Bang Pa-In Palace

The Bang Pa-In Palace lies on the banks of the Chao Praya River some 60 kilometres north of Bangkok. The Original summer palace dates back to the late Ayutthaya period, in the reign of King Prasat Thong. In 1632 he had a palace built here as a summer retreat. The oldest of the buildings is the Pra Thinang Aisawan Thipphaya-Art, a formal pavilion surrounded by royal residences. Soon after, a Buddhist monastery, Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, was erected in memory of the King's mother who was a native of the area. The hall was used to conduct some of the royal ceremonies. The place remained a popular summer retreat until the end when the capital moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok.

I was amazed at the architecture of Aisawan Thippaya-Art in its water setting (picture 1) and Tavaraj Kanlai Gate (picture 2), and climbed to the observation tower inside Ho Withun Thasana (pictures 3 and 4) for the most incredible view across the Palace grounds. Whilst taking a photo by the water's edge I happened to turn and glimpse a huge water monitor making its way up the bank behind me. The grounds were immaculate and I was intrigued by the topiary. I find myself saying this quite often, but this is a tourist destination not to be missed. If you intend visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park, do ensure that you take in Bang Pa-In Palace as well. You'll be glad you made the time.

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Floating markets are like living museums where you can immerse in the local culture and way of life as it once was before the arrival of global consumerism. I was looking forward to my trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating market, and it was definitely a highlight of my trip to Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak is in Ratchaburi, about 109 kilometres south of Bangkok or approximately 2 hours drive.

Totally lively and somewhat chaotic, small 'khlongs' or canals are filled with flat boats piled high with fresh produce, each jockeying for position and paddled by ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's notice. It's colourful, noisy, touristy but great fun. As well as produce, you can find many interesting buys like souvenirs, food products and other local goods which are on display, similar to what you might find at any night market in downtown Bangkok. Being somewhat of a postcard junkie I couldn't resist one of the many scenic folders on offer.

During the long-tail motorized boat ride to market, you'll pass orchards, traditional teak houses and local people going about their lives. The ride is extremely fast at first and you can expect to get somewhat wet as boats pass you in the opposite direction, but it slows right down on approach to the market. An experience not to be missed.

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Ayutthaya Historical Park

Ayutthaya is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km north of Bangkok. It boasts numerous magnificent ruins, indicating that Ayutthaya was one of Southeast Asia's (and probably the world's) most prosperous cities in the 17th Century and beyond. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 13, 1991.

Wat Phra Mahathat is a large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese and the rows of headless Buddha statues is atmospheric. It is also where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head. A highlight for me was Wat Lokayasutharam's giant reclining Buddha. This Buddha is fondly referred to by locals as Phra Bhuddhasaiyart. The Buddha measures a total of thirty seven meters long and a total of eight meters high.

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The Rose Garden

Located about 30 kilometers out of Bangkok, the Rose Garden (Suan Sam Phran) offers some of the nicest gardens you are ever likely to see. The site comprises 75 acres of perfectly manicured grounds with a lake as a central feature. Certainly a place for gentle strolls and picnics, the resort also offers a number of excellent restaurants alongside cultural shows including handicraft skills, Thai boxing, and sword fighting. For the children’s entertainment there’s also an elephant show, and for adults, the site has its own golf course and a spa.

I must say I didn't quite know what to expect before I arrived but what I saw exceeded all expectations. The Rose Garden’s award-winning Cultural Centre transported us into a typical Thai Village, where villagers guided us through some of the iconic experiences of Traditional Thai Living. Lunch in the Vanda Pavilion was also most satisfying following an excellent show by the elephants and their mahouts. If time permits during your stay in Bangkok I would suggest you make the journey here. You will not be disappointed.

 

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Around Bangkok

My first impressions of Bangkok were mixed. On one hand it is a very exciting and vibrant city but one must be constantly aware of touts who will invariably scam the unwary tourist. Staying outside of Bangkok in the Rachapadesik area I was most impressed with the ease and speed in which I could get from my hotel to the heart of the city using the underground subway. It is modern and extremely efficient. My introduction to the system was on a Sunday when passenger numbers were at a minimum, but it was a completely different story during the week when you had to breathe in for the entire journey. 

Shopping was a wonderful experience and I was fascinated with the klongs (waterways) which ran alongside my hotel. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the infamous Bangkok nightlife as I did not frequent the clubs, mainly due to exhaustion by early evening from a full day of sightseeing, both in the city and neighbouring areas. Burning the candle at both ends was not a smart option, I decided.

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