After flying from Krabi to Bangkok were were met at the airport and transferred by limousine to our serviced apartments Somerset Suwan Park well located on Soi Tonson a short walk to the Chit Lom Sky Train station. We prefer serviced apartments in Bangkok as we get more room for the same price as a hotel room. In this case we got kitchen lounge and seperate bedroom. Still got room service and a pool, you could also order in from many Bangkok restaurants if you wanted. As we got there late evening and were tired we just put on a DVD and cranked up the in room home cinema.

Next day it was off to the Skytrain (and the Skywalk) and off to Chatachuk market (a Friday). Its quieter than the weekend but still open on a Friday as many of the stall holders are setting up. However only about a third of the stores were operating so I would advise sticking to the Saturday and Sunday to get the full market experience. Took in a few other small scale sites like the Erawan shrine...you get a good view of that from the Skywalk...shrugged off the usual guy trying to get us to buy gems.

The evening we got our glad rags on and found Cabbages and Condoms for a reasonable meal, in a jolly setting.

Next day it was off down Soi Tonson, past the Dutch and US Embassies through a little back alley to Lumphini Park...got there to late to see people doing Tai Chi but saw people ballroom dancing and roller blading. From the park Bangkok looks like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, but you realise its not when to get to Silom Road. Had a quick look at the shiny new underground before catching Skytrain to Saphin Taksin, from where we got the Chao Phraya express boat to Wat Pho. Had the usual guy telling us the place was shut but went anyway and of course it was open (as expected).

I had forgotten just how magnificent Wat Pho is with its reclining Buddha. Spent a couple of hours here. Then back on the express boat to Saphin Taksin, back to CHit Lom for High Tea at the Erawan Tea rooms...150 baht per person for about 10 different thai and western tea room treats and as much tea as you can drink. Quick dash back to the hotel to refresh and change then it was off down to the Marriott Resort & Spa for an evening cruise on the Manorha Rice Barge. All very nice.

And then its our last day...flight at 8 pm. So off to the zoo for an early hour checking out the Sun Bears (who were all fast asleep I might say so a fun time was had by all). Then we thought we'ed see what the shopping centres had to offer as we had not been around some of them before. First hit MBK which had been recommended to us...lots of small stalls and many floors. Had a quick look around the connected hotel (Pathumwan Princess) while using their loos

Then off to Siam Paragon...its new its huge and is full of designer stores and restaurants. Very impressive in a Hong Kong Singapore sort of way. Quick coffee in the Whittards of Chelsea cafe and a good Thai meal at one of the chic restaurants. Then sadly back to the apartments to pack and to arrive early at Bangkok airport...you just can't judge the traffic.