Silk, SkyBar and a Foodie Tour, aka Karen's Perfect Day in Bangkok

One of the must-see spots in Bangkok is the Jim Thompson House Museum, and namesake store of fine silken apparel and products for men and women.

Jim Thompson, an American, revitalized the Thai silk industry. Thompson mysteriously disappeared while on holiday in Malaysia in the late 1960's.  His remains were never found and his estate left his home and antique collection to a foundation supporting the preservation of Thailand's cultural heritage.

He created a compound of fine traditional Thai teak buildings to house his collection of art and artifacts gathered throughout southeast Asia. Of course, a visit to the boutique after the tour was a must as was the purchase of numerous silk items.

Lao silk weaver, with raw and final product

Numerous ponds throughout the grounds host varied fish species.

 

Post-visit, lunch was had at the unbelievably diverse international food court at the MBK Mall.

Yes, Karen had lunch at a food court.

Looked a little like South Philly with the pizzas on display at one of the 'Italian' food vendors.

 As seen in "The Hangover, Part II", the Sky Bar, the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok, 63 floors up, may be, to quote Karen, "the coolest bar in the world." The stairs pictured here lead to the actual bar which is a circular area that cantilevers off the side of the building and overlooks the Chao Phayra river and downtown Bangkok.



















The prices are, as you would guess, New York drink prices.
But the view is fantastic. (Pictures do not do it justice.)

A bar like this would be very cool in NYC.

Our last day in Bangkok began with a foodie tour sampling how the locals eat.

Traditional Roasted Duck served on Rice.  Yum yum.The recipe was passed down from the owner's mother.

A highlight dish was Yum Pla Dook Foo (Crispy Catfish and Green Mango Salad). This is Northern Thai style cuisine.
 

Next was Thai curry noodle, a Thai/Indian blend of Masaman curry with turmeric paste.

  

At a bakery, Thai Style Green Custard Bun, Thai BBQ Pork Bun, and Thai Iced Bubble Tea was good.

The tour concluded with Green Thai Curry served on Roti, and Coconut Ice Cream.

Street food vendors were omnipresent, and our tastings on the tour inspired us to sample a great many skewers of veggies and meats.