Thailand, Bangkok to Phuket, the crazy to the calm

First Stop Bangkok, we checked in to The Royal Orchid Sheraton, a very refined contemporary style hotel right on the Chao Phraya River where we were to spend 2 nights.

Our first day in Bangkok was one hell of a culture shock, this was my husband and I's first trip to the East.  We had heard many stories of Bangkok so were aware of some of the tricks, but we didn't realise quite how good the tricksters were!

First on our list was to pay a visit to The Grande Palace.  We took a riverboat taxi from outside the hotel down the river, which was an experience in itself, to a market just a short walk down from the palace.  On our walk up to the palace we were stopped by a man on the corner of the palace walls dressed a security guard, he was stood next to a wooden stand, spoke perfect english and looked very official.  He questioned my trousers as they were slightly cropped and told me I would not be aloowed to go into the palace, I was aware there was a gown provided but the 'security officer' advised as there had been prayers in the morning, we would be better opff returning in the afternoon and it would also be quieter so probably a more enjoyable experience,  So we decided to take his advise, then asked him if he had any suggestions for the morning.  He recommended a tuk tuk, negotiated a price with the tuk tuk driver and off we went on our 4 hour mystery tour! 

The security guard advised we would be taken to some very popular temples and other sites around the city.  However, it was all a trick... we were taken to a couple of very quiet temples but the rest of the time we were taken to shops - jewellery, crafts, suits and tour shops. 

I am releived to say we did survive the tuk tuk ride and made it to the The Grande Palace.in the afternoon.  The temples really were magnificent!

After the shock of Bangkok's tuk tuk experience, I could see my husband really needed a bit of western 'chill out time' so I remembered the images of the trendy shopping malls I had seen on the internet.  We jumped in a taxi and went in search of the MBK and Siam Paragon Shopping Malls.  I'm pleased to say this did the trick and chilled us both out for the rest of the day.  Both malls were fascinating - filled with lots of trendy items not seen in the UK and if your into Electronics MBK must not be missed!

Skybar

We had a fantastic meal in the restaurant and got struck by lightening in the Skybar!  Yes Really!  This is the tallest building in South East Asis and an interesting place to be in a lightening storm.  If theres one plac I'd recommend in Bangkok this has to be the place.

Daytrips From Bangkok

The moral of the story with Daytrips from Bangkok - do not purchase from the tour shops the tuk tuk;s take you too. 

Dumnden Saduan Floating Market

and the River Qwai

simply too far from Bangkok for a day trip