One night in Bangkok

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster

The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free

You'll find a god in every golden cloister

A little flesh, a little history

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble

Not much between despair and ecstasy

Rather harmless lyrics, but never a truer word spoken when in Bangok. Siam conjures up images on elegance, grace and mysticism in times gone by. But the modern name Bangkok is definately fitting. Connotations are endless: 'ping pong' balls, ladyboys, tuk-tuks, scams, hunting around in the numerous markets and the list could go on. One's experience in Thailand all depends on where you go and what you stumble upon. All I know is that my time here was too short and I'll be back. My first taste of Thailand in the last few weeks shall definately not be my last.

Arriving on Friday night (10 November 2006), I made my way to "Buddy's Lodge" on Khoa San Road. Winding my way through the masses and the traffic, there is a tangible vibe and almost a taste of adrenaline throbbing in the air. I spent the evening exploring my surroundings and met an Irish girl, Fiona who was also in town for the weekend. We ended up exploring some night spots and had a Singah beer or two. I was up early the next morning to hop aboard a long boat to make my way up to Ayuthaya, Thailand’s ancient former capital. The journey by river was so relaxing and presented amazing views of some of the many temples and sites along the way to the Palace of Kings.

Located 53 miles north of Bangkok Ayuthaya was Thailand’s capital from 1350 to 1767. Only a hint remians of what must have been breathtaking before the Burmese had there way.

Some chaps that I met in Phuket recommended a restaurant with a view for while I was in Bangkok. So I headed off for the banyan Tree Hotel for dinner at Vertigo. Vertigo is unlike any other bar-cum-restaurant in the world: some 61 floors above the streets of Bangkok, this open-air rooftop lounge grants views that simply take your breath away.. and it did.

Panoramic views, the dazzling lights, a bit of Nina Simone type jazz, a glass of cabernet and the entire evening to unfold at my leisure.. I was in heaven, or pretty close to it.

The Grand Palace complex was on the agenda for Sunday, with a stop at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow) and Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). The Grand Palace was breathtaking and you almost felt like you were stepping back in time to 'The King & I'. Etcetera, Etcetera, Etcetera.

After I got back from the Grand Palace, I headed to the infamous Chatuchak Market, where bargaining is mandatory and choice is unlimited. My bags were suitable heavier than when I arrived and if there ever was an extreme version of Retail theraphy - this was it!