Bangkok is an amazing place. If I had to describe it in one word, that would be “contrast.” On one had there are skyscrapers, magnificent temples, beautiful public buildings, plenty of shopping – high end and otherwise, squalor in and on the streets, slums, shops packed so close together one cannot tell where one ends and the next begins. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. It is colorful and vibrant as well.

The circles on the right are the three temples we visited. The Palace is to the upper right of the right-hand map.

We had a full day the first day as we visited three of Thailand’s most famous Buddhist temples: Wat Po; Wat Suthat; Wat Benchamabophit. We also had a really neat ride on a Tuk Tuk. What’s a Tuk Tuk? It’s a three-wheeled contraption built on a motorcycle chassis and can get up to about 25-30 MPH. It’s namesd for ther noise it makes as it scoots around the city: “Tuk Tuk Tuk Tu-Tu-Tu-kkkkk” or something like that… A Tuk Tuk is capable of making three turns: left turn; right turn; overturn. Fortunately, we only got to experience the first two.

Here we are ready to go on our Tuk Tuk ride. See how calm we are...

Here we are during our Tuk Tuk ride. See how calm we aren't...

Our first visit was to Wat Po, the largest of the three and located in the center of Bangkok. We had to remove our shoes before entering and since it is an active temple, people were coming and going as they worshipped and prayed in their own manner. The Buddha image (not statue or idol, but image) was about 20’ high and set in a magnificent room of gold and jeweled decoration. A lot of the jewels are colored class rather than precious gems, but the effect is wonderful.

We learned even more about Buddhism then we had in Indonesia, Malaya and Hong Kong. Thailand is 96% Buddhist, but their belief system differs from the Chinese Buddhists and most of the other major Buddhist regions. Most other Buddhists believe that if one studies hard enough and finds enlightenment, then they, too, can become a Buddha or a god. The Thai belief is that even if one reaches enlightenment, there was only one Buddha and he cannot be replaced or superseded. Buddhists understand that the Buddha was a man and not a god, but the Thai believers also believe that there can be no equal.

The second temple at Wat Po, houses what is probably one of the most recognizable Buddhist shrines in the world: the 150’ long, 50’ high reclining Buddha. WOW! It was one of the few really breathtaking experiences we have had. Buddhist or not, you can’t help being awed by the magnificence of this image.

After Wat Po, we had our Tuk Tuk ride. Actually, it was a lot of fun and even weaving in and out of traffic on a closed-top, open-air overgrown motorcycle, we never felt afraid or woozy. It was more exhilarating rather than “thrilling.”

Our second visit, Wat Suchat, houses the largest solid bronze Buddha in Southeast Asia. I don’t know what it weighs, but it is so heavy that the bed it is mounted on sags in the middle. Another magnificent illustration of faith.

Finally, we visited Wat Benchamabophit, or as it is known locally, the “Marble Temple.” It is constructed from Carrera marble imported from Italy. King Rama V, who had it built, was fond of visiting Europe and had visited many of the famous museums and art galleries. He was particularly taken with the white marble structures he saw and was determined to have a temple of the same material. Well, it’s good to be king! He got his temple. And what a temple it is. Except for the roof, it is all marble. In addition to the white Carrera marble, the floors and much of the decorative work are also colored marble from other locations around Italy and Europe. The Buddha image is set in a large prayer room backed by a sky-blue drop.

We then had a short bus ride back to the ship. The next day we also had a half-day excursion to see the Grand Palace. The grounds of that palace contain, among many other buildings, Wat Phra Kaew, the home of the Emerald Buddha. It was a hot, sticky day and the crowds moving into the palace grounds didn't help matters. We finally got inside and had a tour of the exteriors of several of the major buildings. The Emerald Buddha is not really a gigantic emerald, but a single piece of jade about 2’ high from which the Buddha has been carved. It is housed in the Wat and no photos are permitted. It sits on an altar and from where we were able to squeeze in, it looked about 6” tall. The entire prayer room was gilt, gems, ivory carvings, and many silver pieces.

We also got to see the king’s throne – another over-the-top exhibit of conspicuous consumption. But that is what is important to the Thai and we were pleased that we at least got to carry the memory in our minds, if not on film.

After we left the palace grounds, we were driven around the city for a short time and then taken to the “Gem Factory.” This was a half-hour shopping stop that was heavy on the sell, especially gems, pearls, gold and silver. There were some exquisite pieces, but it was really not the type of shop that one expects to visit from a cruise ship.

Mercifully, back to the ship with real air conditioning, lunch, and a good shower.

We are now on the way to Singapore. That promises to be a treat. Stay tuned…