Emily writes · Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand · 16–23 January 2026
We came back to Bangkok for the third time with a modest plan: relax in the flat, see friends, walk in the park, and visit the dentist.
On one side of our building was Benjakitti Park, where we walked, cycled, and ran. We also used the elevated path above the city.
On the other side was a much seedier red light area. The contrast happened within a few minutes of walking.
In the flat, I played a lot of Super Mario Odyssey. Bryson drew and made Super Mario Maker courses. At night we alternated between Thai food and dim sum ordered through Grab.
One day we took the train to Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam. The ninety minute journey cost 50p, which felt rude after years of £70 returns to London. We rented bikes and rode around the ruins until lunch.
We also met friends from our time in Suffolk. We walked through the park, took a boat to the old town, saw giant monitor lizards, ate lunch, and caught up.
My gums had been hurting and I needed a dentist. The NHS has surprisingly few clinics in Southeast Asia, but Bangkok has plenty of affordable ones. A cleaning, checkup, and fluoride coating cost about £30.
Bangkok number three was parks, dentists, old friends, and Thai food. A sensible holiday, by our standards.
Open the camera roll (10 photographs)
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