Before I left Taiwan for good, I wanted to get some additional Asian experiences, traveling abroad, in this case. My first stop was to BANGKOK, THAILAND. Me and Erin together, set out on this journey. We departed Taiwan, and headed straight for Bangkok. Here are some documented shots of the traveling experience:
Aerial view of Bangkok city! Check out those lights!
Here is some Thai Baht (currency). This fashionably suited man is the King of Thailand.
Upon arrival, a cabby (who didn't speak much English) taxied us to our hostel in Sukhumvit, called Soi 1 Guesthouse. We got to Bangkok pretty late, but in time to see some fireworks celebrating the New Year.
View of the main street in Sukhumvit, not far from our hostel. This is where we stood watching fireworks celebrating the New Year!
As you can imagine, being it the New Year, and Bangkok known for it's crazy parties and such, we encountered many "special" people roaming the streets. Bangkok, of any place I have ever traveled to, has BY FAR the most DIVERSE population I have ever been around! So many different races, ethnicities, languages, etc. It honestly was a bit scary at times. We didn't know who we could communicate with, because EVERYONE was so diverse. After returning back to our hostel (which we shared with 4 other random girls, we didn't know), we wanted to get a decent nights sleep, because we had a grand tour early the next morning. Our first day in Bangkok = our first tour: Elephant riding, Bamboo raft on the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Death Railway, and other goodies!
Sign reading "Welcome to the city of nice people." Bless the city of Bangkok.
We headed up to Kanchanaburi, a city 2 hours from Bangkok. Kanchanaburi was founded by King Rama the first. Taking a long tailed boat down the RIVER KWAI
Death Railway on River Kwai
THE BRIDGE ON RIVER KWAI, which was made famous by the 1957 film, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness and Jack Hawkins. This bridge is called the Death Railway, because more than 16,000 prisoners of war died while making the bridge, due to sickness, malnutrition and exhaustion.
Today, the Death Railway is not in use; however, the rainbow train is the only existing tourist train that still runs today.
WAR MUSEUM
English version
Thai version
Next up: ELEPHANT RIDING TOUR, at the elephant park
Our tour guide and elephant master, hand crafted these leaf crowns, which me and Erin are so stylishly wearing.
Taking a leisurely stroll in a bamboo raft, of course accompanied by our leaf crowns.
Buffet style Thai food. YUM!!
Finally, we went to the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. This waterfall is naturally made, crafted amongst the rocks and mountainside. Deep inside the mountain, families, friends and lovers come to bask in the fresh spring water.
After cooling off, our cute little tour guide took us to the Goamahamongkol train station, in which we would catch the Rainbow train across the Death Railway! What a awesome experience to be a part of something so historic!
King of Thailand, otherwise known as Rama IX. His real name is Bhumibol Adulyadej. He was crowned King June 9, 1946- making him the longest serving and reigning King in Thai history!
This is a bridge can only be walked on by devoted Monks who journey up the mountain to a small temple in which they offer prayers and sacrifices.
ROYAL PALACE, BANGKOK
Below are some shots of the Royal Palace, which served as the original residence of King Rama I. Inside the Royal Palace is the Golden Buddha.
RECLINING BUDDHA (Wat Pho)
The Reclining Buddha is the largest Buddha in Bangkok, measuring 20 acres long (46 meters longs, 15 meters high) and is designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana.
EMERALD BUDDHA (Wat Phra Kaew)
Otherwise known as the Temple of the Holy Jewel, is the most revered Buddha shrine in Thailand. Although only 2 feet tall, no one is allowed near the Emerald Buddha except for the Thai King. It stands on a tall gold altar, and is made purely of green jade. The Emerald Buddha is covered in a seasonal costume, which is changed 3 times a year. Summer (golden crown & jewelry), Winter (golden shawl) and Rainy (golden robe and headdress). The Emerald Buddha and his costumes are the most expensive Buddha in all the world.
GRAND PALACE, home of the King of Thailand
The Grand Palace has served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century until now. Currently it is the home of King Rama IX, the oldest, longest reigning King in Thailand history.
The Grand Palace was one of the most architecturally AMAZING designs I have ever seen!!
The Grand Palace has served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century until now. Currently it is the home of King Rama IX, the oldest, longest reigning King in Thailand history.
The Grand Palace was one of the most architecturally AMAZING designs I have ever seen!!
Before we said goodbye to "The City of Angels" (a.k.a Bangkok), and its 11, 971,000 residents, we got a bite to eat and then spent some time at the beloved Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) airport.
Italian Restaurant owned by Mr. Oresta, native of Italy, but migrated to Thailand for business success.
AIRPORT TIME
Click on "older posts" below
& keep reading about my adventures in
TAIWAN
Such a good trip. The elephant was still my favorite. The airport, need I say more. I like that you did some research!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time! I loved your pictures and reading about your fun adventure! Good job!
ReplyDelete