Exhausted, overheating and with hefty rucksacks on our backs, we tramped along Khaosan Road. We had just arrived in Bangkok, it was nearly midnight and all we could think about was finding our guesthouse and getting some sleep. The vendors on Khaosan Road, however, had other ideas. The street was thronging with drunken tourists. Badly […]
Tag: Bangkok
Bangkok’s Best Buddhas
At the heart of the Grand Palace in Bangkok lies the most sacred temple in Thai Buddhism. Inside the main hall, Wat Phra Kaew, the translucent green statue known as the Emerald Buddha sits atop a golden pedestal. Each tier of the Buddha’s pedestal is smothered in gold and adorned with glittering statues, silver branches […]
Khlong Toei Market, Bangkok: Slippery When Wet
Splashing across the wet concrete at Khlong Toei Market, we regretted our choice of sandals and wondered if wellies would have been more sensible. We stopped suddenly as another stall holder sloshed a bowl of fetid water across our path. Browsing the seafood section, we passed piles of whole prawns and live crabs with their […]
Bringing The Pain: Wat Pho’s Thai Massage
My masseuse pulled my toe and it popped. I winced, particularly averse to cracking joints. “OK?” he queried, noticing my reaction. Responding in a truly British fashion, I lied and told him I was fine. He continued pulling the rest of my toes. Twisting the middle of my foot, there was another almighty crack and […]
Muay Thai: How to Start a Fight in Bangkok
“Tee! Tee! Tee!” yelled the crowd in unison every time their favourite fighter landed a successful knee. When their fighter landed a powerful kick, a chorus of “Ohay!” erupted across the stands. The punters in the audience were on their feet yelling and waving their arms. With these vigorous hand gestures they placed and updated […]
Damnoen Saduak: Cruising Through A Thai Floating Market
Clad in the ubiquitous checked shirt of a floating market vendor, the woman deftly sliced the bananas. She dropped them into the sizzling pan of oil that occupied the centre of the boat. Minutes later she scooped crispy fritters from the fat and transferred them to a plastic bag. Hooked to the end of a […]