Today we went to Chinatown. Little did we know that it was a holiday today. The streets seemed a little empty for a Friday morning. We walked to Sala Daeng to get the Metro.
I feel so old last visiting Bangkok before either the Sky Train or subway systems. They sure make getting around more convenient. We noticed that the connection to the new airport is being tested. That will really make getting into town easier.
It was only two stops to Hua Lumpong, the main train station. That area is also the entrance to Chinatown. It was packed because it was a holiday. Thousands were on their way, dressed in white, to visit a big temple by the river. What colour and sounds! First though, we stopped to see the “Golden Buddha” at Wat Traimit. The 3-meter statue is made of 5.5 tons of pure gold. At today’s price of gold at over $1000 an ounce, I’ll let you calculate it’s value. This statue has a very interesting history. In 1957 a stucco Buddha was being moved because of the development of the port. By accident, the crane dropped it. It didn’t smash though, it just cracked and revealed a pure gold one inside. In centuries past, it was covered to protect it from invading Burmese. Some accidents can turn out for the best, I guess.
We ate from street vendors on the way back.
Now in the hotel room, we have yet to decide how to spend the one remaining night.