Sawasdee Kraub: Trip to Bangkok

My Bangkok trip will always be memorable for me because it was my first travel abroad where I did not attend a conference or facilitate some sessions. It was the first time where travel and sightseeing (and maybe some reflection) were the priority. I am excited to share this because I really had fun and I feel like it was my rite of passage for future solo travels.

Want a quick glance, watch this video:

Just to get something out of the way, if you are looking for a budget travel tip blog, this is is not it! Not saying I have a lot of money, but I had savings when I impulsively thought of going to Bangkok.

Here I would like to share my spontaneous itinerary! And like what I always say, 

"Let's do this, Bangkok!"

I booked my flight with Thai Airways on Traveloka because they had a good deal at that time. And also because I had enough of Cebu Pacific, AirAsia and Philippine Airline in the Philippines. 

From the Philippines, I flew out from Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 9PM and arrived by 11PM. It was a short flight and a fancy one with Thai Airways. Like I said, this is my first time with this airline. Their plane was big and they serve good food. The FAs were "colorful" with their traditional Thai attire. The moment they greeted me "Sawasdee ka", I knew I'm on my way. 

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, I spared some time to walk around the huge airport. It was full of people considering that it was almost midnight. I had some challenges communicating with the airport staff and so got lost a little. When I found the right immigration counter, I hurried to get my baggage. It's a must to get a sim card so I bought one for a 7-day internet data. I Grabbed to my hotel and enjoyed the glowing city on the way.

My hotel was booked on Traveloka. I stayed at Khaosan Art Hotel because of its good reviews and it did not disappoint. 

After 30 minutes, I arrived at my hotel and checked in. Supposedly, I booked for a one-bedroom but instead, I got extra beds, not just one bed but two extra beds! Bloopers!

Grand Palace

This is the official start of my touristy life in Bangkok. Before heading out, I ate some breakfast in the hotel. They served a variety of cuisines. While eating, I couldn't help but notice the beauty of the hotel reception. It made sense at that moment why it's called the "Khason Art Hotel". The lobby area was surrounded  with works of intricate and eye-catching arts. Paintings were hanged around which made the place livelier. 

Breakfast done. Phone charged. Google map on standby. Beauty on! I started my day with a smile going to Grand Palace. I walked for 20 minutes but no Grand Palace at sight. I was lost. I pinned the wrong destination (Grand Palace Hotel instead of the Grand Palace). Bloopers in the scorching sun! So, I hailed a bike and paid some 50 baht for a 5-minute ride. And tadaaa-- Grand Palace...finally!

First impression of the Grand Palace: it was grand, and big, and shimmering. And boy, it was crowded with tourists from all continents and all odors (no value judgment here)! Grand Palace is located at the heart of Bankok and no doubt, the most visited landmark.

I lined up for the 500 baht ticket and strolled around appreciating the praise-worthy craftmanship of the buildings. Each building is distinct from the other with its unique designs and colors: gold, jade, etc. There was this mural with pictures of local deities and practices of Thai people. My favorite part would probably be the center temple where devotees step in to pray. Going in, I had to take off my shoes like everyone else. It was so sacred that picture and video taking was not allowed. Inside are buddha figures and colorful items (mostly gold) that almost made me cry. It was a 'peak' moment for me seeing people bow and offer their prayers.

Wat Pho

Next, I hiked going to Wat Pho for around 15 minutes. By the way, "wat" roughly means temple. Wat Pho is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Its legit name is "Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram Rajwaramahaviham" so let's stick with Wat Pho. When I got there, I lined for the ticket for 200 baht. The crowd was more manageable which was a relief coming from Grand Palace.

Wat Pho is known for housing the golden Reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters! Buddha was so relaxed while the tourists took some photos. Inside the temple lies more IG-worthy stands so I captured some. This is also a perfect place to experience some traditional Thai massage.

Outside the palace are 'tuk tuk' rides that offered to take me to my next destination.

Around this time, I felt hunger kick in so I searched for a nice restaurant. I found this local eatery with amazing options. I ordered a spicy chicken meal with a coke (do they call it "Bangcoke"?).

Wat Arun

By 2PM, I was ready to head to my next wat: Wat Arun Racthawararam, in short, Wat Arun! From the pier near Wat Pho, I took the boat and paid 4 baht for a 5-minute ride. When I got there, I was expecting to pay another entrance fee but to my surprise, it was free! I started roaming around and found my way to the central temple prayer area. I had another 'peak' moment again as I took in the wonder and utter sacredness of the place. When I stepped inside, people were bowing and a monk was on blessing-mode. I was glad photo and video taking were allowed. For a while, I just sat there and stared at the Buddha. I felt like he was seeing right thru me.

