First Stop Bangkok, we checked in to The Royal Orchid Sheraton, a very refined contemporary style hotel right on the Chao Phraya River where we were to spend 2 nights.

Our first day in Bangkok was one hell of a culture shock, this was my husband and I's first trip to the East.  We had heard many stories of Bangkok so were aware of some of the tricks, but we didn't realise quite how good the tricksters were!

First on our list was to pay a visit to The Grande Palace.  We took a riverboat taxi from outside the hotel down the river, which was an experience in itself, to a market just a short walk down from the palace.  On our walk up to the palace we were stopped by a man on the corner of the palace walls dressed a security guard, he was stood next to a wooden stand, spoke perfect english and looked very official.  He questioned my trousers as they were slightly cropped and told me I would not be aloowed to go into the palace, I was aware there was a gown provided but the 'security officer' advised as there had been prayers in the morning, we would be better opff returning in the afternoon and it would also be quieter so probably a more enjoyable experience,  So we decided to take his advise, then asked him if he had any suggestions for the morning.  He recommended a tuk tuk, negotiated a price with the tuk tuk driver and off we went on our 4 hour mystery tour!