For my final day in Bangkok I walked around "New Bangkok". The newer part of Bangkok is full of skyscrapers, embassies, and shopping malls. After walking among the skyscrapers I came to an oasis, Lumphini Park. Lumphini Park used to be the private property of King Rama VI but was later given to the people. There you can relax, rent a rowboat, or read a book at the first library in Thailand. I just relaxed and read a book for a bit.
New Bangkok
Clock Tower, Lumphini Park
School Kids, Lumphini Park
Around 3pm I left the park and ventured north to the Erawan Shrine. The Erawan Shrine is located right next to a very busy street. In fact the shrine seems way out of place. It is at the foot of a few skyscrapers and almost seems like a made-up tourist attraction. In fact it is quite the opposite. I would say that nearly 70% of the people there were Thais. At the shrine you could find lots of incense, dancing Thai girls, live music, and flowers. It was pretty cool despite its rather strange location.
Erawan Shrine Dancers, #1
Erawan Shrine Dancers, #2
From the shrine I headed north and walked through the shopping districts of Pratunam and Ploenchit. Imagine huge shopping malls, countless street vendors, and tons of people everywhere. It was a challenge to just walk on the sidewalk.
With time winding down I headed back to my guesthouse, repacked my bag, said good-bye to my new friends, and went to the airport once again. Only this time I really would get on the plane. I was sad to leave Thailand, but at the same time I was looking forward to Korea and then my ski trip in Canada.
Posted by todd at January 15, 2004 11:17 PM