On The Other Side of Bangkok 2017 Trip

Wat Arun seen from the other side of the river.

For the past few years I travelled to Bangkok to meet my friends and also to see the tourist attractions in the city. I missed it last year and this year when I returned to Bangkok, I found more positive things happening in this city that make it more wonderful. There are more places to visit in Bangkok alone, but here let me share something that I saw in this trip.

Bangkok is one of the biggest cities in South East Asia countries with more than 8.3 million populations with its unique cultures but still consist of different races. It’s always wonderful to return to Bangkok - and there always another Wat to visit, nice places such as floating markets, or new malls that scattered all around the city. Something different this time, I will stay in the Silom area as it will be easier for me to meet my friends that will come from New York.

Motorbike taxi another convenience way to travel in Bangkok. 

Bike rental also available in some places.

Fruits seller at the market.

Another thing that I like about Bangkok is that I can easily take a train directly from the airport straight into the city - in fact directly to the hotel where I stayed (just few meters away from the station). Even though it is easier to take a taxi, well you know travellers like me always want to try something different whenever possible. Some other reason why I prefer to use train in Thailand than taxi is for the traffic condition in Bangkok that always unpredictable.

Met my friends the next morning - they stayed one station away from me. I thought I could walked a little until I found a taxi to go to their hotel. I only found that I already reached the next station, then to safe my time I saw the motorbike taxi (that was the first time I tried it in Bangkok). Morning traffic is busier, so the taxi never get into small alleys. While motorbike taxi, not just cheaper but also faster during this rush hours. Another experienced and I made it to my friend’s place to have out breakfast together.

Waiting for the train at the Silom MRT Station.

Another train lines in the city of Bangkok.

Bangkok seems less crowded (actually it is well arranged this time). Their pedestrian walk also cleaner and sellers in proper strategic places. They also keep their area cleans. It will be much better if they put more rubbish bin, so it will be easier for people to throw away the rubbish. Anyway I believe they will do it soon.

Other than meeting with my friends, I also managed to visit two more tourist attractions in the city. Wat Arun, always on renovation for the past few years of my visit to Thailand and now it’s open again to visitors. In order to visit it, I need to go to the pier near Wat Pho, well why not I visit this another wonderful attraction.

Directory of Wat Pho.

Walking around the vicinity of Wat Pho.

Another sight that you will be amazed with.

Wat Pho is one of oldest temples in Bangkok with its function as royal temples. It is associated with King Rama 1 that reigned from 1782 to 1809. It was originally known as Wat Photaram or Podharam, from which the Wat Pho is derived. Also located in this complex is Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn a group of four large stupas, each with 42 meters high. You will notice how big it is until you get close to it (and it almost impossible to get it into your photo). Here more than thousands of Buddha images can be found include the largest reclining Buddha with size of 15 meters high and 46 meters long.

Wat Pho also considered as the earliest centre for public education in Thailand. Here houses the school of Thai medicine and also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage - and still taught and practiced until today. It will take few hours if you really want to see all the details of this complex. There are many stories for every buildings and statues that placed all over the places.

Among thousand of Buddha Statues at Wat Pho.

Wall painting at the temple of Reclining Buddha.

Many other statues can be found all over the places.

From Wat Pho you can just walk to the pier where you can take boat to cross the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun that looks majestic from afar. For the past few years Wat Arun was under long restoration works and only open again recently to the tourist. Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan the full name of Wat Arun derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, can be seen as the morning light when the first light in the morning reflected from its pearly iridescence surface. Wat Arun can be seen from afar for its central prang (Khmer-style tower) has height up to 86 m (282 ft.) - there’s no official height measurement done so far. Wat Arun surely become the best iconic temple to see from the other side of the river. It’s also one of the best photos object during sunsets and night time as the light hitting its surface make it looks shining.

Crossing the river to visit the Wat Arun.

The surrounding area of Wat Arun.

The fence of War Arun.

Wat Arun is totally different from any other Wat here in Bangkok as it’s resemble giant stupa instead of temple. Anyway they are stairs to climb up to some points from each of its sides. Anyway tourist can only climb to the first level - it will be nice if we can climb little bit higher. All around the Wat there are many other ancient Chinese figures of soldiers and animals that make it more attractive to see. All I can say, it’s nice that I can make here at last.

At the entrance.

Climbing stairs to the first level.

Tiny pieces of porcelain decorated the temple.

For this visit I used many other public transports provided in Bangkok includes Grab Taxi, MRT, motorbike taxi, boat and BTS. It is so convenience to travel around as Bangkok is popular with its traffic jam. With all the improvement in Bangkok, the tourist industries will keep on flourishing to boost its economy.