I’m using Bangkok as a bit of a hub for my time in Southeast Asia. Originally I had planned on going to Cambodia and then into Laos and making my way through Laos to Northern Thailand and then back down to Bangkok. I would do a big circle using mainly buses. But now that I’m eight+ months into my trip, the thought of that many bus rides sounds like torture and doing all that would be a bit rushed. In the end I spent a few days in Bangkok, went to Cambodia for a few weeks and then flew back to Bangkok for a day. From there I’ll fly round trip to the north of Thailand for one week. I’ll end up skipping Laos, but it’s for the best in the end. This way, I’ll have more time in the cities I’m choosing to and since flights are cheap it’ll be a lot less stressful than busing it.
The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and it consists of the royal residence and throne halls as well as a number of government offices and the renowed Temple of the Buddha. Wat Phra Kaew is also known at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and it’s Thailand’s most important temple representing religion and the monarchy. It is also a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and nationalists.
The Vimanmek Teak House is said to be the world’s largest teak allegedly built without a single nail. This mansion served as Rama V’s residence in the early 1900’s.
Jim Thompson was an American architect who volunteered for service during WWII. He was sent to Bangkok as a military officer and fell in love with the Thai people. After leaving the service, he decided to stay. During his stay here, he became famous because of his house which he built by combining six different teak buildings. He also rebuilt the hand weaving silk industry. On March 26th, 1967, Jim disappeared while going for a hike in Malaysia. Not a single clue has been found as to what happened to him.
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