Thailand: Land of Smiles and More!

Last year, I had been to 4 Asian countries – Hongkong, Macau, Viet Nam and Thailand for a much needed break from the office. I consider Thailand as my second home because I stay in Bangkok most of the year!  A lot of the locals have become my friends and acquaintances.  What I don’t like about Thailand is the weather – it is so hot! I easily perspire thus, drained of water.

I already toured Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Ayutthaya. This year, I will be in Pattaya in October and maybe Phuket? No definite plans yet but surely Pattaya is on the list. Here are the things you’ll expect in Thailand.

1) Temples.  There are a lot of stunning temples in Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is the old capital of Thailand so you’d expect staggering number of temples from one area to another. I was able to get some good photos along the Chao Phraya River and inside the beautiful temples. My favorite temple in Bangkok is the Temple of the Dawn. Just awesome! It makes you think that the world is so beautiful, full of wonders.

2) Ruins. Tour Ayutthaya and you will see a lot of beautiful ruins. Last year, it was flooded for a month so I am not sure how is the current restoration for some old artifacts and historical items. Visit Ayutthaya and you will gain insights into the rich history and incredible way of living of the old Thais.

3) Food. I love spicy foods! But, I don’t like their soups because they are mixing chinese parsley or herb into it. I don’t like the smell of this green leafy vegetable but they say, it is to put-off the odorous smell of the meat. Plan an all out eating trip– from street foods to their gourmet Thai cuisines. Recommended place is Bangkok’s Baiyoke with the revolving tower! Eat at an international buffet in 76^th floor and at 9 pm, go up to 84^th floor to view the City on a 360 degrees revolving platform!

4) Shopping. Of course shopping is definitely on the list! Bangkok is a shopping destination so better get your purse ready.  There are a lot of trinkets and inexpensive items that you can grab in Platinum and Chatuchak. For good quality but higher $ value, try Siam Paragon, Central world, Amarin, and Emporium . If you are a fan of Charles and Keith bags, it is twice the cost compare Singapore’s! In August this year, I and my big family of 8 will be in Singapore!  I had been there with friends and hopefully, this will be better than the last time.

5) People. Definitely, Thailand lives up to its name of Land of Smiles. The people are nice, chatty and friendly. I have my fair share of Thai friends. I always wonder, are Thai people generally well-off or their government is so supportive to its people? Most of my Thai friends have UK postgraduate degrees (one year right after college) and are heirs to extensive businesses.

Best time to visit Thailand is April during the Songkran festival. I had great time during this water festival in Chiang Mai (North of Bangkok).