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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 12, 2013 11:08:07 GMT
I was in Bangkok in June- it was my second trip. Although I don't remember my first visit much, things have of course have changed drastically- most for the better. For example, while there were a considerable number of beggars on my first trip (2004) there were almost none now. Anyways, here I was on Day 1, at 5.30 am. Arrived, obtained visa on arrival, and good to leave by 7.30. Bangkok's main airport is called Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced Su-wanna-poom or such). The suburbs of the city came into sight. Just look at this jam! At least I'm glad the toll booth is not on the way to the airport- people will probably have to leave 4 hrs before their flights. Finally, escaped from this massive rush- the city came into sight. The building with the "JOY IS BMW" sign is Bangkok's tallest building. I was amazed as we drove through, the left lanes choc-a-bloc with traffic. Anyhow, we were soon off the expressway too. Still, endless traffic lights were to be dealt with. I wasn't complaining, as there was so much new stuff to look around at. Finally at the hotel, it was time for breakfast! Dragonfruit, anyone?
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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 12, 2013 11:24:18 GMT
Had a nice view from our room. We left sooner than I thought. Took a taxi to Chinatown- to the famous Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). Here's the gate in Chinatown. And here's the Temple of the Golden Buddha (The hotel person- who calls the taxis and all- was impressed with me saying Wat Traimit) It was a great temple. The Golden Buddha, as you can see, is too shiny! And the roof was nice as well.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 12, 2013 14:44:07 GMT
Oh, can't wait to see more of this, Ansh!
I feel really stupid, as I had no idea Bangkok was that huge & crowded.
Except for cabs, all of the vehicles seem to be white, black, or gray.
In the final OP shot, any idea what that old building is? (& yes, I'll have some dragonfruit, please)
You were inspired by the Wat Traimit! That photo of the building is wonderful. The Buddha seems to be made of real gold -- true? Yes, the ceiling is fabulous.
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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 12, 2013 15:28:31 GMT
I don't know what the building in the last picture of the OP is- but Bangkok has many temples dotted about, so I guess that's one.
Yes, the Buddha is completely gold. It may be that big- but it's unique- completely made of gold.
I like Bangkok suburbs- seems Westernised in a way and was surprised when I drove past them.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2013 17:22:18 GMT
Excellent start. Even from the old Don Muang airport, the taxi rides ended up driving me crazy, so I always take the airport bus now. I have only arrived at Suvarnabhumi once when it was relatively new and still being fine tuned. I remember that there was a huge corruption scandal at the time because the promoters had eliminated most of the public restrooms to put more shops instead. Then they had to rip up a lot of stuff to put more public services (and toilets) in the airport.
I am always amazed at how many scandals and upheavals there are in Thailand because the population seems to be very interested in fairness and justice but the same corrupt wheeler-dealers still think they can get away with anything. Every time there is an uprising in Thailand, it always seems to be for a good reason, so I say bravo to the Thai people for their vigilance and also their bravery, because it isn't easy to face the police and military in countries like that during a demonstration.
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Post by Kimby on Apr 13, 2013 15:58:34 GMT
This is wonderful anshjain!
I AM wondering, though, if your camera has a setting for exposure compensation, because your photos would be even wonderfuller if they were a tad less exposed.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2013 11:13:13 GMT
I'm enjoying this Ansh. I hope you post more. I did know that Bangkok was large but seeing it really brings it to light, particularly the shot from the hotel. The golden Buddha is so beautiful. Thanks for these.
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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 14, 2013 12:22:42 GMT
Thanks all. Will post more later. I have arrived from the Don Muang once- there was bad traffic, but not as much!
Still was rather new with the camera- so shots are bright- sorry for that. Next time, I need to adjust the exposure comp, but with sunlight falling directly on your camera, it isn't easy to see how bright a shot is.
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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 14, 2013 12:23:41 GMT
Thanks all. Will post more later. I have arrived from the Don Muang once- there was bad traffic, but not as much! Despite the return of democracy, I wouldn't call Thailand democratic, if they continue their lese-majeste laws. Still was rather new with the camera- so shots are bright- sorry for that. Next time, I need to adjust the exposure comp, but with sunlight falling directly on your camera, it isn't easy to see how bright a shot is.
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Post by lola on Apr 14, 2013 13:19:28 GMT
What a great hotel view. I had no idea what Bangkok was like, either, and am glad to see your photos. The bilingual signs would certainly make it easier.
