Bangkok Visit- Terrific-at the Shangri-La.
We flew from Kuala Lumpur following two very enjoyable days and a full day riding the hop on -hop off bus through both the Red Schedule and followed by the Green routs.
Weather was hot and humid and we had the mandatory afternoon storm.
The flight on Malaysian airlines was very good and we were in Businesss, which was full and had an enjoyable meal. We exited the plane after the 2 hour and 15 minute flight and we were processed quite quickly through Immigration and then awaited our luggage, Ken changed US $ for Tania Barts (23-1) and all good.
We then exited through Customs and sought Meeting point 1 near Exit 4. Our trip to The Shangri-La was organised by Luxury Escapes and we found a representative at the above location after being directed by a a Shangri - La representative. The trip to the hotel was usually a 40 Minute trip and on this occasion as a storm hit and we drove through a deluge and a peak hour shambles of a traffic jame , we arrived after 1 hour and 10 minutes and a severe traffic melee. Ken has to book the return trip and will do this tomorrow.
We went to bed early after unpacking and our Executive Suite is simply breathtaking with a separate lounge area, large king size bed and a great bathroom. We also have access to the Horizon Club Lounge.
It is only a relatively short time since were were in Bangkok on our return from Africa in March / April 2023 and this is a refresher of a city which we like and enjoy..
Ken wants to return to The Royal Imperial Palace and will do this on Monday. (Assuming it is open).
We plan on visiting Iconsiam tomorrow. We will have breakfast and then will catch the first Shangri-La boat across and spend some time shopping. then have a light luncheon.
Later we will visit the Executive Lounge for a Drink and canapés before we have dinner tonight in the Next2 Cafe / Restaurant. This is our included meal.
So following breakfast Ken decides he is going to ride the Ferry and take photos of all of the key sites along Chao Praya River. To do he needs to get from our Hotel to Sathorn Rail and Ferry Interchange. It turns out to be about 400 metres walk from our hotel. He threw purchases a day pass on the Chao Praya toursit boat for 150 Baht (about A$6.50) and has a mist enjoyable 3 hours riding the Boat, stopping at all 8 stops and tasking photos.
He returns to Sathorn and then walks back to the Shangrl-La Hotel picks up Jeanette after a drink , then they depart fr the Shangri-La Ferry Wharf where the next shuttle is due to depart at 12.30pm and we enjoy this 10 minute transfer to the now world renowned Iconsiam , which offers the best Thai and luxury brands around the world. There are 500 retailers from throughout the world brought together under one iconic Retail shopping precinct which is now recognised as one of the best shopping precincts across the whole world. It also offers more then 100 world class restaurants in an eating and entertainment precinct within the Iconsiam precinct. We enjoy our time and have a light meal, there is then a storm of severe proportions with massive thunder claps and and lightning strikes and then a deluge of rainfall.
Ken has taken many photos including along the river, we ill not visit the flower market on this trip. We love the great detail and stunning symmetry of the Wat Arun. We marvel at the beauty of the Thai architecture built during the Ayutthaya period some 300 years ago. These are stunning buildings and religious centres.
Ken does take a picture of the Giant guardians., unique as to Wat Arum and located at the entrance to the Chapel. These two statues are Sahatsadecha and Tosakan and have stood guard here for many many years. Ken also visited the principal pagoda of Wat Arun. A great visit.
He also visited Wat Pho which is a temple registered as a World Heritage from UNESCO. Here is the incredible beauty of the reclining Bid Buddha. The sleeping depiction of Buddha symbolises passing into Nirvana. The Buddha monument is invaluable.
He we will visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew tomorrow. This is Bangkok’s most famous and referred monument . From our window we can look down on Assumption Cathedral a Christian church and Cathedral here in Bangkok .
It has been a most enjoyable day. Following showers and changes of clothes we went to the Horizon Lounge and can only describe it as a disappointing bun fight with seating at a premium, food was average at best and the service was under real pressure.
This could be understood as thre horizon club lounge had been open for drinks and canapés from 5.00pm and we arrived at 6.25pm. A bit of a disappointment, the only thing that has gone wrong.
Tonight we enjoyed our included 3 course meal at the Next2 Restaurant. We started with a Caesar Salad for Ken , Jeanette enjoyed satay skewers. It was very enjoyable.
We had difficulty choosing a main but followed this with main course of Pad Thai with Prawns ( Noodles) and beautifully presented and it was superb. Then for Desserts we enjoyed Strawberry Cheese Cake and Crème Brûlée.
Following dinner we felt fully sated and went to the Lounge Bar area where we listened to the pianist and the splendid female singer put on a show for almost 45 minutes prior to a break.
We then fell into bed in our Suite after a cold glass of water. Has been a great day.
We woke at 7.15am . Ken enjoyed an excellent night sleep whilst Jeanette slept on and off.
The plans for today following breakfast was to seek guidance as to which of the 3 popular markets to visit for clothing and gifts etc.
Prior to this Ken booked our pick ups for Singapore and also notified Gavin that we are arriving in Melbourne late Thursday morning flying Singapore airlines SQ237 which departs Changi at 00.25am arriving Melbourne at 10.50am. Gavin responded and will pick us up and drop us off at Wheelers hill.
Ken then went downstairs and s[poke to the concierge ad us=estioned whic of 3 favoured markets we should visit for shopping including Polo Shirts and tee shirts . We had decided to visit either TGIF Market, Pratunam Market Markert or Sampeng Lsne Market. The concierge recommended Pratunam Market and suggested a taxi to get us there at 100 Baht and return would likely cost more as traffic will be worse later. It cost us 350 Baht to return after a recognition of the service charges for the increased traffic and delays.
Our Market experience can only be described as chaotic and the building included 7 floors of hundreds of small stores. Jeanette did purchase several items including some polos fore Ken which are very good quality. Six shirts were the equivalent of 1,500 Baht or approximately A$63. A steal and they fit well and very pleased with this outcome.
The trip back was in heavy traffic.
Ken is now off to take photos of the river.
We will dine in tonight asnd have booked a car for 8.30am tomorrow and our flight is 12.25pm. Arrive in Singapore about 15.35pm. then off to the Hilton Orchard Road using points for a suite .
The holiday is ending it has been simply amazing.
We also took the decision to cancel 2 Oceania cruises for late October 2024 and November 2024 after they were forced to amend itineraries for the first to around the Mediterranean Sea and we have visited all but 2 of the ports. Sent email to Lianne and she totally understood.
