WOW – the size of the pagoda is impressive but also what an unexpected decoration style! Detail photos in next post.
Another interesting feature were again the many Asians dressed up in traditional clothing, posing everywhere, photographers swarming them like paparazzis. I didn’t mind having any of the pretty ladies walking into my photos. I actually tried to take sneaky photos of them.
This temple is Khmer style and is located across the river from the Grand Palace.
I was a little bit worried about street food to be honest. We Westerners do have a different hygiene standard, however, I got salmonella in a 4 star restaurant in Hamburg once, so maybe not?
I think it’s best not to see the kitchen, just to enjoy the food. Well, having said that I actually enjoyed watching my food being prepared at NAVA Pad Thai. The kitchen is at the front of the restaurant, very open, very organised, very simple.
Open from 10am to 7pm they are cooking non-stop. Many locals order lunch in advance. Always a good sign when locals eat there.
Every day after my sightseeing I went straight to NAVA, and got greeted like a regular. I would get a watermelon smoothie from next door then settle down in the small, air conditioned restaurant and watch the magic happen.
Seen at Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.
Only 30 minutes walk from my hotel, crossing two 4-6 lane roads with traffic that make London and NYC look empty. The air pollution is not necessarily visible but I can feel it in my throat.
Just before the palace complex is a hidden oasis underground. A huge marble tiled hall with benches and restrooms – fully air conditioned. Pure bliss. I stopped there whenever my way took me past just to bring down my body temperature. On the walls hang blown-up posters of the palace and Bangkok through the ages.
At the entrance to the palace many guides try to sell their services. In hindsight it would have been good to have somebody explain the stories behind the beautiful paintings. Next time. I like to explore at my own pace.
Security is high, soldiers in immaculate uniforms everywhere. Tourists in shoulder and knee free attire are directed to the stalls outside to buy appropriate clothing. I find it astonishing that people don’t read up customs in countries they visit. Or just employ common sense. You wouldn’t go to church like that, would you?
Once inside the palace walls my senses got flooded with exotic architecture, gold everywhere, colourful glittery mosaics, and Asians dressed up in old traditional clothing. The King and I sprang to mind.
Popped into Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center.
Admission is free.
turned out to be not enough. I just loved wandering the streets, looking at the many different temples and having Thai food daily, so in the end, I stayed seven nights.
My hotel was conveniently located only 10 minutes walk across a canal from Khao San with all its markets and bars, but far away enough to be in a quiet area with no drunken tourists.
My deluxe double room was on the 5th floor (thankfully there was an elevator) and featured a kingsize bed, ensuite with toilet and shower separated, an air condition unit and a slim balcony with a nice view over roof tops towards Wat Sam Praya temple and Rama VIII bridge. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Can recommend.
Grand Palace, Golden Mount and Phra Arthit Ferry Port are all within 30 minute walking radius.
