The last stop on our three country vacation was Bangkok, Thailand. Now fully convinced that having a guide is a perfect way to explore a big city, we hired a local professional to show us around. This proved to be very valuable for a couple reasons. One was the governmental protest had the city in gridlock at certain locations thus the guide had knowledge on how to navigate the tour to see everything we wanted in the most efficient manner. Secondly Bangkok has a wonderful transportation network for commuting as we used road taxis, water taxis, elevated trains, and subways to avoid congestion that comes with living in a large city. So our four day adventure began!
Day One
So we board our first water taxi and headed to see the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. The Grand palace is a complex of buildings right in the heart of Bangkok. The King and the royal government remained on the grounds until 1925, however several royal functions are held here each year. Rather than a single structure there are numerous buildings, halls, pavilions, and gardens that makeup the complex containing 200 years of history. The Emerald Buddha Temple is contained in the grounds of the Palace.
Our next stop within the complex was the Royal Regalia Museum. The museum showcased royal Thai decorations and is considered a national treasure. Unfortunately for these reasons no cameras were allowed and thus no pictures.
Next we headed to see the Royal Reclining Buddha Temple (officially named Wat Pho). Inside the temple the giant reclining Buddha rests. Inside there are 108 bronze bowls indicating the characters of Buddha. People drop coins in these bowls as it is believed to bring good luck and also support the Monks.
On our way to see the Golden Buddha Temple we took a tuk tuk over to the Bangkok Flower Market. The vibrant colors were amazing and the cheap prices would have us coming back daily to buy flowers if we could.
Next stop was the Golden Buddha Temple to see the world's largest solid gold statue weighing 5.5 tons. The gold Buddha was discovered when it was accidentally dropped in a moving process which revealed a coat of plaster hid the gold underneath. Our day concluded by traveling back to the hotel and enjoying a wonderful Thai meal at the Blue Elephant restaurant.
Day 2
Our day started by taking a long-tailed boat ride along the Chao Phraya River so we could see all of Thai lifestyles. We witnessed the contrast between luxurious condominiums and very old homes along the river.
As our boat ride continued we passed the Grand palace and stopped at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn (named after the Indian God of dawn). This was a very striking riverside landmark as we approached with our boat. This Buddhist Temple is to represent Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. We climbed the very steep stairs to the top to see some great views of the waterfront and city, not for those terrified of heights!
Our next stop was an on-site add by Natalie and I am glad she did, we stopped at the Jim Thompson House and Museum. The house follows traditional Thai structures and was built as Jim built his silk empire in the 50's and 60's. He became a collector of Southeastern Asian Art which is on display. Of course Natalie also indulged in the gift shop buying some great silks.
Our day concluded with the Siam Niramirt Cultural Show.The show takes place on a stage listed in the Guinness Book of Records due to it's size. The show included hundreds of performers as you witness past and present Thai culture. No cameras were allowed in the show, however before the show began there was lots to see and do outside the theater.
Day Three
Our day began with a boat ride on the Mae Klong River as we traveled to see the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Our boat ride concluded with arrival at the bridge referred to as the "Death Railway" as a reminder of the thousands of POW's and forced labors who lost their lives in the Second World War during construction of the railway.
Next we walked to an elephant village where another ride was enjoyed by all of us. Every encounter with animals we always seem to have a special moment, as was true of this elephant visit. During the ride the elephants took a stroll into the river, allowed us to sit on their shoulders, and at the end posed for some special photos with us all.
Our last stop for the day was Tiger Temple, or Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua). This was a truly amazing experience that we will all remember! It was a three hour drive from the city however worth every minute. At the Temple we were able to walk with the Tigers, have some great photos opportunities and greatest of all play with the baby Tigers. We all had a blast, well Brady was a little frightened...
Day Four
On this day we started with a visit to the Railway Market, as the Mae Klong railway runs straight through the middle of the market. As one of the largest seafood markets in Thailand, the shop owners move back from the rails when the train approaches.
Next we stopped to visit a traditional Thai house.
After this we traveled to see a colorful Thailand Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi Province. We board a canal boat to view the native life along the canal banks and then arriving at the market where boats carry goods for purchase. Also along the backs are many souvenirs and art work to purchase, of course we bought a painting to bring home.
Lastly we completed our trip to Bangkok by visiting the Asiatique Night Market and Ferris Wheel. We have often traveled through Thailand as a main airport hub, but I am glad we found the time to explore this very interesting city.
