- Bangkok and central plains

The capital of Thailand, where American soldiers spent their free time during the Vietnam War, has become a sort of enormous metropolis. Skyscrapers have mushroomed on the rice fields, old klongs have been filled in and transformed in commercial roads and centers, overcrowded and colorful markets… Now Bangkok, where underground is impossible to dig in, is renowned for its traffic jams and pollution; many outside workers, like Bobs or tuktuk drivers wear breathing masks over mouth and nose. But even that inconvenience, Bangkok is one of the most attractive city in the world.

- What to see

Bangkok is the "Venice of the East" due to the large river Chao Praya and its day and night traffic of all sorts of boats from train of barges to luxurious yachts and their rich diners, all crossed by thousands of board to board skilful ferries. A day or night cruise is worth to discover the heart of the city, its monuments and wat (temples, like the Wat Arun) but also its overcrowded boards where fine restaurants and international hotels are next to old pile wooden hovels where washing is drying at the windows. Unfortunately the picturesque Floating market and its village women in colored sarongs vending fruits and vegetables on sampans have disappeared from the city. Those who want to see it nowadays have to go to Damnoen Saduak at 70 miles southwest from Bangkok.

In the city, first of all, the Royal Palace complex visit needs three hours, three days or three years… Anyway it is highly recommended to take an offical guide: they know very well the Palace, are proud of their knowledge and beware visitors from wrong behaviour. There are also public schools in the Palace: Thai cooking and the famous Boran Thai massage.

But see also Wat Phra Kaeo, the Thai Decorations and Coins Pavillon where the Royal decorated ragalia are displayed, the Reclining Bhudda, the Golden Chedi and its Emerald Bhudda… The Vimarnmek Palace is dedicated to the Royal family and Jim Thompson House is an old traditional Thai house filled with an impressive collection of local antiques.

Most of these interesting points are located in or next to the very soul of the city in the Sanam Luang quarter where, day and night, vendors sell drinks and snacks, a flea market offers bargains buys of fakes, and attractive dancings and bars present girls… In this matter, Pat Pong is the focus point where the thick crowd of thousands of visitors from all countries are dragging day and night from booth to booth, bar to bar. It's a curiosity.

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