Really enjoying your report and photos!

laartista - Am so enjoying your report!! Just had my first trip to BKK last February, and can't wait to get back!!
FYI: The links on your last two photo pages don't seem to work for me. Perhaps it does for others, or perhaps not.
Best, Dave

Andrea-we also loved the JT House. WE had a great liucnh at the cafe. We walked from Siam Square.

Dave is right. The last two photo links do not work.

Thanks guys. Yep, messed up on those last 2 links should work now. Funny I've been sending mom the pix and she keeps saying where are you, Robins in all the photos. Well mom ,that's cause it's my camera and I'm taking the pix. Robin says all her photos are of me so we'll have to swap them for our families. lol

Photos Chatuchak & Pb & J night

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...ca1t2&Ux=1

Photos JT house

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...91hbf&Ux=1

So glad you enjoyed the Jim Thompson House - I think it's a must-see in Bangkok.

We decide to catch a cab to Khao San Road. Basically one street inhabited by every backpacker in Thailand who has not showered in over a week. Girls were actually having their hair teased out so the could have dreads. Why someone would make a rats nest of their hair is unknown to me. Even more ridiculous to me were middle aged woman walking around with the" Bo Derek braids from 10". Not every look works for everyone.I mean a 20 year old can pull off anything pretty much but at 55, braided hair? Can't understand why this is a concept hard to grasp. Just my opinion which you probably have noticed I have many. LOL Anyway, totally reminded me of Haite Ashbury in San Fran. A complete hippy show. Still fun though. Picked up some cheapy earings and a pair of fishermans pants which I still have no idea how to put on. Might end up using them as a shawl. We actually also bought a bunch of pillow covers there. at 100 Baht each. Guess we hung out for an hour before heading to Chinatown.

Now our main reason for going to Chinatown was to get some silk robes.Thai silk, Chinese silk aka Polyester, whatever, didn't much care. We figured even though we could pick them up at Pearl River Department store in the city they would make great gifts, no brainers, buy a bunch and hand em out. Getting to Chinatown proved quite the ordeal.

We decide to Tuk it over there for 150 Baht. It was super hot that day and more muggy than it had been. Taxi wanted 400 Baht so we take the Tuk. The traffic was horrible and the exhaust with the heat and humidity could just make you choke. Took an hour from Khao San to Chinatown.And it's not that far.

Here's the thing, we had no idea where to look, where we were in Chinatown so the troopers that we are we just start walking. Stumbled on a bead stall and here unlike Chatuchak the Chinese pressed glass beads were about 20 Baht per strand. Bought 30. Robin got some Red coral and agate and smoke stone to make necklaces. Walking along and we found ourselves in the maze of alleys that is Chinatown. Smelly, crowded alleys. Here's the problem with all Chinatowns. So damn confusing. A great book would be maps of all the chinatowns in the world with which street have what products. They are always lumped together and we found ourselves in the super cheap, ship to Wal-Mart jewelry section. It went on and on and finally hit the crappy shoe area. Where were the robes and chinese pajamas? We were in Chinatown! Had they sent them all to Pearl River back at home. Good thing we kept our sense of humor, the whole scenerio was way too comical. Can't for the life of us find Chinese Robes in Chinatown. I'd like to say we finally did, but nope, never happened. We closed that place down and left empty handed. Now, how to get back to the hotel. We had no idea where we were.

What we did know is we were not far from the river. Considering it was rush hour which is basically every hour in BKK we think boat back to skytrain is best way to go. We pass guys unloading a zillion roses. We wonder where all these flowers are going. Is someone important getting hitched. Later to find out we were not far from the flower market.

So we walk, and walk, and walk. So hot, so sweaty, so tired, so unsuccessful in shopping we were slap-happy, just kept laughing at our pathetic selves. I think at one point I actually started to whine. We were 2 wounded warriors returning from a losing retail battle and we couldn't find the freakin river! Finally I say to Robin , I know you hate those Tuk- Tuk's but can we please. I'll pay, my treat, I can't walk another step. She yelled yes before I could even finish my sentence. Tuk-Tuk over here, we are waving our arms above our heads. Finally, a kind Tuk-Tuk soul stops and we jump in. Didn't even ask how much, didn't care just wanted to get to a boat. Can you take us to a boat? He shakes his head. After riding in what seemed like circles for 45 min. (cue church music) the docks! Did I mention today was supposed to be spa day.

No longboats here, a water taxi stand. A swaying water taxi stand. We would wait about 20 min. before the next boat came. We board and enjoy the ride back to Shangri La and the skytrain. Oh, while on board and watching other taxis go by we notice an abnormal, large amout of people wearing yellow shirts. I ask did we not get the memo that it's yellow shirt day. What up? We were stumped couldn't figure it out. All day long, a sea of yellow. In the shops, on the street, in the boat, on the skytrain. YELLOW< YELLOW< YELLOW. It would not be until the next day that we learn Yellow is the color that corresponds with the day Monday. AND, the King was born on a Monday, SO, every Monday the whole dang country wears yellow to honor the king. They really love that king. Which reminds me, I think they need to hire a new royal photographer, because ,and I mean no disrespect what so ever by this, just an observation. The king looks cross-eyed in all those big pictures. Anyhoo, back to the yellow shirt phenomenon. I mean could you imagine every American wearing blue or something because Bush was born on a Thursday. I think not!

