Busy day exploring today, so we started early.
Andy was up and out at 6.30am, completing his daily 10k run around the streets of Sathon.
After we’d both ‘run the gauntlet’ and had a quick shower looking down to the 29 floors below, we tucked into a decent breakfast, before we departing in a Grab taxi before 9am. Our first stop was Sanam Luang (city park) the municipal heartland, where the Supreme Court is located along with the amusingly named Old Big Gun Museum. From there we headed north to the National Gallery and the Soi Ram Buttri area.
Having walked through the genteel Soi Ram Buttri, we moved on to the more ‘interesting’ Khao San Road, a place Andy visited some 30yrs ago back in 1994.
It’s fair to say the place has changed a little in the interim, but it still attracts the weird and the wonderful in equal measures.
After Andy’s reminiscing of days gone by, we returned to Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd and the Democracy Monument, before briefing pick up a tuk tuk with the intention of seeing the sights for a hour or two.
Despite having agreed a fee with the driver, he was keen for us to spend more and do some tours he would drive us to. We agreed this wasn’t on the cards, so he kindly told us he wasn’t going to charge us, but he wanted us to get out! Best laid plans foiled, but at least we had 10mins in a tuk tuk at no cost!
With a hour or so to spare, we had a walk around the Royal Pavilion before moving on to Rommaninat Park, where we stopped for a drink and a rest.
Early afternoon we headed to the cycle tour meeting point and met with the friendly guide Tommy, a Chinese Thai who has been running the ‘back streets of Bangkok’ for the last couple of years since Covid restrictions were lifted.
The cycle tour took us through some of the less well trodden streets, but it was so interesting to see the locals going about their business and realising how little they have financially, but how happy they appeared to be.
Michelle was a little unsure about the cycle tour at the start, but quite quickly got the hang of it and really enjoyed herself.
We both loved visiting the temples, which Tommy seemed able to access at no cost and enabled us to see so much more than we imagined. The temples are a feast for the eye, with bright colours, notably gold, drawing you in. It truly takes your breath away, given their scale and elaborate design.
Big Buddhas are here there everywhere and draw in the crowds. It’s a spectacle that you just don’t see in European places of worship.
We visited the latest and largest Buddha to land in the city, which was only finished in 2021 standing at 225ft in height and 130ft wide. You really can’t miss it!!
With temple overload starting to set in, Tommy took us to see his local food market, where fruits, vegetables and cooked fish and chicken were being sold to the locals. The food looked so fresh and delicious, although some were a little alien to us and needed explanation or a pre- purchase taste.
After 3hrs of fun cycling across 15k of paths, some more even than others, we finished up back at the start. Tommy was a great guide, very knowledgeable and was able to take a few photos and videos whilst we meandered around Bangkok.
After saying goodbye to our Dutch cycling buddies, we caught the SkyTrail back to our hotel and changed ready to visit one of the night markets, at the fashionable Asiatique on the Waterfront.
This modern take on a night market, was part shopping mall, part theme park, but most importantly a great location to pick up some local Thai cuisine at reasonable prices.
After seeing chicken pad Thai and corn on the cob, we were both in like a shot and we quickly devoured the plates. As we let the food settle we took a wander along the riverside and watched the numerous riverboats pass by, set against lit up skyscrapers.
After a beer and some sweet treats, we made a move back to the hotel to recharge our batteries before we go again tomorrow for another walking tour around the Grand Palace.
@travellingwiththeateam 