My first out of the country trip this year.. (in 8 years my last was in 2011) This was a planned trip of our department (Accounting) since first quarter of 2018. It was supposed to be all of us, but unfortunately some were not able to join. Anyway, we are traveling on a budget so we really opted for low fare rates. First choice was Cebu Pacific but we ended up flying Air Asia. We booked our tour separately with Quantum Quality Tours.
Why Bangkok?
Because in Bangkok they say : Everything is cheap! (Hotels, transportation, tours, food, shopping and etc). Since we are on a budget, so Bangkok it is. And November and February is the best time to travel there...
Our Itinerary:
- February 22 - Day 1: Departure Manila to Don Mueang - 6:20pm (Manila time) - 8:40pm (Thailand time)
- February 23 - Day 2: City tour (Reclining Buddha, Wa Arun), Dinner Cruise at Chao Pharaya
- February 24 - Day 3: Pattaya Day trip and Nongnoocha Village (Cultural and Elephant shows), Pattaya Floating market
- February 25 - Day 4: Half day free time / Departure Don Mueang to Manila - 9:15pm (Thailand time) - 1:40am (February 26, Manila time)
Airline : Air Asia:
It was my first time to fly with Air Asia (and to fly a budget airline), so I was really new with it. You need to pay for everything seat, meals and etc. Sorry for being so naive on this... hahaha And our departure flight was delayed (3 hours): so instead of having a 2 to 3 hours free time upon our arrival in Bangkok, we arrived at around 2 in the morning (February 23). Departure from Bangkok to Manila was also delayed for an hour.
Tour package:
We got our tour package and accommodation from Quantum Quality Travel and Tours: it includes airport pick up and drop off, hotel accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), city tour and etc. I have been a loyal client of Quantum since 2004, and they have never failed me. ♥
We were given two options for the hotel, we chose Baiyoke Boutique Hotel because it's walking distance to Pratunam market. The hotel is not so bongga! So don't expect something extravagant, it's only a three (3) star hotel. A bit vintage, but it's clean with friendly staff.
Sawasdee, Bangkok!♥
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| View from the 10th floor of Baiyoke Boutique Hotel |
Day 1 (February 23, 2019) 8:00 am call time. Our tour guide's name is Eumi well I just hope I have spelled it right. She was nice but the only problem is we all have a hard time understanding her english (but no offense). We need to ask her to repeat what she said so we can understand. Well I think that is one of the downside of traveling to Bangkok, not all can speak english... that is aside from the hot weather that is hotter than Manila (for me).
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| Going around Bangkok |
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| Wat Arun Ratchawararam |
First stop: Wat Arun Ratchawararam : Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok Thailand and situated on the west of Chao Phraya river.
We rode a boat going to the temple. Honestly I am not into boat-riding (hahaha), but I need to conquer my fear.
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| Wat Arun temple |
Wat Pho also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, located in Phra Nakhon district Bangkok.
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| Reclining Buddha |
The Reclining Buddha is 15 meters tall and 46 meters tall. It's quite hot inside the temple because there are so many people inside. And you need to remove your shoes to enter the temple, as sign of respect.
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| Inscriptions on the feet of the Reclining Buddha |
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| This is how long the Reclining Buddha (46 meters) |
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| This is the best spot to have a photo op - Reclining Buddha temple |
Then we went to the Leather factory and Gems gallery, no photos because we are not allowed to take photos inside the store.
Lunch at Prince Hotel : We loved it!♥ There is a Thai version of our "Minatamis na saging" was good!
Off to Chatuchak! All the Thai street foods are there! But failed to try them :(
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| Sea of Egg tarts |
When I saw this... Egg tarts! Who can resist that? 60Baht for 6 pieces so that is around Php106.20 (Php1.00 - 1.77Baht)
We bought a couple of souvenir items from the market but we need to cut short our shopping because we need to go back to the hotel to prepare for our Dinner Cruise.
While waiting at the steps of JJ Mall, the crowd was being entertained by this singing Thai boy... belting out english songs.
Strolling the River City mall, killing time before our Dinner Cruise.
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| The Grand Chao Phraya Princess Cruise |
There was a short show of the crew members before we actually entered the ship.
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| Welcome drinks! |
Day 2 (February 24, 2019) : Same call time 8 in the morning. Pattaya City tour, which is 2 hours travel from Bangkok city.
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| Thai Cultural show |
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| Elephant Show |
Loved the cultural show, very colorful costumes and you will really learn something about Thai's culture. They have their version of the "Tinikling" and "Maglalatik". Not really a fan of the Elephant show, aside from the smelly stadium it's really hot. And I felt I was too old for the show, it's really meant for kids.
Noognooch Pattaya Village tour
Shuttle ride to tour the Nongnooch Village - at 150Baht
Honestly after this village tour, we are all exhausted... most of us low batt already.
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| Pattaya Floating Market |
Pattaya Floating Market is our last stop for the day, before we head back to Bangkok. We were supposed to go to Platinum Mall after this but we arrived late and the mall was already closed.
Best thing I had at the Floating Market is trying Thai's Lime tea♥
Day 4 (February 25, 2019) : Last day in Bangkok, half day free day!
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| Starbucks Indra Hotel Bangkok |
After window shopping at Pratunam market...
Had coffee and tea at Starbucks Bangkok, while we're waiting for the Mall's opening. Right timing because some of the tumblers are on sale at 40% off...
We had lunch at TummOur at the 6th floor of Platinum Mall. All of us had - happy tummies! For the 11 of us we spent 2,284.00Baht /around Php4,042.68, not bad because there's so much food and it's delish! I am not into spicy foods, though Thai foods are known to be spicy.. you have to ask the servers before ordering.
After lunch, we had 1 hour left of shopping at the mall... before we head back to the hotel...
We arrived at the airport at around 4:30pm, check-in time was 6:00pm. But our flight was an hour delayed. We left Bangkok at 10:35pm (Thai time) and arrived 2:25am - February 26 (Philippine time).
It was a great experience, but so "bitin" in shopping. Was not able to go to MBK mall and the whole of Chatuchak and Platinum mall. Now I know that, we should have booked 1 day tour and the rest of the days - Shopping! (*wink!) To sum it up... it was a pleasant travel.
Sawaddee Bangkok! Khob Khun♥
Extra: My personal loots.. (goodies for myself)
xo,
Chiq♥
