Tag 2

Culture, splendor and a touch of royalty

The second day of my trip began with a classic “run-of-the-mill tour” – a perfect choice to discover Bangkok’s cultural highlights. The program included the Royal Palace, Wat Arun and a visit to the King Power Mahanakhon to enjoy the sunset.

The Royal Palace: A World of Wonder

Wow. I think that one word best describes my first impression of the Royal Palace. No matter where I looked, I was overwhelmed - by the sheer size of the buildings, the incredibly detailed decorations and the deep religious symbolism that was felt everywhere.

I strolled through the area, taking lots of photos and trying to avoid the large tour groups as much as possible. An absolute highlight was the famous Emerald Buddha, which is housed in a magnificent building. Although photography was prohibited here, the sheer amount of gold and precious stones used in the decoration left a lasting impression. Murals that reached up to the ceiling enhanced the awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The King's Garden

After my tour of the temple grounds, my path led me into the palace's extensive garden. Suddenly it became quiet and I noticed the people around me stepping aside and pulling out their cell phones.

The steady clatter of shoe soles could be heard from afar. The King's Guards marched past - an impressive sight! Their immaculately maintained uniforms and perfect marching in step created a moment full of dignity and fascination.

A detour to the Royal Clothing Museum

Before I left the Royal Palace, I decided to visit the Queen's Clothing Museum. Following the motto "while you're there", I entered the exhibition - and was not disappointed.


The dresses and fabrics on display were true masterpieces. Each piece seemed to tell its own story, from elaborate handwork to royal elegance. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take any photos, but the sight alone will remain unforgettable.


Visiting the Royal Palace was an experience I would recommend to anyone. It is not only an architectural and artistic highlight, but also a place deeply rooted in Thailand's history and culture.

Next stop: Wat Arun – and another fascinating insight into the beauty of Bangkok.

From Wat Arun to the Clouds

After my visit to the Royal Palace, the next stop was Wat Arun. To get there, I decided to take a tuk-tuk - and the adventure began before I even reached the temple.

By Tuk-Tuk to Wat Arun

I approached a man standing at the tuk-tuk stand who I thought was a guide. I wasn't sure what his role was, but he looked like he had something to say.


"Sure, give me a moment," he said, beckoning a young driver over. "That's my son," he explained. "Are you in a hurry?"
“No,” I answered, somewhat confused.
“Okay, then get in. We’ll pick up my second son first, then you’ll go to Wat Arun.”


And so my journey began - first in the completely opposite direction to pick up the driver's brother. Then I headed full speed towards Wat Arun. The journey was like a side-seeing tour at speed: 40 minutes through the streets of Bangkok, past small alleys and large boulevards, while the young driver, who seemed to be 15 at most, drove the tuk-tuk with impressive confidence.


I have to admit, as an adrenaline junkie, I enjoyed the ride, even though I felt like I had completely lost control. But this boy could definitely drive.

Wat Arun: Architectural Fascination

When I arrived at Wat Arun, I was immediately impressed by the height and elegance of the temple. Although it was nowhere near as magnificent as the Royal Palace, its steep, intricately decorated walls left me amazed.


> How did they build that

I strolled around the temple, admiring the architecture and taking lots of photos. After several hours in the blazing sun, I decided to take a break in the surrounding gardens.


The unexpected announcement

As I sat in the shade trying to escape the heat, I noticed a certain commotion in the cordoned off area of the garden. Workers were cleaning, watering the lawn and straightening chairs.


Curious as I am, I asked one of the monks, who was now watering the lawn for the third time, what was going on. His answer was brief but revealing:
“The king is coming tonight.”


This moment made the magic of the place perfect for me – the thought that the highest dignitaries of Thailand would soon gather here gave the place a very special atmosphere.

By boat to Downtown Bangkok

My schedule was pressing, so I finally made my way to downtown Bangkok. The trip took me from Wat Arun by boat past large buildings and parks right into the heart of the city.

Even during the boat trip I felt overwhelmed. Bangkok was a culture shock for me - as someone from the country. Cities like Milan, Prague or Berlin were the biggest things I had experienced up to that point. But compared to Bangkok's almost 15 million inhabitants, these cities suddenly seemed small and manageable.

