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BANGKOK THAILAND 2004
" My Chauffeur and His Family "
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I credit most of the Joy I had in Bangkok and how I felt For Thailand, to My close friend and Chauffeur Hai.
I can not begin to describe, the true love You feel from this Person and his Family
If the people of the World felt and showed even one tenth of the Love Hai and his family showed Me, to each other,
There would be No killings, and No war, in the World.
Hai took Me from one end of Bangkok and surrounding areas to the other,
and Bangkok is a town of ten Million people ( BIG TOWN!! ).
I bought Him and his Family Many gifts and took them to my favorite Restaurant on the 83rd floor
( The tallest building in Thailand - The Baiyoke Hotel ), several times.
You can tell, He Loved every minute of our time together, from the bottom of his heart.
How many People do you know, do things from the bottom of their Heart,
with No pay Back expected in the future ?
" My favorite Restaurant "
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Bangkok's "Sky Restaurant" on the 76th & 78th floor. The highest International Smorgas Board breakfast in town,
which is serving a wide variety of European, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Muslim, Vegetarian and Thai food.
Buffet Breakfast is served from 05.30am - 10.00am. Daily lunch & dinner,
including free admission to the Observation Deck and Sky Walk
( * Observation & Revolving Roof Decks Service Hours 10.30am - 10.30 pm.on the 77th & 84th floor ).
I enjoyed the panoramic view of Bangkok and the tasty delights of the International buffet.
I was entertained By and had fun with, the "Robot", and the "Joker"
among the vast array of entertainment, We had daily.
It was Open daily for lunch from 11.00am - 2.00pm and dinner from 5.30pm - 10.00pm.
My Hotel and My Maid
I have never felt More Loved and Honored, then in Bangkok, with my Hotel maid.
My room was on the tenth floor and I could not stand or walk very well, because of a car accident,
so I would call down to the front desk every moring for someone to come get me with a wheel chair,
to go down for breakfast in the Hotel Resaurant.
I would hobble out to the elevator and wait.
Because I could not stand very long, I would sit on the floor until the wheel chair arrived.
My Maid Mao, would see Me and stop cleaning the rooms, and come running quickly to my side,
bow-ing several times as She approached.
When she got to my side, she would take off her shoes and sit in front of me with Her head lower then mine,
and wait until my wheel chair came.
Other people told Me, it was to Honor Me.
She would put fresh flowers by my bed and sitting chair, and would turn back my covers and sheets in an upside down V ,
and fold my towels the same way.
Other people said, it was to Honor Me. No Greater Love and Honor, have I ever felt than from Her.
I would bow many times and say " Ka Poo Kaw " ( Thank You in Thai ) to Her Many times.
The Hotel was - the Princton Park Suites -5 star Hotel -
with a Restaurants, Bar, Pool,Gym, Spa, Grocery store; Frig. and Bar in every room.
No.3Mitmaitri Road, Din Daeng District,Bangkok 10400 Thailand. Tel. 66-2617-4600 Fax. 66-2617-4699
" The Ancient City "
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" DUSIT ZOO "
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Description
I escaped Bangkok for a few hours and saw how Thais like their zoos: with festivity and fun spread between the cages.
The Zoological Park Organization is Under the Royal Patronage of HM The King --
. Housed here are a respectable number of mammals, reptiles and birds -- elephants, giraffes,
a few tigers, bears, crocodiles, gibbons and other banana eaters, eagles and possums.
Living conditions are more miserable than those in many western zoos.
The management has been trying to shift towards housing more smaller (cheaper) animals rather than the big (expensive) ones.
But the biggies are the crowd-pullers, so the elephants and tigers are still there,
doing their sad tricks to please the masses.
Weekends are usually very busy, So go during the week if posible.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00am-6:00pm.
How to get there: Buses 18 and 108 run past the entrance, while bus 8 runs nearby. On Ratchawithi Road
WAT TRAIMIT
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Description The Buddha is over 700 years old but it was not until 1955 that it was discovered to be solid gold.
