Jess & Jude's Adventures in Thailand 2004

Wednesday 2 June
Australia to Bangkok

We were finally on our way, Ferg dropped us at the Townsville airport at 3.30pm. Took a Virgin flight to Brisbane then caught a train to the international airport. We had to kill 4 hours at the airport waiting for our Thai Airways flight. We eventually were back in the air by 11.30pm for our 10 hour flight to Bangkok.

We gained 3 hours on our flight over and arrived at Don Muang Airport at 4.30am Bangkok time. We got straight through customs and out into the opressive heat. Grabbed a taxi to take us to the Royal River Hotel. The driver had no idea where the "Loyal Liver Hotel" (his words)was. Luckily I had my trust Nancy Chandler map with me and was able to direct him.

We checked into the hotel at 6.00am and we were able to go straight to our room. We have a riverfront room on the 8th floor overlooking the Chao Phraya River. We arrived just in time to catch the sunrise over the river. The room is great, comfy beds, good bathroom and a nice balcony. We were feeling a little jet lagged so we showered and ordered some room service before crashing into bed.

Banglamphu - Khao San Road

We had a couple of hours sleep then decided to go out and explore. We walked down to the local ferry stop and caught the Chao Phraya express to Banglamphu (6bt each). We have spent the last couple of hours wandering around the markets and got slightly lost. We eventually found Khao San Road. Jess has bought some clothes and I picked up a pair of Oakley sunglasses. We are now sitting in a Khao San road internet cafe, catching up with our emails. Have taken lots of photos but can't down load at this internet cafe. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do it in the next one. Back to the hotel for a swim. Bummer, pool being renovated, we had to settle for a cold shower.

MBK Shopping Centre

After a short rest Jess and I caught a taxi to MBK shopping centre for some retail therapy. Jess couldn't believe her eyes, seven floors of shops and market stalls. We found a bowling alley and a giant cinema complex on the top floor.

Our legs finally gave out at 9.15pm and we took a taxi back to the hotel. Sitting out on the balcony listening to a guitarist playing at the hotels terrace restaurant below. The music is wafting up intermingled with the Bangkok traffic noise. There is a full moon tonight shining down on the Chao Phraya River.