Tour the Highlights of Bangkok like a Local

October 03, 2020

We were genuinely shocked at just how busy Bangkok traffic really was.   Walking along the streets was much faster than driving, but it is so very hot!

We wanted to know how to navigate around, what appeared to us, a daunting Thai transport system.  We would learn how the locals get around and see the best of Bangkok faster, and for less, than by sitting most of the time in the back of a car.  Stuck in the morass of Thai traffic.

A Green Oasis in the Heart of Bangkok

Starting in the cool of the morning we headed out with our new friend and guide by our side.  Our first destination was reached on foot, only a short walk from our hotel, in the heart of Bangkok.  This was the famous heritage museum, Jim Thompson House.

This was a magical marvel to behold.  Here in the heart of the whirlwind of Bangkok was a quiet green oasis.  Sitting along one of the many canals is a grouping of 6 beautiful Thai houses, all surrounded by a manicured mass of vibrant green jungle.  It was blissful, cool and very relaxing.

We explored the wonderful lush grounds then the elegant wooden homes, some over 100 years old.  These contained the artworks and treasures that had been gathered from around southeast Asia and China by the American, Jim Thompson in 1950’s and ’60’s.

Some of these works were absolutely stunning.  We admired carvings from Cambodia, Chinese Ming porcelain, Burmese statues, and gorgeous Thai artworks.  Along with a vast array of silk clothes and products, some used in the movie The King of Siam.  We relaxed by the pond filled with glittering Koi carp and floating lotus flowers and enjoyed smooth rich coffees.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok

Above the Fray

Reluctantly we left as we had to continue onwards with our adventure.  Climbing the stairs of the BTS (Skytrain) very near the museum, we were to get our first lesson in traveling like a local.

Our smiling guide slowly and clearly explained then demonstrated how it worked.  Within a few minutes, we were onboard our clean air-conditioned train.  Gliding overhead all the jammed up traffic, noise, and fumes below.  It was cheap, easy, fast and very efficient.  Not at all daunting now!

In only minutes, rather than maybe an hour or more by gridlocked car, we arrived at our destination by the river.  Walking down the stairs to the pier we went first to the kiosk where it was explained how the boats work, and how much they cost.  Ticket in hand, we waited a few minutes before our water ferry pulled alongside.

A Calmer View of Bangkok

Bangkok from the water is a far different sight than when you are walking along the crowded streets.  We got a perspective of its real beauty and understood why it is known as the Venice of the East.   We pulled slowly up this mighty river snapping pictures every which way we looked.  This was wonderful.

In Awe of the Grand Palace

We climbed off at our stop and strolled into the imposing Grand Palace.  The buildings, temples, and towers gleamed in the Bangkok sunshine.  Everywhere we turned evoked more gasps, as the gold leaved roofs, inlaid walls, and large Demon Guard statues surrounded us.

Also here is the statue of the Emerald Buddha, located in its own temple.  This small statue, carved from a single piece of Jasper is Thailand’s most revered.  The gold spire atop the chapel, surrounded by the deep red roof tiles is most definitely an Instagram moment.  The entire grand palace complex is quite breathtaking and almost overwhelming in its beauty.

The monks were receive food

The Open Air Taxi

From here we hopped aboard a local Tuk Tuk.  We had seen hundreds in Bankok but never knew how to properly use them; so we hadn’t.  Again, we shouldn’t have worried.  With our guide, we negotiated a fixed price before getting in, then off we went.  Like the Skytrain and Boat, the view from the back of these zippy, little three-wheeled open-air taxis, is quite unique.

Tuk Tuk is parking in front of Wat Phra Kaeo

Massive is Right!

We sped along to our final spot for the day, Wat Pho.  This is one of Bangkok’s largest temple complexes and is home to the massive reclining Buddha.  This our guide explained as we arrived.

We wandered in and strolled around, trying to take in the sheer majesty of the place.  Then we went into the Temple itself.  We could only stand in awe at what it housed.  This gold leaved reclining Buddha is enormous.  Almost 150 feet long and standing 5o feet high it’s simply astounding.  Even the feet of the Buddha are huge at over 15 feet high and inlaid with mother of pearl artworks.  We just stood and stared, before trying to capture the experience on film, which is quite impossible.

Talking About Feet

Our adventure was almost at an end, but we had one final delight.  This Wat is home to one of Thailand’s leading traditional Thai massage and medicine schools.  We went in and booked an hour-long foot massage.  First, our feet were bathed in cool scented waters, and then we had what was is a truly invigorating and rejuvenating massage.

We left feeling as we were walking on air.  One last trip for the day and that was back to the hotel.  We’d tried almost every type of Thai transport, now we braved the car.  This taxi was like one we would use at home.  Climbing in, we admitted the air conditioning was nice, but it wasn’t as much fun as traveling around the city earlier.  It didn’t take that long to get home, and we did feel especially sublime with our lighter than air feet.

Happy and Self-Satisfied

At the hotel, we thanked our friendly smiling guide for his great service and local knowledge and said our farewells.  It had been an excellent day.  Seeing some of the highlights of this marvelous city.  More importantly, with a little help from a friend we had conquered traveling in Bangkok like a local.  Tomorrow we would head out to explore more of the town, but now with brash confidence.  Also with a lot less sitting in traffic, and at a much less expense.