Bangkok. Thailand

Two nights in Bangkok…..

Our next destination is really Ho Chi Minh but international destinations direct out of Mandalay are fairly limited resulting in a quick stopover in Bangkok.

Matt had been here a few times for work and loves the city, of course for Anna it was really only known for it’s stereotyped ‘other side’ and the kids were none the wiser. What greeted us was vibrant, exciting and very metropolitan city with great architecture both modern and historic.

This quite literally was a ‘splash and dash’, two nights and one day and the tail end of the rainy season. The first night we ventured out heading for Saphan Phut Night Market. Dad had us walking to catch the train when a Tuk Tuk driver confidently said he could take all 5 of us, well that got the kids excited and also meant the only way they had any interest in travelling was by Tuk Tuk. With rain clouds building and lighting flashing around Matt piled us on the first river express boat that came by, we were well past the Saphan Phut Market by the time he realised not every boat stops at every dock! Eventually disembarking outside The Royal Palace, the focal point of mourning for King Bhumibol, the first several hundred metres of the walk back to Saphan Phut were quite surreal with everyone dressed in black and various armed forces manning food stalls for mourners along the road.

In our first blog post we talked about the tap being turned on in a sudden downpour, little did we know that was just a trickle, we soon found ourselves in the middle of a fierce downpour and thunderstorm, taking shelter under street vendors umbrella’s soon became futile, within minutes we were drenched, the thunder was enough to make the ground shake and the kids, soaked to the bone actually started shivering despite it being 30 degrees. A couple of bowls of hot noodle soup did little to hearten them and despite the downpour continuing we soon found ourselves in another Tuk Tuk bound for a hot shower.

The next morning saw a leisurely start and a quick trip on the MRT (train) to Chatuchak Market. A sprawling market of over 8,000 stalls selling everything imaginable the biggest challenge was not getting lost! After successful navigation and few bargain purchases it was time to head back and get ready for an early  morning departure the following day. Charlotte took it upon herself to organise a Tuk Tuk ride home, she bargained wonderfully on the price, what she didn’t bargain on was Bangkok traffic, inevitably the ride was a lot longer and hotter than the MRT but it didn’t seem to deter them, it is still their preferred mode of transport, what a treat they are in for when we arrive in Sri Lanka!

Our last night comprised a quick jaunt down the street for dinner and another amazing electrical storm although this time great, with cries of delight and dancing in the rain from the kids, what a difference 24 hours makes!

Bangkok was short and sweet but a real delight. The food delighted us at every turn, on every street corner in every market and the people were amzingly hospitiable. Matt had cashed in some loyalty points to book us into Hotel Indigo Wireless, an absolutely charming boutique hotel with amazing service, if you are visiting Bangkok it really is a must. Unfortunately we had to leave Bangkok behind for an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh, another new city where we will be joined my Anna’s brother Dave for a whole host of new experiences.