Day 2 and 3: Tourists in Bangkok

We've spent the past two days in and around Bangkok. Yesterday (Friday January 24th) we visited the Anphawa Floating Market. This market is located a little under 100km/62miles away from Bangkok, so it took quite some time to get there. We opted for this market instead of the Damnoen Saduak market because it focused more on food than factory made souvenirs. We ended up not catching the correct train (from Samut Sakhon to Samut Songkhram). Apparently this train ride is absolutely spectacular; the train pulls right into the middle of a bustling day market, with vendors moving goods and sunshades minutes before the train's arrival. If we only had gotten up an hour earlier... 

So there we were, stuck in Samut Sokhon with no idea of how to get to the market. Luckily a young girl (who was also going to Amphawa) took us under her wing, and made sure we got to the market. We ended up taking a minivan and bus to Amphawa. The people in Thailand are very friendly, always trying to help out. After traveling (and getting scammed) in India last year, Isabelle and I are a little wary about receiving help from total strangers. Our experience in Thailand has been nothing but pleasant so far. Yes, the friendly strangers often suggest going to certain tourist offices or sites, but they don't continue to haggle you after politely saying no. 

After finally reaching the market we were a little disappointed. It was nice, but not exactly what we had expected. We had expected sitting in a narrow boat, floating down the river/canal, and buying fresh goods from other passing boats. In reality, you bought prepared food from the boats while standing at the river bank. Though it wasn't what we had expected, the food was great, and we were happy we made the journey out there. We had super spicy pork skewers and oysters. 

What we were expecting: 

What the market actually looked like:

All around Bangkok there are tons of street vendors and small restaurants. These are FABULOUS! Everything is fresh and super cheap. We've been buying quite a bit of fresh fruit from the vendors. Papaya, pineapple, dragon fruit, and our new favorite: purple mangosteen. A meal costs around 45-60 baht (8,40-11kr/$1,40-1,80).

Besides "normal" cuisine, there are a variety of other things you can eat. Things that make your stomach churn. I'm contemplating trying a scorpion on a stick. I don't know if I'll actually go through with it. My big brother, John, ate scorpion when he was in China. If he could do it, I can too, right? We'll see. 

Today we've just been walking around Bangkok before we get on the night train to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand this evening. We went to Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Gorgeous, and worth the 100 baht entrance fee (18,70kr/$3,04). 

Love, 

Suzy