Bangkok, Thailand

(1st - 6th March 2007)
Another trip with my 'Travel Buddies'

Arrive at Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Taking the airport bus to Sukumvit.

Met up with Shoo Chan and Chia. Walk around in Bangkok.

Looking for food.

'Bangkok Eye' ? We also have a giant ferris wheel in Kuala Lumpur.

The portrait of the King is everywhere.

Our tour guide explaining something.

We are now at Bang Pa In, summer palace of the kings of Thailand,
with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture

Elephant bush ...

Chinese architecture at Bang Pa In

Chinese Temple

One of the attractions in the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

Chedis, monastery ... in Ayutthaya

Buddhas have been chopped up by ancient souvenir hunters, some of them looking for gold hidden in Buddha statues.

Elephant ride.

The famous thing in this temple is the Face of the Buddha
with a tree growing around it.

Old temple ruins.

Back to Bangkok after the tour.

In front of our Hostel in Sukhumvit 25.

Food ...

Yummy, trying out the roadside foodstalls... noodle soup with pork satay, and
otak -otak.

3 of us sharing the food. Its only tea time.

Walking around Bangkok, shopping area.

Meet up with Maneerath after work.

Dinner at Cabbages and Condoms restaurant.

Nice place... cheers!

Food.

Condoms used in a creative way ..... hmmm.. lampshades ..

condom umbrella

Next day, on the way to Kanchanaburi. Crossing Chao Phraya River.

Maneerath and her brother rented a car for our trip to Kanchanaburi.

Breakfast.

Snacks.

Breakfast .. trying out the different types of 'Kuih' (cakes)

Maneerath and her younger brother at the train station, getting train tickets.

Death Railway(World War 2 history stuff)... The Bridge on the River Kwai
Many war prisoners and laborers died building the railway track because they were forced to work under appaling and inhumane conditions.

Photo shoot ...

Here comes the train ...

Numerous stalls selling souvenirs, t-shirts etc.

Time to get on the train.

Peanuts

Food on the train... yummy

Corn

This part of the railway tracks where it curves, its a good opportunity to take photo.

Hellfire Pass museum / memorial ... we learn about the suffering of the thousands of POW and labourers that built this railway track for the Japanese army during World War 2.