But it’s not far from the end of the Khlong Banglamphu – one of the few canals still in use in Bangkok. So, I took the Skytrain to Chit Lom and then walked down Thanon Ratchaprapop to the canal boat stop. Jumped – literally – onto the boat when it pulled in. The fare is based on where you’re going and I was happy to be able to say “Saphan Phan Fan” well enough to be understood. Felt like a local – especially once I got on the boat, since I was the only non-Thai.
The Golden Mount is about the only natural structure that rises above the flat Bangkok terrain. On top is a shrine – 362 steps up. On the way up, there are lots of bells that you are supposed to ring as you go past.
The view from the top is good – and makes you realize just how spread out Bangkok truly is. There really isn’t a “downtown” – instead there are multiple business districts. 
On to Wat Suthat – which did not disappoint. It truly is gorgeous – and was almost deserted. Here are a few pictures. To me, the small details are often more interesting than the impressive buildings.
But my favorite part was just wandering around the neighborhood. The scale was personal – small shops and homes. And for some reason, lots of Art Deco buildings.
A sign said that one of the main streets – Thanon Dinso – was laid out in the 1890s and was originally a street for pencil makers. That’s typical of the older areas – entire streets have the same types of shops – all tailors, all woodworkers, etc. One street I went down was filled with shops selling religious objects – mostly Buddha statues.
Turns out that people buy Buddhas here and then donate them to their local temples as a way of paying homage.
Doug, beautiful temples and do love your pics of "the small details."
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