Bangkok River and the Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn

After spending about 1 hour at Wat Pho temple, I accidentally found out that Im very close to the mighty Chao praya river in Bangkok. This river is so long that people in Bangkok also use this to cross or travel from one place to another using an extensive river boat system. Historically, they say that the river plays a very important role in forming what is Thailand today.

Surprisingly, on the other side of the river, I saw a very beautiful temple, as the locals told me, its called the Temple of the Dawn and its one of the most pictureque places to be while in the city. To find out why, I walked towards a local ferryboat station. One ferry ride costs about 2.5 BAHT. 

There are many boats that travel around the river, one is the riverboat express or the river taxi’s. Rivers are great also for tourist if they want to see the old and new Bangkok as many temples are located near the river and the canals. In the Philippines, I hope the Pasig river will eventually be like this. 

WAT ARUN TEMPLE

Wat Arun has an entrance of 50Baht, very affordable and the same price for locals and tourist unlike in India. 

The first glimpse of the temples entrance. The architecture is just awesome and they say that this is Bangkok’s most popular landmark. But because of some personal reasons, I have to guard my heart before entering a temple. I only appreciate its architecture and nothing else. 

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Bangkok City Tour on 2 wheels

 Many tour operator offers a half day city tour around Bangkok for $50 which includes a half day city tour, english speaking guide and in a luxury coach but if you ask me, that is very expensive and the best option for me is DIY or Do It Yourself tour around this amazing city. I woke up early in the morning and hired a motorcycle, in the Philippines we call it “single” or solo. Another option is the famous tuktuk but the motorcycle is much cheaper and it can go to any places quicker.

For 200 BAHT my trip starts now!

For today, I have only 5 things in mind where to go including Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Emerald Temple, Wat Arun and Bangkok river tour. Bangkok has many temples to view but these are the most recommended. This time, I just had a time of my life, unlike some of my trips thats allows too much rush and now, I just wanna feel more relax, no need to rush. 

On the way to What Po, I saw the Democracy Monument in Bangkok. I remember this one time I saw on TV during Bangkok’s political turmoil that happened few years ago.

At Wan Pho, you have to pay 50 BAHT entrance fee. Here I was amazed by the structures, its so beautiful.

Although Im not a fan of visiting temples because of some reasons, this is one place to visit in Bangkok. 

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A Glimpse of Bangkoks Shopping District

Bangkok is known for its extreme shopping and my first night in Bangkok gave me what this shopping lifestyle truely is. 

Since I started out late, theres nothing I can do more but to explore the shopping district in Bangkok where I am located and great thing is that popular shopping centers are connected to each other and the best means to do that is through walking.

Definetely my perception about malling has changed because of Bangkok.

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First Meal in Bangkok

After a long day comes dinner time and what best way to do this is to eat like a local in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Its easy to find Thai street food especially when you are staying in the shopping district of Bangkok where my hostel is centrally located. There are plenty of fresh Thai food cooking here and there’s one right beside our hostel. 

Here is my meal for the night, pork barbecue with a special thai vinegrette for B35. At first I thought that Thais dont eat pork but they have plenty pork menus around. Its so delicious, it seems to have some special marinade, the pork is so tender and the sauce has a right spice on it.