Khlong Tour, Patpong, Bangkok is Gone

On the last day in Bangkok we ran into a familiar icon.

 


We hired a colorful long-tail boat to tour the khlongs or canals of Bangkok.


































The twists and turns of the canals revealed ornate temples and Buddha images.

Bangkok residences, from canalside tin metal and wood structures, to concrete block apartment houses, appeared as well.

 

Swooping to intercept our boat just as we rounded a bend, ladies in overladen boats brimming with all sorts of sweets, trinkets, food bundles, religious icons, and beverages appeared.

A cool one would taste good, of course, on the hot river, so we took the bait, and, as the lady gesticulated and suggested, bought our boat driver a sudsy refreshment as well.

Yeah, that is the game that is played.  Nice racket.

As our mobile market lady sped off, we needed to dine and then make our way to the Patpong section of Bangkok.

We started our night out well, enjoying a surprisingly very fine meal at Eat Me, a nicely named restaurant, owned by an Aussie, clearly a bloke with a refined sense of humor.

Clearly, Patpong knows how to keep the party going, with all-nite happy hours, and fine women.

Patpong has something for everyone, all within a two- to three-block radius. First there is the block for the Japanese tourists -- lined with Japanese restaurants and far-too-young girls from impoverished sections of northern Thailand, eager to improve their lot in life, via whatever means available. It is truly a disturbing site.

Then there is the block of all the peep shows with girls being advertised to do all sorts of 'acrobatic' things.  (Ping Pong ...)

And finally the much more fun gay block with boys and lady boys.  Indeed, there we enjoyed our beverages.

Prudence dictated that all that happened in Patpong should stay in Patpong.

Bye Bangkok.