Old Town of Bangkok
12 Nov 2018
Since Nat had a car, she offered to drive us to Vimanmek mansion, a former royal villa made of teak wood. We followed Google map and when we were within the vicinity, the app kept directing us to a construction enclosure. After driving around in circles a few times, we stopped the car and asked a roadside police guard. He looked at us innocently and replied politely, "Madam, Vimanmek mansion has been closed for renovation for a long time."
Nat and I had a good laugh!
So we decided to go to the old town area of Bangkok for a walk.
Next to the university's canteen are the remains of the Grand Palace's outer wall. It's called Wang Na Wall.
Thanon Khaosan or Khaosan Road is not what I remember from 10 years ago. The road has been widened and is now studded with boutique hotels, touristy restaurants, and shops selling knick-knacks run by disgruntled immigrants and jaded locals.
Wat Bowan, a significant temple with a Buddhist college that hasn't been invaded too much by tourists.
Some of the previous Thai Kings had resided in this temple during their ordination.
The ashes of the 9th Thai King who passed away in 2016 were kept here under the throne of the Buddha statue.
After our walkabout in the old town, we went to Nat's usual cinema at Central World (Chit Lom skytrain station). Had a hearty vegetarian meal at the food court. Was tempted to try After You Dessert, one of the top 10 bakeries rated on Trip Advisor, but was simply too full! Keep it for the next trip!
Since Nat had a car, she offered to drive us to Vimanmek mansion, a former royal villa made of teak wood. We followed Google map and when we were within the vicinity, the app kept directing us to a construction enclosure. After driving around in circles a few times, we stopped the car and asked a roadside police guard. He looked at us innocently and replied politely, "Madam, Vimanmek mansion has been closed for renovation for a long time."
Nat and I had a good laugh!
So we decided to go to the old town area of Bangkok for a walk.
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| A pastry shop with 50 years history. |
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| A crispy toast shop that's simply called "Delicious." |
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| Nat's old university. |
Next to the university's canteen are the remains of the Grand Palace's outer wall. It's called Wang Na Wall.
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| Stacks of medicated oil and balms. |
Thanon Khaosan or Khaosan Road is not what I remember from 10 years ago. The road has been widened and is now studded with boutique hotels, touristy restaurants, and shops selling knick-knacks run by disgruntled immigrants and jaded locals.
Wat Bowan, a significant temple with a Buddhist college that hasn't been invaded too much by tourists.
Some of the previous Thai Kings had resided in this temple during their ordination.
The ashes of the 9th Thai King who passed away in 2016 were kept here under the throne of the Buddha statue.
After our walkabout in the old town, we went to Nat's usual cinema at Central World (Chit Lom skytrain station). Had a hearty vegetarian meal at the food court. Was tempted to try After You Dessert, one of the top 10 bakeries rated on Trip Advisor, but was simply too full! Keep it for the next trip!
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