Hopping from one landmark to another in Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River can be more than a fascinating experience. To get to the Chao Phraya River cruise station, all you have to do is to take the BTS Sky Train and hop off at the Sapan Taksin Terminal station.
You have the option to take unlimited hop on and hop off on the orange lane boat if you pay Baht150.00 only. This can take you all the way to Nonthaburi and back. In my case though, since I have already tried the unlimited hop on and off with 2 of my Filipino travel mates yesterday, this time, i will pay for a one-way ride to The Grand Palace. Based on the map, this stop will be at Tha Tien Pier (#8 station) and will cost me less than Baht 20.00 one way.
The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex is a lot grander than I imagined. You can also find the Reclining Buddha at the Wat Pho which is the temple adjacent to The Grand Palace Complex.
Don't bother taking the Tuktuk or talking to people who will bring you somehwere else, as you might be charged a lote higher than usual. Just go directly to the entrance gates of these temples and pay the ticket there. No other charges should be paid except the entrance ticket. Everything is walkable from the River station so no need to bargain with Tuktuk drivers.I went back to Saphan Taksin BTS station with my travel mates on board the orange lane boat. It costs not more than Baht20.00 and I paid to the ticket lady on board the boat.
This day had to end with window shopping at MBK by taking the BTS from Saphan Taksin and hopping off at Siam Interchange to board on the train by Silom Line, then finally hopping off at the National Stadium station. MBK is house to cheap RTW, bags, accessories, novelty shirts, souvenir items, and restaurants. Some items are quite cheap and not found at the Chatuchak market but electronic gadgets are much higher than Pantip.
This day ends with aching leg muscles...and tomorrow is going to be another day to beat.
