3 things: Cash, Sunscreen and a Cap.

You can’t hide from the sun unless you’re shopping indoors (and they have a few good ones too).  Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore have high humidity levels so you’ll perspire easily. Oh, and wear your most comfy pair of sneakers or slippers.

River boat with Kenji's Olympus Trip 500

Note to self: Beer and KTV the night before + 3 hours of sleep later, still looking fresh! Lol!

Take a ride along the Chao Phraya River

Lazy afternoon

Buy a One-Day Pass from BTS to take the Sky Train to Saphan Taksin station and transfer to the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Drop at stop 9 instead of 8 and walk to Wat Pho (to see the HUGE reclining Buddha) because there’s an interesting flea market en route selling lots of amulets and nick-nacks (Kenji and I “discovered” it because we missed a stop with me dozing peacefully). I spied another tourist eying a pair of vintage, pirate’s telescope that I’d love to own (just so you’ll know what treasures you may find)!

Alm bowls at Wat Pho

Monks at Wat Arun

You’ll need to take the river boat to cross the river and get to Wat Arun. Magnificent temple with steps so steep, my knees turned jelly when I was descending. It was quite fun to climb and picturesque too! Ladies: please don’t wear skirts unless you’d like to showcase your panties, and don’t wear stuff that’s too revealing or you’ll need to rent a shawl.

Khao San Road

Last stop, take the boat to Khao San and forget you’re in Asia because in this ghetto for backpackers, it’s like 95% non-Asians. Littered with backpackers’ inns and bars, I swore I’d re-visit Bangkok just to chill here with a book in one hand and an ice-cold beer in another.

Related links:
Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS)
Chao Phraya Express Boat
Wat Pho
Wat Arun
Khao San Road