Bangkok Things to Do Tips by francischris

Hop on the standard river express boat at Sathorn pier below Saphan taksin station and explore all the sights along the river route at each stop.Be sure to get a map of the route at the booking booth(free).You will pass by Wat kalayanamit,Wat Arun,Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Kositharam, Chinatown ,Pk Khlong Market ..etc.It is like a water taxi so u can drop and get on at each stop.You can buy a day ticket and ride as much as u like along the designated route

Leave a Comment

Address: Saphan Taksin Stn., Bangkok

This roadside shrine at the busiest junction of BKK has been upgraded since my last visit 15 yrs ago.The place has been paved and fenced with addition of a dancer pavilion and musicians.Also statues of Elephants big n small of various shades are been worshipped.These improvements are probably funded by well wishers over the years.The old story goes that a women prayed at this shrine that she will fulfill her obligation if her wish is granted.Thus ,she was satisfied and return to dance in her full birthday suit in fornt of the detities.I heard that a lot of famous HongKong and Taiwanese actors n actress freguent this Shrine.

Leave a Comment

Address: Chitlom Station, Bangkok
Directions: Near the Sogo Dept. Store
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com

Chinese New year goodies on sale.At night lots of chinese/thai local food on pushcarts littered along the streets.Similar to hawers atSingapore Orchard road in th sixties.Sharks fin soup and bid nest soups are readily available at 150 to 300 Baht.

Leave a Comment

Address: Ratchawongsi Pier, Chao Phraya River Tour, Bangkok
Directions: To view typical China Town scences straight ahead to Ratchawongsi Road until the intersection of Yaowarat Road.

Jim,an american settled in Thailand at the end od 2nd world war.He is an architect by profession and used to work as a CIA operative.He disappeared without a trace in Camerons Highland,Malaysia in 1962.That year was the yr. of the Horse ,notably Jim was born in the yr of the horse.The Chinese cycle is 12 years with each year depicted by an animal.During the year that concur with yr birth animal you have to be very careful as it is not auspicious.Tread with Caution!!!!That may explains the mysterious disappearance.
He contributed to the revival of Thai's Silk Industry.Using motiffs (inspired by his love for Chinese pottery), for creation of designs on silk ties,scarfs...
In rememberance of his contributions,His residence was preserved together with his rich collection of Asian art,antiques,potteries n paintings as a public museum under the sponsor of a Thai princess.His collections and house decor reflected his acumen for the finer things of life.
The Thai house (main hall) flanked by 2 side wings(1 for dinning n the other wing for sleeping quarters are tastefully furnished ,simple n yet cultured.
The Thai garden shrine to ward off evil spirits is located on the north east corner so that no shadows will fall on it.Open 9 am to 4.30,admission B100(30mins guided tour)

Leave a Comment

Address: Rama I Road, Pathumwan District
Directions: Opposite National Stadium Skytrain station at the end of Soi Kasem soi 2

We booked a private cab for a whole day to take us to the Floating Mkt at Damnernsaduak.The cab took 2 hours to bring us to the boat pier .From there we took a long tail boat,enroute we pass locals going about their lives alongside the canal/klong.The floating market is a let down.Very touristy with stalls alongside the canal sellig T shirts bitik dresses,soveniers..almost indentical things.Anyway we enjoy the ride on the canal although the canl water appears brackish.we were not too adventurous in trying the hawers food in view of the conditions of the canal.

Leave a Comment

Address: Damnernsaduak
Directions: About 2 hours by car outside Bangkok city center