Bangkok was our first stop in Southeast Asia and we spent two fun, but rather chaotic, days exploring the city before continuing by land to Cambodia. While we were pretty limited on time and a little jet lagged, we did manage to visit the Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit Witthayaram, and the bustling Chinatown (we are told one of the oldest in the world). We also stopped for a relaxing (albeit rather expensive by Bangkok standards) cocktail on the 24th floor of The Okura Prestige building. During our short stay in Bangkok we had many interesting experiences but were most struck by the stark contrast between the poorer neighborhoods and the downtown area full of skyscrapers, exclusive stores, giant shopping malls and luxury hotels.
This is only part 1 of a 2 part story – we will be returning to Bangkok again in about 1 month when we hope to visit some the sites that we missed the first time around.
Our first meal was lunch at Gedhawa Thai Restaurant
Delicious
Posing with a giant dog butt
The traffic was crazy
Pretty much gridlock all day long
Crossing a canal close to central station
Wat Traimit Witthayaram
Side view of the temple
Rooftops
Alex with the Golden Buddha
Cast in solid high carat gold
View from the temple
Chinatown was a chaotic mix of sights, sounds and smells (some good, some bad)
Gold shop
The local “mall”
Kristina with umbrella
Rail yard
Local neighborhood
Waterway
After our walk through Chinatown, a high class restaurant/bar with panaramic views was quite a change
The Bangkok skyline was pretty amazing
Global business “adapting” to local traditions