Not many are aware, that Thailand is the second largest economy in the South-East (after Indonesia - and not Singapore). One glance at the infrastructure explosion around tells the story behind the numbers. Tons of flyovers make traffic smooth flowing and mostly you end up viewing the city from a 50-feet level. Our limited glance at the various corners revealed a humble-struggling Bangkok behind the rich-n-shiny one. I guess that's a characteristic behind every major city in the world.
Bangkok's Ocean World is an aquatic park right below a shopping mall. Part of a world-wide franchise run by the Australi-based Sea Life group, this is a heaven for any growing-up kid. Complete with Octopuses, giant crabs, Penguins, Stingrays and Sharks, this is a must-visit place for tourists. I was quite amazed to see the collection of aquatic life captured here - including micro-shaped tadpoles and sea-horses. Bangkok also offers great viewing of its animal life collection through the Safari World.
Bangkok's Ocean World is an aquatic park right below a shopping mall. Part of a world-wide franchise run by the Australi-based Sea Life group, this is a heaven for any growing-up kid. Complete with Octopuses, giant crabs, Penguins, Stingrays and Sharks, this is a must-visit place for tourists. I was quite amazed to see the collection of aquatic life captured here - including micro-shaped tadpoles and sea-horses. Bangkok also offers great viewing of its animal life collection through the Safari World.
But one must appreciate the money-making ability of these folks. Once you are out from a ride (elephant/dolphin/bird/whatever) - you'd be swarmed by folks who'd have clicked your photographs while you were enjoying the show and once the show is over, you could have that framed picture with that alligator at a price! As one European visitor observed - "these people would extract the last juice from your wallet" !
However, my biggest accomplishment from the tour has been the visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Immortalized by the 1957 movie, the bridge is located in Kanchanaburi - at the Myanmar border. Why is it significant? Of course the movie. But also because of the fact that this railway (also known as Death Railway) was planned to be the chief transporter for carrying cargo till the India-border, which would be used by the Japanese to attack British India. The Allied forces bombed and destroyed this bridge in 1944/45. The remnants of the original bridge lies in the War Museum alongside.
There is a nice little walk-way alongside the meter-gauge railway track. Only two trains travel during the day - and most enthusiasts catch the morning one from Bangkok. During our walk, we were lucky to catch the train arrive. A nice little piece of antique, the train was, I felt, as it chugged along and arrived at Kanchanaburi.
I have started to like this little place. I think I will visit this place again :)
However, my biggest accomplishment from the tour has been the visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Immortalized by the 1957 movie, the bridge is located in Kanchanaburi - at the Myanmar border. Why is it significant? Of course the movie. But also because of the fact that this railway (also known as Death Railway) was planned to be the chief transporter for carrying cargo till the India-border, which would be used by the Japanese to attack British India. The Allied forces bombed and destroyed this bridge in 1944/45. The remnants of the original bridge lies in the War Museum alongside.
There is a nice little walk-way alongside the meter-gauge railway track. Only two trains travel during the day - and most enthusiasts catch the morning one from Bangkok. During our walk, we were lucky to catch the train arrive. A nice little piece of antique, the train was, I felt, as it chugged along and arrived at Kanchanaburi.
I have started to like this little place. I think I will visit this place again :)
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