We returned to Bangkok for 5 days to sort out visas for Vietnam. This, in the event, was an easy process so we were able to see a few sights which we missed when we first arrived in March, 2007. The hotel was situated near the infamous Siam Square, a very busy area in Bangkok where many tourists hang out. It's also not far from where our friend Gail is living and working so we were able to catch up with her. We were pleased to find another branch of one of our favourite eating places in Phuket, Molly Malone's Irish Bar! It was there that I had one of my most delicious meals in Thailand. Irish stew, really tender lamb cooked in red wine! Sorry Thais, but we never really got to grips with the hot spicyness of Thai food.
     The temperature in Bangkok was hot, hot, hot and seemed to be much busier than on our first visit. The pollution levels were also high and we found that travelling by tuk,tuk was not a very comfortable ride. The metered taxis were much better, and less expensive.
     We visited the Grand Palace, the most famous tourist sight in the city. Some of it is closed at present as the late Princess' body is lying in state, but it is still an impressive sight. At the gateway we had to be inspected to make sure we met with "modest" clothing requirements. My three quarter trousers were not approved so I had to hire a wrap-around skirt. It's a free service and they are freshly laundered so no problems there.




     The spires and towers in the Palace were a magnificent sight sparkling in the sunlight, so many different styles. As well as being one of the residences of the King, it is also home to the Emerald Buddha which is highly revered in Thailand. Photographs are not allowed of it but you can freely take pictures outside the temples.






     Wherever we've been in Thailand, the streets are lined with food stalls and around Siam Square there were no exceptions. Sometimes, you can't get past the tables and chairs and have to step out onto the busy road! 





     On the 5th day we picked up our visas for Vietnam, said goodbye to Bangkok and moved onto our next adventure.

 

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