Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

The port of Laem Chabang is located about 90 minutes from Bangkok.  Traffic in and around Bangkok is horrible. 

If you don’t want to go into Bangkok, a Jack Nicklaus golf course is located near the port at the Laem Chabang International Country Club.  The town of Pattaya is only 10 miles away and was an R&R stop during the Vietnam War.  There’s an elephant village here, Pattaya Elephant Village.

Bangkok is exciting and one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Ken and I were lucky enough to travel here during our "half way around the world" cruise a few years ago.  We stayed at a hotel overnight so that we could enjoy two days and one night in this amazing city.  Be aware of the dress code to enter the Grand Palace and Temples.  Some in our group were turned away; in particular I remember one lady that was wearing capris and they were not considered to be appropriate.  I think now, though, they have skirts, shawls, etc. to give you if you are not dressed appropriately... but I can't guarantee this!

Some top attractions include:

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo.  Both are located in the same walled compound. The Grand Palace has been the residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782, when King Rama I (founder of the Chakri Dynasty) ascended to the throne.

Wat Phra Kaeo is renowned as the most important and beautiful Buddhist Temple in Thailand.  It houses Phra Kaeo Morokat, the Emerald Buddha, which was carved from a single block of emerald.

Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha.  This majestic reclining Buddha is covered in gold leaf and measures 150 feet.  Wat Pho houses more than 1000 Buddha images.

 (you can see just a bit of the Emerald Buddha above us... there was no way that I could get Ken and me and the entire Emerald Buddha in a photograph (at least with the camera that I had)!

Canal Tour along the Chao Phraya River; you will see family homes and temples that dot the river.  You will witness Thai everyday life, such as locals ferrying rice. 

Thai food is delicious, varied, and inexpensive.

Here I am at a Thai restaurant with tables made for Americans!  We were seated on the floor, but there was a put beneath us for our legs!  In addition to a delicious Thai dinner, we enjoyed a traditional folkloric show.

A good and safe place to purchase souvenirs is Johnny’s Gems..