This is a small store front location with a large Buddha face with water flowing over it. The interior has foot massage chair immediately when you walk in on the left and there are more upstairs and in a back room. I walked in after a long day of walking for a foot massage. I was led to the back room by an attendant and sat back in a reclining chair. While the actual massage was good, the preparation and atmosphere was not. First, the traditional cleansing of the feet was done with cold water. and the oil/cream afterwards was also cold like they had it in a
refrigerator. The color of the room is soothing and the lighting dim but it is a very loud place. First, staff started cleaning buckets, banging them together just as I was relaxing. After 5 or so minutes of this, my attendant saw I was not happy with this and told them to stop. Great!

However soon after this, a couple came in for a foot massage and wouldn’t you know they brought their infant child. You guessed it, screaming and crying the rest of the time. While I can’t really blame the location for this, it added to the overall unfortunate experience.
The one hour foot massage cost 350 Baht. I would not return.

Directions: On Sukhumvit Soi 8 only a few doors from the corner with Sukhumvit Road near Nana BTS station.

On top of a small hill is a large (58 meter) Chedi which houses a relic of Buddha. The Chedi is a gold color hence the name Gold Mount. A set of stairs circle the Mount to ascend and is about 300 steps. Avoid going at midday because of full exposure to the sun and if it rains as the steps are painted and can get very slippery. There are several platforms along the way which are lined with bells to ring and exiting the platform is a large gong that has a great deep sound. You ascend the 300 steps to a room with other Buddha statues then a short steep stairway going to the top. Many people come to make Lotus Flower donations and pray. There is a separate steep staircase to descend back to the room then back to the 300 exposed steps.

I didn’t take much notice on my climb up to the top of Golden Mount as it was very hot and sunny the day I was there. But on the way down you can really appreciate the unobstructed views of Bangkok. Luckily I had a very clear day!

I’ve been to Buddhist temples all over Thailand, Cambodia and Tibet. This was the first time I saw special effects in the way of a fog machine when entering the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) temple. After paying the 20 Baht entrance fee the staircase to ascend the Golden Mount is on the left. Immediately you are greeted by lush foliage, and a standing gold Buddha near a waterfall and fog emanating through the plants and waterfall. It was a great effect. Would like to see more of this done.

Definitely a worth while visit!

Address: 344 Chakkraphat Diphong Road

The Democracy Monument was built in 1939 to commemorated the change in power from absolute rule by the Monarchy to a Constitutional Monarchy. While this was considered a Coup, the people to today are still very loyal to the King and so is the military. This was the first time in history the Thai people had a constitution. There are 4 wings that are 24 meters high to represent when Democracy began on June 24, 1932. It is a very impressive monument but it is located at a traffic circle that is very busy and difficult to get out to the actual monument. I have read that there is consideration of building a tunnel so people can get to the monument without having to dodge traffic.

Address: Thanon Ratchadamnoen Klang

Khao San Rd is a very popular place for a younger crowd and backpackers because of the higher number of hostels and cheap street food. By day, the vendors are selling clothing and the usual souvenir items. They are not very aggressive. The most aggressive at the Tailor’s trying to sell you a suit. Khao San Rd is predominantly a walking street with some motorized traffic like Tuk Tuk’s and scooters. They can go in any
direction either side of the road doesn’t matter. The street offers no protection from the sun. There are no trees and the day time sun and brutal! There is a sidewalk that is covered slightly but this is a tight go and the suit salesman are more aggressive. The road has a few good restaurants and a fair share of massage locations. However, it is the night activities that the road is really known for.

I arrived here just as the sun set the next day. The bars and clubs had just turned the lights on and lit up the night sky. It was not yet as crowded as I have heard it gets on Khao San road at night. The street vendors seem to switch out. Day vendors packing up and the night vendors coming out. I liked the area at this time of night. The crowds are not here yet and the party is just starting. The best part is the sun is down and you can really enjoy the sights and a relaxed walk checking out the clothing and souvenir vendors. Definitely an enjoyable evening. I left by 9:00pm and it was still a bit relaxed.

Directions: Chao Phraya express boat to Phra Athit Pier, but this stops at 7pm. After 7pm use a Tuk Tuk.
The several times I was here I was quoted 150 to 300 Baht to go to the National Stadium BTS where I can
take the affordable Skytrain.

Phra Sumen Fort is one of only two fort remaining in Bangkok that were constructed to defend the city from invasions. In 1782 King Rama I ascended to the throne. He decided to move the Capitol of Thailand to Bangkok because of a recent invasion of the former Capitol, Ayutthaya. The King had 14 of these forts built. The fort is an octagon shape with three levels. The fort was used as an ammunition post and observation point overlooking the Chao Phraya. The bottom two levels had canons deployed which you can still see as you walk around the outside of the fort. In 1982, the fort was renovated to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the King Rama I becoming King.

Today, the fort is closed to visitors, even onto the outer walkways. The park is located in Santichaiprakarn Park.

Address: Banglupo Pier, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok