Marla and I took our grandsons Vaughan (18) and Owen (15) to Southeast Asia for a fabulous adventure last July. We took our oldest grandsons on a similar trip in 2019. Thailand was our first destination, an area we new well from both business and personal trips beginning in 1995. We flew from Denver to Narita, Japan with United Airlines, then to Bangkok with All Nippon Airways. The trip was fabulous and transformative for all!

We relaxed in Narita’s ANA lounge after our 11 hour and 50 minute flight from Denver. Vaughan and Owen loved the Japanese treats and shopping at the airport.

The Boys deplane in Bangkok at close to midnight after the 6 hour and 45 minute flight form Narita. They traveled amazingly well. Could their age and excitement for a new adventure have anything to do with it?

We finally checked into our hotel at 1:30 AM then went out on the terrace to look and the Chao Phraya River far below. We stayed in a two bedroom suite at the Chatrium Hotel. We have experienced many hotels in Bangkok, but the Chatrium is our favorite for ambiance, great muti-cultural breakfast buffet and good value.

Bangkok is often called the “City of Angels.” It is a bustling metropolis of over 10.5 million people, dazzling Palaces and over 30,000 active Buddhist temples. Thailand is truly one of my favorite places to visit. Called the “land of smiles”, it has 1430 islands, 73 living languages, 7 major hill tribe groups, the world’s exporter of rice,…and gorgeous on many levels!

I arranged our first day of touring with “Amazing Asia Tours”, booked through Viator. First stop was the beautiful Grand Palace, the official residence of the King since 1782. The present Monarch is King Vajiralongkorn or Rama X. He is one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world (est. 30-70 billion), 7 children, 4 wives, and reportedly 20 mistresses.

Our guide was amazing.

It was an extremely hot and humid day so we grabbed shade when we could.

Our guide gave Marla an umbrella for the sun. The severe heat wrecked havoc with her heart meds!

The Grand Palace dazzles wherever you look! The golden sculpture is a mythological figure.

This is the glistening Wat Phra Kaeo.

Mythological warriors at the temple.

Modern day warriors?

Owen loved the Grand Palace tour!

There were many tourist groups from China including this woman who kept taking selfies of herself!

Beautiful buildings glistening with gold and intricate mosaics.

Our guide taught us how to fold the leaves of the lotus flower.

The heat was really bothering Marla so our intrepid guide took her to an air-conditioned restaurant. Marla said she kept saying on the way to the restaurant,…”Make way for the elderly…make way for the elderly”. She even asked a couple to leave their table so Marla could be closer to the air-con! Marla was embarrassed, but grateful as she could hardly stand up. What a great guide!

We continued on, burned incense and placed the lotus flower as an offering.

Vaughan says a prayer.

Marla felt much better after having a chance to cool down. A little Thai massage helps as well!

We are trying learn hand positions of a Thai dancer.

After the Grand Palace we took a canal tour. It was so interesting I will devote my next blog post to it!

After our canal tour we walked to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest Wats. It houses Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha at 151″.

The soles of the feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl depicting the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha.

Golden Buddha statues at Wat Pho.

Vaughan “quietly” hits the gong.

Walking through Wat Pho we came upon these students with a monk.

We told our guide about Marla’s need for low sodium and no soy food requirements. She said “No problem, I know the best place!” She took us to “Anya, Authentic Thai Cuisine”, walking distance from Wat Pho. It was fabulous! Owen, ever adventurous, ordered an unusual dish and the guide helped him prepare it on his plate. He ate every bite!

The rest of us ordered chicken Pad Thai. It came with a beautiful lattice covering made from eggs.

It is hard to believe we did this much our first day in Bangkok! Marla looks beautiful on our terrace before leaving for dinner.

The swimming pool far below would have to wait until tomorrow.

Our first dinner was at Volti Restaurant at the Shangri La Hotel.

Vaughan took a nice picture of us!

Owen was excited for the next day of our Bangkok adventure. He and his brother are incredible travelers and made the trip so much fun!

Next week…”BANGKOK’S FASCINATING KLONGS (WATERWAYS) AND…A 5′ LONG MONITOR LIZARD!“

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.