Temples. Thai Food. Thirty Five Degrees.

by cottontailsandcupcakes

The reason it’s been quiet around here?
I booked a last minute trip to South East Asia and have had my head in the books swotting up! 10 days to plan a three country trip was cutting it fine by my standards!

The journey here was fairly comfortable although Abu Dhabi airport is a bit of a whirlwind. I am writing this post whilst waiting for a domestic flight in Don Mueng Airport, Bangkok.

We have spent the last two days exploring Bangkok. It is a mahoussive city but the local transport systems are well set up for tourists and allow you to see the bits you want without needing to traipse the streets. Our hotel was in the ‘Suk Road’ area. A two minute walk from BTS Asoke and MRT.

Our first night in Bangkok was a late arrival. Following a hefty long haul flight, all we needed was dinner and bed. We got the Airport Express and BTS to Asok. Here is a shopping centre called Terminal 21. It has 5 floors one of which is a food court, pier 21 (4th floor). We loaded 500baht (£9ish) onto a card and had a stroll around. We ventured for pork noodles (30baht) and Char Sui Pork and rice (40 baht), followed by a smoothie (30 baht), a meal for two 100 baht. Bargain. A short walk to the hotel and zzzzz.

Day 2 in Bangkok. Feeling bardy and yuck. Temple time. A quick stop first at the shopping mall again for breakfast, beef noodle boat and water x2 (80 baht). Then on to the BTS to Sathorn, for central pier. We got on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier (40 baht one way).

On arrival to Tha Chang it suddenly becomes a ‘everyones out to scam you area’. One gentleman tried informing us the grand palace is shut until 2pm. Ahh..you liar. The grand palace is open 8.30am to 3.30pm. They basically want you to go and spend money In the markets whilst you wait. We swiftly moved on and entered the ‘open’ Grand Palace. The dress code is strict, no shoulders or knees. I borrowed a sexy shirt to combo up with my scarf/sarong/ wrap skirt affair. Looking as fetching as we strolled around. Considering the hefty 500 baht entry fee there was a distinct lack of information. As lovely as the buildings were, I have no idea what they were for!

We continued onto Wat Pho ‘Temple of the reclining Buddha’ (100baht).

A quick hop on the cross river ferry (3 baht one way) to Wat Arun ‘Temple of Dawn’. You can see this temple from the cityscape, blending in with the high rise buildings and neon advertising. 

Once again we found ourselves in the shopping centre for supper. The 500 baht lasted us 4 meals for two with plenty of drinks too.

Old Bangkok City is all of Bangkok I felt I needed to explore. I’ll believe you if you tell me I missed out by not going to Khao San Rd. The typical things you associate with Bangkok can easily be avoided. Well assuming that you assume that every massage parlour you see is actually a massage parlour.

We have just touched down in Krabi Airport and are going to Ao Nang!