{"id":158,"date":"2012-03-05T22:10:34","date_gmt":"2012-03-05T22:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/?page_id=158"},"modified":"2013-01-12T08:19:44","modified_gmt":"2013-01-12T08:19:44","slug":"thailand-february-2012","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/?page_id=158","title":{"rendered":"Thailand holiday February 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Bangkok\u00a0&#8211; \u00a0<a title=\"Thailand holiday part 2 \u2013 Krabi\" href=\"https:\/?page_id=274\">Ao Nang, Krabi\u00a0 <\/a>&#8211;\u00a0 <a title=\"Thailand holiday part 3 \u2013 Phuket\" href=\"https:\/?page_id=280\">Patong, Phuket<\/a><\/h1>\n<h1>Introduction<\/h1>\n<p>We booked our Thailand holiday with Experience Travel in June 2011. Friends recommended Experience as an excellent Agent to build a great custom Thailand holiday and we weren&#8217;t disappointed. All images included here taken during our holiday.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_193\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/2084aDSC_3757.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-193\" class=\"size-large wp-image-193\" title=\"Poda Island Krabi\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/2084aDSC_3757-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Poda Island, Krabi\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/2084aDSC_3757-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/2084aDSC_3757-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/2084aDSC_3757.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-193\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The beautiful Island of Poda. A short ride by longtail from Ao Nang, Krabi<\/p><\/div>\n<p>We wanted to see Bangkok and see friends who are currently living in the city but also the beaches of Krabi and Phuket.\u00a0 We eventually decided on\u00a0four nights in Bangkok, six in Ao Nang, Krabi and seven nights at the busy Patong\u00a0beach, Phuket.\u00a0The Phuket location was the only part of our itinerary we changed from Experience Travel&#8217;s original proposal which was at the quieter Nai Yang area in northern Phuket.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_194\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/3063bDSC_4067.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-194\" class=\"size-large wp-image-194\" title=\"Coral island, Phuket\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/3063bDSC_4067-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Coral island\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/3063bDSC_4067-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/3063bDSC_4067-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/3063bDSC_4067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-194\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sandy beach on Coral island, south of Phuket<\/p><\/div>\n<p>We flew from London, Heathrow at 21:20pm on the 9th February 2012 during a snow storm.\u00a0 A short delay due to\u00a0de-icing the plane prior to take-off was\u00a0stressful, but luckily\u00a0the weather held off and we escaped a cold and icy UK.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_199\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0080aDSC_3402-001.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-199\" class=\"size-large wp-image-199\" title=\"64th floor State Tower Skybar\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0080aDSC_3402-001-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"64th floor State Tower Skybar\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0080aDSC_3402-001-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0080aDSC_3402-001-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0080aDSC_3402-001.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-199\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">64th floor State Tower Skybar, Bangkok<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Itinerary summary &#8211; 9th &#8211; 27th February 2012<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Thursday 9th\u00a0&#8211; Depart London Heathrow<\/li>\n<li>Friday 10th\u00a0&#8211; Arrive Bangkok<\/li>\n<li>Friday 10th &#8211; Tues 14th Siam@Siam hotel, Bangkok<\/li>\n<li>Tuesday 14th flight to Krabi<\/li>\n<li>Tuesday 14th to Monday 20th Red Ginger resort Ao Nang, Krabi<\/li>\n<li>Monday 20th car to Patong, Phuket<\/li>\n<li>Monday 20th to Monday 27th Holiday Inn, Patong, Phuket<\/li>\n<li>Monday 27th flight to Bangkok and then on to London, Heathrow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Bangkok<\/h1>\n<p>We loved Bangkok and felt quite safe exploring the city.\u00a0 The Siam@Siam\u00a0hotel was a great location only a few hundred yards from the National Stadium Skytrain station and only one stop away from the Siam Skytrain hub.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_203\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0053bDSC_32701.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-203\" class=\"size-large wp-image-203\" title=\"Siam@Siam hotel, Bangkok\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0053bDSC_32701-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Siam@Siam hotel, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0053bDSC_32701-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0053bDSC_32701-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Not the prettiest hotel from the outside, the Siam@Siam has a distinct modern style which doesn&#8217;t detract from comfort and function.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_215\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0002bDSC_30831.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-215\" class=\"size-large wp-image-215\" title=\"Siam@Siam Skybar\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0002bDSC_30831-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Siam@Siam Skybar\" width=\"584\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0002bDSC_30831-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0002bDSC_30831-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0002bDSC_30831-452x300.jpg 452w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-215\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The hotel skybar can&#8217;t compete with the State Tower but is still an excellent location to view the city skyline. Like all of the skybars, beware the drinks are expensive.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_218\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0001bDSC_30781.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-218\" class=\"size-large wp-image-218\" title=\"Siam@Siam Skybar view\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0001bDSC_30781-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Siam@Siam Skybar view\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0001bDSC_30781-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0001bDSC_30781-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0001bDSC_30781.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-218\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">24th floor view from the Siam@Siam skybar overlooking the National Stadium<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_208\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0063cDSC_3334.