Mar 6 - Start out by walking north and east of our hostel to Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple). The original temple here dates from the Ayutthaya era. It was upgraded by Rama I, and a huge chedi was built there by Rama III. This structure, however, collapsed due to soft soil and the resulting mess was abandoned and grew over with weeds, soon becoming like a natural hill. King Rama IV started building on top of the ‘hill’ and it has been tweaked ever since to become the huge complex it is today.
Head to the commercial district so I can get a haircut. That done, we wander around and realize we are in an area with a lot of dental clinics. Pop into a few to get quotes on a cleaning. Find one place with decent prices and immediate openings, so we settle in and get the job done for all three of us, for a total of about $94. I note that a lot of tourists are here, getting cleanings and teeth whitening done. The friendly receptionist says, “Hope see you next year! I have your records now so easy come again.”