Colorful & lively Bangkok

Spending few days in Bangkok has been like entering an aquarium: from the quiet & relax island life, I was suddenly immersed (again) into a big city life, with thousands of persons walking around, selling all kind of stuff, crying, shouting, begging money, horning from their car, taxi or tuk-tuks... in a word: messy. But in 2 other words: colorful & lively, which are those I will remember :-)

After an afternoon of travel from Ko Phangan, I reach my Bangkok hotel around 8pm, then quickly move to join Emma and some acquaintances to Khao San road, and later to see an infamous "ping-pong" show... Well, I knew i wouldn't like it, and I can confirm. More than the shows themselves which could be fun (I said "could"! ;), I hate the context and system it contributes / supports: mafia, sexual traffic, woman abuse, etc... Well, it was very touristy though, and some performances are impressive, but still, this will happen only once!

The day after, first views of the city come from a boat-bus ride on the Chao Phraya river which crosses Bangkok North to South. Perfect glimpses of the various aspects: skyscrapers, temples, food shacks and ruined buildings.

Wat Arun

Local meat balls of whatever... I ate them, not too bad ;)

The 1st real temple seen is Wat Intharawihan, a bit unknown, but it has its own charm. And a tall buddha! ;-)

Wat Intharawihan buddha

Monk praying

After this, I reach the more touristy Marble temple, which is indeed nicer. Located in a quiet and nicely done garden, it feels a bit isolated from the city mess and provide calm... enjoyable in the 45°C heat! I appreciate to see the temple is really used by monks - a buddhist school looks to be on-site-, and to see them doing their prayers / meditations. Interesting to see this different religion practices.  

Marble temple

Monks praying at Marble tempe

3rd temple... yes, busy day! The famous Wat Pho, where the reclining buddha stands. Very colorful buildings, columns, sculptures, temples buildings, roofs... despite the end of the day light and clouds, it was still very nice to see.

The white, lucky belly, buddha

A view within Wat Pho temple

A view within Wat Pho temple 

THE reclining -& huge- buddha

 The 2nd full day is dedicated to a 20km bike-tour of Bangkok... I find it is always great to discover cities like this, you see so much quickly, but still in a close-way, I love it. We are just 5 to follow a local-guide, this is perfect (except the 45°C...).


Quite easy to take pics while biking... so I did many. Cannot comment all and tell all the various areas crossed, but it was really good to ride through streets you would never ever enter if you are just a tourist, and see how Thais are living, working and socializing. Just seeing quickly of course, but better than not.

During the tour, we take some good time to visit the other famous temple of Wat Arun, with its high center "prang" / spire. Decorations on it and all others prongs or buildings around are very nice and well-done. 

Me at the top of Wat Arun, with Grand Palace behind

a Wat Arun sculture

Luck luck luck!?

 The crazy footbag soccer play which happens all around Thailand... could catch quite an impressive game while crossing the city, impressive to see them play and do acrobatic freestyle jumps to shot this tiny ball!

A footbag game... better be agile!

Overal, I liked Bangkok. It is a true city, with a real soul, a deep culture and habits, with a lot of interesting things to see. It is messy and dirty in some way, but not so bad at the end of the day, you quickly get used to it. Living there would be probably fun for few months then difficult, but I would be happy to come back.

yeah ;)