The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Regarded as one of the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho (The Temple of Reclining Buddha) or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram is a home to a 46 meters long and 15 meters high Reclining Buddha. Lying on his side head held up by his right hand, this gold-plated statue depicts Buddha's passing into Nirvana. 

The intricate details, such as the eyes, the carvings on the box shaped pillow and the feet which is highly ornate with mother of pearl is remarkable.

Besides the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho Temple complex contains a large number of structures, such as an ubosot or ordination hall, viharns and chedi or stupa.

The complex is within walking distance from the Grand Palace. There is a 100 Baht entrance fee and since it is a temple the visitors are required to dress appropriately.

SILOM ROAD

Continuing my backpacking trip to Thailand, I chose to stay in Silom because:

1. CONVENIENCE, I like how Silom is easily connected to the rest of the City by train.
2. SHOPPING, you can get anything from souvenirs to apparel and accessories, though most are knock-offs and to something that is for adults only at Night Market.
3. CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION, ranges from budget to pricey hotels.
4. FOOD, you can easily find your favorite Thai foods everywhere at a pocket friendly price. 
5. NIGHT LIFE, bars here are not as expensive compared to classy bars on Sukhumvit
6. THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT  not really one of the reason why I chose to stay in Silom. Lol. But to give you an idea, starting from Patpong all the way to Surawong, the night is as fun and crazy as The Hangover  Part II. The area may not be wholesome but it gives you a chance to get more acquainted with the city. Besides, I think its pet friendly because I saw signs that says "Super Pussy" and there are shows called "Ping Pong Show" so sports enthusiast would love it here. Lol. Just kidding.

Pat Pong Night Market and the Super Pussy

Here, you can get anything from fake DVD's...

.. to bar soaps

..to something that is for Adults only. Lol

Night life

Street food

Street Food

Vietnam & Thailand Backpacking Adventure on Instagram

Last December, I go on a solo backpacking trip to Vietnam and Thailand. Initially, my plan is to start the trip in Vietnam, fly to Bangkok and then travel overland to Cambodia. The plan failed because I've spent most of my "Cambodia Travel Fund" getting drunk in Silom Area in Bangkok almost every night. LOL

Anyway, let me show you My very first Backpacking Adventure through my Instagram post. My Instagram is a "micro blog" updated regularly with my selfies LOL :) so follow me @esnerazul for travel updates and more.

Fly from Manila to Ho Chim Minh City with Cebu Pacific Air. #delayedflight

Touch Down Tan Son Nhat International Airport, exchange 50USD and I become an instant millionaire, YAY!!! until the taxi driver asks for 700,000.00 of it plus 20USD. #I-Think-I-Got- Scammed.

My first morning in Vietnam is made perfect with a cup of Ca Phe Sua Nung. #I-Dont-Need-Starbucks-In-Vietnam

Started my Saigon City Tour on the back of a motorbike. I visited, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and Reunification Palace #French-Colonial-Architecture

Joined a group tour to Cu Chi Tunnel in the afternoon but stuffed myself first with local dishes. #Delish  

Fly to Bangkok after two days in Vietnam. #excited-to-be-back-in-Bangkok

But, I fell in love with Vietnamese Coffee, that I get some of these at the Duty Free Shop in Tan Son Nhat International Airport's Duty Free shop. #I-love-Vietnam's-Coffee

Touchdown Suvarnabhumi Airport and figuring out how to get to my hotel while stuffing myself with Chicken Satay. #I-eat-A-Lot-When-I-Travel

Experiencing  "The Venice of the East" on a long tail boat locally known Khlongs. #The-Venice-of-the-East

Travel to Ayutthaya for temple hopping. #Ayutthaya-Temple-Run

Visited the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) #must-see

Tried Bangkok's Street Food, surprisingly, they are good. #I-have-no-idea-what-im-eating-but-they-are-good

... and the adventure has ended. Flying back to Manila. #and-the-flight-is-delayed-AGAIN.

This is just an overview of my first backpacking adventure, more and detailed post soon. Do not forget to follow me on Instagram @esnerazul for selfies like the one below :) just kidding.

THAILAND TRIP | CHAO PHRAYA RIVER

River Taxi

After our Grand Palace tour our next stop is the Airport (We are flying back to Manila). Our initial plan is to take a taxi from the Grand Palace to the Airport, luckily a fellow traveler told us to try the water taxi instead. 

How to go to Suvarnabhumi International Airport from The Grand Palace.

1. From N9 (Tha Chang) station which is a few walks away from The Grand Palace, take the water taxi to the Central Pier (Tha Sathorn) station.

2. Then, take the BTS Skytrain Silom Line from Saphan Taksin Station to Siam Station

3. Now, take the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line from Siam Station to Phaya Thai Station

4. Finally, take the Airport Rail link from Phaya Thai to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. 

Not only was that easy and less expensive but also an adventure itself. Along the river banks you will see various interesting structures like temples, buildings, houses on stilt and many others.

There are also various tour operators offering lunch and dinner cruise.

Wat Arun from afar 

Wat Arun, one of the Temple to see along Chao Phraya River

We were in  one of these River Taxi

Hotels along the Banks of Chao Phraya River, The one with a yellow dome is the Lebua Hotel

Another structure to see along the banks of Chao Phraya

Hotels along the banks of Chao Phraya River

Water Taxi

Houses on stilt