Bangkok is huge! Bright and bustling, Bangkok is a sensory overload. So many smells, tastes, and sights to enjoy!
I want to share with you some of my favorite places in Bangkok!
*Wat Pho*
Wat Pho is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It is famous for its huge (150 foot) reclining Buddha. It's a beautiful place to walk around. It only costs 10 Thai Baht which is around $2.80 USD. Tourists get a free bottle of cold water with their ticket. There is a little gift shop on site. It is a little pricier than other souvenir shops, but it is still cheap by US standards.
To enter the building with the reclining Buddha you have to remove your shoes before entering and wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as it is considered a sacred place. It is so hot there, I chose to wear denim shorts and brought a maxi skirt to put on before entering the building. I brought a short-sleeved shrug to put on over my tank top, so I could easily pull it on and off. Because of the heat, I would recommend going as early as possible. They open at 8 am. I went later in the morning, and the heat was unbearable. I was not able to see everything.
Thailand is a Buddhist country, so this is an interesting cultural and historical place to see.
*Fat Cat Cafe Club*
Here's a little secret for you, I am not a huge fan of cats. I am a dog person through and through. I loved this little cafe, because it was so different. Enjoying a cappuccino with 10-15 cats running around is quite an experience. They serve food as well as coffee. I chose a cappuccino, while my friend ordered a mini lasagna. It was inexpensive, as is everything in Thailand. You have to remove your shoe and wash your hands before entering the cat area. You also wash your hands when you leave. You sit on the floor on mats around low tables.
My Thai friend and I spent an hour here before I had to leave for the airport. We came later in the evening, so I think the cats were a little anti-social by that time. We were able to hold and pet a few. Check out their Facebook page for more information. The workers love to take photos of their customers, so if you ever go check to see if you make the facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thecatcafe
This floating market is actually around a 2 hour drive from Bangkok. We took a cab which cost about $60 USD for the entire day. Our cab driver was awesome, and stopped wherever we requested and waited patiently for us as we shopped. He actually napped in the car while we shopped at the floating market. He also thought I was Australian, because the Americans he has met are "much taller". Anyway, the market sells fruits, vegetables, Thai food, and all kinds of souvenirs. It was very busy! Sometimes I was not sure our boat was going to make it past all of the the other boats. I am not sure how much it was for our boat, but my friend walked around until we got a fair price. We had our guide pull over to the river bank, and I ordered Pad Thai and it was delivered to me in the boat. Such a beautiful ride! It is a must do if you ever have a chance!
Kaosan Road is a touristy area of Bangkok. It is a road filled with food vendors, souvenir and craft stalls, restaurants, and places to get a Thai massage. My Thai friend wanted me to get a Thai massage, because they are supposed to be really good, but I kindly declined. I have a thing about people touching me. I know I am weird! I came here my very first night in Bangkok. We ate at a little outdoor cafe. Our food came with free magic tricks. You can't beat that! If you need souvenirs before you leave Thailand or just want to go out. This is a fun place!