Bangkok Day 4 Part 1 - Reclining Buddha

After alighting from the train, we basically followed the crowd and they exactly led us to the exit where all the cabs were waiting. The easiest way to the hotel, Center Point Pratunam hotel was definitely via cab. After some bargaining, it was THB 200 per cab.

It was way too early and the rooms were not ready. The itinerary of the day was to take the river express boat to some temples. We decided that since we were in Thailand, we should at least attempt some cultural stuff. We changed into temple appropriate attire and headed to the pier via BTS for the boat. The 1 day pass at THB 150 each, half price for kids. 

The view to the temple was nice.

It wasn't a long ride to the Temple of Reclining Buddha but it was a hot, hot, hot, hot day. We merely got off the boat and after a few minutes walk, we decided that we needed brunch at a coffee house along the way bcos it was the only air con restaurant. It didn't matter what cuisine or whether the food was tasty. We had more important agenda.

We reluctantly pressed on after brunch; we had come so far after all. The temple was magnificent. The Buddha structure was really huge!

We had to teach the kids how it is ok to go to the temple to admire the culture and architecture and to respect but not believe or partake in whatever rituals. We went around some more but decided to go bcos it was simply too hot. Even ice creams barely helped.

To fully utlise our day passes, we thought that we should go for some river cruise and decided to take the river boat all the way to the end. It was supposed to U-turn at the last stop. We made one discovery - the Chao Payra river is freaking long. It took us at least 40 mins to reach the final pier. We had to disembark and board the returning boat.

At the pier, we were surprised to see fish food for sales and we were wondering where were the fishes? We bought a big bag of bread and found that the river was filled with huge cat fish that surfaced the moment we started throwing the bread into the river. The picture didn't capture the cat fish. They were really huge!

Shortly, the interest moved from fish to pigeons. So many of them!

We took the river boat for another 30 mins before alighting at "I am not sure where" to get a cab back to hotel. It cost so nice to be back in comfort. I am city mouse. I like air con.

The rest of the afternoon was spent resting, walking some street market for snacks and shopping in their 7-11. Their 7-11s are really good with huge variety. The 7-11 was our best friend for the next days.

Mummy Lim