Day 2. Bangkok. The River, Temples and Heat

Day 2: Boat Day on the Chao Phraya River

We dedicated our second day to exploring Bangkok by boat—perhaps the best way to see the city without getting caught in its notorious traffic. The Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s lifeblood, carried us past glittering temples, bustling piers, and glimpses of everyday life along its banks.

Our first stop was the Grand Palace area, where the sheer opulence of the buildings took our breath away. From there, we wandered to Wat Pho, home of the iconic Reclining Buddha, its golden length stretching out magnificently in a hall filled with gawping, awe-struck visitors.

To mix things up, we hopped on a tourist bus for a bit of sightseeing and made our way to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Its intricate spires shimmered in the afternoon light, but this heat and humidity was something else. We were finding it draining in that first couple of days.

By evening, still using our day boat pass, we headed to Asiatique, a riverside night market and food court that’s a feast for the senses. The girls were thrilled to explore the market, and we sampled everything from satay skewers to mango sticky rice. The air buzzed with a celebratory atmosphere as street performers entertained passers-by, and fairy lights draped the stalls, adding a touch of Christmas magic to the surroundings.

As we headed back to our hotel, the girls were full of their observations, and their excitement was contagious. It’s been fascinating to rediscover Bangkok through their eyes—a city that feels both familiar and new. Bangkok may have changed, but it still holds the power to captivate, surprise, and delight. I was thrilled they seemed to be loving the city as much as I do.