Bangkok: NY Times Options, Ideas, etc.!

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section last weekend, they had this headline: “36 Hours Bangkok” with these highlights: “Bangkokians have been busy: Travelers returning to 'the City of Angels' after even a few years will notice changes. The impenetrably jammed streets of Chinatown and Old Town, with their glorious religious and royal enclaves, are finally accessible by mass transit with the extension of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit subway. And the long-neglected waterfront of the Chao Phraya River now has two massive, eye-popping developments on opposite banks.  A new generation of chefs, designers and artisans has taken advantage of the pandemic lull to open businesses throughout Bangkok, bringing more flair and fun to an already flamboyant city.”

 

There are a wide variety of ideas, options, visuals for dining, locations to visit, etc., being offered in this highly-detailed profile.  Brings back many memories from our visit there for three days in early 2018.  Fun!!

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/02/travel/things-to-do-bangkok.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 241,698 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

Thailand with nearly 72 million people has fascinating history, culture and background.  With its large and diverse capital of Bangkok,  there is an 11 hour time difference compared the U.S. Eastern time zone.  Below are a few of my visuals captured during our early 2018 visit of three days to Bangkok.  Hope these bring back memories for those who have previous been there . . . or to build excitement for planning an upcoming trip to Thailand. 

 

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia.  It is the only country in southeast Asia that has never been under European power.   As noted by travel writers, Thailand is the ideal destination to witness an exciting blend of natural, cultural, historical and urban delights. Few places have the gorgeous beaches of Phuket, the wild excitement of Bangkok and the 40,000-year-old history. As you arrive in Bangkok you will feel the energy and enthusiasm of a great city. There is commotion in the streets, bountiful colors of museums, shrines and temples and entertainment and cuisine.    

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 256,026 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

 

First, we explored the Chao Phraya River, with its various canals. A float down this river is a great way to see the city, experiencing its culture and idiosyncrasies.  This includes homes, temples and commerce to fire your excitement for this massive urban area. Below is just one quick sample from our river preview.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

In the area of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, we sampled and experienced the reverence of this ancient religion that dwells in the city and is practiced by 95 percent of the Thai population.:

 

 

With a number of these temples in the background, we bow with the greeting offered by many in Bangkok.:

 

Here are a few more visuals as samples for the various designs and glorious decorations used to create these religious sites in Bangkok.  The third visual below shows the Thai flag at this location.:

 

 

[catweazlecat]

Good Morning Terry
thanks for sharing the link but I am not a NYT subscriber and not able to read the article unfortunately. 
Would you let me know how far from the city the ship docks? Is there public transport or do we need to book a driver to get downtown?
Best regards from Germany, Silke

[TLCOhio]

7 hours ago, catweazlecat said:

Good Morning Terry   thanks for sharing the link but I am not a NYT subscriber and not able to read the article unfortunately. Would you let me know how far from the city the ship docks? Is there public transport or do we need to book a driver to get downtown?  Best regards from Germany, Silke

 

Appreciate this great follow-up question.  When we did Bangkok in early 2018, we flew to the Thai capital from Hong Kong, had three days there and then went by air to Ho Chi Minh City before starting a sailing up the Mekong River to Cambodia's great attractions.  

 

For those on most SE Asia cruises, here is the bottom-line challenge.  A high percentage of the cruise ships dock at the port of Laem Chabang on the Gulf of Thailand.  That location is about two hours south of Bangkok, the nation's capital.  There are a few smaller ships that dock at Klong Toey on the Chao Phraya River, near the outskirts of the big city.

 

So the challenge with Bangkok (plus Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) is that there is no close and handy cruise docking location right in or these major cities in Southeast Asia.    That means lots of time commuting from the ship and back.  Do you have two days for Bangkok with your cruise ship schedule?  Maybe you could do an overnight stay in Bangkok to avoid wasting so much time commenting back and forth?

 

Any other questions or info needs?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 246,202 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

 

Need more "proof" and evidence that Bangkok is worth visiting?  

 

I am sharing below some more of my visuals from our three days in this Thai capital.  Will share more later.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 101,204 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

The Emerald Buddha is a meditating religious figure.  It is made of a semi-precious green jasper and is clothed in gold, 26 inches tall.   It is housed in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.  Second is inside another temple in the large complex.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

Here is the exterior of the Grand Palace that was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) starting in 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.  Below is another angle of this Palace, plus a sampling of the changing of the guard at this historic location.  The Grand Palace is still used for official events and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.:

 

 

 

During our main Bangkok river exploring, here was an example for how some housing is built and people operate along these waterways.:

[catweazlecat]

On 2/23/2023 at 3:48 PM, TLCOhio said:

So the challenge with Bangkok (plus Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) is that there is no close and handy cruise docking location right in or these major cities in Southeast Asia.    That means lots of time commuting from the ship and back.  Do you have two days for Bangkok with your cruise ship schedule?  Maybe you could do an overnight stay in Bangkok to avoid wasting so much time commenting back and forth?

 

Any other questions or info needs?

 

 

Thanks for your useful comments! Really have to think about staying overnight in BKK.

Best regards from cold and rainy Germany
Silke

[TLCOhio]

From Travel+Leisure magazine late last month, they had this headline: “50 Best Places to Travel in 2024" with this portion of their sub-headline:  "Where to go for big city thrills.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights as to why a high ranking for Bangkok: “Change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five 'emerging self-care destinations' worldwide, noting that 'travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.' "

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2024-8385979

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,559 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/