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Bangkok, Thailand |
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Going to Bangkok from Hong Kong is equivalent to going to Vegas from Portland. A friend and I got round-trip air, a weekend in the 5-star Grand Hyatt, and private car transfers for about $450 USD each. The new SkyTrain makes much of the city accessible, the only exception being west Bangkok, where all of the cultural sites are located. The new international airport is supposed to open in 2006 which will make ingress even easier. |
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This is a view of Wat Arun, Bangkok's most famous landmark. It is a representation of the mountain home of the Khmer dieties. This photo was taken from a ferry on the Chao Phraya River. |
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This is one of the many shantytowns that abut directly upon the Chao Phraya. I regularly saw children playing in swimming in the festering water. |
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A shot of me at the N8 ferry stop. Wat Arun is in the background. It's hot...very hot. |
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The spires of Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple. In 1832 King Rama turned the temple complex into a center of learning. The temple is also home to a 45m-long Reclining Buddha. |
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This photo gives a sense of scale. The Reclining Buddha sits inside of its own shrine and the soles of his feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl depictions of the 108 lakshanas (or true signs of the Buddha). |
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This is a Buddha in the entrance to the main chapel at Wat Pho. Photography was not allowed past this room. |
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Bangkok is notorious for its hedonistic side. I generally avoid Pat Pong, but I did decide to slum it at the Bed/Supperclub which requires a six-week advance notice. All guests are served while reclining on beds. Live avant-garde entertainment is featured during the meal. |
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Thai dancers at the Erawan Shrine, which is really just a "spirit house" for the Grand Hyatt. For a small fee, the dancers will sing while you pray. |
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