Speaking to people before I left, there had been a strong consensus that a few days in Bangkok were enough, and then get the hell out. The city is interesting and bustling, but the senses are at full alert at all times and it very quickly becomes exhausting. We decided for our last full day to get out of the city and go up to Nonthaburi. It is one of the neighboring provinces, and offers a change of scenery from the high rises.
Arriving off the long boat ride up the river, I was hit by a calmer feel. Small children in their school uniforms, a fantastic colorful food market and no other tourists in sight. Jackpot. Until I realised that the 2/3 full camera battery I had when leaving the apartment was now flashing red and the battery was dead. Brilliant.
After sauntering around for a while, we sought out the reason for our visit - to get a boat tour of a Khlong. The Khlongs are canals in the central plain of Thailand in which people live out their lives on the banks of the river. People smile and wave whilst they do their laundry, and small kids swimming yell out "hello", followed by giggles.
Travelers tip: boats in the Bangkok city will charge you 1000 baht and up for a private boat to see the main Khlongs. Go up the river, and you will pay just 400 baht for an hour tour in a private boat.
Returning to the apartment, we decided to utilize the pool on our last night in Bangkok. 11 stories up overlooking the city, it was a lovely way to finish the day.
