Why I went back to Thailand..

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.

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.

finally here!

you should not miss this for the world!

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.

here I come!  

It costs 600 baht per person to crash out this must-experience attraction from your bucket list. 

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.

the elephant

      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.

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.

awed

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.

Grand, indeed!

can you see the people behind mom?

      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.

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.

Big Golden Buddha

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..

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.

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!  

soccer shirts for my bro

taking a break in one of the restaurants inside MBK

we just have to take this!

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.

colorful lanterns

      6. Siam Paragon

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!

it's the siam paragon behind us!

dancing fountain

it's the brand

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.

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.

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. 

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.

interesting places you see on board the ferry

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.

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!

precious gems here..

on-board the tuk-tuk

mom enjoying the ride

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.

the room

the coffee shop

breakfast is included in the price

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!

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! :)