Looking forward to more when you get time. Thanks, anshjain.
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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 14, 2013 21:18:53 GMT
Thanks- I was actually quite surprised at the number of English billboards.
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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 21, 2013 16:33:11 GMT
To continue: Right opposite the Wat Traimit was a local school- a picture: And then, after being stuck in more horrible traffic, and after having been taken to a jewel store by the taxi driver, we finally arrived at Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple). This one is far newer and made of Carrara marble. It's the temple drawn behind the 5-Baht coin. Bangkok is home to zillions of 7-Eleven, two are often right opposite each other! In any case, if you haven't seen a 7-Eleven in Bangkok, you haven't gone anywhere. They look pretty much like their counterparts elsewhere in the world, but of course, some are designed differently. The next day, we decided to hire a cab for the entire day, hoping to cut the visit to the jewel stores. We were going to the famous Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kew) and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (both are in 1 complex) first. Luckily, there wasn't too much traffic to deal with. Reached the Grand Palace in not too much time. It's a lovely complex, and there are still some functioning government buildings there. The Buddha you can see below is a very cliched image of the Grand Palace: Look at the sudden change in colour below: The Palace has a long wall which is one whole mural- here's a part of it:
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Post by anshjain97 on Apr 30, 2013 9:57:11 GMT
After visiting the Grand Palace, we went to another famous temple in close vicinity, called Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The Buddha statue is simply stunning- largest of its kind in the country. It is 43 metres long and 15m tall! While there, do take notice of the roof and walls- one thing I like about Buddhist architecture is that there is always too much detail to digest. This visit, I was surprised to see few tuk-tuks- the iconic 3-wheelers- but there were several outside the Wat Po. Rather than somthing exotic, I prefer to associate them as great ways to take in the foul air as well as being most vulnerable to rip-offs. Afterwards, we headed to a mall for lunch. Many malls are located in the central neighbourhood of Siam Square. It serves the purpose of a true city centre- loads of thoroughfares through it, the Skytrain and metro, as well as close proximity to major business areas. Even this taxi driver got pissed that we didn't want him to take us to a gem store- he got disappointed and didn't come to pick us up in the evening. So we took a different taxi to take us to Patpong, a famous night market, next to some of the famous strip clubs of the city. (Bangkok is known for that kind of thing.) Still, it's a great place for touristy shopping- t-shirts, bags and souvenirs. I decided against taking my camera here. Next morning, fed up of traffic and taxi drivers, we decided to take a one-day pass on the Skytrain. We started it off by going to the nearest pier on the river Chao Phraya. Then we hopped abaord the local Chao Phraya Express ferry service along the river and we went to a nearby mall my dad remembers from his visit in the early 2000s. Views are great from the ferry. The mall, called River City Mall, was pretty boring- almost zero crowds and only good for antiques.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2013 14:22:25 GMT
I go to Wat Pho every single time I go to Bangkok -- and spend a lot of the time just sitting in the gardens listening to the fountains. I don't think I have ever spent less than 3 hours there, and I also love the sound of the coins dropping in the pots all around the reclining Buddha.
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Post by anshjain97 on May 1, 2013 15:25:02 GMT
After leaving the River City Mall, we headed back to the pier and then took the Skytrain to Siam Square- most of the remainder of our time in the city (against my choices) was spent in malls. The Skytrain is a really nice way to get an overview of the city- seeing areas and things you never thought existed if walking on street level. For example, this temple: And, here is some openness: We are now moving towards the business district. Here is Lumphini Park- the city's main and biggest park. But, in true Bangkpk style, it's known for prostitution at night. I can't realise how the heck this road became so bottlenecked. This was at 1.30 pm- far from morning rush hour. Mostly present in Siam Square area is the Skywalk- an elevated, covered walkway leading from the skytrain stations in the vicinity to many closeby areas- such as malls, hotels etc. Good way to beat the heat and saves time not spent crossing roads. Above is a view of Siam Square from the Skywalk.
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Post by anshjain97 on May 1, 2013 15:41:06 GMT
Here is the Skywalk. Apparently, walking may be faster than driving... And here's a small list of places you can visit using it. Now, let me take you to a close-by, another touristy area, along Sukhumvit Rd. The surrounding area is home to a touristy street market, posh residences as well as "entertainment" (Bangkok-style) and hotels- many top-end. We stayed in this area on our first visit. This is the market along Sukhumvit Rd. You can find t-shirts which call McDonalds "Mc Shit" and Pizza Hut "Pizza Slut." The last thing I saw of significance was the Erawan Shrine. Built to end a string of misfortunes involved in the construction of the Erawan Hotel in the 1956, it is now approached by locals who desire a material good.
