20th August 2014

What a morning!!

Leaving the apartment just before 7am I marched out of the gate, across the river to catch the Tuk Tuk that takes you to the BTS skytrain.  Unfortunately I'd just missed it, I could see it in the distance, so walked to the station which took me a good 10 minutes.  Arriving at Nana station I had to
take the train to Siam, change there and get another train Saphan Taksin station.  I thought that all was going well until 2nd train I got in, only went to he next station and everyone got off!!

Anyway, after jumping on another train (the right one) I arrived at Saphan Taksin station where I exited and then walked underneath the station to the Central Pier.  It didn't help that there were 2 piers and obviously I went to the wrong one first :-)  So with the time ticking, I waited for the Chao Phraya Express Boat.  I must say that with various boats coming and going, it wasn't clear as to which went where but I managed to hop on the right one.

So once at Si Phraya Pier all I had to do was get off, turn left at the end of the alley and walk 200 meters and I'd be at Co Van Kessels office.  EASY!!

8.20am and after Si and I checked map last night, the boat ride said 15 mins  ..I was going to be sooo late. Stressed and texting Si, the boat stopped, passengers boarded and we were off again.  Glancing up, I saw 'Si Phraya Pier'   ..I'd missed my stop AGHHH!!!!!!   Luckily the next stop was pretty close and I raced off the boat making my way back to their office which was very easy to find  ..once there I signed in, was given a bike and a guide led me to the group who had stopped at a temple just up the road.  So had not missed too much.


The 3 hour, now 2 1/2hr tour :-D started in Chinatown  (next bit from the web page) exploring its frenetic market environment. Winding through narrow alleyways, our senses come alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a community in motion. We’ll pass by shop houses selling everything from Buddhist amulets to recycled truck engines. Locals worshiping at hidden temples, ritual paper burnings, and the omnipresent spirit house display evidence of a culture centuries in the making.  Crossing the Chao Phraya River with majestic views of the city skyline behind us, we visit Thonburi, the historic third capital of Thailand. Contrasting chaotic Chinatown, peaceful elements of local Thai life abound as we cycle through diverse residential communities.

Recycled truck engines

City skyline

Crossing the Chao Phraya River

Flower Market

Largest gold Buddha in the world

I really enjoyed the tour, you certainly get to see the other side of Bangkok.