Of all the places we were visiting I was most excited about Thailand because my daughter, Justyne, was meeting us there for Christmas. Most of the trip was planned and paid for before we left so we splurged and this was truly going to be a “vacation” for Jon and I. We had high hopes for the first day but me being run down and Justyne exhausted after a 24-hour flight we visited the famous Khao San Road for lunch and a little browsing and were passed out in bed by 5:30.
The next day on our way to visit the Grand Palace we ran into a gentleman who provided us with a map and showed us some other sites we should see in Bangkok including the oldest temple and the largest Buddha as well as a made to order clothing establishment that was open only to the public this week. He helped us arrange a tuk-tuk driver to take us to these sites for a reasonable price.
During our visit to the oldest Buddha Justyne and I showed our respects by lighting some incense and gifting gorgeous flower arrangements. At this site, we ran into a man who was there with his pregnant wife who was there praying for a boy. He told us about this place where we could have custom-made clothing which was only open to the public this week. This was the second time we heard this place mentioned so we figured we would stop by.
Justyne and paying our respects to the oldest Buddha.
Justyne in front of the tallest Buddha.
After visiting the oldest and tallest Buddha we stopped by the custom-made clothing place. In our excitement, we all purchased items. Jon a custom-made suit and Justyne and I dresses. Next, we headed off to the Grand Palace. After getting into our rented cloths because we were not dressed appropriately we spent the next hour in awe at the opulence of the structures. We then relaxed with traditional Thai massages at the famous Wat Pho.
Jon and I in our rented cloths at the Grand Palace and views of the magnificent structure.
We returned for our first fitting for our cloths. After the fitting while having a beer with the salesman we started inquiring about how the establishment was only open to the public this week. He looked confused and passed it off with a general comment. This is when the lightbulb went off, we had been scammed. I had read about situations like this where locals were strategically placed to get you to visit an establishment for kick-backs yet I still fell for the trap!! To try and lessen the blow Jon I went back for a second fitting after Justyne left to make sure everything looked right and the clothing has safely arrived in the US. So even though I was scammed I am the proud owner of a custom-made classic black dress (I know, boring).
Our first fitting for our new custom-made cloths.
Have I mentioned the food? It is beyond scrumptious. Our favorite part of Bangkok was the midnight food tuk-tuk tour we went on. Seven stops in heaven visiting an establishment for some local favorites, the best noodle dish I have even had cooked in a 50-gallon drum, flower market with local fruits and crunchy crickets, Wat Pho at night, a drink on a rooftop bar overlooking the city and finished up with the most famous Pad Thai restaurant cooked two ways!
Jon in the tuk-tuk for our food tour.
Or first stop with yummy papaya salad, sliced chicken, Lob (a minced chicken dish) and a fried puffy fish.
Seriously, the most delicious dish we had came from an outdoor kitchen with a stove made from an old 55-gallon barrel.
Intricate flowers from the market.
Me eating a spicy roasted cricket.
Wat Pho at night.
Justyne and I sharing a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the floodlit temples.
Famous Pad Thai!
After Justyne left I spent the morning at the famous Damnoensaduak Floating Market once again eating my heart out. After my canal tour bumping into hordes of other tourist boats I enjoyed a delicious BBQ pork and rice dish, coconut ice cream, mango with sticky rice (seriously delicious), some strawberries and spring rolls. I was full for at least 24-hours but so worth it.
The crowed market, the most amazing BBQ pork dish and coconut ice cream (that is corn and peanuts on top.)
Where we stayed, Tara Place, we had a wonderful space with two connecting rooms, one with a King bed and one with a single bed for about $70 a night. Poor Jon got stuck in the single bed and Justyne and I shared the big king bed. The hotel offered a free shuttle service to the main local attractions and had free coffee, tea, water and delicious snacks in the lobby. There was also a great outdoor space on the roof right outside of our room.
Jon and Justyne enjoying the free snacks in the lobby and Justyne in the tuk-tuk.
Jon and I spent a few more days in Bangkok after Justyne left and being back to a budget we stayed at, Luz Hostel, where was had a double capsule bed with space for small items and a curtain for privacy for about $20 a night. It was kind of neat being in there like a childhood fort. The place was newly built and had a wonderful breakfast and hang out spots.
Me in our capsule bed.
Journey with Christina 