Seeing that my December stay in Bangkok was on Silom Road, close to the Sala Dang BTS (Skytrain) and Silom MRT (underground metro), for this trip I picked a hotel next to Chao Phraya River. Ibis Bangkok Riverside has its own TukTuk for guests wanting a ride to the nearby BTS SkyTrain or ferry boat terminal. I booked seven nights with a river view. If I needed to wait on my Vietnam visa, I might as well turn that wait into a vacation.

Before leaving the US, I debated on whether or not to pack a swimsuit. I’m more of a sit, by a body of water, with a drink, kind of gal. Plus, my plan is to travel for five years. Should I pack something that I might not need or might not be able to fit, by the time that I finally needed it? I gave in and purchased one from somewhere, … Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Ross, and placed it at the bottom of my suitcase.

Back in Bangkok, it seemed foolish not to dig out the swimsuit. There was little reason to leave the hotel, which is located at the end of an alley off a main road. I’ll admit that the food options were limited and the prices were ridiculous. Still, the breakfast buffet was a short walk from the pool and had enough items to keep me going, for most of the day. When I was done relaxing, I’d head up the alley for street food.

The fabulous ICON SIAM Mall is just a fifteen minute walk from the hotel. And, with Bangkok traffic, it’s better to walk. The mall includes seven levels for Takashimaya, the iconic Japanese department store. There are also car dealerships! And here I thought Sephora was fancy. Add to that, the first floor food hall includes a replica of a traditional floating market. You can try dishes from all seventy provinces in Thailand.

The mall was my only adventure. That’s when you know you’re in full lazy vacation mode. I just spent my time, by the pool, watching the Skytrain and ferry boats passing by. Neither one convinced me to move. Wow! I’m so darn happy that my visa to Vietnam didn’t come through. That Bangkok staycation was the travel break that I didn’t know I needed.

I’ve been spending seven days in each hotel. It gives me the time to rest, sightsee, blog, and plan my next location. I still don’t have a set schedule. The letter needed for my “on demand” airport visa to Vietnam just arrived. I’ll finally be able to make my way there, at the end of this month, after a side trip to Phuket and short stay in Cambodia.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been traveling since November 30th. If you add my Vancouver to Puerto Escondido birthday run and thirty day Amtrak rail pass adventure, I’ve been on the road since July! Whew! Where’s that robot butler. I’m going to another G&T! — XOXO — GGT!