Bangkok

Bangkok, Bangkok, I had forgotten what an assault to the senses Bangkok can be! It is 17 years since we were here last; it can be hot, smelly, noisy, chaotic, polluted, colourful, friendly, facsinating all within a turn of a corner. Great food and a great welcome - Thailand truly is the land of a thousand smiles.

We arrived yesterday afternoon but didn't do much for the rest of the day. It was even hotter here than Singapore and the kids were quite happy to chill out in our suite, have a swim in the pool and eat in the hotel restaurant. We wandered down to the river (Chao Praya) to plan a boat trip for today but then retreated back to the air conditioned tranquillity of the Lebua Hotel. This trip is certainly different to our last time here.

Monday, 11th June 2007

First thing this morning we chartered a boat and took a trip though the canals to the west of Chao Praya. Here are a few photos from the trip.

Our boat trip took us past our hotel, the Lebua (the tall building at the back).

We are staying on the 53rd floor of the Lebua Hotel and the State Tower in downtown Bangkok. From here we get some great views of Bangkok and the Chao Praya river by both day and by night.

Tuesday, 12th June 2007

Today was hot!!! The temperature hit 39 deg C with very high humidity. Not the best day to do a tour of the grand palace but with only a couple of days left before we head off to the islands, we had to make the most of it. The Grand Palace is place where it is difficult to take bad photos; I hope I have done it justice.