Birthday weekend in Bangkok

We left the paradise on Koh Tao to spend my birthday in the Asian City of Angels, Bangkok.
After the very laid back weeks of island life, the pulsating city was quite a shock. After all, Bangkok is really intense. You have people, houses, cars and motorbikes everywhere.

We stayed in Sathorn in central Bangkok, away from the hords of backpackers in Banglamphu. The hotel we stayed in was still under construction and unfortunately the rooftop pool had proven not to be waterproof, so no lazy afternoons in the sun for us.

My birthday was spent sightseeing the main attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and a boat trip on Chao Praya river.

View from the river

Wat Arun

Wats inside of the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Wat Pho temple grounds

View from Wat Arun

Some stairs to climb!

We had planned to have birthday drinks in the Moon Bar in Vertigo. But their dress code is quite strict (long trousers and closed shoes for men) and Matthias did not feel that trekking trousers were the proper kind, we had to postpone our visit. That is one of the downsides of living out of a backpack... You really miss your wardrobe at home sometimes (but only sometimes...)

The following day, we met up with Joe, a friend of Matthias who was staying in Bangkok over the weekend as well, and went shopping for "rooftop bar approved" clothing. Luckily our shopping tour did not take long and the afternoon was spent chilling in the Khao San Road and in the Lumpini Park.

Before dinner, the three of us had cocktails up in the Bangkok sky at the Moon Bar, located on the 61st floor of the luxury hotel Banyan Tree. The view is truly breathtaking, the sea of lights that is Bangkok at night spreads out at your feet and the city just seem to go on forever!
Even if the prices are ridiculous, at least 350 Baht for a cocktail (which is a lot in Thailand), this place is so worth a visit.

The next day was the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations, but we were set to leave for Koh Samet so we didn't really see much of the celebrations. But a group of men performing the Lion Dance stopped at the entrance of our hotel, so I did get a couple of pictures of it.

The Lion Dance