With a short visit, the highs and lows came quickly! In the categories of best Rooftop Bar; and Heaven, as well as best Boat Ride – Slow, Boat Ride – Fast, here are my picks for the Bangkok region of Thailand:
Rooftop bar: “Off the beaten path” is an understatement for this entry. Our tuk-tuk driver navigated from the main artery, to side streets, to alleys, and even from where he stopped, we continued walking, trusting our guide, through pathways between buildings, until after a final right turn, we encountered a hotel lobby. Welcome to the River View Residence. The small elevator took us (three at a time) up to the roof where a two storey, indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar was astutely set-up. As our guide had hinted, it was indeed a wonderful view of the Chao Phraya River and the lights of Bangkok. I fully enjoyed my “Snow Smoothie” of crushed ice, mint, honey, and lemon, while relaxing and taking in the sounds and sparkles of the city at night.
Heaven: The Main Stupa at Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan was impressive in crisp white, with fresh flowers. This part of the 19th century complex had undergone a thoughtful restoration project, which received a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Conservation Award of Excellence. Also in the complex, is a place designed to evoke a sense of serenity and peace – as a reflection of a vision of heaven, and therefore a motivation. This area is a walled garden, complete with a replica mountain temple, Khao Mo, within a pond. And the pond is complete with live turtles – sacred animals that represent creation and longevity. Within this magical space, I was enveloped in the smells of the flowers and the charms of the turtles, and though perhaps not literally, I at least felt figuratively above the hustle and bustle of the city.
Boat Ride – Slow: After a van ride from Bangkok, I found myself in a small punting boat, on a little canal, deep within a coconut plantation. If not for a location marker attached to my photos, I’m not sure I would ever find it again. But in this secluded, tropical world, I enjoyed the quiet, slow, floating journey looking up at coconut trees and feeling beautifully removed from the city.
Boat Ride – Fast: After the coconut plantation, I did return to civilization, to enjoy the Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram (about 1.5 hours southwest of downtown Bangkok.) Historically, this has been a popular stop along the Mae Klong (river) where trade was done between boats – i.e. while floating. There are still many boats along the Wat Chula (canal) but tourists are called to the densely packed stalls along either side. I saw everything from ice cream to rice bowls, and antiques to tie-dyed t-shirts. As night fell, I was in another boat, but this was made for speed. Quickly we were beyond the lights of the market, and looking for fireflies* within the trees that line the quieter parts of the river. I think I saw a few, or maybe they were twinkling lights in the distance? Regardless, it was again wonderful just to be out on water.
That’s the list. Short, but hopefully with a little glimpse into a famous part of the world. ขอบคุณ
* As a group I don’t recall that we resolved the debate of ‘firefly’ versus ‘lightning bug’. Interestingly, Google Translate has different answers in Thai for both….