According to the Global destination cities Index, Thailand is the world's most visited country in Asia that welcomes 16 to 20 million tourists every year. The country's overwhelmingly main religion is Buddhism and it is practice almost all of the population, although there are some devotees to Christian, Islam and other religion.
The country is also named as the most popular overseas destination for patients seeking sex-reassignment surgery according to Josef Woodman, chief executive officer of Patients Beyond Borders, a consulting firm based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Nearly 68 countries all over the globe go to Thailand who undergo sex reassignment from Male to Female.
Thailand's capital city is Bangkok known as the rambling metropolis for its ancient shrines, exotic street foods and vivacious night life. For some travelers especially Filipinos who went to this country could somehow testify that it is like the Philippines because of heavy traffic congestion and fairly hot year round temperature but don't let that mislead you because Bangkok won as the World's Best City for four consecutive years now according to Travel and Leisure magazine.
On the other hand, if you happened to read my blogs you'll probably know who I used to traveled with or if I just opt to wander alone. This is the 6th Asian country that I visited so far and my 3rd international trip for this year.
HOW TO GET THERE:
On the other hand, if you happened to read my blogs you'll probably know who I used to traveled with or if I just opt to wander alone. This is the 6th Asian country that I visited so far and my 3rd international trip for this year.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Tip: To have your booking tickets a little more cheaper, make your reservation in advance or months before your desired flight.
1. Subscribe alert emails from airline companies.
2. Visit their website to get air fare promos from time to time.
For more flight schedules and cheap air fares, visit :
DAY 1 BANGKOK
WAT INDHARAVIHAN
Located to the North of Khao San Road, home to one of the tallest Buddha image in Thailand.
Entrance Fee: Free
WAT POH TEMPLE
Entrance Fee: Free
WAT BENCHAMANBOPHIT
It wasn't striking just like what I saw on photos online because there were constructions or renovation going on at the front area when I went there. But you'll surely astound when you look closely the Temple. Wat Ben is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples also known as Marble Temple.
Admission Fee: 20baht
GRAND PALACE
The dazzling Grand Palace is the most famous landmark of the Country and is the official residence of the Kings of Siam.
Note: A strict dress code is being imposed. The visitors are advise to wear proper clothes before entering the Temple.
Entrance Fee: 500 baht
DAY 2 AYUTTHAYA
Ayutthaya is located 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. An old city of archaeological sites that contain temples, monasteries and statues. The historic City of Ayutthaya were officially recognized as UNESCO's World Heritage Site because of the grandeur remains of Temples and Palaces.
You won't be able to visit all the ruins in one day but you can reasonably visit the major one like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chaimongkon and Wat Phra Mahathat.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The easiest way to go there is by taking an hour train ride from Hualamphong Railway Station. From the Hotel take Tuktuk or Taxi to the Train Station.
Taxi Fare: roughly 55.00 baht
Train Fare: 20.00 baht
Once you get there, you'll need to hire a taxi or tuktuk driver to explore the ruins but some of the drivers will bribe you to pay much higher fees and I suggest rent a motorbike so you can save hundreds of baht than hiring tuktuk..
Note:They're too large to see on foot, trust me.
Tuktuk- 2,000.00 baht
Motorbike- 150.00 baht and additional 50.00 baht for the gasoline.
WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM
Wat Chai is one of the major tourist attraction in Ayutthaya Historical Park. This Buddhist temple stands 35 meters high with its exterior walls illustrate the life of Buddha through relief sculptures while interior walls are adorned with paintings.
Admission Fee: 50.00 baht
WAT PHRA SI SANPHET
Also known as the Temple of Holy and is located at the heart of Ayutthaya's Historical Park.
Admission Fee: 50.00 baht
WIHAN PHRA MONGKHON BOPHIT
A large bronze seated Buddha located at the south entrance of Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Admission Fee: Free
WAT RATCHABURANA
AYUTTHAYA FLOATING MARKET
Our next stop was supposedly Mahathat and Chaimongkon and getting to the Floating Market was not part of the plan. We were terribly lost finding the other temples because my phone was totally drained and I couldn't get the directions with their printed map. We tried to ask for help with the locals but they don't know how speak in English. We've drove every corner of the streets, the main roads which is like an EDSA of Manila, where fast moving cars passing but luckily they don't have traffic enforcers because I was driving without any license if I will get caught.
