I will have to go to the Floating market in Damnoen Saduak! I think it is the largest from my little bit of net research today. Have always wanted to go there, since I watched it from afar on TV on documentaries since childhood.
There are packages ranging from about 1000THB to 2000THB approx to have a whole day excursion of several places - the equivalent price of about $50AUD leaves me wondering if it is better to try to make my own way, as I want to buy food there and have more than the allotted two hours to enjoy the place! And not just sit gaping and take photos!! Even though it is a beautiful place.
The impact of the rain on the river and surrounding water systems is a slight concern for me. If there is flooding, or bad weather. I feel safer going to the city, to Bangkok, than to Phuket as it is
- Inland - sheltered a bit from the main coastal waters, and the sand that can come up in a storm surge - as it did in Cairns when I lived right near Trinity Beach in 2011-2012.
- Likely to withstand the battering forces of thunderstorms and stronger storms
- Closer to a lot of hospitals if something does go wrong and there are injuries to deal with (covered by insurance fully - or so I hope, as some storm cover is not included in some insurance, although that was the insurance I have taken out for business and personal goods at home previously)
I have been trying to find the first backpacker that I am staying in. The address shows on the map, but when I zoom to street view it becomes a Roman road, to utilise the comparative to Venice, if I may by extending upon that inclusively. Utterly confusing. I preferred zooming about in a random outer suburb, moving along to learn how to use the street view tools. Amazing how they have captured a lot of real footage of massive areas..although it is a mystery for my second acccommodation, what that will look like until I get there, but never mind. It should be enjoyable to discover once I have been in Thailand and cruised over the Chao Phraya River in search of beautiful Temples and things such as the Wat Pho reclining Buddha. I know it is seen by many, but it is a wondrous thing to behold surely!
The ferries that traverse the Chao Phraya are very cheap, from 15THB! A lot cheaper than a ferry ticket across the water from Davenport in Tasmania - $2AUD. Yes, beginning to warm to these Thai prices and easing my mind a bit indeed!
I'm going to apply for a $45 Visa at the Melbourne Thailand Consulate at the end of this week. Once I have my travel documents, that Jetstar are still processing for me as I paid on the weekend by bank deposit. The internet banking wasn't working at all when I tried to access it but luckily the return ticket has been held until 8/09/13. It should be a matter of three working days (M-F) before I receive an automatic email with my flight details attached.
Looking forward to this, only 22 sleeps to go!!
