Thailand has a lot of stories to tell, from its rich history, its vibrant city, wide-variety of delicious street food, night markets everywhere, and most especially its people. Interacting with the locals and knowing their different stories will allow you to understand a place better, for you will be immersed even for a short period of time. As a first-timer here, this trip was surely a worthwhile experience for it was packed with activities not only in Bangkok but also outside the city.
Here are the things you should definitely visit in Thailand
(Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Hua Hin):
Bangkok
Bangkok known as the city of Angels or as Krung Thep Mahanakhon, one will surely love this city. Different activities to do here are:
1. Visit Grand Palace & Wat Pho
Grand Palace entrance fee (bottled water included): 400 baht / 525php
Operating hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm (everyday)
The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 where various important structures were located, from residence and throne halls of the Royal family to government offices and renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
This is a huge complex, so prepare to walk around for an hour or two.
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| Wear proper attire when entering Grand Palace and Wat Pho |
You can wear t-shirts (anything not sleeveless), long pants or wear their traditional skirt cloth (Pha Nung). If there's no time to change, there is a booth in the entrance which provides necessary covering for visitors (passport/identification shall be left to be able to borrow these). Also, remember that pointing feet towards Buddha while sitting is considered very offensive here.
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| Phra Siratana Chedi |
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| Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall |
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| Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall |
Wat Pho is just 10 minute-walk from Grand Palace. Here, you will see the massive reclining Buddha and other significant temples, statutes, courtyards and stupas with ceramic pottery flowers and colorful tiles ornaments.
Entrance fee (water included) : 100 baht / 130php
Operating hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm (everyday)
Of all the temples in Bangkok, which are a lot, these two should be on top of your list, for they are very accessible in terms of location (quite close to each other) and number of temples. If your itinerary is already packed, then go to these two first, but if you have the time, its also better to visit other temples.
2. Appreciate the temples while riding the ferry.
Rivers and canals are not only historically significant, but also widely used in Bangkok as a mode of transportation. Ride the ferry going to the Grand Palace along Chao Phraya river for a different view of the city.
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| view from ferry ride |
3. Wear their traditional skirt cloth
(Pha Nung)
4. Try their authentic Thai massage in Wat Pho
Thailand is well-known for its traditional massage or "thai massage" and Wat Pho is its headquarter for training masseurs and masseuses all over Bangkok. So after your tour around The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, you can try their famous thai massage here. Be sure that as you enter Wat Pho, to have your name in the waiting list first for the massage to avoid waiting after your tour. Its a nice way to end the long period of walking from temple to temple.
5. Have a dinner in Bayoke Tower and see the skyline of Bangkok
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| Bangkok skyline showing soon-to-be tallest building in Thailand, MahaNakhon designed by Ole Scheeren. |
6. Go to a floating market
There are five floating markets known in Bangkok. The most famous one is the Damnoen Saduak. The others are Amphawa, Taling Chan, Khlong Lat Mayom and Bang Nam Pheung.
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| traders in Khlong Lat Mayom floating market |
As recommended by Wa, my thai friend, Khlong Lat Mayom is the best option to go to. This is one of the few floating markets located near Bangkok, which is only 30 minutes away from the city. Moreover, it has the authentic local ambiance, for this is not quite a tourist spot and truly, only few tourists were there. So, to avoid the crowded ones and experience it the local way, we went here to eat some breakfast and to ride the traditional boat. Its nice to see the locals as they trade their goods and at the same time converse with one another as they know everyone there.
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| Lotus flower and seeds |
Ayutthaya
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| Rama VIII bridge (heading towards Ayutthaya) |
Ayutthaya is an hour away from Bangkok by car. Experience the architectural heritage of the ancient or former capital city of Thailand in 1350, Ayutthaya. A lot u-thong style temples can be seen around here, for this is where it first began which Buddha icons were given much emphasis. Royal families before lived here and were also buried. This is why a lot of palaces, temples and religious monuments are found here. It is also a very significant place for Thailand as for their history and cultural heritage is concern.
7. Ayutthaya Temple Hopping
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Entrance fee: 50baht (PhP65)
Several ancient monument can be found here including Ubosot, Vihara, pagoda, stupa and chedi during 1350-1767.
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| My very good friend, Wa, who adopted me for four days. Thanks! :) |
Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol
Entrance fee: 20baht (PhP25)
This temple is also known as "The Great Temple of Auspicious Victory"
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| Reclining buddha in Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol |
An option for a day in the beach where a resort popular among Thailand's royal family.
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| a street performance in Cicada, a commercial area in Hua Hin. |
8. Hua Hin Train Station
9. Eat in a restaurant with fresh seafood and a nice beach view.
10. Go to Vana Nava Waterpark
**Thai food will be featured in travelsalad separately ;)
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"Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what's right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we
live in."
-Andrew Zimmern
Looks like a lot of fun!!!
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