Bangkok, Bali & Beyond Update 2: Panoramic tour of Thailand’s capital

Our Viking Cruise, labeled “Bangkok, Bali and Beyond,” began appropriately today in the Thailand capital of Bangkok. Thailand is known to be one of the most, if not the most, popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

The first day of a cruise is always a mix of anticipation and exhaustion. That is mainly because of a tedious flight from Regina starting Sunday evening and arriving in Bangkok some 20 plus hours later after flying in total darkness. We were naturally wiped with no chance to rest upon our arrival in the Bangkok International Airport.

The Viking representatives met us at the airport and took us to the fabulous Estin Hotel and Golf Resort for breakfast followed by an eye-opening glimpse of the countryside around Bangkok.

Once on the Viking Orion, we were registered and given safety instructions, a ship’s tour, cocktails and visiting with fellow passengers until our state room was ready.

Our evening included a delightful halibut dinner and wine pairings in the elegance of Chef’s Table. We had to reserve a table months ago from home.

Following dinner, we were treated to a music and dance performance by local Thai dancers.

Duriya-Praneet Band and audience members including Cintra.

Our first excursion provided a more detailed introduction to Bangkok and area. The excursion synopsis describes Bangkok as a fascinating metropolis that straddles the winding Chao Phraya River and blends Thailand’s cherished traditions with the advances of the modern world.

During our tour, we viewed the vibrant streets of Chinatown, one of the city’s oldest areas. We drove along the famous Ratchadamnoen Road, the Royal Way, a tree-lined boulevard commissioned by King Chulalongkorn after he visited the grand cities of Europe in 1897.

We were unable to visit the Royal Palace but viewed this iconic building from the coach. We visited the ornate Wat Ratchanatdaram, a royal temple best known for the Loha Prasart or Iron Castle. The main structure, built in 1846, features a golden Buddha and beautiful mural paintings.

Iconic Buddhist temple

Following the temple visit, we enjoyed a fabulous buffet lunch provided by Viking and a brief stop at a gem factory featuring ruby and sapphire.

Gem and jewelry store and factory.

Among the benefits of ocean cruises like this is the chance to learn a little about the history, politics, culture and socio-economics of the countries. What stands out in Thailand is the attachment to the monarchy and the dominance of Buddhism. It is interesting to note the high level of industralism, including auto manufacturing, and disturbing signs of poverty, such as tent housing under the freeways. The overall economy is still reeling from the impact of a volatile world economy and Covid 19. …

There is impressive use of mixed farming especially where vast areas of flooded rice paddies are used altertatively for propogation of fish and shrimps, and regular banana plantations along the banks. An earlier King of Thailand encouraged the use of mixed farming.

The country is in a periond of mourning after the death of the Queen of Thailand. photos of the popular Thai matriarch are displayed throughout Bangkok

After returning to our floating hotel, we took advantage of the daily high tea, a lovely supper in Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and the welcoming reception with the senior crew.

Our next stop is at Koh Samui (Nathon) in Thailand. Please join us again in our next update as we stop at more exotic sites in southeastern Asia.

Moses and Cintra