Patpong Alley 1

Patpong Night Market is a mix of street vendors and seedy bars/strip clubs selling more than just alcohol. Patpong 1 has the majority of street vendor stalls selling all types of goods. However there is nothing special here that could not be found from any other street vendor around Bangkok. These vendors are located closer to the intersection with Surawong Rd.  As you walk further in and past the vendors, the bars and strip clubs are plentiful. Patpong 1 ends at Silom Rd.

Patpong Alley 2

This runs parallel to Patpong Alley 1. There are no street vendors on this Alley. The majority of the businesses here are bars, strip clubs and prostitution. The only redeeming factor here is a very good Super Market half way between Surawong Rd and Silom Rd. If you need food supplies and is a very good place, but maybe venture here during the day when the bars are closed. Either way it is a safe area.

Directions: Between Surawong Rd and Silom Rd. Near the Sala Daeng Sky Train stop.

The Grand Palace is attached in a way to Wat Phra Kaew and the 500 baht entrance fee covers both. There is a little less to see at the Grand Palace compared to Wat Phra Kaew but just as spectacular. The ground are beautifully manicured and the military guard are in dress whites. Very impressive. There is a significant temple just past the palace called Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat. No photos are permitted inside. There is also a weapons museum, but again no photos are permitted inside. I walked through and it was small but interesting.

If you are fortune enough to catch the changing of the guard you are lucking. It is short but impressive. It is funny watching all the visitors jump in front of the guards as they are marching. Some not moving until the guards are right on top of them. Have to get that perfect shot I guess. But it seemed a little disrespectful. It is one thing to snap a quick picture but to block the way of the march is too far.

Address:  Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

This is one of the most spectacular temples I have ever seen. The official name of Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The temple was built in 1792 by King Rama I to house the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is not really emerald but it only refers to the color. The Buddha is carved out of a single piece of Jade. The Buddha was originally found in Chiang Rai in 1434. It has quite a history of how it made its way to Bangkok.

The structures are very ornate and beautiful. This is one of the main tourist attractions in Thailand and I can see why. When you first walk through the main wall, the entrance is guarded by two Yakshis, which are mythical giants. Immediately in front of the Yakshis is a large gold chedi, Phra Si Rattana. Directly behind that is the library, Phra Mondop. And in line with the first two is Thep Bidon. This was to be the original location for the Emerald Buddha but King Rama V, thought it to be too small for ceremonies.  The temple housing the Emerald Buddha is parallel to these three structures through another gate. No photos are permitted to be taken in the temple where the Buddha is. It is very impressive.

The entrance fee is now 500 baht and this included Wat Phra Kaew, The Grand Palace and Queen Sirikit’s Museum of Textiles.  One interesting thing here, there is no gift shop selling any images of the Buddha. This is unlike all the other temples I visited in Bangkok.

This attraction should be a high priority if visiting Bangkok for the first time.

Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

This is a very convenient restaurant serving up breakfast and lunch.  It is very popular with locals.  Orders are taking at the counter.  Once your order is places, they give you a plastic animal to place on your table so when the food comes out, they can identify which table gets the meal.  Inside is a modern design with two rooms of seating.

We came here two days in a row because the food was good and it was convenient to where we were staying.  The first day I ordered the Southwest Breakfast Burrito which has Scrambled eggs, pepper jack cheese, red onion, Roma tomatoes, fresh spinach, fire roasted green chili and a choice of Applewood smoked ham, pork & sage sausage, or turkey bacon. I had it with the sausage.  It was very good and I almost ordered it the second day but went for the Breakfast Muffin Sandwich which has Scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and choice of Applewood smoked ham, pork & sage sausage, or turkey bacon. Served on a toasted sourdough English muffin with fresh fruit on the side. Again I had it with the sausage.  Another good meal.

I would definitely return here for breakfast!

Address: 6500 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 6:30am to 5:00pm

Wat Arun is a very prominent structure along the west bank of the Chao Phraya. The temple has gone through several name changes over the years (since the 17th century). Currently the temple is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. The Wat is composed of one main spire or “Prang” that is 79 meters in height. This is surrounded by four lessor Prangs, each representing the fours directions of the guardian gods. The famous Emerald Buddha was housed at Wat Arun until 1785 when it was moved to the east side of the river at Wat Prha Kaew.

The grounds are beautiful and access is very easy from the ferry at Tha Tien pier across the Chao Phraya. Foreigners must pay a 50 baht entrance fee. The Wat is open to the public from 8am to 6pm daily.

You can access the top of the main Prang. However, the steps to the top or the steepest I have ever seen at any temple in Thailand, Cambodia or Tibet. Railings or provided which you need to help pull yourself up as well as assisting with the decent.
Wat Arun is a must see attraction!

Address:  Chao Phraya River across from Tha Tien Pier