The incredible five-metre high Buddha image here is solid gold and weighs around five tonnes.
It is the largest solid gold Buddha in the world and is one of Thailand's (and Buddhism's) greatest treasures.
It was encased in plaster at some stage -- probably to hide it from marauding Burmese --
and it was not until it was chipped while being moved that its hidden splendour was uncovered.
Some of the plaster is on display in a side cabinet.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00am-5:00pm.
The wat is about a five-minute walk from Hualamphong train station along Trai Mit Road.
Off of Traimit Road .
WAT PHO
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Description
This is Bangkok's largest and oldest temple.
This immense complex is the largest temple in Bangkok and is reputed to be Thailand's oldest learning centre.
Quite fittingly, it also contains the oldest and largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. The feet of the Buddha,
which are over 3m long, have been inlaid with mother-of-pearl displaying 108 different characteristics of the Buddha.
The gold-plated statue is 46m long and 15m high and represents the ascension of Buddha to Nirvana.
The wall facing the Buddha is lined with collection cups into each of which you can drop a coin.
Small change is available at the desk.
You can also purchase temple rubbings made from cement casts of marble reliefs removed from ruins at Ayutthaya.
One of the galleries in the northeastern corner of the compound houses 394 Buddha images.
The building itself is a three-tiered temple, with Chinese rock sculptures at its entrance.
The walls of another sanctuary are adorned with relief plaques that delicately retell stories from the Ramakien.
You will also notice four chedis that were built to represent the first four kings who ruled during the current Chakri dynasty.
The original temple dates from the 16th century,
although the complex was entirely rebuilt in the late 18th century.
Wat Pho is also home to a Traditional Medicine School and in the afternoons your ailments can be treated by traditional methods.
Traditional massage is also available -- try one with a herbal poultice -- and classes are held for foreigners.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00am-5:00pm.
How to get there: Wat Pho is situated to the south of the Grand Palace between Thai Wang, Sanamchai, Chetupon and Mahathat Roads.
It's about a five-minute walk south of Sanam Luang and the entrance is on Thai Wang Road.
The closest pier for the Chao Phraya River Express is Tha Tien, buses 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 25, 48 and A/C 44 all run along Chetuphon Road.
South of the Grand Palace.
Thailand statistics
Capital: Bangkok
Population: 65 million (est.)
Area: 514,000 sq km
Tourists: 12,000,000 (2004 est.)
BENCHASTRI PARK
This is a square of green in the concrete jungle.
This veritable oasis in the midst of Sukhumvit's relentless noise and pollution,
was originally the site of the Meteorology Department,
but was converted to a park to commemorate the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1992.
Unfortunately an array of huge old trees were cut down as they didn't fit with the landscapers plans.
Today the park is quite lush in a landscaped kind of way and is popular with office workers on lunch breaks
and the masses of aerobics fans who stream in for the free early morning and afternoon classes.
Although only a fraction of Lumpini Park's size,
it's still a welcome relief to have a green spot in this grey part of the city.
Benchasiri's not worth a trip across the city to visit, but if you're in the area, it's worth taking a stroll around.
Or bop along to an aerobics class.
Opening Hours: Daily 05:00am-8:00pm
How to get there: The park entrance is right beside Phrom Phong BTS and the Emporium shopping complex.
Sukhumvit Road between sois 22 and 24.
BOONSMAKAN VEGETARIAN HALL
A place of fine carvings, an interesting spot.
This small, tricky-to-find hall is worth a look both during the vegetarian festival,
when it is a highlight and the rest of the year as well. The hall features some intriguing wood carvings,
particularly some three-dimensional work on the upstairs front area along with the usual dragons and phoenixes.
Inside there is more ornate carvings and some strikingly altars.
Opposite the hall is a stage area used for performances during the vegetarian festival.
How to get there: Walk down Ratchawong Road, past Sampaeng Lane, till you reach a small soi that runs off to your right.
The Thonburi Textile Mills will be just ahead on the other side of the road. Walk down the soi to the end and you'll be at the hall.
