For those of you who may not have known, I've already gone to Thailand in 2011.
I actually have this rule not to go back to places I've been to.
But rules do come with exceptions too! Haha.
So, I'm listing here the 10 REASONS I DID GO BACK to the first foreign country I've been to.
1. Floating Market
Located in Ratchaburi province of Thailand,
is a unique-and-still-very-useful attraction you just have to see, the Damnoen
Saduak floating market. A 2-hour drive
from Bangkok would give you the chance to see a place Thailand is also known
for. The 2-hour travel is not as boring as it seems since you get to have a
glimpse of the rural life in Thailand, in contrast to the bustling city of
Bangkok. You’ll be amazed as traffic lights still exist on the way.
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| great sight on the way! |
We actually boarded Bus No. 78 from the Bangkok South Terminal. The bus left on schedule even if we’re only 5 on it. Actually, only 2 of us left when the bus stopped at this Pier. Read my review here in TripAvisor to avoid being victim to their overpriced motor bancas.
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| finally here! |
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| you should not miss this for the world! |
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| experiencing it ourselves! |
2 2. Elephants
It was during this trip that I got to see an elephant in Thailand, much more, riding on it! Elephant Village is also located in Damnoen Saduak. Though not really walking distance with the Floating Market, there are a lot of motorbike drivers willing to take you there. Since we both fear riding a motorbike, the driver instead took his pick-up vehicle and transported us.
But even if not in your bucket list, this is something you should not really miss in Thailand if you don’t want to regret later.
The elephant toured us around the
area. It went through uneven land masses and dip into the river! The elephant
driver (I just don’t know the term) was also very supportive in taking pictures.
Later, he showed us accessories for sale. There was even one type made of
elephant tusks which were lucky, according to him. The tour lasted for 20
minutes. It was really enjoyable and truly
unforgettable.
It was during this trip that I got to see an elephant in Thailand, much more, riding on it! Elephant Village is also located in Damnoen Saduak. Though not really walking distance with the Floating Market, there are a lot of motorbike drivers willing to take you there. Since we both fear riding a motorbike, the driver instead took his pick-up vehicle and transported us.
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| here I come! |
It costs 600 baht per person to
crash out this must-experience attraction from your bucket list.
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| ticket for 2! |
But even if not in your bucket list, this is something you should not really miss in Thailand if you don’t want to regret later.
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| the elephant |
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| a dream-come-true |
3. New Temple
Of course, I went back to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It was still the same jaw-dropping figure; my mom couldn’t comprehend it at first.
The new temple I was talking about is Wat Saket or Golden Mount. It’s actually one of the biggest temples I’ve been to and one of the biggest Buddhas as well. A Thai also said that we’re lucky as the temple seldom opens but we were able to witness this rare moment.
Of course, I went back to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It was still the same jaw-dropping figure; my mom couldn’t comprehend it at first.
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| awed |
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| mom's Wat Po experience |
Then, for the first time I was able
to enter the Grand Palace. Enter the gate but up to the guards only since we
were not allowed to enter since my mom’s wearing a blouse with slits that could
not cover her shoulders.
However, though we were up to the
guards only, we were still able to see the vastness of this attraction. If not
for the scorching heat, it would have been really fun going through the various
palaces and posing for some souvenirs. But the sun was really up that time that
if we really entered, I would not have really enjoyed it.
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| a glimpse is really okay with me |
The new temple I was talking about is Wat Saket or Golden Mount. It’s actually one of the biggest temples I’ve been to and one of the biggest Buddhas as well. A Thai also said that we’re lucky as the temple seldom opens but we were able to witness this rare moment.
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| Big Golden Buddha |
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| various small Buddhas |
4. On Nut Night Market
This market is located adjacent to the On
Nut BTS station, the next station after our hotel. I’ve never been able to shop
in an outdoor night market before, so this was something I looked forward to.
As I was not able to take a pic, here's what it's like..
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| from www.globaltravelmate.com
My mom has experienced the hassle of the
Chatuchak Market that when she saw this Night Market, she really appreciated it
so much. The place was not hot as when going through the narrow passages of
Chatuchak. Though this is much smaller, it was better according to her, since
her only goal is to shop for apparels which are mainly the reason the Night
Market was opened.