ELEPHANT AND SHEEP VILLAGE
Located in front of the Floating Market
Admission: Free
DAY 3 KOH LARN ISLAND, PATTAYA
Take a day trip to the famous for sensational light and nights of Pattaya. Pattaya is one of Asia's largest beach resort and the second most visited city in Thailand. Located approximately 160 kilometers or 2 hours away from Bangkok.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take a Bus at Ekamai Station to Pattaya. Once you get there, take tuktuk taxi at the Bus Terminal to Bali Hai Pier before taking a Ferry boat to Koh Larn Island.
Fares:
Taxi or Train to Ekamai: Depends where you came from
Bus : 124 baht
Tuktuk: 50 baht
Ferry: 30baht
Once you get to the Island, rent a Motorbike for a much easier access on all the beach resorts.
Motorbike Rental (can be negotiated) 250 baht/ 6 hours
BIG BUDDHA
Pay visit to this huge buddha located northeast of Bali Hai Pier or about 10 minutes walk from the bay.
If you want to feel the night life in Pattaya then one day tour is not really enough for you. As this City has a lot of entertainments for tourists who want to experience what "Walking Street" has to offer.
DAY 4 TALING CHAN FLOATING MARKET
Taling Chan with just enough boat to be Floating Market.
How to get there:
Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station and walk for about 5 minutes to Sathorn Pier. From there, rent a long tail boat to take you to Taling Chan but I suggest don't do this, instead, go to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (about an hour a half away from the City)
Boat Rentals: 2,500 baht.
ERAWAN SHRINE
SIAM PARAGON/ MBK CENTER
Suvarnabhumi Int'l Airport
(Tip: In case you haven't changed your Philippine peso into Thailand Baht yet. there are money changers located at Airports' Arrival Hall like Siam Banks but they're giving a low-priced rates than those changers located at the Sky train link ticketing booth.)DAY 1 BANGKOK
After almost four hours flight we finally arrived in Bangkok and I was fascinated with Thailand's Airport because it really looks classy inside and out even if it is under renovation which is totally different from ours, I am referring to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
As I've always mentioned on my previous blogs for acquiring a better and affordable accommodations is by browsing thru www.booking.com, there are lots of hostels, hotels and room sharing on their website ranging from low-priced to expensive one. You could either have your lodge for a free of charge if you join couch surfing.
Our original plan was to spend our 2 days within Bangkok before moving to Cambodia, so I booked an overnight stay at D and D Inn but upon reading with others blog, spending two days in Siem Reap is quite too short because we will be taking a 6 hours train and another 2 hours bus just to get to Cambodia.
Getting here:
D and D is located in Khaosan Road, the busiest and noisiest street at night where exotic foods and people starts to round as early as 7 in the evening.
From the Airport, take the Red Line to Phaya Thai Station (90.00 baht) then take the Green line to Wong Yan and drop off at Ratchatewi station (10.00 baht) before taking a cab to D and D Hotel which will costs you about 43.50 baht.
From the Airport, take the Red Line to Phaya Thai Station (90.00 baht) then take the Green line to Wong Yan and drop off at Ratchatewi station (10.00 baht) before taking a cab to D and D Hotel which will costs you about 43.50 baht.
Khaosan Road at night
Hotels' check inn time is at 2:00 in the afternoon and if in case that you arrived earlier than their permitted time, an option of 12 noon checking inn is possible but available rooms are located beside the Khaosan Road which is very deafening at night because of the street party. (Hotel rate: Standard double 950 baht)
D and D Inn
Rooftop swimming pool & bar
Right after we placed our luggage at the hotel, we took our brunch before heading to the Grand Palace as our first stop and good thing it is located few steps away from our hotel. When we head to the Palace we met an old man working in Finance Administration Treasury and according to him it'll be enjoyable if we will go there as early as 8 in the morning. So we skipped it, he then guided us of where to meander and hired a tuk-tuk for only 80 baht which includes Wat Idharavihan, Wat Poh, Marble Temple or Wat Ben and Bangkok Expo.
WAT INDHARAVIHAN
Located to the North of Khao San Road, home to one of the tallest Buddha image in Thailand.
