Other things to do in Bangkok

If you don't want to use one of the Mercedes, there are other ways to get around. The modern elevated railway is fast, clean, and quiet, and it has eased what used to be the world's worst traffic. The taxis are fine but ask the concierge to write down where you are going. The Regent supplies notepaper with its address in Thai. Of course you can always take a Tuk-Tuk (another way of spelling kamikaze taxi).

Long-tail boats are available for hire. The easiest is to ask the man at The Oriental's dock to arrange one for you. Here are some shots I took on my last excursion that included a visit to the Royal Barge Collection, and what might be the newest extension of a famous New York design school. ;-)

I visited the Suan Pakkard Palace Collection. The 5 antique, traditional Thai teak houses (say that five times fast) were erected in 1952 by their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Chumbhot of Nagor Svarga. Some belonged to Prince Chumbhot's ancestors more than a century ago.

The houses have been reconstructed on columns in the traditional manner, and contain an amazing collection of bronze and ceramic treasures, musical instruments, images of Buddha, prehistoric tools, and photographs of Thai Royalty. The Lacquer Pavilion, dating to the 17-18th centuries, formerly stood in a monastery along the Chao Phyra River just south of the capital of Ayudhya. The inner walls are covered with unique gold and black lacquer paintings that depict scenes from the life of Buddha. This pavilion is an outstanding treasure of Thai art. The gardens, laid out by Princess Chumbhot, contain many ornamental trees from Thailand and other countries, lotus ponds, Khmer stone heads, and a magnificent, 19th-century, royal barge. 100 baht

Jim Thompson's house is, quite simply, almost exactly what I would love to live in for the rest of my life. 100 baht will get you a guided tour in one of at least five languages. The collections are remarkable, and the store next door is irresistible. My snapshots will give you an idea but go to the website to get the full story. http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com/