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-208\" class=\"size-large wp-image-208\" title=\"Siam@Siam sundeck\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0063cDSC_3334-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Siam@Siam sundeck\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0063cDSC_3334-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0063cDSC_3334-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0063cDSC_3334-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-208\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Siam@Siam has a small sun deck which has limited sun in the afternoon. As its on a high floor its a quiet and relaxing retreat from the noise and bustle of the city below.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_209\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0064cDSC_3337.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-209\" class=\"size-large wp-image-209\" title=\"Siam@Siam infinity pool\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0064cDSC_3337-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Siam@Siam infinity pool\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0064cDSC_3337-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0064cDSC_3337-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-209\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A compact but nice infinity pool with views over the National Stadium. Great for a refreshing swim after a hard day shopping\/sightseeing.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Skytrain is the best way to get around due to heavy traffic, noise and smog at ground level. Luckily we had Lyn on hand to show us the ropes on\u00a0our first day.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_211\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0052cDSC_3268.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-211\" class=\"size-large wp-image-211\" title=\"Bangkok skytrain\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0052cDSC_3268-678x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Bangkok skytrain\" width=\"584\" height=\"882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0052cDSC_3268-678x1024.jpg 678w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0052cDSC_3268-198x300.jpg 198w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-211\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The best way to get around Bangkok in air conditioned comfort. A single ticket across the city centre is about 30bht.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>\u00a0MBK<\/h2>\n<p>A massive air-conditioned indoor shopping centre comprising several floors of shops and market stalls.\u00a0 MBK was walking distance from the hotel, or just one stop on the Skytrain.\u00a0 Go upstairs for a vast range of electronics or the east end for the smaller stalls and knock-off brand names.\u00a0 Remember to haggle nicely.\u00a0 Various restaurants and cafes, we ate at Sumo on the bottom floor, excellent food.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_222\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0004bDSC_3091.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-222\" class=\"size-large wp-image-222\" title=\"The MBK shopping centre, Bangkok\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0004bDSC_3091-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"The MBK shopping centre, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0004bDSC_3091-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0004bDSC_3091-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0004bDSC_3091-452x300.jpg 452w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0004bDSC_3091.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-222\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The MBK shopping centre, Bangkok<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Further east past MBK are more upmarket shopping malls.\u00a0 Very nice, though for us rather too similar to UK, European and US malls.\u00a0 We preferred spending many happy hours exploring and getting lost in MBK.<\/p>\n<h2>Saphan Taksin and the Chao Phraya express boats<\/h2>\n<p>The National Stadium Skytrain station just outside Siam@Siam is on the \u201cS\u201d (green) line and a simple 20 minute journey takes you to Saphan Taksin (S6) and the Central Pier on the Chao Phraya providing river access to many Bangkok attractions.\u00a0 Just follow the crowds down the steps from the Skytrain to the pier.\u00a0 Note there are rest rooms in the park at the bottom of the steps.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_231\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0013cDSC_3132.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-231\" class=\"size-large wp-image-231\" title=\"0013cDSC_3132\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0013cDSC_3132-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Chao Phraya ferry\" width=\"584\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0013cDSC_3132-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0013cDSC_3132-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0013cDSC_3132-452x300.jpg 452w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0013cDSC_3132.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-231\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chao Phraya ferry, an excellent way to see many of the Bangkok sites. The tourist ferrys have guides pointing out the landmarks.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Both times the pier was extremely busy, but note you can just queue and buy tickets on the boat.\u00a0 The ferries vary from smaller, extremely busy local services (cheaper but stop more regularly) to the larger more comfortable tourist boats stopping at only the major piers and attractions. These are more expensive, but less packed as the locals tend not use them.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_233\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0049cDSC_3226.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-233\" class=\"size-large wp-image-233\" title=\"0049cDSC_3226\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0049cDSC_3226-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Long tails and \" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0049cDSC_3226-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0049cDSC_3226-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0049cDSC_3226.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-233\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">View from river bus, longtails and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/bangkok.sawadee.com\/skytrain.htm\">http:\/\/bangkok.sawadee.com\/skytrain.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Chinatown<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_227\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0007bDSC_3109.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-227\" class=\"size-large wp-image-227\" title=\"0007bDSC_3109\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0007bDSC_3109-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Chinatown market\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0007bDSC_3109-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0007bDSC_3109-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0007bDSC_3109.