A Japanese Christmas and a Thai New year.

[drron]

Then views from the open terrace they have just above the Iconsiam name on the building.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

Still a lot of evidence of Christmas.


This was a toothbrush shop.


And who would wear this label.


Especially with a 4 figure price tag in AUD.


Mrsdrron was unhappy that I wouldn't buy this dress for her.


Someone on AFF likes this chocolate.




Then down to the food hall.

 

[drron]

You could get some pretty good food here at reasonable prices but the prices now mainly not in the reasonable range.








Okonomiyaki on a stick.




Spit roasted crocodile.

 

[drron]

Time now to get the Sheraton boat back but you have to go via Saphin Taksin.

 

[drron]

And later that day back to the lounge for drinks.

 

[bPeteb]

View attachment 366104

The Hilton looks small compared to the Mandarin Icon siam apartments next door, and the Icon Siam shopping centre next to that.

Blimey, it sure does.

Odd rooms with dark timber floors and weird bathrooms that leaked into the room

 

[drron]

Families actually live on the barges on the Chao Praya river.




But now the selection of food for the night.

 

[drron]

Now for another of my walks. I set off this time to visit the Railway Museum of Thailand. But of course did not take the direct route but set off up the Chao Praya river. First the church we could see from the lounge.










S o despite all the cars and motor cycles I was on walking street. The other name of the church is the Holy Rosary Church.








Then I visited a branch of a bank.

 

[drron]

Yes it was a bank.


In a beautiful old building.










With it's own wharf.




And fish jumping.

 

[drron]

And inside it just looked like the old Commonwealth bank in Martin place in the 60s.


Next door was another restored old building for the Marine department.








But this area was all about mechanical repairs.

 

[drron]

And a lotus about to flower.




And this marks the end of the mechanical zone.

 

[drron]

My wandering continued.




But my destination was in sight.

 

[drron]

Inside the building is mostly empty.














But I couldn't find the museum so went out onto the platforms. first on the active side.


And then to the right side of the station. And here there were the historical engines which is what I really wanted to see.

 

[drron]

First some detail of that first engine.



Then started to view the rest.

But there was movement at the station so I interrupted what i was doing to see a train leaving.










Then back to the old locomotives.

 

[drron]

Now time to get back to wandering and Chinatown. Crossed over the canal and the electric ferries were all tied up.

 

[drron]

Now walking into Chinatown.




And this is the July 22nd roundabout. The fact that it had a name made me look in up. It was opened in January 1918 and was named to commemorate the day Thailand entered WW1 on the Allied side. They entered on the 22/7/1917.


But Wikipedia had a little more info ewhich explained a couple of interactions I was subjected to.
"At the center of the roundabout is a fountain with a small public park for people to rest. The surrounding area is home to many billboard or advertising board shophouses, including tire and car spare parts shops and many famous restaurants. It has also been known for years as another district of Bangkok's sex industry.[2][1]"

For example one lady street vendor wanted me to pay 500Baht for an apple claiming it would make me very happy. I declined.
Now to some of the temples.

 

[drron]

And around the temple lots of vendors with religious offerings.








And notice how a bit of care can transform how a building looks.




The next temple.

 

[drron]

This place had a side business of a parking lot which wasn't uncommon with the Buddhists where the Chinese temples were often a makeshift restaurant.
















Now into Chinatown proper.


The alleys all become markets.

 

[drron]

I now headed for Wat Mangkon which is said to be spectacular. Followed Google maps.




And it said it was here but the doors were well and truly closed.






So looking at the map I thought the Wat maybe behind that building. so down a side street and came to this.


Didn't look that much but there were lots of people coming and going. Turns out there is a lot of renovation going on so externally doesn't look much but inside is spectacular with lots of rooms and passageways. just be sure to follow the right arrows.