King Power Mahanakhon: Above the Rooftops of Bangkok

My goal was the tallest building in the city: the King Power Mahanakhon. It was impossible to miss from the Skytrain station - at least as long as you were standing in front of it. Just one street further on, it disappears between the other gigantic buildings in the city.


After a security check and showing my ticket, I got into the elevator. The ride to the 74th floor took less than a minute - and the view that awaited me there was simply breathtaking.


It was only here, high above the rooftops of Bangkok, that I realized the true size of the city. Skyscrapers line up next to each other and the skyline stretches as far as the eye can see.

Test of Courage on the Skywalk

I had deliberately chosen to visit at sunset. But before I could enjoy the golden hour, I had to face a personal challenge: the Skywalk.

The Skywalk is nothing more than a huge glass platform - only a glass plate separates you from the 300-meter-deep void. For me, who doesn't really like heights with transparent floors, this was a real test.


After a brief hesitation, I dared to take the first step. Cardiac arrest. I carefully walked a few steps further, but didn't dare to look directly down. My pulse was racing and I felt uncertain, but still proud to have mastered this challenge.

The sunset over Bangkok

After the dare, I treated myself to a gin above the rooftops of Bangkok, enjoyed the relaxing music and watched the sky slowly turn golden and red. It was the perfect end to an intense day.

The Patpong Night Market: Bizarre Impressions

After the impressive sunset at the King Power Mahanakhon, we went back down into the urban jungle - to the infamous Patpong Night Market. This area is as special as it is bizarre: a night market surrounded by countless establishments that offer everything related to "love" - except love itself.

The atmosphere was surreal. Between brightly lit market stalls selling souvenirs, clothing and all sorts of curiosities, there were rows of bars, clubs and other less discreet establishments. Amsterdam? Harmless in comparison.


As I strolled through the alleys, I could not escape the pressing questions:


> How do you end up here? How does it feel to live or work in such an environment?


But as curious as I was, one thing was clear to me: any form of exploitation of people goes against my principles. The dark side of this industry was ever-present for me, even though many tourists seemed to ignore this.

An ambivalent conclusion

The Patpong Night Market left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was able to experience the lively and almost hypnotic atmosphere of a typical night market, with all its colors and sounds. On the other hand, I was also confronted with the reality of an industry that leaves many people with little choice and is often associated with difficult living conditions.


This place showed me a different, less glamorous side of Bangkok – one that has personally made me think and will stay with me for a long time.


This was my last evening alone before the tour to Singapore began the next day – with 20 new travel companions that I would get to know in the coming days.


In order to make the best possible first impression, I decided to end the evening relaxing at the bar of my hotel. With a cool drink in my hand and surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of the hotel bar, I reflected on the impressions of the last few days:
the majestic temples, the chaos of the city, the overwhelming skyline and the fascinating but also thought-provoking experiences.

An Unexpected Moment: From Tranquility to Street Art

A quiet moment of calm before the next big adventure – or so I thought. But Bangkok showed its wild, spontaneous side again:
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a group of breakdancers gathered on the street in front of me. Hip-hop music blared loudly from a speaker they had brought with them, and the guys put on an impressive show. With fluid movements, daring spins and pure energy, they attracted the attention of those around them.

But just as quickly as they had come, they disappeared again. A brief moment that showed how lively and surprising this city is. Bangkok remains unpredictable - and that is exactly what makes it so unique.

Conclusion of the day: A kaleidoscope of impressions

This day showed me why Bangkok is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. From the cultural highlights such as Wat Arun and the Royal Palace to the breathtaking skyline and the adrenaline rush on the Skywalk to the lively and quirky moments at the Patpong Night Market - Bangkok is a city full of contrasts that constantly surprises.

The spontaneous breakdance performance in the evening perfectly summed up the character of the city: it is chaotic and wild, but at the same time full of life and energy.

It was a day that exposed me not only to the cultural depth and architectural beauty of Bangkok, but also to its rougher, more thought-provoking sides. Every moment, from the blazing sun to the nighttime street art, is deeply etched in my memory.

Bangkok is both challenging and rewarding – an experience that I will remember for a long time.