Bangkok - Golden Mount&Royal Palace

Dragged out of bed by the eager beaver that is Andy Taylor our first proper day in Bangkok started with a hangover. Whilst I wasn't feeling too bad after numerous Changs (6.5% - cashback!) our resident sicknote, Mr. Woodroof, was convinced he was suffering from the deadly disease Dengue Fever not simply a mild hangover.

Still we pushed on dragging James kicking and screaming, jumped in a taxi and headed to the Royal Palace. Upon arriving, we were greeted by a man in a suit speaking immaculate English. He informed us that the Palace was closed for 2 hrs and advised us to get a tuk-tuk for 20 baht (30p) to see several other attractions. What a mistake this was...Not only did we shit ourselves for the entire journey as we flirted with death on the packed roads in little more then a shack on 2 wheels, we also became part of an elaborate scam involving at least 4 people. After visiting 2 of the attractions (both of which were lame) we were driven to a shop where the tuk tuk driver gets commission. We told the driver where to go and were subsequently turfed out in the middle of Bangkok with no idea where we were...ideal. It was a loooooong walk back. Moral of the story: If something looks too good to be true it probably is (or - don't trust jumped up little idiots in silly suits!)

Still on a brighter not we did get to visit the Golden Mount, which offered great views of the city, before rocking up to the Royal Palace to see the emerald buddha. The buddha was amazing - on a alter dripping in gold and surrounded by some great temples. Trying to upload the pics but proving to be an epic on a very slow connection!