WT038 - A CITY FOR NIGHTLIFE

The day in the Thai capital started with a walk along the Chao Phraya River and in direction to the Phra Arthit Express Boat Pier. On the way, we saw the Phra Sumen Fort, a riverfront fort built in 1783 with an octagonal bunker and white exterior located in a small park.

We then took a local boat from the pier and cross part of the length of the river until we reached the Saphan Taksin BTS Station, from where we took the sky train to the city "centre". This boat ride allows you to see many monuments like the Grand Palace, the Church of Santa Cruz and tons of other Wats, which are located in the riverfront or nearby. This is also the cheapest way to reach the sites and at the same time sightseeing. Just be sure to be fast when jumping on the boat, they will not wait for you.

Siam Center is a shopping mall near Siam BTS Station with a nice front garden and main square. The architecture, buildings and chaotic street flow close by are also eye-catching. On the other side of the garden, there's a small but cosy street market where you can buy refreshments and local food. Just follow the umbrellas.

The MBK Center, also known as Mahboonkrong, is a large shopping center in the city, but has the advantage of being a bit different from what we already know. Popular between locals and tourists, this mega building of eight floors offers something for everyone's taste. There are some stores inside but the total area is mostly filled and divided into small spaces. Each floor is organised by production - technology, clothing, and so on - plus a movie theater, a food sector and an huge gaming zone in the last floors. There's a saying about MBK, as higher as you go, the most illegal and sketchy it gets.

After moving around all day, we just wanted to find a nice place to enjoy the evening while catching a sight of the amazing skyline the city has to offer. The bar/restaurant Above Eleven recommended by a friend and thank god he did. The restaurant has a nice Peruvian menu, with a lot of variety and fresh cocktails. We paid like 45 EUR for our two meals, drinks and a dessert. Not all expensive when you can have such views.

The Khao San Road is since a long time ago a haven for backpackers in Bangkok. Jam-packed with bars and restaurants, as well as budget hostels, Khao San Road has gentrified to include a few boutique choices, and is now a colourful and vibrant neighbourhood where Thai locals can meet travellers. In my case, I found it too full and noisy but nonetheless interesting to visit.

On the second day, we passed by the Khao San Road (again by day) in direction to the Democracy Monument, a kinda of park-roundabout honouring the Thai constitution with towering, backlit sculptures and fountains. A bit further, almost reaching the Phan Fa Lilat Bridge, is the Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin, another highlight of Bangkok. The pavilion was built in 1989 as a structure, in a park-like setting along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, for the king to welcome dignitaries and royal visitors. Nearby is the King Rama III Memorial and the Wat Ratchanatdaram, as well as the Mahakan Fort, an octagonal shaped fort which is registered as a national ancient monument. Sadly, it is not possible to enter.

This Buddhist temple complex, meaning Temple of the Royal Niece, was built to the order of King Nangklao (Rama III) for the princess granddaughter, Somanass Waddhanawathy in 1846. It is home to a Loha Prasat, or iron castle, and is composed of five towers, of which the outer, middle and the centre tower contain large black iron spires. The 37 virtues that are required to reach enlightenment are signified by the 37 black metal spires. The 36 m high multi-tiered structure consists of three levels, the bottom one has 24 spires, the middle one 12 and the top level has 1 spire. It is the only one of its kind that exists today and this is why it was submitted to UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site in 2005.

After crossing the two Phan Fa bridges, you can finally see in the background the Golden Mountain Temple, my favourite place in Bangkok so far. It is an ancient Buddhist temple on a steep artificial hill topped with a gold Chedi. Several sculptures and natural embellishments complete the round up, but the best part are of course the panoramic views from the top floor.