We landed at the Bangkok International Airport around 3 am. In no time we crossed the border control, bought a DTAC SIM card and climbed into an Uber. Our hostel, the Siri Poshtel Bangkok, was right in the iconic Old Town (Rattanakosin) surrounded by Bangkok's most spectacular and historical attractions including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
At 6 o'clock in the morning, the room wasn't available. We would have killed for a hot shower and a comfortable bed but we needed to wait the official check-in time at 2 pm. So we strolled around the 'City of Angel' to watch the sunrise. We weren't disappointed. The traditional Buddhist temples, parks and monuments looked ravishing under the early light. Monks, wearing saffron robes, were walking barefoot around the neighbourhood while locals were making merit by offering them food.
After a good breakfast, we ordered a metered taxi to the smoke-free Lumphini Park, one of the green lung of Bangkok. We breathed fresh air, admired the scenic view and hunt down the giant lizards roaming around the park. Up the 3 meters long, the harmless lizards still scare the bejeezus out of the unaware tourists. We spotted the beast lazily swinging in the lake. Later, another one hiding on the bank... We kept walking and enjoyed some `lizard-watching`. Around us, residents were playing sports, cycling or practising tai chi. The park was peaceful and home to occasional aerobic classes that visitors could jump in on.
After lunch, we headed back to our hotel to take possession of our home for the next 5 days. We showered and indulged in a well-deserved nap. We slept until dusk which was the perfect timing to wander along the Khao San Road. The backpacker ghetto made world famous by the book and movie "the beach" come alive at night. Thousands of backpackers and tourists flood the street full of swanky bars and clubs, restaurants, massage parlours, travel agents, tattoo shops, market stalls, and much, much more. We saw our first bug food cart, but we weren't brave enough to try any - maybe next time.
We walked away from the bustling neighbourhood and found a popular restaurant in a quiet street north Khao San Road and with a full belly, we said goodbye to our first day in Bangkok.