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There was also a lot of food stalls near
the area but my mom opted for McDo just opposite the market.
5. 5. MBK and Gateway
Okay, I’ve been to platinum mall before. And until now, I still don’t know why we chose a kinda far place (away from the BTS) when there is this mall connected to the BTS itself. Maybe it was recommended but in my own opinion, MBK was so much hassle-free. The mall is made of 8 floors. You can really buy a lot here - shirts, shorts, shoes, dress, souvenirs!
Gateway, on the other hand, is a Japanese mall. I went there alone to change my dollars. Restaurants were
all over and I only have this very nice souvenir of the mall.
6. Siam Paragon
Okay, I’ve been to platinum mall before. And until now, I still don’t know why we chose a kinda far place (away from the BTS) when there is this mall connected to the BTS itself. Maybe it was recommended but in my own opinion, MBK was so much hassle-free. The mall is made of 8 floors. You can really buy a lot here - shirts, shorts, shoes, dress, souvenirs!
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| soccer shirts for my bro |
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| taking a break in one of the restaurants inside MBK |
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| we just have to take this! |
all over and I only have this very nice souvenir of the mall.
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| colorful lanterns |
I never really thought I would enjoy this
place. We just passed by this area last 2011 and never really expected that
there are lots of things you can see here. This is one of the busiest stations
in Bangkok. They say, this is the place of the rich. Maybe, designer brands are
just everywhere!
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| it's the siam paragon behind us! |
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| dancing fountain |
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| it's the brand |
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| Prada!!!! |
There was a band playing in one of its open
spaces. I could spend whole day here just sitting near the fountain, watching
people of various ethnicities hurry through their plans and observe the place as
it slowly unfolds its beauty come evening.
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| the lights! |
7. 7. Riding the tourist ferry
When we went to the various temples last
2011, we boarded a van. Now, we tried a tourist ferry located in Central Pier or the last station of the Silom Line.
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| the ticket and the guide! |
Upon receipt of your ticket, you are also given a guide. The ferry would traverse through the Chao Phraya River and has several piers for stop-over.
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| with the other tourists! |
You can disembark in one of the piers and start your tour of the place and then go back to the pier again, board a ferry to the next pier depending on your interest. The guide actually lists the famous attractions if you go to a certain pier.
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| interesting places you see on board the ferry |
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| the pier going to the Grand Palace |
Though I’ve been to this river before, it
was a dinner cruise. My first time to travel during the day and see more of
Bangkok with various tourists as well.
8. 8. Riding Thailand’s tuk-tuk
For the first time, we rode Thailand’s Tuk-tuk. I was only able to experience as the service vehicle of our hotel in 2011. Now, we really used it to tour around some parts of Bangkok. Though kinda afraid since they seem to run fast, I was glad as I felt just like a local.
For the first time, we rode Thailand’s Tuk-tuk. I was only able to experience as the service vehicle of our hotel in 2011. Now, we really used it to tour around some parts of Bangkok. Though kinda afraid since they seem to run fast, I was glad as I felt just like a local.
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| tuk-tuk! |
The tuk-tuk brought us to the Wat Saket,
lapidary, silk store where we bought a necktie for our town mayor and the
reclining Buddha!
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| precious gems here.. |
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| on-board the tuk-tuk |
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| mom enjoying the ride |
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| it's the Ministry of Defense |
9. 9. Hotel
We stayed in a very unique hotel, DS67.
Compared to our hotel in 2011, this establishment is just few steps away from
the BTS Station; you can actually see the train through your windows if you
happen to be situated in a room opposite the station.
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| the room |
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| the coffee shop |
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| breakfast is included in the price |
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| reception |
The interiors may not be as grand as my previous
hotel but its design is worth praising. Plus a token! So thoughtful!!!
1 10.
Mom
Of course, I won’t be visiting this place again if not for my mom! This was my first time to travel abroad with my mother. I am just happy she shares the same passion with me - to see the world!
Of course, I won’t be visiting this place again if not for my mom! This was my first time to travel abroad with my mother. I am just happy she shares the same passion with me - to see the world!
So, breaking my rule was not bad after all. There's just too much this world can offer. And I'm glad I got to experience some of them. 'Til next time! :)
