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Photos: In the land of temples and markets
The first thing that impressed me about Bangkok was the ease of obtaining a visa on arrival. I used the fast track and it took me no more than 15 minutes to get the visa and clear the immigration at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. This was also my first experience of visa on arrival for any country. As I watch back-to-back movies on flights I arrived dead tried. But sleep could wait till night, I had Bangkok to explore.
My first stop in Bangkok was Wat Arun. The view of the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok city from the temple is amazing. But to get this view we need to climb steep and narrow stairs of the temple.
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
People in Bangkok dress like any other modern city of the world but the temples have a dress code. You are supposed to cover your knee and shoulders. That means a half sleeves T-shirt and Capri would be fine. However if you end up in a shorts or a sleeveless short you can always buy a sarong to cover up like the girl in the picture did!
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
I am no stranger to colorful markets but markets in both Thailand and Cambodia impressed me.
Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market in Bangkok was the first one I visited. It was overflowing with colours. The display on this boat was quite eye catching. I love the symmetry of her wares on display.
I could have stood there looking at it for half an hour but then I had the whole market to explore. This boat was my first stop in the market.
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
I stayed at the Royal Hill Golf Resort at Nahkon Nayok. The resort has a huge golf course and this was the dawn over the waterhole of the golf course.
It was full of pink water lilies. Orchids, water lilies and lotus grow like weeds both in Thailand and Cambodia.
Nakhon Nayok offers many adventure activities including rafting.
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
We visited the village Ban Dong Krathong Yam in the Prachinburi area. It is a village where people still follow their ancient Puan customs.
They greeted us in their traditional costumes. The village has home stay options available.
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
Our last stop in Thailand was the border town of Aranyaprathet on the Thai-Cambodian border. The Rong Kluea Border Market at the border is a bustling and colorful place.
From here we were crossing into Cambodia.
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
When I saw pink eggs for sale at the Rong Kluea Border Market, I was intrigued. They are black from inside. They are actually chicken eggs but they acquire the pink color because of the special preservation process. They taste like normal eggs, maybe a little more salty.
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
I saw this floral arrange at the breakfast table of Sokha Angkor Resort in Siem Reap. They are real lotus flowers, they have been arranged in this fashion by a florist.
How do I know?
When I speculated if they were real I was invited to touch and see!
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
I saw a series of beautiful dance performances at the Royal Angkor Resort at Siem Reap.
Cambodia has a version of Ramayana and it was enacted beautifully.
Their Apsara Dance is equally fascinating.
Photos: In the land of temples and markets
Angkor Wat at sunrise is a sight to behold. When I left my hotel at 5.00 am in a tuk-tuk I did not anticipate the crowd that I saw there. If you do not go early enough you will not find any space near the water tank to take pictures. I had my umbrella with me as the sky was laden with clouds the previous evening. I had only one night at Siem Reap so this was my only chance of catching the sunrise. I am glad it didn’t rain in the end.
You can watch the video of the sunrise here.