What I love about Wat Arun is definitely the fruit stalls outside the temple! The locals sell some fresh guavas, mango, coconut, and others. Their mangoes are at par with mangoes in the Philippines. There are also other stalls that sell different items from shirts to tote bags and key chains. The best part was the stall where you can rent traditional Thai clothes. Since I love dressing up, I paid 100 baht and dressed in a colorful Thai shirt, pants, and a golden heavy headdress (plus a prop-- a sword). A dream came true for me!

I sat there for a while and observed the young monks and their shaved head. I wanted to take a photo with them but thought it was rude so I stared at their shaved head again. 

It was around 4PM this time so I headed back to the hotel for some rest.


Siam Niramit Cultural Show

The night has fallen and the city lights enlightened the streets to remind me to prepare for my next destination. This time, I met with a local friend, Wan. She was one of my friends from Alumni TIES in Kuala Lumpur. I took the LRT and met her at the Thailand Cultural Center Station. From there, we walked to the center to watch the Siam Niramit Cultural Show. I booked my ticket on Klook and would probably watch again sometime because it was great! The show had 5 (or 6) acts centered on the history and culture of Siam, former name of Thailand. It was a majestic show with real-life elephants and a river on stage! I didn't know it was possible but they did it. At some point, I teared up a little out of awe. I was not able to capture even one shot though because they were lasering people who use their phones inside.

Ratchadai Rot Fai Train Night Market

After the show, we satisfied our hunger with a variety of food options at Ratchada Rot Fai Train Night Market. The bazaar feel was all over the place; meals and snacks of every kind were side-by-side. We had to walk pass by a lot of smoky aisles and finally, arrived at one of the best (less crowded) restaurants. They serve the best bucket of seafood and chicken wings. Plus, we got a good view of the loud and alive market. We filled in our stomach and exchanged stories!

Baiyoke Sky Hotel

During day 2 of my trip (right after Ayutthaya), Wan and I tried the buffet of Baiyoke Sky Hotel. I  also booked this on Klook. We arrived by 8PM and the buffet closes at 10PM so we only had over an hour to be on buffet mode so we made the most of it. All of my favorites were there. Prawns. Thai dishes. Sushi. Chicken wings. Crepe. Name it!

After the buffet, we continued our random night tour starting with a Bangkok night market escapade.I took this opportunity to buy some souvenirs for family and friends. I got bags, local teas, local snacks, etc. To complete my Bangkok checklist, we took the tuk tuk going to the markets.

Khaosan Road

We went back to my hotel to freshen up and prepare for the Khaosan Road experience. Get up transformed, we walked down to the infamous Khaosan Road. And that's it, we just walked and no party because we are boring people. We silently judged those tourists blowing their smoke on our faces as we swag in the middle of the sweaty crowd. I've never been in such a loud place crawling with people from all over the globe. It was great!

To wrap up the day and complete my Bangkok tour, we tried a traditional Thai massage. My masseur was incredible and I kind dozed off a little during the massage. Sign of great massage, I guess.

I also wrote a blog on my trip to Ayutthaya. If you want to read about it, click here.


Reflecting on the Experience

I mentioned that this is my first travel abroad where I did not attend a conference or facilitate a session. As a mental health advocate, I always tell my friends that self-awareness is important. I always advise them to spare some time to connect inside but most of the time, I forget to be true to my advise. In the past months, I did not get much opportunity and time to get to know myself again. So, I thought my trip would give me some time to look inside and reflect on my life. And so far, it did serve its purpose. Visiting the temples and all those sacred places affirmed my self.

If there's one thing that stood out in this trip, it was definitely the strong devotion and piety of the Thai people. Every temple I visited, there were always locals offering their prayers. I found that experience as very beautiful. I always believe in the beauty of diversity and as a Muslim, the practice of Buddhism was something new to me. I was stunned by the grandness of the temples and their intricate details. Everything came together perfectly that I was overwhelmed. At some point, I felt like crying out of those peak experiences inside the temples. I couldn't really explain what was happening but looking back, I think the word "flow" would best describe that experience. I felt like time and space were flowing smoothly and I was part of it. It was a big moment for me.

I had a lot of reflections. Some I forgot; some are best not sharing here (because it's already in here *points to heart*). To end, Thailand captivated me. I will definitely be back to explore more.