Chinatown in the Thai capital
So on now to the last leg of my trip, the holiday part of it at least, in Bangkok. This was my second time in the Thai capital and I was amazed at how much I missed the last time! Or perhaps travelling solo just gives you a different perspective anyway.
I arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport from Chiang Rai in the evening, the flight about an hour late, mentally reciting the way to my hotel in Chinatown. The Airport City Link to Makkasan, change to the MRT, go to Wat Mangkon. So far, so good. But the tricky part always is to figure out which way to get out so as to have the shortest and cleanest way to your destination. With 15 kg of baggage and a pulled deltoid muscle to spice it all up.
Anyhow, the MRT security guards soon guided me (albeit not very confidently!) to the correct exit, from where a 10-minute walk took me to my hotel. In a somewhat seedy corner of Chinatown, but the hotel itself turned out to be good.
The next day, braving heat and humidity, I set off for Chatuchak, Bangkok’s famous weekend market. I had purposely planned to go there and the to gigantic ICONSIAM across the river. My motive was two-fold—AC and river crossing. It was also an interesting contrast, from the buzzing, touristy open Chatuchak to the upmarket indoor mall ICONSIAM.
The next day was a tough one as I was battling heat rashes from all the sweating (sigh, old age). I’d really wanted to see the Wat Po temple and the Grand Palace area in general, but the THB 500 ticket price put me off. Instead, I went to see Wat Arun, and it was stupendous! Plus, I got my tuktuk and motorbike-taxi rides as well.
That evening, I took a trip down the eating strip of Chinatown. It was underwhelming, to be honest, the food ordinary. My favourite—the sticky rice with mango. I think Chinatown is more fun in the day, with all the shops open as well.
I brought back some flower tea and chrysanthemum tea to drink in my hotel room.
This leaves just half a day of my Thailand adventure. Must say, I’m ready to head home, if only for the weather. Never thought I’d say that about Delhi!
~PD