I arrived in Bangkok t 6am, cycled from the train station to khaosan road and checked into Siam oriental, third visit to that hotel. I spent the day morning organising myself and planning my next few days. I booked an appointment to get some travel vaccinations done.
I got a tuk tuk to Chinatown. I wasn't sure what was there in particular but thought I would give it a try. The tuk tuk driver said do I want to go to the shopping centre, I said yeah OK. It was a massive market, and I mean massive, they sold absolutely everything, from live fish and whole chickens, to CCTV systems and car spares. I was surprised to see so many engineering shops selling lathe cutting tips, slot drills and taps and dies. I then came across a few stalls selling machine spares, air cylinders, 24v power supplies and even a couple of bowl feeders! They looked like it all had been stripped off of some old machines. I spent a few hours wandering about but then I got a tuk tuk back to the hotel so I could Skype my mummy on mothers day.
In the evening I watched the sunset over the river, it set behind a temple, Wat Arun. Then I had some awesome street food at a market near the hotel. Then I had a standard night out on khaosan road. Met and English guy.
In the morning I made my way to the hospital. After a tuk tuk ride and ride on the back of a motorbike I was there. It was very modern, immaculately clean and well presented. I can see why its renowned as a world class hospital. I was seen straight away by doctor, he confirmed why I had already researched about what I needed when. He said a survey was carried out at Bangkok airport. 10,000 people were asked when they were departing Bangkok whether they have been bitten by a mammal in Thailand. The result was 1% per month were bitten. Pretty high I thought! Often people feeding wild monkeys. He told me off for not getting them done before. He said every child in Thailand has them done before they are 1 year old. I was done in 30 mins, I had my 1st rabies, hepatitis b and Japanese encephalitis shots, all for less than £20. 10% of the cost in the UK. I will make two more visits to finish off my courses.
I then got the train to Hua Hin. Absolutely packed. Was meant to be 4 hours but was more like 5 (no idea why). I had to stand the whole way. Lots of street food sellers sold food through the windows at the stations. I had some noodles. Was a good experience albeit a bit uncomfortable. I had probably my favourite meal yet in the night market. Pork with Thai red sauce and steamed rice, I know where I'm going back tonight!
I've found a Muay Thai gym about 5km outside the town, my first session is in an hour at 4 pm. They do a morning session at 7am and afternoon at 4pm. I'm going to both sessions for next 5 days, well thats the plan. I'll let you know how it goes!
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