Trends and Spots Blogmag | Philippines Travel Guide

The mysticism and grandeur of Thailand speaks of its culture. Thai people are not only religious but they are spiritual as well. A land of the kings in the Orient, a land of 44,000 Buddhist and Hindu temples but with a twist modern urban life – Thailand is indeed a haven to tourists from all over the world.

The stories of Thai monarch give the country a different life from its counterparts in SouthEast Asia. Until today, the people love and revere the Great King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the 9th king of Thailand who is the longest reigning monarch in their history.

In our short trip to Thailand last August 26 to 29, I learned a lot from our tour guides – the equally amazing tandem, Otto and Jitti of Exclusive Tours. I learned that King Bhumibol is already 83 years old and has three daughters and a son, who will likely succeed the throne when the king dies.

Eric, Otto, Mini and Jitti at Bangkok Palace Hotel

Mini at Bangkok Palace Hotel Lobby

With the auspices of Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales, several officials and journalists joined the Lakbay-Aral Tour in Thailand and visited various destinations especially the City of Bangkok.

Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. A city that was born from the banks of Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Bangkok holds the world title of having the longest name among cities in the globe. It is originally known in Thai as Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit or Kung Thep Mahanakhon for short.

It means “the city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarm”.

In the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has grown to become the political, social and economic center of not only Thailand but for Indochina and South East Asia. Its influence in the arts, politics, fashion, education and entertainment as well as being a business, financial and cultural center of Asia has given Bangkok the status of a global city.

Thailand generates some 14 million tourists every year and Bangkok remains as the prime urban destination in the country. It features the largest mall of Thailand, MBK Mall and the highest building in the country, Baiyoke Tower II.

(L)Bangkok Baiyoke Tower;(R) MBK Mall

Bangkok is also a home to 40 magnificent and gigantic Buddhists and Hindu temples and the King’s palaces including the Wat Pho (Pho Temple), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho (Pho Temple)

Mini at the Wat Pho Temple

The Reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, decorated with gold plating on his body and mother of pearl on his eyes and the soles of his feet. Located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace, the temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

The reclining buddha

The 15 meter high 46 meter long buddha in Bangkok

The King’s Grand Palace, also in Bangkok served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. The reigning king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej however resides at the Chitralada Palace.

Grand Palace in Bangkok (Left: Bird-woman; Right:Chakri Mahaprasad Hall)

Meanwhile, Thailand’s premier international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced as Suwanapoom) is a tourist destination by itself. It features a 132.2-metre (434 ft)-tall control tower, the tallest in Asia and one meter (3.2 ft) taller than Kuala Lumpur International Airport control tower. It is the tallest stand alone purpose built control tower in the world. A state-of-the-art airport made of steel and glass, Suvarnabhumi has numerous terminals, efficient systems and people.

Highlights

What I enjoyed the most though in Bangkok is the romantic candlelight dinner on board the Chao Phraya Princess II Crusier. Our eyes feasted on the beautiful night scenery of Bangkok featuring the high rise building of Hotel Peninsula, Shangri-La, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Millenium Hotel, River Side Bangkok Hotel and the great temples like Wat Kanlaya, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace.

Chao Phraya Princess II Crusier

Of course the shopping experience in Bangkok was equally delightful because of the lovely gems, cool garments, and affordable souvenirs, streets foods and the Tuk-Tuk (Thailand’s version of our tricycle).

But the best thing I love the most about Thailand is its suburbs.

Peter Alagos of Businessweek, Eric Jimenez of CDC-Paiso and I had an exciting and enchanted journey to the five provinces north of Bangkok.

We visited the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is located in Ratchaburi, one of the central provinces of Thailand. Ratchaburi means, “The land of the king. The boat ride was indeed a remarkable experience as we joined hundred of tourists in checking souvenirs at the floating market. It was truly amazing to see Thai vendors sell food, clothes, hats and more on board their bancas.

Mini at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

And our last stop is the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo in Nakhon Pathom Province. It was my first time to ride on an elephant while it goes on a 30-minute walk around the park. I could not compare the excitement and joy while I was 12 feet above ground. We also watched the amazing elephants dance and play soccer. Yes, they play soccer and only in Thailand you can see that. The crocodiles are equally entertaining. The daily Elephant Theme Show and The Crocodile Wrestling Show are popular entertainments for tourists, no wonder Thailand gets it all. By the way, the show are cheap. You only pay 500 baht for the two shows. (Story by Mini A./ Photos by Peter Alagos and Trendsandspots)

Elephant ride

Feeding time

Elephant Show at Samphran

Mini with a croc