Alternatively, continue down Ratchawong Road till you reach Anuwong Road, turn left and take the second tiny soi on your right.
Follow it to the end and turn left. Off Anuwong Road
CHRISTIAN CEMETERY
This a return of the living dead. This historic cemetery spanning Silom Soi 9 is now in a pretty poor state,
with the remains of those buried here slowly being relocated,
following the introduction of laws forbidding burials within city limits.
Many of the graves are open or have been smashed, though some such as the Xavier Crypt are still intact.
Given the value of the land, it's not difficult to imagine there being ulterior motives for the change in regulations,
particularly as dead continue to be buried in other parts of town.
DUSIT THRONE HALL
This circa-1904 white hall, built for King Rama V, houses a mother-of-pearl throne topped by a regal umbrella.
The umbrella may appear a bit tatty, but that's because it is only changed when a new king accedes to the throne,
and the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world's longest reigning monarch.
The hall is home to an interesting array of work crafted by members of the catchily-named
Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques Foundation (SUPPORT), which is sponsored by the Queen.
Handicrafts range from traditional clothes and baskets to silverwork and sculptures made from beetle wings.
Proper dress is necessary and be warned, clothes cannot be hired here.
Bags, shoes and photographic and filming equipment must be left in lockers.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am-4:00pm.
How to get there: The Throne Hall is within easy walking distance east from Vimanmek Mansion.
Just down the road from Vimanek Teak Mansion.
KAUN OO SHRINE
This small Chinese temple on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River is unremarkable,
but warrants a quick stop if you're visiting the Princess Mother Memorial Park just behind it.
According to legend, King Taksin would visit this shrine to worship before he embarked on his war campaigns.
He's also said to have kept stables nearby.
Open: Daily
How to get there: Access is easiest from a pier out the front. The regular express boats don't stop here,
so catch the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or hire a long-tail.
LUMPINI PARK
This large park, complete with a criss-cross of canals and a lake,
is a perfect escape from the hectic Bangkok streets, with the traffic reduced to only a quiet roar.
It is a must for anyone seeking some solace and quiet time, and a welcome alternative to locking yourself in your hotel room.
A few vendors sell snacks and meals around the park.
In the mornings, thousands of Thais flock here for everything from ballroom dancing to yoga,
while the afternoons see mostly joggers clogging the internal roads.
Opening Hours: Daily 05:00am-8:00pm
How to get there: The two closest BTS stations are Saladaeng and Ratchadamri.
Both are about a five-minute walk from a park entrance. Hemmed in by Rama 4, Ratchadamri, Sarasin and Witthayu Roads
NEILSON HAYS LIBRARY
This charming building was built to honour the memory of Jennie Neilson Hays.
Ms Hays was a Protestant missionary first sent to Phetburi in 1881,
who was President of the Library Association from 1914 until 1920 when she died suddenly of suspected cholera.
Today you enter the library through its back door -- the front entrance, which opens into the rotunda,
is no longer in use as the space is used as an art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions.
The library offers an excellent range of books and is staffed by volunteers. Off of 195 Surawong Rd
PRINCESS MOTHER MEMORIAL PARK
This lovely little park, standing on land donated by a local couple in Thonburi,
is located near the community where the Princess Mother resided as a child.
The house she lived in was demolished long ago but a replica is there.
The cool park also features an eight-metre long sculpture to mark the good works undertaken by the Princess Mother.
Opening Hours: Garden Daily 06:00am-6:00pm; Museum Daily 09:00am-4:00pm
How to get there: Access is easiest from the pier out the front of the Kuen Oo shrine.
The regular express boats don't stop here. Catch the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or hire a long-tail.
The park is behind and just to the left of the shrine. Soi 3 Somdet Chao Phraya Road, Khlong San.
SAMPAENG LANE
This narrow alley is almost always packed with eager shoppers,
avidly searching for bargain hairbands, ghost masks, sandals, toys, sewing kits and other paraphernalia.
