Let's Go to Bangkok Day 4

Our first destination for Day 4 was Pratunam Market where we started exploring the area after alighting from Siam Station.

After walking across a canal via a bridge at Ratchadamri Road we were near the crowded garment market.

It is another shopping haven in Bangkok especially for those on a tight budget or in search of something totally off-the-wall. The crowded was too pack and we decided to get out off the place as fast as possible for the next itinerary. 

Not too far away we signed up for a canal tour for 200bahts per person, actually it is not a tour but a day pass that you can use the boat as many time as you like within the day. There are 6 piers or stops that you can alight and explore. At Pier No.1 is Pratunam Pier and it goes all the way to Pier 6 Klong Banglumphu at Old Bangkok.

We were excited to board this water taxi though the water looks murky and dirty but who cares so long we do not touch the water and enjoy the lovely scenery.

Venice of the East as it is also being reffered with plenty of interesting things to see as we cruised towards Chao Phraya River.

A train crossing the canal as we went underneath the bridge.

There are a few types of boat found at the waterway, I guess we were on a Blue Flag Line (tourist boat).

A pit stop at Mad Monkey Hostel Bangkok @ Rambuttri Village Khaosan Area for a drink and Jo tried a dessert. This hostel looks fun and friendly.

Phra Sumen Fort or also known as the Ancient Wall -this riverfront fort was built in 1783 with an octagonal bunker & white exterior is in a small park fronting Chao Phraya River.

Phra Sumen Fort is one of the two remaining forts in Bangkok, there were a total 14 forts built during the ancient time where the King built them to protect Bangkok from invasion. Beside the fort being built those days, canals were dug as part of the colony protection.

We were having fun strolling along the water edge meeting the locals with smiling faces, there are market, temple and shops along this edge.

I wish I have more time and arm with my bicycle to explore more and inner of this old town. It's really interesting seeing all these old timber buildings and the people living by the canal side.

This stretch is still undeveloped and hopefully many of these buildings could be preserved and maintain its originality. It is really awesome and what a nice place to chill and stay.

King Rama III Memorial was one of the places of attraction we visited. The monument was built to commemorate King Rama III of the current Chakri Dynasty sets by the historic Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, in front of Wat Ratchanatdaram, the temple of his reign. King Rama III or King Nangklao was known as the great ruling king as well as great businessman who conducted profitable trades with international markets, especially China. The bronze statue is surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Royal Reception Pavilion and three minor pavilions.

We had enough of walking and were back to Pier No.5 Phanfa Bridge Pier (Oldtown) to wait for the boat ride back to Pratunam.

Rot Fai Train Night Market is located on Srinakarin Soi 51 (GPS : 13.693550, 100.651790), just behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall. The best way to get there is via taxi – all drivers should know Seacon Square. However, traffic can be bad on Friday and Saturday nights so you could consider taking the BTS Skytrain to On Nut Station first, then catching a taxi from there.

Rot Fai Market (Train Market) in Bangkok is an authentic open-air bazaar selling an incredible array of vintage collectibles and memorabilia from yesteryear.

Dinner at this corner selling pork rib soup. 

Spicy pork rib soup on an enamel bowl. I should not have requested for extra hot for the soup it was very spicy indeed. The meat was tender and delicious.

Pork neck with rice.

It was a simple dinner with limited dishes found in the menu. It was a good experience and an unique meal.

It was a good idea to walk out to the main road away from the congested traffic to hail for a taxi. We fortunate enough to get one driven by an elderly man who took us back with very reasonable fare after a couple of taxis who refused to go to On Nut. Swadee karp Mr. Taximan. Goodnight.