the Grand Palace

We woke up mid morning, still tired from the long journey and decided to visit the grand Palace. One of the main features in Bangkok, an area with many Bhuddist Temples. We were advised a good way to get there was to catch a boat up the Chao Phraya river. This journey took around 30 minutes and brought us to a roadside directly opposite the Grand Palace. The smells were an array of drains, sweet tropical fruit and thai food on sale from the many vendors in the market and by the roadside.

On entering the Grand Palace I bought a small flower and some incense, to be placed (somewhere) as an offering to (someone). The Palace was full of military Thai soldiers with machine guns, and loads of kids on school outings. We ventured into one palace, having taken off our shoes and socks, sitting in front of the giant Buddha, our feet pointing away as a sign of respect.

After the Palace we caught a taxi back into the heart of the city to Patpong road to find somewhere to eat and have a mooch about.

We headed back to the hotel to get showered and changed as we were to be picked up later in the evening for a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. The macmeister did manage to rope us into doing something. Turned out to be a quality evening though. Picked up from the hotel, and eventually arrived at the riverside after going round in circles for about an hour. Had our photo taken on the docks and bordered the boat ready for dinner.

The food was pretty good, buffet with some cabaret guy singing all the classics. Had a few beers and pink lady’s on the roof (technical name?) of the boat, enjoying the heat and the passing temples lit up along the riverside.

After the boat ride we asked to be dropped back off in Patpong road for more shopping and drinks. We had a wander about and went to an Irish pub and had a guiness and another pink lady and some cheesy chips. Sat out on the balcony and watched the hustle and butle of the city. Was amazing to sit there and take in the sights of late night Bangkok. All the tuk tuk’s and thai taxi’s going by, the locals tyring to grab the attention of the passing tourists, the sounds and the smells of all the different food being cooked by vendors on the roadside.