Dhanya Damodaran

Jan 7, 20203 min read

Thailand - The Land of Smiles

Updated: Jan 25, 2020

Visited in March 2016

Yindī t̂xnrạb s̄ū̀ Pratheṣ̄thịy!!

Our visit to Thailand was more like a weekend escape and a really quick one. We hired a taxi with driver for the trip to cover the destinations in 3 days time.

Our itinerary was

1) Bangkok

2) Maeklong Market

3) Floating Market

4) Tiger Temple

Day 1 was to explore the Bangkok city and its attractions. The tropical weather is hot and humid hence it will be a good idea to dress up light and carry enough water.

We started with an early breakfast and visit to the Mariyamman Temple and the drove to the Grand Palace.The name says it all- the place is superbly GRAND! The Thai architectural marvel can be experienced in abundance here.After the tiring walk in the hot sun, we enjoyed having the cool n yummy Thai tender coconut water which boosted our energy level for the rest of the day.

The fresh tropical fruits sold in the local markets by vendors are worth a try and they are really good - Mangoes, Jack Fruits, Guavas, Pineapples etc

We visited the major temples in Bangkok. Wat in Thai means 'place of worship'.

Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha) and Wat Arun.

Wat Pho has the reclining golden Buddha statue in it. Wat Phra Kaew with the emerald Buddha statue. We need to take a boat ride to reach Wat Arun

A visit to Thailand will be incomplete without a relaxing Thai body massage. We had one in an authentic parlor and felt great. Refreshed, we went for a dinner cruise over the famous Chao Phraya river. A lot of food and drinks, dance and songs and good views of the city by night! enjoyed the cruise and left to hotel for a peaceful sleep to start early the next morning to drive to the outskirts of Bangkok.

On the next day, we had a long drive from the city to the outskirts and our first destination was the Maeklong Station, which is also known as the 'Dangerous Station'. It is a crowded market place on either sides of a real functioning railway track and the vendors shift their make shift shops as soon as the sirens of approaching train is heard. As soon as the train leaves, the shops are set back and the market is live again! You get to but fresh Thai fruits, veggies, fish and more importantly the beautiful orchid flowers in the market.

Next was the world famous 'Floating Market' of Thailand. Numerous vendors selling their products on the boats to the tourists - amazing experience!

A visit to the Tiger Temple was much awaited as we had heard of about the chance to go so close to the beast and click photos. We enjoyed the shows performed by the tigers and later took our snaps.

Enjoy the Street Views of Thailand. Not to forget a ride in the Thai Auto rikshaw - Tuk Tuk :) Thailand is definitely a shopper's paradise. You can find plenty of markets, night markets and shopping centers where you can shop for quite a cheap price. So, don't miss your dedicated time for shopping when you plan your visit here.