Day 6: Sat 30 Aug - Bangkok

We had a really early start as the tour agent was picking us up at 7am to take us to the Floating Markets. That meant I was up at 5am for breakfast at exactly 6am. We left on time and had to pick up Regis and Richard at their hotel which was about 20 mins away.

We didn’t just do the Floating Market; our first stop was at the Railway Markets.  This is a series of market stalls set up right beside the railway line, with every possible food and some other knick-knacks.  We didn't spend too much time there thank goodness as it was a bit crowded and quite smelly.  When the train comes (once a day), there is frantic activity to move the stuff off the rails and far enough to the side to be out of the way.

It was then onto the Brown Sugar Market where sugar is made from the coconut flower.  They also show you how coconut oil is made.  It was a very interesting stop.

Our final stop was the Floating Markets.  It is not really a floating market, rather you, the buyer, are floating.  You access the markets via the boats.  This is another interesting concept.  I bought a shawl kind of thing for 300 Baht, which was bargained down from 900 Baht!!

We arrived back at the hotel just after midday and Jane and I left for BITEC at 12:30pm where we registered.  Whilst Jane went off to her meeting, I found the press room, got my Press tag and then went back to hotel.

While Jane and Sylvain attended the Council dinner, Regis and I had dinner in the hotel restaurant - had masaman curry and beers.


In aircon on the bus

Railway markets, not so crowded, and crowded (below)

Another beautiful selfie - on the boat

Canal scenery

Floating Market entrance

Markets

Traffic jam


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