Four Days in Bangkok

One of Bangkok's Military Formation

Arrived in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport one afternoon from Osaka. I have cruised the Chao Phraya river, enjoyed the food in the Floating Restaurant, purchased souvenirs in the Floating Market, and wandered the city of Bangkok to see the temples and all things nice.  These happened in just 5 days.  It was my second trip to Bangkok, the first being 6 years back, and just as exciting as the first.

Denchai & Kwan - Our New Friends from Bangko

I will always cherish our time together with our new Thai friends Denchai and Kwan.  Very pleasant and hospitable couple.  I met them in Osaka which was the first leg of my Asian tour.  It only took us few minutes to talk and exchange ideas and became comfortable to each other.  In the end, they invited us to come to Bangkok and gave us their contact information so that we can give them a call when we land in their city.  It was actually my third Asian destination out of the five Asian countries I have in my itinerary.  

GrandTowerInnHotel Front Desk

Thai Airways touched down the airport after which, I took a cab with my family who were with me and checked in to the Grand Tower Inn Hotel in the city centre.  It was a four-star hotel with amenities that anyone will think that it deserve more stars to their ranking.  Well, the nice accommodation that we had speaks for the high room rates.  I pay not a single baht though.  I used my split-week from one of the timeshares I own.  The QVIClub published my review/comments on the hotel's spacious and comfortable suite conducted in an interview at their Singapore office. 

Denchai & Kwan

I had the telephone number ready in my wallet so I called Kwan.  "We arrived in the city from Japan 2 days ago", so she said.  She was so excited and have called Denchai in his office and came over to the hotel.  I remember Kwan's few words when they came to see us...."Tomorrow, we will be your tour guide for the whole day and whole night...and...don't worry, she said --- it is for free.  Full of humour indeed!  And it all did happen in one day and one night.  A very pleasant and memorable adventure that they gave us. It feel like we were friends for a long time.  They never let us pull money from my pocket, though I really feel uncomfortable doing this.  Both of them are very humble though anyone will notice that they are well-off.  With all the luxury that they have, a big house, a nice and expensive car. 

People of Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is the largest city.  It is not only the temples and palaces that is popular.  For many years, boats has been the means of transportation in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.  At Chao Phraya river, you will see a lot of small boats plying the river to different destinations. Even then, you will be charmed with the peaceful atmosphere of the waterways.  Cruising the legendary Chao Phraya River is a must-see and must-do. You will have a glimpse of the hospitable local people.  You will see them busy with their daily lives along the banks.  For a tourist, this is the best way of cruising the river. 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

I went around the busy markets and the floating market which is a little farther from the centre.   Damnoen Saduak continues to offer an authentic experience though it is increasingly becoming  touristy.  Hundreds of wooden row boats floating by, selling with farm fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.  Many locals live along the canals and that is why a floating market is necessary for their daily livelihood. The market is situated in Damnoen Saduak district in Ratchaburi province, 105 kilometres away from Bangkok. Allow at least 2 hours travel time from Bangkok city centre to this famous floating market.
Direction By Car:
From Bangkok via Thonburi-Paktoh Highway to Samut Songkhram Town.  Follow the sign to Damnoen Saduak (Highway 325).

Street Vendor in Thailand

Not far from my hotel is the Chatuchak Weekend Market which is considered the world's largest weekend markets.  I learned that it contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods coming from different parts of Thailand  With everything from antiquities, trendy fashions, silk, amulets and other items which made it difficult to decide because the choices are endless.  We bought quite a lot of clothings and local handicrafts and had to grab some souvenir items. They are cheap as they sell at local price even to tourists ~~~ nevertheless,  remember to haggle on anything that you want including the ones I mentioned earlier. I spent more than half a day shopping with my family.  I did not like shopping but this time I had to go with the flow as these are real bargain. This market is open on Saturdays and Sundays.  The nearby attractions include JJ Mall, Chatuchak Park, Children's museum, Train Museum, Chatuchak Plaza, and Jatujak Day & Night.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is at Payolhothin Road which is five minutes walk from Mo Chit Skytrain Station and Suan Chatuchak Station

View of the Grand Palace in Bangkok

The next three days were spent scouring the tourist attractions that everyone is talking about.   The Grand Palace caught my attention. It's spectacular!  I was amazed with the beautiful architecture and intricate details.  You are allowed inside the reception hall where you will find the antique throne.  You should not miss seeing this.  I guess it is Bangkok's most famous landmark.  You can go around and see the whole complex where you will be entering the Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.  As I have mentioned earlier, dress appropriately when you visit the palace.  No short pants and sleeveless shirts are allowed for men.  Women should be modestly dressed with no see-through clothes and bare shoulders.  But women have other options if they are improperly dressed and still want to go inside ~ they can proceed to a booth near the entrance.  They will provide you clothes to cover you up.  For men, no other option - you cannot even wear sandals.  If you do, you should wear socks.  If your itinerary is hectic, be aware of the dress code regulations while in Thailand and anywhere in the world.

Grand Palace Complex in Bangkok

I have learned that the Grand Palace is the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since the 18th century. King Bhumibol Adulyadej does not reside here, though.  The King resides at the Chitralada Palace.
Palace is Open Daily from 8:30AM - 3:30PM
Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)


I had a glimpse of the Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn.  It has become one of the most recognized temple landmarks. It consists of a huge elongated tower, surrounded by four small ones. You will have a good view of this structure from a distance.  Restaurants on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya river is recommended as it is a good place to view the temple. 
Direction to Wat Arun: Go to the pier southwest corner of Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew and take the Tha Tien Express boat which leaves every few minutes.  

Wat Pho in Bangkok

In the old city, Wat Pho is located in the Rattanakosin district adjacent to the Grand Palace. It is the home of the reclining buddha and more than a thousand images of smaller buddhas collected mostly from the ruins of the former capitals, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.  It is better known as Wat Phra Chetuphon to local Thais.  Yes, the reclining buddha is the highlight of this Wat.  The feet and the eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl decor.  To go to the entrance of Wat Pho, head out to Chetuphon Road.  It is open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. A tour guide might not be necessary to enter Wat Pho as you can make your way.

Streets of Bangkok

Bangkok is a tropical country and is a traveller-friendly, so much so that the people are so welcoming and nice to the tourists. It is always hot in Bangkok, sunny all year round with a temperature of 30°C (86°F) or even higher.  


Plan a trip to Thailand and include Bangkok in your itinerary.  You will be glad you read some detailed information right here in my blog.