Bangkok, Thailand Oct. 29

We have just finished our first four days of our 18 day OAT trip- Ancient Kingdoms.  After flying 20 hours and sitting in airports for 10 hours we arrived in Bangkok Tuesday night, Oct. 28,at 11:30 local time.  There are 14 more adventuresome people on this tour from all parts of the US.  Our trip guide is Todd from Bangkok.

The first day was full of a touring highlights in Bangkok.  The Grand Palace is a sprawling compound of ceremonial halls, gilded spires, and ornate buildings.  The king of Siam ruled from this palace and is the inspiration for the musical "The King and I".  

The most worshipped Buddha in all of Thailand is a 26" emerald Buddha located in one of the temples.

In the afternoon we visited the Wat Pho temple complex which is home to the largest Buddha image in Thailand - a 150' long, 49' high reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf.

In the evening of the first day we boarded a traditional wooden rice barge for a welcome dinner.  The lights of Bangkok were magical and the food was delicious.