Finally back at skytrain except Damn! lost my day pass. Another 120 Baht and I got me a new one.I usually let Robin hold plane tickets and stuff because I'm as responsible as a 12 year old. Always misplacing everything. T and H never did text us to meet up. They did what they did the day before. Hung at the pool drinking beer. Now considering we were going to the beach for 4 days why? Why? when you are in a new city, as chaotic as it may be, why? would you spend all day at the hotel pool. There wasn't even any sun. We get back just with enough time to shower and change for the Monday Night festivity Calypso Cabaret.

Can't even tell you how much I am enjoying this report!! If Calypso Cabaret is anything like your report on Fantasia in Marakkech it ought to be hysterical!!

I sort of had the feeling from day one that T and H weren't really into going to Thailand...

This reminds me of a very funny trip report someone posted here and on Flyertalk about Dubai. This is informative and very entertaining!

Kathie- not sure if they weren't into Thailand or just didn't want to hang out with us. They have been best friends since college and were constantly with the whole inside joke thing.. Plus not sure how well traveled they are. T complained alot, and alot about how she felt she was constantly being lied to and ripped off in BKK. well, yeah that's probably true, but true of alot of poor countries and some not so poor countries. she should be used to living in NYC. Just got grating. It turned out the only joined us for field trips and shows we had booked. Can't say we cared much. Just thought it was odd. I had first planned the trip as a solo one. Then Robin said she wanted to go. They were invited by Robin I had never met them, then it was to be a much bigger group with robins brother and a friend of his and some others. People kept dropping off and it ended with us 4. I certainly wasn't going to let it ruin my time. Robin is my only stll single friend .All my other friends are married with families and not the type to take off for 12 days leaving them at home. I will say this, I won't soon travel again with people I don't know. I'm sure they felt the same way.

Jgg- Yep, pretty funny stuff that Calypso Cabaret. writing it up now.

Moremiles- thanks and Dubai is actually on my list

"I won't soon travel again with people I don't know. I'm sure they felt the same way."

I'll bet! I have to say it was gutsy of you to travel with people you don't know. I wouldn't!

LOL gutsy or just plain stupid.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Calypso Cabaret.

http://www.calypsocabaret.com/show.html

At 1100 Baht pp including a dinner buffet left over from Vegas Stardust in the 70's. So dinner sucked, and T made sure to say it more than once, but hey, I've never been before there either. The show and dinner are at the Asia hotel. One stop passed Siam and I can't remember the station name. Anyway, show started at 9:45. They have 2 showings, 1 at 8 I think, we opted for the later one.

It was someone right here on this very board that recommended the show. So thanks. And I have a few questions for those that have seen it. But first the show. Utter and complete wackiness. Choreographed, written, and costumed for sure by some one on some very, very good drugs. Done in vignettes these ladyboys lip synced, terribly BTW, their way thru 2 or so hours of songs. Even the trumpet player was blow syncing ( WAIT, that didn't sound right). At one point I noticed Robin had dozed off. Not because she didn't like the show, we all did, except for T, don't think she did, kept making faces.

I sat on the end next to H and I just kept asking , LOL ,where are their penises. I mean were they all ladyboys? Were some women? This was the debate. I was sure they were all Ladyboys but some of them, I swear you couldn't tell with a magnifying glass. And those bottoms were SKIMPY! Where'd they put em? Was it a tuck method? This was a true mystery. all other 3 girls insisted some had to be woman. But it was a LADYBOY show! So I stood my ground that they were ALL men. Was I wrong?

Would I recommend the show. Yeah, why not, it was fun, wacky, corny to say the least.It fit Bkk perfectly. My favorite part was literally every 5 minutes the announcer in some terrible Liza Minelli Cabaret getup would say " Now, Ladiessss and Gentlemennnnn" LOL, it was a hoot. I'd get dinner elsewhere though. At the end of the show all the ladyboys line up and for a small fee you can have your photo taken with them. We did not.

We left the show and headed back from the way we came. From the skytrain platform you can access direct into the mezzanine level of the Asia hotel. But take note that entrance closes at midnight. So as we make our way up the stairs we realize we've all turned into pumpkins. Doors chained and metal shutter door down. We actually saw the guy turn the key. We would have had to go back thru the hotel and all the way around and up to skytrain. We pleaded to please let us out that way. I CANNOT! CLOSED! But Sir, Please, Please. I CANNOT, we did not let up on him til finally defeated he opened the door, lifted the metal shutter and granted us access to the platform. Oh, thank you, thank you and then I'm sure he cursed us in Thai.

Back at Sofitel, T and H went to their room and me and Robin sat in the bar area for a cup of jasmine tea. If we hadn't had our share of wacky shows yet there was a Captain and Tenille type duo performing in the bar area. Oh god, they were awful. She tried so hard, but I think she was tone deaf. We made sure to clap after every song. Felt bad for them, we were the only ones listening beside the bar staff who actually seemed to enjoy it.

