Frantic traffic...
by EricLe_Rouge
The first thing that most newcomers to Bangkok notice about the city is the traffic. Nasty bumper-to-bumper mayhem spreads its tentacles across the city and holds commuters captive virtually around the clock.
The tuk-tuk, most tourists take a ride in the unique vehicle. After that initial transport experience, most vow never to do it again. Tuk-tuks are tolerable for short journeys but for distances of more than two blocks they can be quite annoying. Once a tuk-tuk gets stuck in traffic their open-air design leaves passengers vulnerable to exhaust fumes, deafening noises and the sweltering Bangkok heat.
The new BTS Skytrain is a fabulous way to get around the congested city. The Skytrain's biggest handicap is that it covers a fairly limited route.
Getting to the train itself is also bit of an ordeal. Even though BTS has finally installed escalators at all the stations, those pleasant people movers are found at only one of the several street entrances, leaving most commuters the tiring task of climbing the equivalent of four flights of stairs to reach their train.
Boat travel on the klong, however, is not everyone's idea of a great experience. The biggest complaint is the nasty water itself. To put it bluntly: it stinks. Many passengers carry a newspaper with them and hold it over their face to ward off errant splashes until safely on dry land. The boats are also very loud and the closer you sit to the engine, the more deafening it gets. Safety is also a major concern. Getting on and off the boat can be tricky. The boats don't always come to a full stop before allowing passengers to disembark. Sometimes, will the boat stop at the pier to allow passengers to board or get off. Normally the boats slow down just enough for you to climb out onto a narrow wooden deck and grab a thick dirty rope before determining when it's safe to jump. No, safety is not a pressing concern. Seeing people slip and fall in the black, murky water is not an uncommon sight.
BANGKOK GAY SCENE - Silom Soi 4
by vigi
The center of Bangkok's gay scene is without doubt Silom. Soi 4 is considered "less gay" than Soi 2. Lotsa bars, restaurants, A-Go-Go Boy, Karaokay, and even Art Gallery. Slightly tamer, more 'hetero' entertainment here.
Silom Soi 4 is just 5 mins from the Saladaeng BTS Station.
Annual Musical ` River of Kings Part 4
by Audrey118
The River of Kings musical, this year 2003 is running the 4th edition. It is a puppet show with computer generated graphics nonto a 40 meter wide sheet of water. It is a splendid musical for the children to enjoy,
We joined the musical part of the hotel arrangement. For THB 2300 it included a Thai set dinner on board of a renovated rice barge, and we sailed along the river while dining. After that the boat stopped at a pier where we walked towards the Grand Palace for ours seats. From there we noticed another company, RiverSun which was a modern huge boat airconditioned and dining facility indoor, and ontop of the boat is the staggered seats for them to watch the musical.It was quite interesting for them to watch from a floating boat seats but we had seats pretty closed up. The annual event is at Ratchaworadit Pier, close to the Grand Palace, and is held around early February,
This year's story is based on the Fantasy of Forest, very much inspired by the Lion King show. Ther was more than 150 perfor5mers and at least 300-odd crew. The show lasted a bit more than an hour.
The music although in Thai is translated into English via a headset provided upon request.
Saffron Robes
by seagoingJLW
The priests all wear saffron robes. The robe is donned to signify the candidate's fitness to become a monk. He must be 20 years of age. In addition to possessing the robe, he has an alms bowl and has been given a Buddhistic name and an instructor in the faith.
When accepted (after wearing the robes) the new monk pours water from a silver container in a symbolic gesture of transferring the merit he makes in becoming a monk to his parents.
Packing List
by tizerprawn
A nice big cotton hat to keep the scorching sun off your cute nose and loose cotton clothing. No lycra or jeans you'll regret it. Carry a family pack size of tissues everywhere for the occassional mopping of brow and hands. You will regret it if you don't. Also a bottle of water to keep yourself watered throughout the day. Deodorant with a capital D. Ladies I suggest you use a man's brand to keep you nice and fresh, the women's brand are pants.
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The Ticket
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Water jet fountain
Pattaya City
