The only full day in Bangkok was dedicated to temples. After spending 1.5 hrs in a cab (of which 20 min were wasted at one red light!!!!) and traveling only 7 out of 9 km, we gave up and walked the last 2 km. The Grand Palace was the first stop. There was some event or holiday on that day because the entire Thailand seemed to be going to the Grand Palace. After about 2.5 hrs, we finally made it inside the palace and it was worth it. The intricacy of the temple decorations is unbelievable. I really regretted not having my cammy.

Next we walked to Wat Pho, famous for the giant reclining Buddha and believed to be the birthplace of Thai massage. You really need a wide angle lens to capture all 46 m (150 ft) of the reclining Buddha in one shot.

Lastly we took a short boat ride across the river to Wat Arun temple. This is another beautiful place with its distinctive tall pagoda/tower covered in bits of porcelain.

We used public transportation to get back to the hotel. That was an experience in itself! We were so pooped by the end of the day, but when we saw the delicious buffet in the hotel’s restaurant we were in heaven. It felt like we were eating for the first time in forever and it was all so delicious. Thanks JW Marriott!

We ventured out to Sky Bar one night after work. The bar became famous after it appeared in the Hangover movie. Such a tourist trap! If you go there, make sure you tell them you want to go to Sky bar when you exit the elevator at the top, otherwise they take you to a different, smaller bar on the opposite side of the building. They stick a menu in your face and wait for you to order a drink immediately before you realize you’re in the wrong place.

While I was working, E made his way to Ayutthaya and explored the ancient city. Such a contrast from the temples we saw in Bangkok.

The first office location I visited for work was in Bang Pa In (near Ayutthaya), so on the last day we got out earlier for a little sightseeing.

Next up – Malaysia!