In the first part of this Travel Diaries episode, I talked about the
workshop I attended during my first solo trip abroad. This time, please allow me to share my experiences as I toured around the City of Bangkok all by myself. I took the chance to see some of the most-visited attractions in the City during my free time, the day before my flight back home. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much from this trip.
I stayed at the Nouvo City Hotel for 4 days. I am so happy about my choice. I am very satisfied with the services and amenities of Nouvo City Hotel PLUS it is located not only near to the conference venue but also to a number of Bangkok City’s attractions. Nouvo City Hotel is a boutique hotel in old City Bangkok (known as Banglamphu) near Khao San Road.
I left Manila (NAIA) last November 29 at 2:50pm and arrived in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand’s main international airport at 5:45pm. I stayed at the airport for about an hour upon arrival for few reasons – currency exchange, phone charging, and just sat down at the airport lobby getting the hang of the Thailand atmosphere hehe . I arrived at the hotel past 7 in the evening.
my room…
After a jamp-packed schedule on the first day, I went to Sathorn Road to attend Worship Services at the Iglesia Ni Cristo place of worship. I walked for a while and grabbed something to eat for dinner in of the street food stalls along the way. I rode a taxi going back to my hotel.
selfie before reviewing introductory notes early in the morning – Day 1 of the workshop
ready, set…
…go! first breakfast at the hotel’s Canal Restaurant – stir-fried noodles, chicken sausages, egg, rice
Day 2 breakfast – cinnamon bread, salad and fruits. I also had tomato soup and buttered toast.
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One-Day Bangkok City Tour
Now, lemme show you some bits and pieces of what happened during my one-day city tour. On December 2, I woke up early, dress up in my most comfortable outfit, and ate breakfast at the hotel. Armed with a small map from the hotel, I went to the first destination – The Grand Palace. Unfortunately. the Palace was closed at that time for mourners and tourists for a merit-making ceremony to mark the 50th day of the passing of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej
a peak of the Grand Palace
Next in my itinerary was Wat Pho, also known at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is located right behind the Grand Palace. Entrance fee was 100 THB with free bottle water 🙂
another selfie 😀 on the way to Wat Pho
I bought one of those sweet mangoes for 20 THB for a refreshing snack before entering the temple
the Reclining Buddha
Thai noodles for lunch
That’s my lunch in a small food stall in front of Wat Pho. While eating, I overheard kababayans talking. So, I approached them and we had a chit-chat for a while. The older woman asked me if I am a teacher in Thailand, too. She said she’s a teacher there and the cute young boy with them is her son, while the younger lady is her niece who is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
After that, I walked and walked and walked until my legs hurt.
More photos after the jump!
Tangtrongchit Commercial Technological College
Pak Khlong Market (Flower Market)
I also dropped by Phahurat Market and bought few more souvenir items. Bangkok City really offers a wide array of street markets and shopping centers. I went to Platinum Fashion Mall, Indra Market, and Pratunam Market after our workshop last December 1. No photos since I was busy haggling shopping hahaha
By the time I no longer tolerate my aching feet and legs, I rode a tuk-tuk going back to my hotel. That was around 2 in the afternoon. Too early to proceed to Khao San Road. So I took a nap, woke up at 5:30 and then head off to Khao San Road where I ate Pad Thai and chicken BBQ.
a generous serving of Pad Thai for dinner , loved it!
in my background – tourists, backpackers
row of street markets at Khao San Road
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Day 4: At the Suvarnabhumi Airport
5 lessons learned from this trip:
- When travelling for the first time, always research in advance – reviews and tips are all over the Internet in this modern day and age, anyway
- Learn few phrases and greetings in the local language of the place you are visiting. I was not able to do this beforehand.
- Always be careful with your belongings. Be alert! Beware of pickpockets and scams.
- Secure a map to help navigate the place easier. I avoided asking questions, I just refer to the map. But I forgot to secure a public transportation map at the airport. I should have saved few bucks I was able to know how to take the train or bus, rather than taking taxis and tuk-tuk.
- Try local food, and buy local goods.
Should I go back to Thailand? Definitely, YES! with my family.
