Day 23 – 25, Bangkok, Thailand
We got up bright and early (actually it was still dark) on December 13 and drove out to the old Ninoy Aquino International Airport. We said thank you and goodbye to my uncle and cousin who had given so much of their time during our stay in The Philippines. We flew out from Manila and made a transit stop for a couple of hours in the very large and modern Hong Kong International Airport. It was a pretty nice, with large plasma TVs in waiting lounges and free WiFi just about everywhere. Shame I didn’t have my laptop with me. Just had to wait and use some of the few free Internet terminals they had.
Then we flew out to the brand-spanking new Suvarnabhumi Airport (New Bangkok International). I never used to appreciate Bangkok, but going from Manila to Bangkok was such a pleasant respite.
The new airport is terrific. It’s metal and concrete and has a slight industrial feel but the design is great. A real change from the aged 1960s style airport that was here last time we visited. I took a few photos of the interior:
Bangkok Airport interior.
Bangkok Airport interior.
As soon as we got out of the airport, I already felt more relaxed than in Manila. Last time we’d been to Bangkok (in 2003) I had very little experience with touts and tricky salespeople and so I thought it was all a bit much. But this time, having come from Manila, this place was easy. We grabbed a trolley and walked straight out to the taxi rank (didn’t look twice at a taxi “agent”) and off we went.
Straight off it felt cleaner and less chaotic (but not in a Singapore way). The traffic was just fine, our driver polite and friendly albeit lacking in English skills. Even the weather was cool and clear.
We stayed at Lamphu House, on Soi Rambuttri, Banglamphu, near Khao San Road. It was a really nice suite for what we were paying and had hot water, aircon and NO BUGS. We were getting used to ants and all manner of bugs in The Philippines. And the toilets flushed and had those great bidé hoses, or as I like to call them, “Arse Blasters”.
Our room in a Bangkok guesthouse. This picture doesn’t quite capture how nice the room was.
Not a lot more to say at this stage yet, just loving being back in Thailand and enjoying the kind and friendly people here…
Next stop is Ko Samui then on to Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao…
2 comments
11:21 pm
To Henry and Megan,
You have a very funny perspective over all your cool and wild adventures, Happy New Year 2007 Keep safe and well. Continue to keep us informed regularly of your wonderful adventures and your entertaining view of your holiday. We’re missing you heaps over here back home in Australia.
P.S. Thanks for the Christmas card and the photos you sent us from your trip in the Philippines. We stuck the photos on our fridge to remind us of you. Who knows maybe we can all travel around the world together some day. Lots of love STAY safe from The Tapia Familia – Luis, Christian, Eleonor.
11:17 am
Good to hear you’ve been giving your arses a good blasting.
Ash is all skyped up now, with video and all, so we look forward to more chats… you’ll even be able to see little Miles doing his thang. (I haven’t taught him how to say “bide” yet though, although he did mutter something about blasting arses the other day.)
Have fun, and look forward to the next update.