Images and Observations collected during Travels in Thailand. Jim Spence

Ayutthaya - Bangkok - Northern Thailand - Floating Market -
- Ko Samet - Street Markets - Thai Boxing -

View from the open air restaurant and bar on top of the Banyantree hotel ..... Awesome

Directions take MRT (underground) to Lumphini then Tuk Tuk to hotel
OR BTS (sky train) to Siam then Tuk Tuk to hotel

The Skytrain and underground system are simply the best way to get around, they are safe, air conditioned, clean, no hassle. Kiosk Attendants are helpful and friendly they also speak English. The ticket machines can work in Thai or English...... but don't cross the yellow line or the station guard will blow his whistle and you will be told in no uncertain terms to stand well back.
 

Royal palace is on everyone's list of places to see and to be honest, its well worth it.

The Palace temples are very impressive more impressive than the palace its self. Each new king has added to the temple complex which has become a sprawling collection of very colourful ornate buildings.

Admission costs are low. Foreigners pay more than locals. Visitors must cover their knees and ankles before entering- no sandles or shorts.
 

The most sacred building within the palace complex is Wat Phra Kaoe,
It is home to the Emerald Buddha; Thailands most sacred Buddha image.
The Emerald Buddha which is actually jade was discovered in the North of the country.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is next to the Royal Palace and is home to a 150 ft long Reclining Buddha,

You will see the Buddhas in many poses. The reclining Buddha represents the point of ultimate nirvana.

 

China town is an exciting part of the city to visit.

There are some great eating places to be found on the road side pavement restaurants.
 
Bangkok has a network of old canal systems,
These long tail boats do tourist trips and act as water taxis,
The boats are made of Teak and flex a lot in the choppy main river.
They have massive smelly noisy Gardiner Deisel engines and you just got to love em or hate em.
 
The Thai sense of identity is allied with Theravada Buddhism and its monarchy, photos of the royal family can be found on the walls of practically every house in Thailand. The King and the Royal family are very highly respected. On a visit to a picture houses there are short films about the royal family played before the main film is shown, every one jumps up from there seats and stands calmly and respectfully while theses are shown.
 
Thailand has never been colonized by any European country, however it has modeled its self to some extent on European cultures so you will find that - for example, Thais drive on the left hand side of the road, they eat with fork and spoon not chop sticks and many road signs including all major motorway signs and public buildings have English signs. Cool......
 

This Taxi driver has got himself a new cab.

Its customery to have a new vehicle blessed by the Monks this ensures no accidents good luck and fortune for the driver and his new motor.

 

Land of Smiles
Ayutthaya - Bangkok - Northern Thailand - Floating Market -
- Ko Samet - Street Markets - Thai Boxing -