Bangkok, City of Angels

Wat Po ©Solange Hando

This 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha' is my own favourite in Bangkok, the city's first university now specialising in traditional Thai massage, wonderfully relaxing and energising.

The temple claims 91 stupas (see a few on this picture), over 1000 Buddha images and most revered of all,  the Reclining Buddha, 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf.

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok ©Solange Hando

They call it the River of Kings and its is as busy today as it has always been, river buses and ferries, cargo and tourist boats, including the long tail speed boats ready to cool you down on a hot day.

There are 34 piers altogether, so make sure you know where to get off, but if you end up on one of the canals, you will discover plenty of traditional life along the banks.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha ©Solange Hando

In the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is home to the most auspicious statue, finally brought back to Thailand in the 18th century.

 It measures only 66 cm, possibly made of jasper or jade rather than emerald, and clad in golden clothes which are changed according to season. It is so precious no photographs are allowed so the image above is one of the guardians.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market ©Solange Hando

There are at least 10 floating markets in the capital but most popular is this one, 80 km away but usually including another attraction or two on a morning trip.

Colour and fragrance is what it's all about it, plus local crafts, souvenirs galore and plenty to eat and drink as you gaze at the incredible traffic jam, only boats of course, punting their way across the water.

Spirit House in Bangokok ©Solange Hando

As pretty as doll houses, these traditional shrines are found all over the city, providing a home for local spirits who may be disturbed by new buildings or people. You find them outside homes, offices, schools and so on.

Incense is burned and offerings are laid out every day, orchids, lotus, water and more. They ensure good luck, prosperity and peace for everyone.

Wat Arun, Bangkok's Landmark ©Solange Hando

Named after a Hindu goddess said to radiate sunrise, the iconic Temple of Dawn is a must see, beautifully lit up after dark though equally stunning during the day when coloured glass and Chinese porcelain glint on the slender spires.

You can climb up part of the central spire -very steep steps, both up and down,- but worth it for the views across the river, from the Grand Palace to nearby temples.

Now can you read Thai?

Don't worry, help is always at hand...

©Solange Hando

Massage in Bangkok? Go to Temple...

Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok ©Solange Hando

Head for the Wat Po, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, in Bangkok and you can experience a traditional Thai massage, just 260 bahts (barely USD 8.00) for 30 minutes. But don't expect private rooms and fluffy robes.

Walk into the parlour and it's like an overcrowded hospital ward, fully dressed bodies lined up on beds, barely two feet apart, and a whole army of masseurs and masseuses kneading and pummelling to their heart's content. Close your eyes and enjoy the peace, except for the occasional groan of pain.

But these guys certainly know what they're doing for when I emerged, as good as new, into the sunlight, my backpack and its content seemed to have lost half their weight. I was floating on air.

Shrines at the Wat Po ©Solange Hando

Yet, there's more to the Wat Po than a Thai massage. Allow plenty of time to explore this most atmospheric temple in Bangkok, sit under the trees and marvel at overlapping roofs and chedi (shrines), over 90 of them, covered in glittering tiles and Chinese ceramics.

There's only one souvenir shop but lots of free bottled water for tourists and if you must keep in touch with the outside world, free WiFi as well.

Wat Po Reclining Buddha, Bangkok ©Solange Hando

Then be sure to see the famous Reclining Buddha, 150 feet long, but forget the crowds struggling to photograph the whole thing before they rush off to the next temple.

Just stop and gaze at the face, so relaxed and peaceful, and listen to the tinkling of coins dropped into the alms bowls to gain merits, now and for the afterlife.

Guardians at the Gate, Wat Po ©Solange Hando

Then when you  finally step out through the gate, past the fearsome guardians, just wander around the amulet market and pick up a good luck charm for memory's sake.

Hotel Review, Bangkok, Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside

Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River, from the Temple of Dawn ©Solange Hando

Going to Bangkok? Don't want to sit in traffic jams for hours?

No problem, just choose a hotel by the river and once you are there, you can relax, for there is no better place to stay in the city. Most of the highlights, the main temples, Grand Palace, markets and canals, are close to river and easily accessed by boat, private or public, at amazingly low prices.

You can reach the river front on the sky train from the airport and you will find a few budget venues as well as myriad luxury hotels along the banks.

The Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside, Bangkok ©Solange Hando

The Ramada Riverside has everything you would expect from a 5 star hotel  for the price of an average 2 star in London. I loved it. Set well back from the road, it enjoys a quiet location overlooking the' River of Kings', but just a short walk from the Asiatic mall bustling with seafood restaurants and small shops.

The public river bus stops at the nearby pier but the Ramada has its own boat, taking visitors, free of charge, every 30 minutes, to the central pier where there are frequent connections with other boats, water taxis and the sky train. On the return journey, there's just enough time on board for cool towels and chilled water. Nice touch...

The Ramada Swimming Pool ©Solange Hando

After a morning sightseeing, the swimming pool was my favourite place to relax, especially the bar serving delicious salads and cool drinks in a peaceful shaded oasis. There is also a sun terrace and a Wellness and Spa Centre if you fancy a little pampering.

Breakfast is served in the restaurant or on the terrace looking across the river while come lunch or dinner, seafood and international buffets are sure to satisfy the most demanding gourmets. There are 5 restaurants in all, including a Eurasian Grill and one of the most renowned Chinese venues in town, plus a bakery for those naughty but nice moments.

Riverview from a Ramada Grand Deluxe Room ©Solange Hando

The Ramada feels so relaxed you would never believe there are 525 guest rooms, spacious with all mod cons, ranging from deluxe and grand deluxe to suites. It is really worth paying a little extra for a river view, stunning in the early morning light, as above, and at night when bridges and boats are garlanded in golden lights.

But accommodation and food aside, the Ramada stands out for its excellent friendly service and ideal location, close to Bangkok's top attractions, within easy reach of the city centre and the airport, just 40 minutes away.