In Pattaya there is a group calling themselves the Test Patrol. They have a hobby to find interesting places and activities and to organise tours for their Scandinavian ex-pat friends. They co-operate with “Sjømannskirken” (Norwegian Church Abroad) and the Scandinavian Ex-pat Club in Pattaya. So far they have arranged ten different trips both in the local area and to Bangkok. The tour to Bangkok with a visit to River City and a two hour cruise on the river Chao-Phraya with food and entertainment got so popular that they had to double it. The latest tour took place January 24.
River City
River City is a five story building just at the piers where many of the dinner cruise boats start. This warehouse is specialized in Asian antiques with many shops selling high quality products. There are also a lot of restaurants all close to the broad and busy river. The rooftop restaurant and bar are the most famous with stunning views.
The groups had two hours to look around at all the beautiful things and many of the participants took a drink enjoying the atmosphere and the views while waiting for the boat to come.
Wan Fah
There are many different kinds of boats with dinner cruises. The Test Patrol had chosen Wan Fah, a wooden Thai style open boat with a constant breeze cooling nicely. And with the tables close to the water level. The first hour the participants enjoyed a Sea Food set menu with five servings and live music played on a Thai harp by a nice and beautifully dressed woman. The second hour it was time for entertainment. Thai dances of different kinds and of course Hanuman came and scared all up. Most appreciated were still the fantastic scenery along the river with lit up buildings, statues and bridges. To see Bangkok from the river by night is a memory for life. A huge fire work filling the dark sky ended the tour for the second group.
Full of impressions and food to digest the people finally entered the buses for a ride through the heavy traffic of Bangkok – even that an excitement to be remembered.
