A Week in Bangkok - June 2018: Day 9 - Going Home and Thoughts

[Melbatb]

It was then time again - back to reality!

I was up at 6.30am, showered and went down for breakfast. I was a bit frustrated as they had run out of eggs and then took over 15mins to restock them!

I finished the packing, then checked out. The hotel called me a taxi.

The driver tripled checked which airport I needed (there are two) and happy that we were off to the right one, we left at about 7.40am.

He was probably the best driver I had had! We arrived at the airport at about 8.30am - cost 450 bahts (about 14euros)

I dropped my suitcase off - 12kg! I still think I over packed!

I decided I would go through passport and security. This was quick and easy! I was stamped out of Thailand!

I wandered around - got a couple of keyrings with my remaining bahts and a mango sticky rice and coffee!

I sat and people watched before heading to the gate!

The flight was full pretty much. I was in 30K which was next to the emergency exit. Lots of lovely legroom!

The flight took off on time! I watched Wonder with Julia Roberts. It was a good film and I enjoyed it. I also watch various TV programmes but nothing of note!

Lunch was served fairly quickly. I had pre-ordered an asian vegetarian meal.

It was ok. It filled a gap!

I read my kindle and did laps of the plane (though still ended up with swollen ankles).

There were plenty of snacks and cheese sandwiches at the back of the plane together with water and juice.

I liked the fact I could get up and down with disturbing my neighbours!

About 2hours before landing they bought round meal number 2!

Yes, it is a different photo! Ir was very similar to the first meal...

We landed 15 minutes early. The pilot took great delight in telling us the World Cup scores (South Korea 2 - Germany 0!)

It is a while since I have been to Amsterdam airport but it was easy to navigate. I was soon at my gate for the connecting flight.

I seemed to have the only spare seat next to me! I promptly crashed out!

We landed on time at 10.30pm and J was there to meet me! Home by 11 (small airport - only 15minutes to get home!)

So my thoughts on the week!

I really enjoyed Bangkok. It is a bustling and vibrant city with lots going for it.

Getting around was cheap - but time consuming as the city is so vast.

I enjoyed using the Orange Express boats - the piers were well signposted. It was the most relaxing way to get around!

The metro system was also clean and efficient. There were lots of signposts and exits were numbered so it was easy to actually get to your destination outside the station!

Highlights of places I visited included the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) - especially the grounds.

My day trip to Ayutthaya was fabulous. I was proud of myself for having done it and I saw some spectacular temples!

The day trip to the Railway and Floating markets was another highlight. I think going on the train made the day!

The cookery class was amazing - off to try and buy the ingredients to make the curry paste today! I would definitely recommend!

The food was very cheap - it was difficult at times because of not eating meat. I didn't have a bad meal but some were better than others!

The hotel was good value for money (237 euros for 7 nights including a breakfast buffet). It was very clean. The wifi dropping out all the time was a pain though!

Situation wise - I liked being on the river but probably being the other side near Sathorn would have made transport easier!

I think my lasting impression is of how nice the Thai people were and their devotion to their religion. I would love to come back to explore more of Thailand. And I would certainly recommend Bangkok as a city destination.

Total spends were:
Flights: 420 euros
Hotel including breakfast: 237 euros
Market tour (prebooked): 27 euros
Cookery class: 28 euros
Taxis to and from airport: 30 euros
Food, souvenirs and transport: 300 euros

Next up is New England in 4 weeks! Though O is off to India before that! Lucky boy!

Thanks for reading and commenting!

[app]

New Photo Added by Melbatb - 30 Jun 18 6:11 AM.

[christybell]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading along. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and answering my questions it has been so helpful...

Now, best go pack!

[OB1LukeLucas]

Woo hoo 4 weeks to New England-I’m very excited to read all about it! Pleased you had a good journey home. Once again it was great to read along, thank you.
Hope O has a great time in India.

[mick]

Once again I have enjoyed following you on your solo adventures looking forward to reading about your New England

Thank you for taking the time to do it

Joan

[Mel49]

Another fascinating solo trip - your photo's reminded me a lot of KL and Malaysia which I visited many years ago but I've never been to Bankok. My DH will not entertain a flight longer than the 9 hours to Florida but hoping to perusade him one day to go on a trip to the Far East.

You obviously research your trips well as always manage to have such a varied and interesting time and really enjoyed reading along

[Jake71]

You’re such an inspiration Mel, what a fabulously interesting holiday. Thank you for letting me tag along.

[Melbatb]

Originally Posted by christybell

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading along. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and answering my questions it has been so helpful...

Now, best go pack!

See more...

I hope you are having a fabulous time! I look forward to hearing about it!

Originally Posted by OB1LukeLucas

Woo hoo 4 weeks to New England-I’m very excited to read all about it! Pleased you had a good journey home. Once again it was great to read along, thank you.
Hope O has a great time in India.

See more...

Thank you! Just getting O ready for India. Pharmacy visit on Friday

Originally Posted by mick

Once again I have enjoyed following you on your solo adventures looking forward to reading about your New England

Thank you for taking the time to do it

Joan

See more...

Thanks Joan - it is always lovely to have you along with me

Originally Posted by Mel49

Another fascinating solo trip - your photo's reminded me a lot of KL and Malaysia which I visited many years ago but I've never been to Bankok. My DH will not entertain a flight longer than the 9 hours to Florida but hoping to perusade him one day to go on a trip to the Far East.

You obviously research your trips well as always manage to have such a varied and interesting time and really enjoyed reading along

See more...

It is in some respects easier being a lone traveller - no compromises to be made!

I found Bangkok very different to KL. KL is quite walkable for a srart whereas Bangkok certainly isn’t. It was a 10h flight from Amsterdam so perhaps you could push your DH a little

Originally Posted by Jake71

You’re such an inspiration Mel, what a fabulously interesting holiday. Thank you for letting me tag along.

See more...

Ahh - thank you

[BevS97]

I’ve enjoyed your trip report. Thanks for posting.

The train market is something! Must have been very impressive from the train point of view.

[WileyCoyote]

Thanks for sharing. I think you are amazing getting around so many places. It’s not somewhere I have ever fancied visiting but I really enjoyed your trip and learned loads. It all seems so vibrant and colourful. Really quite something. I love the range of things you did, the temples, cooking class, that railway market. I’m worn out just thinking about it all. And the travelling around... I think that would have defeated me so go you !

So looking forward to your upcoming trip... much more my thing haha!