We (3 couples with 4 teenagers - 2x17yo boys and 2x19yo girls) have just returned from 2 wonderful weeks in Thailand. It was my familys' 2nd visit in 18 months, but the remainder of our 'touring party' were 1st timers. We visited Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Samui....this is our story.

We departed excitedly from Melbourne flying Thai Airways late on a Friday evening arriving in Bangkok early Saturday morning. The flight with Thai was excellent - good food and service, with plenty of inflight entertainment to keep all and sundry occupied during the flight.

Bangkok's new airport is impressive and our journey through immigration to our awaiting transport went without a hitch. We were quickly transferred to our accommodation at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel adjacent to MBK (shopping centre) and National Stadium (BTS station). The weather was hot and steamy but the traffic on the roads was surprisingly light. A quick check in at the hotel and we were about to set off to the Grand Palace for some sightseeing when we were informed by the helpful concierge that it was Coronation Day and that there were formal ceremonies occuring at the Palace and there was no public access.

So a hasty change of plans and we headed off to Chatachuk Market (BTS to Mo Chit station)- an eye opener for the uninitiaited! After several hours of bartering we made our way back to the station, tired and in need of lunch. Lunch was at 'The Loft' a dining area on the top floor of Central Plaza (BTS - Phloen Chit). This is an excellent establishment, offering all types of cuisines (very affordable) which can be purchased through the use of a card system which is settled on exit. Our waiting staff looked after us really well - we would wander around and select our meals - the waitress would then take our card and deliver the food to our table. We all had excellent meals, mainly Thai even requesting additional chilli's! - The Singha's were icy cold which made it more satisfying

The 'brides' and the teenagers spent the afternoon shopping at MBK whilst the big boys relaxed around the pool (and jacuzzi) at the PP enjoying several more of the local brew.

That evening we dined at Cabbages and Condoms (once again using the BTS - Asok station) - unfortunately the weather was a little stormy so our plans to dine outdoors were spoilt, however the ambience indoors was also good. We all selected meals and decided to share them around - all agreed that the food was excellent (albeit a little price by Thai standards).

Next morning we enjoyed our breakfast at the PP (excellent selection of both Asia and European offerings) before setting off to the Grand Palace. Once again we took the BTS (Saphan Taksin Station) which connected with the ferry service on the Chao Phraya. Around 20Bht per person for the ferry got us up river to the Palace (the ferry trip is most enjoyable - plenty of activity occuring on and along the river and it provides a very different aspect of Bangkok).

The Grand Palace is impressive, however it was extremely busy as there were official ceremonies taking place. It is also worth noting that the dress code is modest (all the boys had to hire a pair of cotton trousers to cover our shorts, and received a partial refund on their return). Around 10 mins walk from the Palace is Wat Pho - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha - also well worth the visit.

All this sightseeing had made us hungry - so it was off to lunch. We made our way to Supatra River House which is located on the river across from the Palace (we caught a ferry one stop to Maharaj Pier which has an adjacent dock for the Supatra River House boat - a 1930's styled boat, which then takes you across the river to the restaurant). The SRH specialises in seafood (and offers both set and a la carte menus) - all meals were spectacular. It is a great place to dine - our table sat adjacent to the river which is an absolute hive of activity with views back to the Palace. Apparently it is also open for dinner and the views to the illuminated Palace are brilliant.....oh yeah and the Singha's were icy cold (even the girls who are typically wine drinkers, agreed that they accompanied the Thai cuisine/climate perfectly!).

Instead of the ferry we returned to Thaksin station by longboat which we arranged through the restaurant - this was also an amazing experience - speeding past the many barges that frequent the Chao Phraya and enjoying the cooling spray of the water (mindful to keep our mouths closed!).

With little of the afternoon left, we convened around the pool at the PP for some R&R (teenagers took off to MBK for more shopping).

That evening the big boys were granted leave and headed into the bars around Patpong whilst the rest of the crew went for a snack and a final MBK hit. Patpong is seedy to say the least, and our time inside the bars was brief (you are forever being hassled by the spruikers enticing you to the shows). We found the most enjoyable part of the evening to be perched at one of the outside bars, observing the comings and goings of the multitude of characters that make their way through this area. To finish the evening we caught a tuk-tuk back to the hotel - our driver sought to impress us by continuing to 'pop wheel stands' at every set of lights - turning to us with a huge smile each time he succeeded, only to see 3 grown blokes holding on for dear life, hoping we would see the next chapter of our Thai adventure!

Next stop - Kanchanaburi.....

Thank you enjoyed reading your report and I'm waiting for more....

Colleen

Fantastic report, looking forward to Part 2.
Cathy

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http://www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com

Keep it coming.Leo.This is the sort of dtuff that keeps us all glued to the forums.Next best thing to having a holiday.
Cheers laurs