After a lovely week in Hua Hin, we made our way back to Bangkok to spend the night and sight see for the day. Our hotel sat right on the Chao Phraya River, which runs through the heart of Bangkok. (Last year, we explored the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, so it was fun to stay in a different part of town.) After checking in, we hopped on a water taxi to head to a popular tourist area.
We passed several historic buildings, this one was very run down but was a hub for trade, at one time. It could be a magnificent building if restored.
I also loved this beautiful Catholic cathedral dating back to the 1800’s.
The boat ride also helped give us some much needed ventilation.
Mind you it was hot! My phone said “feels like” 111*, before 11:00 am. Whew! Coincidentally, two of our four trips to Thailand just happened to be in April, the hottest month of the year. Poor planning on our part, I suppose!
Our first stop of the day was Wat Pho, home of the famous “Reclining Buddha”. 
The name said it all, he was big,
and reclining!
I also liked the interesting statues hanging around the grounds.
After three years in Asia, we have seen lots of golden Buddha’s.
Lots and lots of Buddhas.
The detail and color on the monuments was exquisite!
We enjoyed wandering the grounds, even through the heat.
This old tree was fascinating.
My “Wally World” moment of this trip was discovering that Wat Arun was closed for renovation, and was surrounded in scaffolding.
So, I missed the iconic nighttime picture that has become synoymous with Bangkok. Sigh. Next time.
 |
| photo credit:kellogs123.wordpress.com |
I absolutely love the roots of a banyan tree.
Finally, the heat got to us and we decided to return to the hotel for afternoon tea. It was SO worth it!
In the evening we wandered a market by the river area,
and sipped a cocktail called “One Night in Bangkok”, of course!
In the morning we had time for a lovely breakfast, then it was off to the airport to catch our flight back to Singapore, our Asian hub.
Normally, we catch our military “Space A” (space available) flight from Singapore to Japan, but when we called for the flight time we were told that the flights were being canceled for a week due to a military exercise. That’s the risk you take with Space A, if you get it the flight is free, if you don’t then it’s Plan B. The girls took advantage of another gorgeous rooftop pool, while Matt and I strategized our next move. How to get home.
After weighing all of the options, we decided that since we were going to buy tickets to fly home commercially, we might as well route ourselves through Hong Kong for a few days. The cost was virtually the same, and Hong Kong was our next planned trip anyway. Why not?!
So, armed with a suitcase full of dirty beach clothes, we headed back to the Singapore Changi Airport…
That roof top pool looks amazing!!
I also really feel for poor little Ella and that head of heair she has – she must be SWELTERING!!!!!
I have such a new found interest in Asian cultures now! A bet you guys were so sweaty and I bet the Chinese are glad to not have to deal with a hot sticky Ice Family!!!
That heat is brutal! I don't know how you walked around all day. I'd love browsing the market.