Sleep on the Plane: April 2014

So you’re headed to Bangkok. Frequently my trips offer me little more free time than perhaps a weekend...sometimes even less. But I've learned how to make the most of every trip, hit the highlights and squeeze in as much as possible and even with limited time, there are opportunities you should definitely consider. Here are some of my favorites in Bangkok and the surrounding area.

In terms of accommodations, I would recommend the Royal Orchid Sheraton. It’s located on the Chao Phruya River. It offers fantastic pools in grottos that make you forget you’re in a big city. It’s also very convenient to sightseeing.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html

If you’re brave, try some traditional street food.

Or take a tuk tuk instead of a taxi.

Beware…for taxis or tuk tuks, negotiate your rate ahead of time. Tuk tuks and taxis are unmetered. It is not uncommon for a foreigner to be charged several times the normal fare. When leaving your hotel, ask the bellman how much to expect to pay to get to your destination and then reconfirm with driver before getting in the cab. Many drivers will not speak English (or other languages for that matter). It’s never a bad idea to ask the bellman or concierge for a card with the name of the location(s) you want to go to written in both English and Thai, and a card with the hotel address in the Thai language. It’s a good practice in many foreign destinations and large hotel chains usually have these cards already prepared. You simply need to know to ask! In a pinch, I’ve also used the cover to my room key, which typically has the hotel address and phone number or you can Google your destination and show the driver your phone.

There are many Buddhist temples worth considering for a visit but make sure to visit Wat Pho, the temple of the giant reclining golden Buddha. The golden Buddha is 15 meters tall and 43 meters long. It’s absolutely huge!!!

http://www.watpho.com/index.php

Wat Pho is near the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace has been the official home of the Kings of Siam since the 1700’s. It’s also home to the emerald Buddha.

http://www.palaces.thai.net/day/index_gp.htm

As with many religious sites, remember, no shorts, or skirts above the knee or sleeveless tops while visiting Temples.

But for the best adventure in Bangkok, leave the city and head to Kanchanaburi. I have used the following tour group on several occasions and highly recommend them. The car is very clean and comfortable, you will pick up an English speaking guide along the way, who will double as your photographer if needed. (I am frequently traveling on my own and felt very safe and my guide would carry my purse and took my camera to capture all the incredible photos I would otherwise have been without). On one occasion, upon returning to my hotel, I departed the vehicle and it was not until I go to my room, that I realized I left my camera in the car. I called the tour operator, they tracked down the driver and he made a special trip back to return the camera.

Enough about the tour operator. On to the adventure…TIGERS!!

Get up close and personal with tigers. The Tiger Temple is one place in Thailand you DO NOT WANT TO MISS! In all of my travels and adventures, this one definitely is one of the most memorable adventures.

http://www.tigertemplethailand.com/

You have several different tour options with the Tiger Temple Tour. By far, I think the best tour option is the early morning tour, including breakfast with the monks. You will have far more time with the tigers and opportunities (like feeding the cubs, giving a tiger a bath, and hand feeding full grown tigers). Sessions later in the day do give you photo opportunities with tigers and you can walk them on a lease but you will miss the opportunity with cubs, bathing and feeding. Pay close attention to the guidelines. Don’t walk off on your own. Don’t wear bright colors, especially red or orange. Don’t wear sparkly jewelry or sequin. Don’t wear clothing that sways in the wind (loose skirts, parachute pants, etc.). There HAVE been accidents. Most times, it is the staff that suffer minor wounds but visitors have been victims. These are not pets!

The Temple was started as a monastery. In 1999, the monks were given a tiger cub that had been found by local villagers. The Temple soon became a sanctuary for tigers and other animals and the monks began a successful breeding program. At my most recent visit in November 2013, the number of tigers was 120+. Despite the fact the these tigers have become used to human contact, you still see instinct in the tigers and they remain unpredictable animals. Pay attention to the staff and follow instruction. And you will be in for a treat beyond imagination.

You can combine options with your visit to the Tiger Temple. Following the morning breakfast program, I headed to the elephant trek where I was able to ride into a river on the shoulder’s of an elephant and play in the water. The visit also included an elephant ride into the forest.

After a short visit with elephants, it was on to lunch at the bridge over the River Kwai. Although often mistakenly called the River Kwai (from the fictional film), the bridge actually crosses the Mae Klong River but it was constructed by the Allied prisoners in WWII. A train still runs across the bridge that was constructed by the prisoners. (If you’re lucky and you ask the driver nicely, he may even let you board and drive the train!)

Another option worth considering is a visit to the floating markets (also combined with Tiger Temple visits). You’ll board a traditional Thai boat and move through canals where you can buy anything and everything.