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-227\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chinatown market, Bangkok. We missed the main flower market which had been recommend as a must see.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>An extremely busy network of markets and stalls.\u00a0 Chinatown was only a couple of stops from Saphan Taksin heading north (boats travelling left to right when standing on Saphan pier).\u00a0 We really enjoyed the markets, well\u00a0worth a visit.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_228\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0005cIMG_0886.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-228\" class=\"size-large wp-image-228\" title=\"0005cIMG_0886\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0005cIMG_0886-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Chinatown, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0005cIMG_0886-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0005cIMG_0886-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0005cIMG_0886-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-228\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chinatown Bangkok, a network of very busy streets<\/p><\/div>\n<p>If you continue past Chinatown you can reach the major attractions.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t go to the Wat Arun temple, this is on the west side of the river. However, there were good views from the ferry.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_229\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0010aDSC_3122.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-229\" class=\"size-large wp-image-229\" title=\"Chinatown fruit market, Bangkok\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0010aDSC_3122-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Chinatown fruit market, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0010aDSC_3122-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0010aDSC_3122-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-229\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chinatown fruit market, Bangkok<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Grand Palace<\/h2>\n<p>Further on is the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo.\u00a0 This is a must see.\u00a0 Although after leaving the ferry we got lost finding the entrance, luckily we were not accosted by any shady characters insisting the Palace was closed or the famous pushy pigeon food sellers \u2013 as many Internet sites warn. Quite disappointing really.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_236\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0011bIMG_09071.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-236\" class=\"size-large wp-image-236\" title=\"0011bIMG_0907\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0011bIMG_09071-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Grand Palace\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0011bIMG_09071-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0011bIMG_09071-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0011bIMG_09071.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-236\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grand Palace and official guide &#8211; an excellent way to get the full story behind the wonder buildings and good value.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>We engaged a guide just outside the entrance turnstiles and he gave us an excellent tour of the amazing range of buildings.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_237\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0040bDSC_3197.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-237\" class=\"size-large wp-image-237\" title=\"0040bDSC_3197\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0040bDSC_3197-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Grand Palace\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0040bDSC_3197-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0040bDSC_3197-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0040bDSC_3197.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-237\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grand Palace, Bangkok<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0043bDSC_3211.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-238\" title=\"0043bDSC_3211\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0043bDSC_3211-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Grand Palace, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0043bDSC_3211-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0043bDSC_3211-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0039bDSC_31911.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-243\" title=\"0039bDSC_3191\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0039bDSC_31911-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Grand Palace, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0039bDSC_31911-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0039bDSC_31911-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0039bDSC_31911-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0046bDSC_3217.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-244\" title=\"0046bDSC_3217\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0046bDSC_3217-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Grand Palace, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0046bDSC_3217-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0046bDSC_3217-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0046bDSC_3217-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Jim Thompson house<\/h2>\n<p>Whilst Thai architecture isn\u2019t our cup-of-tea, we decided to visit Jim as it was so close to the Siam@Siam.\u00a0 Out of the hotel, turn left towards MBK and it\u2019s the second small Soi on the left.\u00a0 In all, less than 10 minutes walk.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0061bDSC_3319.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-247\" title=\"0061bDSC_3319\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0061bDSC_3319-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Jim Thompson house, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0061bDSC_3319-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0061bDSC_3319-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0061bDSC_3319-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0060bDSC_3312.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-246\" title=\"0060bDSC_3312\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0060bDSC_3312-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Jim Thompson house, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0060bDSC_3312-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0060bDSC_3312-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0059bDSC_3301.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-245\" title=\"0059bDSC_3301\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0059bDSC_3301-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Jim Thompson house, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0059bDSC_3301-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0059bDSC_3301-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0059bDSC_3301-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The house turned out to be a quiet, green oasis and welcome relief from the city. Some great photo opportunities and a tour which was intriguing, showing just what an interesting character Jim Thompson was.