Entrance Fee: Free
Entrance Fee: Free
WAT BENCHAMANBOPHIT
It wasn't striking just like what I saw on photos online because there were constructions or renovation going on at the front area when I went there. But you'll surely astound when you look closely the Temple. Wat Ben is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples also known as Marble Temple.
Admission Fee: 20baht
The dazzling Grand Palace is the most famous landmark of the Country and is the official residence of the Kings of Siam.
Note: A strict dress code is being imposed. The visitors are advise to wear proper clothes before entering the Temple.
Entrance Fee: 500 baht
DAY 2 AYUTTHAYA
Ayutthaya is located 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. An old city of archaeological sites that contain temples, monasteries and statues. The historic City of Ayutthaya were officially recognized as UNESCO's World Heritage Site because of the grandeur remains of Temples and Palaces.
You won't be able to visit all the ruins in one day but you can reasonably visit the major one like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chaimongkon and Wat Phra Mahathat.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The easiest way to go there is by taking an hour train ride from Hualamphong Railway Station. From the Hotel take Tuktuk or Taxi to the Train Station.
Taxi Fare: roughly 55.00 baht
Train Fare: 20.00 baht
Once you get there, you'll need to hire a taxi or tuktuk driver to explore the ruins but some of the drivers will bribe you to pay much higher fees and I suggest rent a motorbike so you can save hundreds of baht than hiring tuktuk..
Note:They're too large to see on foot, trust me.
Tuktuk- 2,000.00 baht
Motorbike- 150.00 baht and additional 50.00 baht for the gasoline.
WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM
Wat Chai is one of the major tourist attraction in Ayutthaya Historical Park. This Buddhist temple stands 35 meters high with its exterior walls illustrate the life of Buddha through relief sculptures while interior walls are adorned with paintings.
Admission Fee: 50.00 baht
WAT PHRA SI SANPHET
Also known as the Temple of Holy and is located at the heart of Ayutthaya's Historical Park.
Admission Fee: 50.00 baht
A large bronze seated Buddha located at the south entrance of Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Admission Fee: Free
WAT RATCHABURANA
AYUTTHAYA FLOATING MARKET
Our next stop was supposedly Mahathat and Chaimongkon and getting to the Floating Market was not part of the plan. We were terribly lost finding the other temples because my phone was totally drained and I couldn't get the directions with their printed map. We tried to ask for help with the locals but they don't know how speak in English. We've drove every corner of the streets, the main roads which is like an EDSA of Manila, where fast moving cars passing but luckily they don't have traffic enforcers because I was driving without any license if I will get caught.
ELEPHANT AND SHEEP VILLAGE
Located in front of the Floating Market
Admission: Free
DAY 3 KOH LARN ISLAND, PATTAYA
Take a day trip to the famous for sensational light and nights of Pattaya. Pattaya is one of Asia's largest beach resort and the second most visited city in Thailand. Located approximately 160 kilometers or 2 hours away from Bangkok.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take a Bus at Ekamai Station to Pattaya. Once you get there, take tuktuk taxi at the Bus Terminal to Bali Hai Pier before taking a Ferry boat to Koh Larn Island.
Fares:
Taxi or Train to Ekamai: Depends where you came from
Bus : 124 baht
Tuktuk: 50 baht
Ferry: 30baht
Once you get to the Island, rent a Motorbike for a much easier access on all the beach resorts.
Motorbike Rental (can be negotiated) 250 baht/ 6 hours
BIG BUDDHA
Pay visit to this huge buddha located northeast of Bali Hai Pier or about 10 minutes walk from the bay.
If you want to feel the night life in Pattaya then one day tour is not really enough for you. As this City has a lot of entertainments for tourists who want to experience what "Walking Street" has to offer.
DAY 4 TALING CHAN FLOATING MARKET
Taling Chan with just enough boat to be Floating Market.
How to get there:
Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station and walk for about 5 minutes to Sathorn Pier. From there, rent a long tail boat to take you to Taling Chan but I suggest don't do this, instead, go to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (about an hour a half away from the City)
Boat Rentals: 2,500 baht.
ERAWAN SHRINE
SIAM PARAGON/ MBK CENTER