Towards Pahurat, the goods tend towards items you may actually use, such as clothing and lots of fabric --
but by the time most get this far into the market, their eyes have glazed over and their sole goal is, to escape.
The crowds are made worse by the occasional irritating motorcyclist and the odd porter delivering bolts of fabric.
More interesting shopping and wandering can be done along Soi Itsaranuphap.
How to get there: Sampaeng Lane runs from Songwat Road to the east through to Chakraphet Road in the west,
parallel to Yaowarat Road. Off of Sampaeng Lane.
MAHA MARIAMAN TEMPLE
Description
This is Bangkok's best Hindi temple.
This Hindu temple features intricately decorated roofs and loads of colourful statues of Hindu deities and idols.
The main temple which opens to three decorated shrines has a stark white entrance with pillars made of mythical creatures and lotus leaves.
Open: Daily
How to get there: The temple is on the corner of Pan and Silom Roads, about a 10-15 minute walk from Saladaeng BTS.
Intersection of Silom and Pan Roads.
SOI PRADIT
Description
This is a Markets and a mosque. A busy market strip,
Soi Pradit is packed with a wide variety of food and general produce stalls,
along with a few streetside eateries and flower stalls at the Silom end.
Also on the soi, is Mirasuddeen Mosque, a small building dating from the early 1990s, and a wet market,
smaller than Bangrak Market on Charoen Krung, but very accessible.
How to get there: This narrow soi runs north from Silom almost opposite Si Maha Mariamman Temple through to Surawong Road.
Off of Silom Soi Pradit (Soi 20)
TALAAT KAO
Description THE GIANT SWING Description THE GRAND PALACE Description THE NATIONAL GALLERY Description WAT ARUN Description WAT BOVORNIVET Description WAT CHAI CHANA SONGKHRAM Description WAT CHAKRAWAT Description WAT LENG NOI YI Description WAT PHRA KAEW ( Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Description WAT SAKET and the GOLDEN MOUNT Description WAT SUTHAT Description " Me Now-ALL Woman !!!"
This 200-year-old wet market is the oldest in Chinatown and is worth an early morning visit.
Browse the colourful fresh produce, squirming seafood and freshly-culled meats.
Watch out for the porters wheeling massive bags of intestines and fish guts between stalls.
How to get there: Start down Itsaranuphap Road from Yaowarat and the entrance is on your left.
The Giant Swing is... precisely that. It was once used as part of a religious festival,
during which swingers would soar to huge heights trying to capture a bag of gold suspended in the air.
The king eventually banned it being used when he decided too many fatalities had occurred.
Open: Daily 24/7
How to get there: The swing is out the front of Wat Suthat, Bamrung Muang Road,
a 10-minute walk from the Democracy Monument.
The Grand Palace was constructed in 1782 to commemorate and house the current dynasty of Thai royals.
Most of the walled-in palace compound is still used by the royal family and therefore closed to the public.
The magnificent buildings within the compound were built over the reigns of several kings,
and as such show a variety of Thai architectural styles.
Just taking a walk through the grounds alone is enough to soak up some of the regal extravagance.
Before the Dusit Hall is Chakri Mahaprasat, designed by English architects.
You are not allowed in, but the gardens are picturesque.
Before Chakri Mahaprasat is Amarinda Hall, used for coronation ceremonies.
The Pavilion for Holy Water, is a traditional hall where priests used to attend a ceremony to swear allegiance to the king.
The Royal Thai Decoration and Coin Museum is open to the public and contains displays of Thai currency
dating back as far as the 11th century as well as a variety of royal paraphernalia.
Admission also gives you access to Wat Phra Kaew, Vimanmek Mansion and the Dusit Throne Hall.
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am-11:30am, 1:00pm-3:30pm
How to get there: Via the Chao Phraya River Express Boat, alight at Tha Chang Pier.
Buses servicing the area include ordinary buses 1, 25, 44, 47, 53, 82 and 91,
as well as A/C buses 3, 6, 8, 12 and 44.Na Phra Lan Road.