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2013 16:52:27 GMT
Thanks for posting all of this, but I'm sure you know that you will make much more interesting trips when you are able to travel on your own. I'm sure that you appreciate all of the family trips (which are obviously great and something to be cherished in future years), but I know that you are taking notes on the things that you really want to come back and see at some time in the future.
Strangely enough, Siam Square is where I saw the film Titanic when it came out. The main sensation locally was that it was the first film showing bare breasts that was not censored. As you know, this is extremely ironic when you think of places like Patpong.
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Post by bixaorellana on May 2, 2013 17:31:25 GMT
Apologies for not responding to this sooner, Ansh. Yes, it will be interesting to see reports from when you're able to get out on your own -- to get lost, to discover the unexpected, and to interact with locals -- but in the meantime, this thread really opened my eyes to the huge variety of Bangkok.
The vast and impressive modern skyline (that ferry picture -- wow!) is such a contrast to the temples and the Grand Palace. And the exotic stuff is so exotic to my eyes. I don't think those guardian figures in front of the Palace are Buddha figures, but leave it to someone who knows more to say what they might be.
I always enjoy pictures of everyday life in other lands and cultures, such as that of the school you show. What I don't see anywhere in the report is any scruffiness. Did you travel through any "regular" or poorer neighborhoods or very local markets? Do try out a tuk-tuk the next time you get a chance. They're called mototaxis here, and are very common & much used in the towns around the city. Either Bangkok has much nicer ones, or the ones in your picture are particularly nice for the tourist trade.
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Post by nycgirl on May 3, 2013 2:04:38 GMT
Great photos! The Grand Palace and the temples are amazing. I especially love the reclining Buddha.
I've been to Thailand but not Bangkok, since I opted to fly into Singapore. I can see Bangkok has a lot to offer, though. Maybe I'll get to go one day.
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Post by anshjain97 on May 3, 2013 11:57:00 GMT
Thanks, all.
We are of course not very adventurous travellers- and this is what I'd like to change when I grow up. Adventure in the sense of discovering unknown urban areas etc- not in terms of adventure sports as I don't find that appealing.
Unfortunately, slums are littered throughout the city- I'll post some picturs later- so travelling through a scruffy part is rather a given in the city. Right now, you can see the first shot in reply #1.
But as such, didn't go see poor areas. On my first visit, we went to Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is a huge, famous, by large touristy market.
Actually, I did take a tuk-tuk ride- only about a 2-3 min one- to get from Patpong night market to a nearby restaurant.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2013 17:13:29 GMT
Nice photos, ansh The City looks so modern and clean, I can't imagine it having another side. If you do have any photos of the poorer areas, it would be interesting to see them.
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Post by anshjain97 on May 3, 2013 17:24:44 GMT
Thanks, Deyana. Here is one shanty-style block. And here's a closeup of the slums visible from my hotel room. I'll see if I have more.
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Post by lugg on May 3, 2013 17:27:00 GMT
I really enjoyed reading your report Ansh , I have visited some of the same places. Looking forward to reading more.
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Post by anshjain97 on May 3, 2013 17:31:02 GMT
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Post by anshjain97 on May 3, 2013 17:36:30 GMT
Thanks, Lugg- have only a small bit left.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2013 17:37:07 GMT
I don't even consider those to be slums -- just modest houses where poorer people live.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2013 17:44:32 GMT
Yes, I was going to say the same thing. They seem like awfully nice slums
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Post by anshjain97 on May 3, 2013 17:47:33 GMT
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Post by anshjain97 on May 6, 2013 16:30:04 GMT
There are some shacks right in the heart of glitzy Siam Sq. I took them from a nearby mall called Centralworld- once the biggest in SE Asia and still going strong. Here is another, probably better, shot of Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). And there's another temple opposite it. No tourist seemed to be going there. (you can see the blue-coloured school building in the background) And here's a mall called Terminal 21- it's unique as all its floors are themed on different cities- Rome (ground floor), Paris (first floor), then other cities are Istanbul, Tokyo and San Francisco )the latter occupying 2 floors). Here's some of the London part.
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Post by anshjain97 on May 6, 2013 16:40:54 GMT
Notice any similarity of that aux-London sign with this actual one near the Grand Palace in Old Bangkok?
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