Chao Phraya River Importance The Chao Phraya, River of Kings - so dubbed by King Rama I - is the heartbeat of Bangkok. This is not only because of its proud heritage. It's because even now more than 50,000 people still use ferries to get to work each day. Children still find pleasure swimming in the brown, murky water. Wooden shacks, still hover precariously over the moving currents. Luxury hotels and condominiums may now overshadow revered temples, churches and government offices , while floating nearby, a … [Read more...]
Bangkok Bars – Casanova
May 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Bangkok Bars While this is not an 'official' review of the Casanova Bar, the setting, on the second story of the Nana Entertainment Plaza, was quite compelling, with transsexual entertainers applying makeup outside. Among the numerous Bangkok bars, Casanova does not particularly stand out. It is a ladyboy joint; I'm usually a bit intimidated by transsexuals as they can be too aggressive at times, and they are, after all, men. … [Read more...]
Bangkok Sights You Should Not Miss
February 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Bangkok sights, though memorable, do not all typify the rest of the country's diverse range of attractions, which is why Thailand has been steadily gaining in popularity as one of the premier destinations in Asia. Still, the nation's capital, has managed to emerge as one of the most established cities on the continent. Indeed, the largest province in the country has plenty to offer its visitors. If you ever wanted to visit this part of the world, you can expect a trip like no other especially when you take in … [Read more...]
Visit Ayutthaya
February 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
There are many opportunities to see Thailand's second ancient capital, completed in the 13th century. A minivan can get you there in 90 minutes. A scenic boat ride with lunch will take under 3 hours. An inspiring, if not, unforgettable experience. Stay overnight and prolong the pleasure! … [Read more...]
Bangkok’s Victory Monument
September 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Moving from Los Angeles to Bangkok was not as traumatic as it might've been had I not visited the 'original' City of Angels a couple of times prior. I did have some 'almost-friends', one of whom owned two condominiums. The plan was to hook me up with a dwelling as soon as possible, so as to eliminate paying hotel rates in a place which I could never call 'home'. Actually the Nanatai Mansion could easily have accomodated me for about the same price as the cheaper of the two condos, and would have been a much more … [Read more...]
Phuket – Patong Beach
July 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Phuket - Tropical Splendor Phuket island, while not technically a Bangkok attraction, is accessible by a reasonably priced 1-hour airplane ride from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. Minivans from Phuket island's airport will transport visitors to a variety of possible destinations, depending on where the visitors have arranged accommodation. There is everything 'on tap' from the most modestly priced 'funky' apartments and rooms to astronomically costly, palatial suites. I pursue these options in more detail in an … [Read more...]
Ayutthaya Thailand
July 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Ayutthaya Legend has it that King Ramathibodi found a distinctive Conch shell buried just beneath the soil in the area of what would later become Thailand's most prosperous capital, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The king had a pedestal tray constructed and on it placed the Conch. He next had a pavilion built around it. This was to be the heart of his kingdom. The city seal still features the pavilion with the symbolic provincial tree (the Fragrant Manjack) behind it. The city's motto is: "Old capital, food larder of the … [Read more...]
Marble Temple
June 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The Marble Temple The Marble Temple is referred to formally as Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram; it's located in the Dusit district of Bangkok, and is considered one of Thailand's most beautiful temples. I remember vividly the occasion on which I first approached the site with a backpack full of photo equipment which I hastily unpacked right there in slightly cooler air of the shadow of the Marble Temple as it rose impressively before me. Shortly after completing construction of the Royal Palace in 1899, King … [Read more...]