We had a huge day the next day. Field trip to River Kwai, bamboo rafting and Elephant trek. Great Day! Starts with a 7:30 am pick up.

why didn't you take taxis more....they are so relaxing and cooling??

love your stories in any case...

You rock, laartista.

" But it was a LADYBOY show! So I stood my ground that they were ALL men. Was I wrong?"

Just want to reiterate your need to read "Bangkok 8".

Sounds like it was a hoot! With kids in tow, won't be headed there this March when we are in Bangkok. Probably not my thing anyway, but fun to hear your take on it!

Terrific report! I leave in January and can't wait.

Rkk- Re; taxis- Well, in the case of Chinatown , where we ended walking to, couldn't find one, or should I say one that would stop. So we grabbed a Tuk. I preferred the skytrain to anything else, it was so easy. Other than that I like to walk a city, you get a real feel that way IMO.

Crosscheck- Thanks! I remember your report quite well so back at ya.

Jgg- OK I'm going to Barnes & Noble TODAY! LOL. Yeah, don't know if that show is ok for kids-probably not. Nothing overt in it- very cabaret, more goofy than anything-in a fun way.

Day4- Out of the city.

We had booked a full day tour at the hotel. 2300 Baht pp got us pick up and drop off to hotel, a trip to War cemetary,bamboo rafting,elephants, lunch, ride on the death railway and the bridge over the River Kwai. Good deal if you ask me.

Picked up at 7:30 am and brought to a bus terminal to switch buses.Bus held 40 but there were only 19 so we each got our own row. We had a great guide!For the entire 1 1/2 hours to the war cemetary she talked, gave history and tidbits. Very informative + she was funny!

Our first stop was the Chong Kai Cemetary in Kanchanaburi. Pow's that perished as laborers building the death railway and bridge. Mostly Dutch and British graves. Very sobering and strangly made me want to visit Normandy, I've never been. I guess we spent about 1/2 hour there. Before leaving, to the right of the cemetary is a block of stalls selling stuff. There is a little coffee stand with a great coffee. Also picked up some fried bananas and these fried glazed doughballs with a ball of something inside. OMG, they were delic. Put Krispy Kreme to shame. Sucked we only bought 6.

From there we travel another 45 min or so to where we would catch the bamboo raft. The countryside was beautiful, sky almost blue and it felt good to get out of BKK for the day. Off the main road and onto a dirt road that cut into the jungle, passed water buffalo and our first elephant sighting brought us to a clearing where we would get off. I immediatly reach for the DEET.

I wore long pants and brought a long sleeve shirt with. Mosqitos love to feast on me and being a bit of a hypochondriac I was sure I would get The Dengue Fever. Taking no chances I used Repel containing 40% DEET. Stuff smells like shit but I've smelled worse, like guys who douse themselves in Old Spice. It does itch/sting a bit at first but that goes away. In BKK I used Repel with Lemongrass and Eucalyptus. But never was unprotected from the mosqitos the entire trip. Still got about a dozen bites in 9 days. Off after bite wand is good for that, stops the itching.

A walk thru a wooded area and down a rickety pick up sticks stairway brings us to the Kwai river. Awaiting us are two large covered bamboo rafts. Actually more like boats. Now I thought we'de be standing up on a basic square raft with a guy and a stick pulling it thru the wayer. This was more like aboat ride. Lifevests were handed out and we board the raft.

I thought it was awesome! JGG, this is something the kids would really like. I couldn't help but notice how quiet it was. So serene and peaceful on the river.It's strange for a city girls ears to hear no noise. It was beautiful. I guess we rode down the river about 1/2 hour. Passed brush and floating hotel rooms. You can spend the night there and that would have been a cool thing to do.

Finally we dock or should I say pull over to the beach to get off the raft. We climb a few rocks and up a hill to the elephant camp. Now, I had mixed feelings on the whole elephant thing. Part of me thoiught what a neat thing to do and part of me felt bad for the elephants. I purposely did not book an elephant trek on Samui because I read the elephants were in bad shape and treated poorly. Supposedly elephants are protected by the Thai government but I'm not sure how well that's monitered. We had taken an overnight in the Sahara on camels and it was awesome and although this would only be about 40 minutes, I had never been on an elephant. Closest I'd been to one was at the Bronx zoo.

Now, I know this whole thing is suoer touristy but I'm ok with that. I'm a tourist. OK must work some, I've been ignoring clients all week. LOl

Pix of war cemetary and bamboo rafting

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...wofv0&Ux=1

Interesting report and pictures! I started reading it a bit late as you know so comments are a bit delayed. Your reaction to Tuk Tuk ride to the palace scam is pretty admirable because it would unnerve many people I know. Also since I have never been to Thailand and had never heard of Ping Pong shows, I looked it up on wikipedia. Let me just say one learns something new everyday!! Getting caught up with your most recent post and elephants, the sad reality may be that if the elephants don't work for money, some of them may not even survive. So who knows. Anyway, your ability to ignore bumps along the way is the perfect attitude to travel.

keep it coming.....waiting for more tension