A FINAL RIVER CRUISE DAY

 A FINAL RIVER CRUISE DAY



 

We thought we would have slept in but not us. After breakfast we took the public transport back to catch the hop on hop off river boat.

For 150 Bhat, this is a deal. We made a few stops at piers where we did not go yesterday. Walked about and found a little local bakery where we had juice and spring rolls. 

A leisurely cruise and back to the hotel by public transport. 

On most of our trips we do try and use public transport as it is usually a great way to get around. 



Yes, we probably could have done more here in Bangkok, but the heat did us in every day. A half day at a time was all we could take of the heat and humidity.

We were happy with our visit. 

One more point, there are 7/11 stores all over the place sometimes 2 stores in the same block.

Food is very accessible and it is fresh and very cheap or very reasonable, we did not have a meal we did not like. 



Time to pack up and get ready for our journey home, will be good to see The Boys.

TUK TUK NIGHT TEMPLES AND FOOD

 TUK TUK NIGHT TEMPLES AND FOOD

We had a leisurely morning breakfast and swim. Taking a bit of time to get our bags ready to travel on Monday.

We went back to the Magic Food Point food court for a duck lunch. It was crazy there as a tour group from Viet Nam was pushing and shoving to get to the counter. The lady working the counter yelled at them to make a line. Well I think that is what she told them.  LOL

Yes it is still hot and even the local folks are sweating and saying how hot it is.

For this tour we made our way to the meeting point at Krung Thonburi BTS Station. Here we meet our guide, Kevin, who introduced the tour before we hopped into our tuk-tuk. Our driver was Noi with many years of Tuk Tuk driving experience.

We learned the real name for Bangkok is…..Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. I will stick with Bangkok.

Krung Thonburi is the first station when you cross over the river to the Thonburi side of Bangkok. Thonburi has a much more local feel and we explored both local life and history on this side of the river before crossing over to the historic area of Rattanakosin.

 In the Wongwian Yai area, we stopped at a local street food market area to sample a selection of snacks and learn about the local way of life and culture. Chicken, pork, Dragon Fruit, and a peanut sauce mix in a wrap.

 Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan- This is an alternative stop to Wat Arun Temple due to temporary suspension of the temple for renovation purpose. Wat Prayoon temple, a recipient of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Conservation Award of Excellence in 2013 has a rich history of itself. It was built in the reign of the King Rama III which makes this temple approx. 200 years old. The temple features a beautiful white stupa which can be seen miles away due to its big size stupa.

Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)- We took a walk through the famous Bangkok Flower Market that runs 24 hours a day and comes alive at night.

Next was a stop for dinner. We went to the Naval College Officers Club as they open it to the public. We had Pork, Pad Thai (Excellent), shrimp and more. All was Aroi in Thai or Just delicious.  

Rattanakosin (Bangkok Old City)- We crossed back over the canal to explore the historic area of Rattanakosin, which is where many of the most famous landmarks in Bangkok are.

Giant Swing The Giant Swing is one of the key landmarks of Bangkok and we stopped here to briefly learn about its history.  

Chinatown - Bangkok The final stop was in Chinatown. At night Chinatown comes to life with street food vendors and we will finish the tour with dessert. Our dessert was Mango with Sticky Rice, again Aroi.

We then got a ride back to a public transit station where we then made our way back to the hotel.

Yes this experience was well worth it, lots to learn about culture, life and the food. For us and others on the tour there was more than enough to eat.

I did not get a good picture but the only McDonalds where the Golden Arches have a brown background is at the Mc Donalds inside the Bangkok Central Police Station. The reason for the brown background is that is the color of their uniforms. 



LOOK A 7/11

WHO IS JIM THOPSON AND WHY IS HIS HOUSE AN ATTRACTION?

 THE JIM THOMPSON HOUSE BANGKOK:

Who is Jim Thompson one may ask?

He was an American who was born in Greenville, Delaware in 1906. He was a trained architect who volunteered for service in the US Army for WWII. He joined the OSS, (predecessor to the CIA) and was stationed in Asia.  He did not see any action as the war had ended. He was sent to Thailand and fell in love with the country.

 

At the time, hand weaving was just cottage industry which captured his attention. This prompted his Thai Silk company.

 

In building his house he incorporated element of the East and West. He repurposed the materials from many old Thai buildings. 

Immersed in the culture he had been warned by a Buddhist Master that the number 61 was a bad number for him. 



On March 26, 1967, at the age of 61, Jim Thomas disappeared while on a visit to Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. To this day not a single clue has turned up as to what happened to him. 

The grounds are a true oasis. YES WELL WORTH A VISIT.



Travel info: we took the airport link to the BTS National Stadium Station. Here it is a walk down an alleyway to The Job Thompson House. 

Also if you are looking for amazingly fine silk products this is a premium location. 



Yes the temperatures are HOT!!! 99F feels like 114F. We took a cool down break at the Jim Thompson Silk Cafe before we made the return trip to our hotel for a cool down swim.  

We are really getting the public transport system down. 

 

SO If a toilet flushes in a bathroom and no one is there does it make a flushing sound?

Just enjoy the photos of this amazing house and grounds.

 

Maybe we need to bring some home for The Boys