Thailand (Part 1): Bangkok

We recently journeyed to Thailand, one of our top international travel goals while living in Japan. Having heard only rave reviews about this southeast Asian destination, we set out with high hopes and an eyewitness travel guide for the entire country. Although our trip covered two weeks and three cities, our jaunt began with 2 days in Bangkok.

Overall the capital of Thailand exceeded our expectations, however we had set a fairly low bar. We expected a dirty city of wide economic disparity and a hopping prostitution industry. While this was somewhat evident, it also boasted several sparkling wats (temples), a bustling waterfront, well-established markets, an unexpectedly sophisticated public transportation system and the historic home of an American ex-patriot who revived the country's silk industry before mysteriously disappearing in 1967.

After taking a water taxi up the river, we spent our first day visiting the Grand Palace and the most noteworthy temples in the area.


A view from the river.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

The inside of a typical wat. Most of them have a section for prayer that looks like this.

Photo from a river taxi with the Temple of Dawn in the background.




Climbing the steps of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).

Someone spooked the pigeons! This was actually quite scary, but no one was hurt :-).

Endless ornate detail outside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Perfectly manicured gardens and colorful roofs at the Grand Palace.

Even Ronald McDonald greets others in the typical Thai fashion.

Busy Bangkok streets.

Our second day, we wandered the endless rows of stalls at the Chatuchak Market and visited Jim Thompson's house.



Chatachuk Market is the largest market in Thailand, covering 35 acres with over 15,000 stalls! If you need anything from furniture to sidewalk sushi (not recommended), this is the place to be!

American WWII veteran and architect, Jim Thomson, assembled 6 Thai teak houses to create his urban oasis in the middle of bustling Bangkok.

We will certainly remember our time in Bangkok fondly! Next...we're off to Chiang Mai!