The National Gallery, housing both contemporary and traditional Thai art,
and is home to the best public collection in the kingdom.
The contemporary art section is on the ground floor in rooms to the left and right after the entrance.
The artwork shows influences from cubism, impressionism and a touch of surrealism.
The rooms upstairs are dedicated to traditional Thai art, most being tempura paintings in the Bangkok style
of the 19th century and the late Ayutthaya style of the 17th century.
The rooms across the courtyard are used for temporary exhibitions,
of which there are usually one or two at any given time.
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 09:00am-4:00pm
How to get there: The closest pier is Tha Athit.
It is within easy walking distance of Khao San Road. Off of Chao Fa Road.
When King Taksin planned to move the capital from Ayutthaya to Thonburi in 1768,
he travelled down the Chao Phraya River by boat, arriving at dawn at an old wat where he paid his respects.
He later named the temple Wat Jang, meaning the Temple of Dawn.
It was later renovated by King Rama I and then King Rama III and became known at Wat Arun when Thonburi was the capital.
Wat Arun was temporarily home to the Emerald Buddha, after which it was moved to Wat Phra Kaew where it remains today.
The courtyard of the wat contains five Khmer-style prangs,
with the most impressive and largest in the centre representing Mount Meru, home of the gods in Buddhist belief.
The middle prang was originally 16m tall but was stretched to reach over 82m by King Rama III in 1842.
This elongation has given the prang a particular style all of its own.
The prangs are decorated with Chinese porcelain and the apex of the central prang is covered by a crown,
originally constructed for a different wat.
It is possible to climb about halfway up the prang from where fine views of Thonburi,
and the Chao Phraya River can be enjoyed. The prang has four mondops around it,
each of which contains a Buddha image striking a different pose.
Back at ground level, the bot contains a seated Buddha image, the face of which was designed by King Rama II.
At particular times of the year a light and sound show is held on the grounds in the early evening,
spectacularly lighting up the main prang.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:30am-5:30pm.
How to get there: Catch the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien at Thai Wang Road.
The wharf is about a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace.
Tha Tien can be reached by the Chao Phraya River Express ferry,
or buses 44, 91, A/C 8 or 44. Off of Thonburi's pride.
This is one of Bangkok's most renowned temples.
Within the walls of Wat Bovorn is Mahamakut Buddhist University, the second in Bangkok.
Since its foundation in 1826 -- when it was originally known as Wat Mai --
the wat has been home to a number of royals who entered the monkhood.
Many foreign monks have also resided here and continue to visit to attend religious ceremonies conducted in English.
The wat is worth a look for its beautiful buildings and large golden stupa.
The compound also contains ponds where giant turtles and catfish happily swim about.
Also within the compound is the Centre for Herbal Medicine,
where herbs and special trees with therapeutic benefits are labelled.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00am-5:00pm.
How to get there: The closest Chao Phraya River Express pier is either Tha Athit or Tha Wat Sam Phraya,
and the wat is a 10-minute walk from Khao San Road. Off of Phra Sumen Road.
Chao Phraya Bodindecha, a very religious chief commander during the reign of King Rama III,
decided to build this mid-sized wat after returning from victorious campaigns against the Vietnamese and Khmers in 1848.
Its name means War Victory but locals prefer to call it Wat Teuk, after the concrete building (teuk in Thai)
he built for himself and the monks.
There's not too much to see here, save a couple of chedis out back and the automatic bell ringer,
at your top left as you enter.
How to get there: Turn up Mahachak Road from Yaowarat Road and take the first left,
which leads straight to the wat compound. Off of Mahachak Road.
Wat Chakrawat -- or the crocodile wat, as it should be known --
boasts three live crocodiles along with a stuffed specimen. Supposedly brought here as strays,
the three live beasts sit in two separate ponds to the left as you enter the main temple.
The croc in the left pond is at least three metres long while the two in the right are each around two metres long.
The stuffed croc who sits between the two ponds is an original member of the gang.
How to get there: Walk down Chakrawat Road and turn left about 100m south of Sampaeng Lane.
