prang is intricately made with pieces of Chinese porcelain.
The next stop of the day was the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the new home of the Emerald Buddha). Be advised that proper dress is required for all temples, but the Grand Palace is even more particular about their visitors' attire. Good thing the let you borrow conservative Thai garments for free. The Palace and temple grounds are sprawling with beautiful landscapes and picturesque architecture.
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| Wat Arun |
When then took a tuk tuk to Khao San Road to get a glimpse of the lively backpacker area. On Khao San, we had our first real Thai foot massage (about usd$6). Uh-mazing end to a long walking day.
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| Tuk Tuk ride in Bangkok |
Day Three
Another full sightseeing day. Had a peruse in MBK, a huge indoor shopping mall, and Siam Square, another large shopping district. Then walked to see the National Stadium and took a guided tour of The Jim Thompson House, the former home of an American silk entrepreneur and Thai art collector. The house is a collection of parts from various Thai homes from central Thailand that were reassembled in its current location. Thompson, a prior architect, added certain Western elements to the property while still maintaining the overall Thai design and feel.
Before stopping by the hotel for an afternoon nap, we swung by Chinatown and got lost in a maze of shopping alleys. We ended the night at Sky Bar at the Sirocco, where drinks were overpriced (at about usd$17/drink) but good, and the night cityscape views--spectacular.
The following day we got a little more sightseeing done and had dinner by the river before hopping on our overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Average dining costs: 200 TB for an appetizer or dessert, main entree and Chang beer.
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| City view from Sky Bar |
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| Dinner at Hemlock, near Chao Phraya River |
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