Monday 10th October 2022
It was raining first thing, so we made a bit of a slow start to the day and used the time to collect our washing from the laundry place, do a bit of packing, and try to plan some more of our trip (mainly figuring out how to get across from Cambodia to Vietnam).
Late morning we set off for an early lunch – shrimp wantons and shrimp pad Thai at Yentafo Phua Ki. The wantons were definitely the highlight of the meal.
After lunch, we went in search of a tuk tuk to take us Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a temple with a ginormous Buddha statue a few miles out from where we were staying. How hard could it be? Surprisingly so, considering the throngs of tuk tuk drivers that were usually so eager for our custom. None of them wanted to take us for some reason, can only guess it was too far out from the centre. Instead we found a taxi and negotiated a fare of 150 baht to take us there. Only after we got in did I think we should have just insisted he use the metre – oh well.
We could see the Buddha from some distance as we approached. It’s taller than a lot of buildings, so hard to describe how impressive it is up close!
We wandered through the large neighbouring temple. There were so many monks in their orange robes, and it was also very busy in general (suspect this is because it was a Holy Buddhist day, which we later found out). By the temple, there’s a river absolutely teeming with fish! It’s amazing how much time you can kill just watching them – very relaxing.
We then went to see the neighbouring white pagoda, which was perhaps equally as impressive as the Buddha. We felt very privileged to be there when they were painting the wall on one of the floors – so detailed and intricate, it was inspiring seeing them work!
The views from the top of the pagoda were also pretty cool. Slightly surreal seeing the back of the giant Buddha against the backdrop of the city scape.
We then walked across street to a smaller complex of temples, which kind of reminded me of a carnival (which I hope isn’t too disrespectful a thing to think….). We also saw a whole family on a motorbike – mum, dad, and three kids. Am amazed they fit, and didn’t look that safe!
We found a taxi back to town quite easily, and this time did insist on them using their metre which meant the fare ended up 50% of our outward journey, at 75 baht.
Hopped into a bar for a quick drink, and ordered two large Chang…. only for them pointed to a large sign saying “Holy Buddhist Day today, illegal to serve alcohol” Ok, in that case a banana milkshake for Pete and large water for me.
To make up for the disappointing lack of beer, we went on another banana ice cream hunt (something we do on every holiday). We were (semi) successful – banana and strawberry kind of counts!
On our way out to dinner, we saw a bar advertising beer. Maybe it’s ok here? Or maybe not. Although they served us Changs without questioning it, they came in teapots! Which confused me a bit at first, but after a quick google realised it is indeed illegal to sell alcohol in Thailand today.
We wanted to go back to our favourite restaurant for dinner, as it’s our last day in Bangkok. It was starting to rain as we got there, and they said takeaways only. I assume it’s because they were expecting torrential rain and there’s very little shelter for the outdoor tables. So we went to the place next door to share a Thai red curry and chicken with cashew nuts. It was pretty good, but took ages to arrive. The rain had apparently blown over without being too horrific, and it seemed like the little noodle stall was now accepting dine in guests. So we went back for a shared “dessert” of crispy pork pad kee mao. Just as delicious as we remembered it being, and the perfect end to the day.
Emma and Pete’s Asian Adventure 