You'll enter a large carpark and the wat is to your left. Off of Chakrawat Road.
A Historical Chinese site, Wat Leng Noi Yi, or the Dragon Flower Temple,
dates back to 1871 and is one of the most important sites for the Chinese in Thailand.
The original temple was built using donations scraped together from the residents along Sampaeng Lane.
Entering from Charoen Krung Road, note the nine-storey gateway at the entrance,
built in 1973 to honour King Rama IX's 6th-cycle birthday.
The interior of the temple is divided into several separate sections,
all of which the visitor is allowed to wander through, although no photography is allowed.
A variety of activities take place here, including fortune telling, merit-making and regular services,
along with worshipping at the Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian altars.
Keep an eye out for Chinese Thais making funeral offerings of burning paper cut-outs of houses,
cars, refrigerators and other symbols of financial success.
By burning these, the deceased are ensured of having their creature comforts in the afterlife.
How to get there: Wat Leng Noi Yi is on Charoen Krung Road, near its intersection with Soi Itsaranuphap.
Off of Charoen Krung Road.
Adjacent to the Grand Palace and built in 1782 by King Rama I, Wat Phra Kaew,
or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is home to the most sacred image in Thailand,
the Emerald Buddha -- actually made of jade. It was moved from Chiang Mai, where it was found in 1464,
to its current resting place, but its origins are unknown.
When not being used by the royal family, the temple is open to the public.
The temple and chapel contain architectural features from both the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods,
and detailed murals featuring the life of Buddha and the Ramakien.
Entry will be refused if you are not dressed appropriately, and photography,
filming and recording is strictly banned indoors. Remember to remove your shoes upon entering and if seated,
turn the soles of your feet away so they are not facing the Buddha.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00am-4:00pm.
How to get there: Via the Chao Phraya River Express Boat, jump off at Tha Chang.
Buses servicing the area include ordinary buses 1, 25, 44, 47, 53, 82 and 91,
as well as A/C buses 3, 6, 8, 12 and 44. Off of Na Phra Lan Road
An Interesting wat, stunning view. An important wat restored during the reign of King Rama I,
Wat Saket is now also home to the prominent Golden Mount,
added to an artificial hill created during the rule of King Rama III.
The original chedi built on the spot at this time collapsed, creating the hill,
but it was left as a pile of rubble until King Rama IV built the golden chedi at its peak, reaching 100m high.
Additions were added by King Rama V, who also placed a Buddha relic within the chedi.
Final restoration work was made during World War II when the white concrete walls were added,
making a striking contrast to the golden chedi. It is possible to walk up the 318 stairs to the top,
from where the view over the surrounding city is excellent.
The wat compound also houses some important Buddha statues. The main hall, built in King Rama I's time,
holds a meditating Buddha image from the early Chakri dynasty.
The Shrine Hall houses Phra Attharos, a 10.3m high image from Phitsanulok, and Luangphor Dusit,
a Buddha statue from Dusit Palace. These are closed to the public except during Songkran.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00am-5:30pm.
How to get there: The entrance is on Boriphat Road and is a 15-minute walk from
Khao San Road and the Democracy Monument.
It is also very close to the starting point for the canal boats that run down Khlong Saem Saep.
Off of Boriphat Road.
Thailand's largest bronze Buddha.
Wat Suthat is best known for its fine murals dating from the 19th century and collection of Buddha images.
Construction of the wat began in 1807 during the reign of King Rama I and once completed,
he requested that an important Buddha image, the Phra Sisakayamunee from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai, be displayed here.
The image is Thailand's largest cast bronze image and is believed to have been cast in 1361.
Plenty of shops stocking religious paraphernalia dot the surrounding neighbourhood.
Open: Daily
How to get there: Wat Suthat is near the Giant Swing on Bamrung Muang Road. Off of 146 Bamrung Muang Road.
Thailand statistics
Capital: Bangkok
Population: 65 million (est.)
Area: 514,000 sq km
Tourists: 12,000,000 (2004 est.)
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