At Wat Po, the Reclining Buddha
Buddha at Wat Ben (Marble Temle)
I call this intense travel – trying to revisit as many places as I possibly can each day, simply for photography and to get a quick idea if anything has changed since my last visit. Things like visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun, Wat Traimit and Wat In – in a span of just a few hours is doable – not necessarily enjoyable but my revisiting mission wasn’t to enjoy these places per se.
In this regards, motorcycles are a godsend to travelers in a hurry for whatever reason. While I’m not sure this is the safest form of transportation within the chaotic streets of Bangkok – they sure do get you around quickly – weaving in and out of traffic, hopping curbs, going the wrong direction in some cases, whipping through hotel driveways as shortcuts, swerving out into oncoming lanes of traffic when there are no cars coming the opposite way and other ways of saving time.
There is a certain thrill or adrenaline rush that I get from moving from place to place quickly. While I certainly don’t travel like this all the time – when updating information on the fly – this can be an enjoyable way of travel – albeit exhausting after a few days.
But now I am back in our village 2 hours east of Bangkok – which is the perfect location for writing – no traffic, no noise save for a few chickens in the distance, a wine cooler in hand, a supporting hammock under the house and a gentle breeze blowing.
And I will leave you with this photo I took this evening of a place of spiritual significance for several families in the area (shelters an ancient piece of wood).
Sounds like a crazy city. I’ve never been.
I miss Bangkok already seeing all these beautiful pictures!
Did you get a massage at Wat Pho? I am considering going there to learn Thai massage (I’m a massage therapist in America). Let me know how your experience was.
Have never been to Bangkok myself but my mum has been there before. She said that yes, the streets are pretty chaotic and a lot of motorists as well. With all the traffic, the motorcycle is definitely the effective option, but you gotta master to swerve around the traffic as well! Nonetheless, Bangkok is an interesting place to explore! Any plan for the next trip? How about Bali? Oh yes, Bali is a stunning place! Has a lot of beautiful beaches for you to explore. So come visit and explore Bali, and we will provide you the best villa to accommodate your stay. Please do visit our website, thank you!
Abhija – as far as cities go it is somewhat chaotic but once you start digging a bit deeper Bangkok starts getting a hold of you!
Lan – yep, I often feel the same way when I leave.
Scarlett – its funny, I’ve walked by there many times but have never stopped for a massage. My wife was trained there in massage and if her skills are any indication of expertise – I think you should highly consider taking a trip there for some training 🙂 Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Sarah – yes, I wouldn’t mind a return trip to Bali! I was in Jakarta a year and a half ago and the contrast between that city and Bali is dramatic. I preferred Bali 🙂
I spent the my last two summers in Thailand and I just love Bangkok. There is so much to see 🙂
Becky – I absolutely agree. I’ve been going to Bangkok for many years and each time I visit I always discover something new. This city is in a constant state of change and renewal is seems like!
I’ve only been to Bangkok once but it was an unforgettable adventure – especially at night!
What better way to end an intense day than with a view of THAT 🙂
George – Bangkok is certainly one of the world’s greatest cities for nightlife. My friends are visiting this January and we are going to show them a crazy time!
Izy – yes, it was the perfect antidote to the chaos ‘surfing’ the Bangkok streets 🙂