Day 4: Learning, Exploring, and Markets
Skytrain, out of Bangkok central and some retail therapy!
2 min read
Day 4: Learning, Exploring, and Markets
Our day began poolside, blending schooling and play—a rhythm that works perfectly for all of us. The kids alternated between swimming and lessons, with the sun gently warming the day. There’s something wonderful about tackling maths problems while surrounded by tropical greenery and the sounds of the business of the river. Home education with a view!
By late morning, we hopped on the Skytrain, a family favourite. The ride itself is an adventure—the kids love watching the city unfold beneath them, from bustling streets to shimmering temple roofs, all while enjoying the welcome relief of air conditioning.
Our destination was the Bangkok Children's Museum, which turned out to be an interesting experience. Everything was in Thai, making it tricky to navigate, and the activities seemed geared toward much younger children — under six years old. Still, it was a diverting stop, and the kids found enough to keep them entertained for a short while before we moved on to something more dynamic.
The evening took us to Chatuchak Market, a sensory overload in the best way. This sprawling market is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and smells. We wandered through its maze-like alleys, marvelling at the sheer variety of goods on offer. The kids were particularly excited about a stop at the 20-baht shop, where they scored an impressive collection of hair accessories. You could buy puppies, tarantulas, wigs in all colours and larger than life-size gingerbread men, as well as the usual tourist tut.
One of the most unexpected sights was discovering the largest fake flower market I’ve ever seen. Entire halls within a shopping centre were devoted to them, with row after row of vibrant, lifelike blooms. It was both surreal and mesmerising. Halls of life-like fake flowers piled toweringly high. We felt like little ladybirds.
As the sun set, we soaked in the market's vibrant atmosphere—vendors shouting to draw attention to their wares, the enticing aroma of sizzling street food filling the air, and the endless kaleidoscope of colours from textiles, trinkets, and handmade goods. We paused to rest enjoying our favourite fruit shakes made right in front of us with the sweetest tropical fruits. Chatuchak Market is the kind of place you can try all sorts of strange delicacies. Crickets anyone? No? Grasshoppers? Perhaps scorpions, weevils or grubs? Yep, this is the Bushtucker trial market. We stared, we exclaimed, we moved on. Pad Thai for us, thanks.
By the end of the day, we were tired but satisfied, our hands full of small treasures and our heads buzzing with the sensory overload of the market. Another thrilling day full of new sights.