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0057cDSC_3284.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-249\" title=\"0057cDSC_3284\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0057cDSC_3284-678x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Jim Thompson house, Bangkok\" width=\"584\" height=\"882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0057cDSC_3284-678x1024.jpg 678w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0057cDSC_3284-198x300.jpg 198w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>State Sky bar<\/h2>\n<p>This was our highlight of Bangkok. Thanks to Lyn, Chris and the boys for taking us to see the sunset from the skybar. Beware drinks are extremely expensive but worth it for the view.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_259\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0065aDSC_3342-0011.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-259\" class=\"size-large wp-image-259\" title=\"0065aDSC_3342-001\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0065aDSC_3342-0011-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"State Tower 64th floor Sky Bar\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0065aDSC_3342-0011-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0065aDSC_3342-0011-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0065aDSC_3342-0011.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-259\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">State Tower 64th floor Sky Bar<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_264\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0072aDSC_3356-0011.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-264\" class=\"size-large wp-image-264\" title=\"0072aDSC_3356-001\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0072aDSC_3356-0011-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"State Tower 64th floor Sky Bar\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0072aDSC_3356-0011-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0072aDSC_3356-0011-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0072aDSC_3356-0011.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-264\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Andrea and Lyn explore the Sky Bar<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0070aDSC_3352-001.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-270\" title=\"0070aDSC_3352-001\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0070aDSC_3352-001-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"State Tower Skybar, Bangkok \" width=\"584\" height=\"876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0070aDSC_3352-001-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0070aDSC_3352-001-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_266\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0078aDSC_3376-0011.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-266\" class=\"size-large wp-image-266\" title=\"0078aDSC_3376-001\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0078aDSC_3376-0011-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"State Tower 64th floor Sky Bar\" width=\"584\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0078aDSC_3376-0011-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0078aDSC_3376-0011-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0078aDSC_3376-0011-452x300.jpg 452w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0078aDSC_3376-0011.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-266\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunset view from State Tower 64th floor Sky Bar<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0081aDSC_3403-0011.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-262\" title=\"0081aDSC_3403-001\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0081aDSC_3403-0011-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"State Tower 64th floor Sky Bar\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0081aDSC_3403-0011-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0081aDSC_3403-0011-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0081aDSC_3403-0011.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The stunning Sky bar at Sirocco is suspended in the sky on the 63rd floor of The Dome at State Tower, the Sky bar is one of the world&#8217;s highest open air bars, overlooking a panoramic view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. The State Tower is located just north of Saphan Taksin, though we went by car so not sure of the best route.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0079aDSC_3396-0011.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-263\" title=\"0079aDSC_3396-001\" src=\"http:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0079aDSC_3396-0011-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"State Tower 64th floor Sky Bar\" width=\"584\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0079aDSC_3396-0011-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0079aDSC_3396-0011-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/0079aDSC_3396-0011.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Sukhumvit<\/h2>\n<p>Due to limited time in Bangkok, we didn\u2019t have time to explore the huge number of Soi\u2019s off Sukhumvit or the nightlife the city is famous for.\u00a0 Sukhumvit\u00a0 shows the seedier side of Bangkok.\u00a0 We stumbled across Soi Cowboy by accident having made a wrong turn leaving the Cabbage &amp; Condoms restaurant (highly recommended).<\/p>\n<h2>Summary<\/h2>\n<p>Three full days to explore Bangkok was just about right for us.\u00a0 We would have liked more time to see Wat Pho (the reclining Buda) and the numerous other attractions, but the beach was calling.<\/p>\n<p>We had a great time in an excellent hotel.\u00a0 Our enduring memory of this busy city was despite the heavy traffic and frequent jams how patient and relaxed drivers were. None of the stress, aggression, tempers or cut-throat manoeuvres normally seen in London.<\/p>\n<p>We never did get to ride a tuk-tuk, with the heavily traffic, the Skytrain always seemed the more relaxing option.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe next time.<\/p>\n<p>Next \u2013 On to <a title=\"Thailand holiday part 2 \u2013 Krabi\" href=\"https:\/?page_id=274\">Ao Nang and Krabi province<\/a><\/p>\n<p>I hope you enjoyed this diary. If you did please let me know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bangkok\u00a0&#8211; \u00a0Ao Nang, Krabi\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a0 Patong, Phuket Introduction We booked our Thailand holiday with Experience Travel in June 2011. Friends recommended Experience as an excellent Agent to build a great custom Thailand holiday and we weren&#8217;t disappointed. All images included &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/?page_id=158\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-158","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=158"}],"version-history":[{"count":75,"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1617,"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/158\/revisions\/1617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/terrystacy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}