Asian adventure (Part II)

So last time I left you, dear reader, the story had wound it's way as far as Bangkok, and I was writing from Siem Reap in Cambodia. This post is composed on a bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
On our first day in Bangkok (we had arrived the night before) we found our way to the river and thence took a river taxi up in to the old town, a journey costing a mere 14Baht (~30p). Now due to an unfortunate misreading of the map of the guidebook we actually ended up a little further North than we had intended, but no problem there was still stuff to see and we were happy to walk back in to the centre. We saw the old houses of parliament and Bangkok's UN headquarters on our way back to town.

We had almost made it when a tout persuaded us to take a Tuk Tuk tour of a series of temples as it was a "special day of celebration" so the fare would be a mere 5 baht each... Now sure enough they did take us to a series of temples with some rather impressive Buddha statues but we were also taken to two tailors and a travel agents. It had become clear this tour was in fact being funded by commissions from the aforementioned establishments, but we had not shelled out a penny and as we exited the Golden Mount (fantastic views over the city) our Tuk Tuks had disappeared and we had not even paid the 5 Baht each! So a free tour for a few hours and the travel agent had even given us food thought about our route through the rest of Thailand and on into Laos and Cambodia.

Having abruptly finished our Tuk Tuk tour we headed for Chinatown at Wis' bequest to wander the markets and to seek out dinner. Eventually we made it back to the hostel for a few beers, chatting, chilling and touching base with loved ones back home.

Our second day in Bangkok had a late start, clearly the travelling had finally caught up with us, so though the alarm went off we simply turned over and had a few hours more. Eventually, however, we did surface and headed up the river again to the correct Royal District this time. We stopped for a late brunch at a street market then headed in to the royal palace to see the Jade Buddha. Our visit was enhanced by a wonderful free tour with a jolly English speaking guide who helped to explain what we were seeing.

After the palace we headed for an amulets market for a brief wander before we had to set off to the train station to buy tickets for our onwards travel to Ayutthaya and beyond the next day. This was a painless experience courtesy of the marvellous english speaking assistants that the Thai railway employ at the station to help puzzled travellers with their purchases. At last we walked back to our hostel for an earlyish night in anticipation of an early start on the 'morrow.
Post Script
That will have to be all for now but fear not, other posts are mostly written and should come soon. My rate limiting factor has been internet connection speeds holding back my photo uploading. I'm currently in Hoi An in Central Vietnam having enjoyed a couple of days R & R , but that's a story for a future post.