July 21, 2026

We picked Sunday, hoping for less traffic, to explore two famous Markets. First we traveled about 1.5 hours to the Floating Markets at Damnoen Saduak. We hired a driver with a van for the day, to take the group of us. Below is some of the interesting architecture along the way.

The Floating Markets have many access points and we sadly seem to have been taken to a tourist trap one, because we had a nonlicensed guide and small group. It was interesting to see, but the experience could have been much better, based on what we saw from our fellow residents post. Getting out of the boats and gaining a birds-eye view would have added a better perspective. Regardless it was a nice, cool ride in the heat of the day and we got the experience.

There were some oddities in the Market - the snake charmers, the pygmy slow loris which the vendor practical shoved in this young girls face, to get a tip. We saw a monitor lizard swimming along. And I thought the giant engines that propelled the little prop fans on these long boats was very out of place.

By Pat Patrick July 21, 2026
Wat Bang Kung Temple was a quick stop along the way to the Train Markets . What makes this unique is the Temple is completely enclosed by roots of four giant trees (a banyan, bodhi and others). From the outside, it looks like nature has swallowed the building. Inside the chapel is a golden Buddha image, that locals still visit to pray. It was quite active during our short visit there. The Temple dates back over 250 years and survived the Burmese invasion.
By Pat Patrick July 21, 2026
I was looking for a neighborhood to walk around in Bangkok , hoping to escape all the thousands of people and shady sex elements, that were all over the area ( Nana, Sukhumvit ), unfortunately where we booked our hotel, for supposed transit connivence. Shame on me for trusting others recommendations and not doing more research on my own, lesson learned! Thankfully Talad or Talat Noi provided that escape for me, for one night. Sadly we didn't make it there till after sunset, when a lot was closed. But I still enjoyed the quiet and chatting with Sherrie, as we explored the neighborhood's knooks and crannies.
By Pat Patrick July 21, 2026
The house tour and story of Jim Thompson was so fascinating! The guide had tons of details and was very good.I loved my afternoon in this hidden oasis.