Last year we decided to take a tour to Far East, having heard so much about these countries visited by large Indian tourists. Tough we intended to in December, but Tsunami disaster decided otherwise, in spite of our booking.
Finally it happened in Feb end this year ….we moved out in Group Tour for 14 days covering three countries clustered together…..Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. This, as we gather, is the usual itinerary for the first time visitors like us.
We flew from Mumbai around 11 in the night and landed at Bangkok airport early following morning as per local time. All three countries are two and half hours ahead of India in time zone. Once we all collected, some still tossing due to incomplete sleep and jet lag, we were rushed out of the airport in two Volvo AC coaches on the way to Pattya….our first destination.
Bangkok, as the day grows, gets crowded with traffic jam….well known and accepted fact as we understood later. So we cannot blame our own Mumbai for that……..but with a striking difference. No honking goes, though long cue of vehicles of all types and sizes await patiently ! So early morning and late night ( other than peak hours) are the best time for city travel to start sight seeing. Roads are generally good in Thailand, though not as good as that in Malaysia and Singapore.
Pattaya being a sea resort and tourism is the only business, attracts tourists round the year….from all over the world, particularly from Australia and New Zealand, though Phuket is more attractive sea resort to tourists. Due to Tsunami, Pattaya has been the destination to many! However, mercury was high and with humidity it was exhausting…all three countries, but more in Thailand and Malaysia!
To share in brief, personal perspective of this tour through all places in our itinerary, here is the snap shot of Thailand…..the first destination of our tour!
THAILAND
95% of population is Buddhist, followed by other communities like Muslim, Christians. Warm and hospitable people, generally of mild nature.Women are prominent and working in all fields. Thai delicacies are well known and appreciated, particularly sea food. Baht is the currency and slightly higher than our Indian rupees.
In Pattaya, we stayed in Pattaya Resort Hotel…well spread out with cottage type accommodations with all amenities, where one can relax and while away time. But, we were busy on sight seeing as per conducted tour programme. We saw “Ripley’s Believe it or not “, visited Mini Siam Park (notable for miniatures of well known spots/statues/structures of the world) and also witnessed two night shows Alkazar and Alang Karn (must for all tourists) that display the rich heritages of Thailand. Sea beach is well stretched and crowded with tourists (mostly white skins), who like to enjoy hot summer in a picturesque surrounding with favourite drink, water sport and parasailing and also a visit to coral island. We also visited Nong Nooch village and seen the dance and drama that depict Thai culture apart from great Elephant show. But, an interesting visit was to the World’s Largest Gem Factory ( as acclaimed)…..which is great to see and also to purchase jewelries …to the delight of woman and lightening of the purse.
On our way back to Bangkok, we went to Safari Park and had a nice time in Sea Horse and Dolphin shows and also trip through wild life in the park.
Bangkok is a the capital and metropolis with large population (though lesser than any of our metros) of 6 million as told by the tour guide. We stayed in Hotel Amari Attrium in the heart of the city…had a night river cruise with dinner. Next day followed by a trip to well known and must-see Buddhist Temples (known as Wat) … Golden Buddha in usual sitting position (in solid gold as told) …with tender contemplative posture …glittering under light……….really very beautiful! We also saw 60 feet long reclining Buddha also golden, but with only gold wrapping as informed. These are situated close to Royal Palace, where an Emerald Buddha exists. We missed out due to timing as it was not open then for visitors. Left for next time…if it happens!
We had a quick travel by BTS sky train to famous MBK mall …..treaded by tourists for shopping. Our experience has been good with the stuff we bought and found them to be reasonably priced unlike those we bought later in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore …in our second and last leg of visit.
Our local tour guide taught us Swadhika and Swadhikab as addressed by Thais to men and women. He also explained to Thais….Bangkok is the City of Angels ……it is so as my experience goes with soft spoken, mild mannered and hospitable kind of people…with women in prominence in all activities like North East Part in our country.
Though we had a short stay and rushed though during this visit due to conducted tour, but we touched upon all important tourist spots and attractions……to carry an overall impression and good memories of Thailand. It is truly the Land of Smiles !