This article narrates a captivating journey through Bangkok, highlighting attractions like the Grand Palace, culinary delights, and serene boat tours.
Contents:
- Overview of Bangkok as a travel destination
- Arrival and initial experiences at the hotel
- Dinner details and culinary choices
- Exploration of the Grand Palace
- Boat tour along the Chao Phraya River
- Lunch and dining experiences
- Relaxation plan for the evening
Bangkok was a city I had long desired to visit.
After our remarkable experiences in Phuket and Phi Phi Island, Thailand quickly ascended my list of favorite holiday destinations, making the capital city a long-awaited choice.
Upon arriving in Bangkok in the evening, it was dark by the time we reached the LiT BANGKOK Hotel. Due to jet lag and travel fatigue, our only plans for that evening were to enjoy dinner and retire for the night. (Though I wouldn’t say no to a nice cocktail or glass of wine, of course… 😉).
I might have ordered more than one meal at dinner! (In my defense, the portions were small, so doubling up was a reasonable choice…).
The following morning, after a refreshing night’s sleep, we woke up early, eager to explore Bangkok.
To combat jet lag effectively after a long journey like this, my approach involves staying awake for an extended period upon arrival, followed by an early bedtime. The combination of being thoroughly exhausted allows for immediate rest, and going to bed early ensures a substantial amount of quality sleep, thus preparing you for the next day’s activities.
Our first destination that morning was the iconic Grand Palace, a must-visit location in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace is also one of the busiest tourist attractions in the city! 😄
During your visit, it is essential to wear long trousers or a sarong, as shorts are not permitted. We were unaware of this dress code prior to our arrival, but we quickly found many shops nearby selling suitable clothing.
The artistry within the Grand Palace is stunning; I was continually amazed by the intricate details throughout the structures. The site showcases an array of magnificent buildings, diverse in style and purpose, establishing it as one of the most opulent locations in the city.
I could elaborate further on how impressive the Grand Palace is, but I prefer to let the following photos speak for themselves.
As we wandered through the palace, we lost track of time, exploring the various buildings that were open. Unfortunately, photography wasn’t permitted inside the main structures, so I cannot share those experiences with you. However, it will undoubtedly be a delightful discovery when you visit yourself. 😀
After a brief refreshment stop with cold water, we made our way to the Chao Phraya River to embark on a boat tour of Bangkok, specifically exploring the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi (an area of Bangkok).
While sharing a boat with other visitors is an option, we chose to hire our own vessel. Although it is the pricier choice, it grants the freedom to witness exactly what interests us and to linger in captivating locations.
One striking thing I noticed along the Chao Phraya river was the enormous monitor lizards basking nearby. Though they pose no threat, they are quite large and possess an almost prehistoric presence!
As we sailed down the river, we encountered various spots where we could feed the fish. It is a customary practice in temples where you purchase bread from vendors to attract and feed the large, eager fish.
Our boat tour ultimately brought us past the impressive Wat Arun Ratchavararam temple, commonly known as Wat Arun. This was the conclusion of our boat journey, which was timely as I was quite hungry at this point!
We decided on a rooftop restaurant for lunch, where we indulged in some much-needed beers to cool off.
Once again, gluttony prevailed as we opted for Thai green curry, a salad whose name escapes me, and multiple servings of chicken satay!
With that, we felt it was time to wrap up our day’s explorations and head back to
the hotel
for massages (the first activity we booked upon arrival) and to unwind by the pool!
While it may seem premature to cut our exploration short, we had two key motivations for this decision: First, we had agreed to balance our trip with alternating days of exploration and relaxation, allowing us to extend our stay in Thailand longer than we might have otherwise.
Furthermore, we had special plans later that evening and wanted to ensure ample rest for that occasion!
I will update you on those plans in the next post. 😀
