Thailand: Bangkok // Day one: River taxis, temples and chaos

I am finally getting around to uploading some of the thousands of photos we took on Asia trip this summer. For the first time in my life, I was unpacked from this trip on the day we got back (a minor miracle, Steve will tell you!) and my photos were quickly edited. However, since then the madness of rainy camping and the start of term has meant the photos have sat on my computer waiting to be shown.

South East Asia is one of the most photogenic places I've ever been. Around every corner, there is a new sight or strange happening. It's such an alien culture from my own and I LOVED soaking it in and trying to capture it. I'm not going to pretend that I've done a great or even sufficient job at that- far too many days we left my camera at the hotel, throwing ourselves into just 'experiencing'. From those adventures, we only have a few rather rubbish go-pro pictures to show you a tiny glimpse of what we saw. However enjoy!

We started our adventure by flying into Bangkok. After a short moment where we were convinced our luggage hadn't made the trip (that's what you get for checking in five hours early on the departure side!) and the most terrifying taxi drive of my life, we arrived on a deceptively quiet KhaoSan road. It seems that at 6am, this road is peaceful. As you'll see, this is not the case later on where it becomes a metropolis for the rowdy, eccentric and eclectic side of Asian tourism.

We quickly dumped our big bags at the hotel and jumped on a river taxi toward a couple Bangkok's infamous temples. In my opinion, river taxis are the best way to travel in Bangkok. They are cheap and pretty much everywhere you need to be is on the river. You do become very familiar with the other people on the boat. Read: you're squished like sardines. But it's awesome seeing the sights of Bangkok from the river. Added bonus: I avoided another awful taxi journey.

After a minor detour (my fault!), we found the Royal Palace. This place is a must visit when in Bangkok. The workmanship on the building is incredible and SO extravagant. It is touristy and it will be busy. You will be fighting selfie sticks and will inevitably be blocking someone's photo but I found it so interesting to see the Buddhists worshipping in the temples and it was worth the huge crowds and overpriced ticket.

After the royal palace, we headed to see the reclining Buddha which is a short walk from the palace. This is far cheaper to get into and less busy. As with many of the temples in Bangkok, it is a current place of worship and so it is important to follow the dress codes (modest clothing, no legs or arms showing for Ladies) and take off your shoes. I think this adds to the sense of sacredness in the place.

By this time, we had been awake (aside from sort naps on the plane) for over 36 hours so we headed back to our hotel to enjoy the rooftop pool - such a God-send in the centre of the muggy, stuffy city. Before heading out in the evening monsoon rain for awesome padthai and cocktails.