This small country has been on tourist map for quiet sometime now. Now its picking up very much especially in india where the packages are cheap. I had been there last month . Our Thai airways flight landed us in bangkok. Bangkok airport is good and too long.. seems never ending. After we marathoned our way outta airport we were greeted with some beautiful ladies in their national dress welcoming us. (this is coz we had gone on a organised tour) Everybody in the group happily clicked photographs with the ladies only to realise later next day that each pic cost 100 bahts.
After coming outta airport we headed straight for a drive to pattaya which is a 2 hour drive. And the drive is effortless with a long stretch of bridge with excellent road conditions. In pattaya we were put up in sunbeam restaurant which is like near the pattaya beach . And has a lot of bars around hotel. I found that area around pattaya beach specifically for the night life (if you know what I mean ) . Dont be surprised if a girl wraps you around her arms and invites you in her local language which you obviously wont understand. The things to do in pattaya beach are the para sailing and speed boats, they ask for a bout 500 bahts but can be bargained for around 200-300. At night the place comes alive, you would enjoy the views especially if you are single guy , ladies should not move around alone in that area.
For shopping pattaya has lotus shopping mall which I found was the best one in all of thailand, all things under one roof. We spent half day in lotus shopping mall and still couldnt see full of it . It is highly recommended that you shop from lotus there are some really cheap deals out there.
Then we headed for the Gems and Jewellery factory in PAttaya, which is worlds largest one as they claim. There are variety of stones and products at display and to buy there . If you know your stones you can buy from there.
After a days stay at pattaya we were back at bangkok. Only one thing was on our mind .. shopping
Shopping in Bangkok :
Indra market : Basically india market. Just like linking road. All stuff on roads as well as small shops. I didnt find much of a difference in prices with some exceptions.
Especially in garments.
MBK : Just like lotus has large variety , just a little bit on expensive side than lotus. But you can good quality stuff here.
Roadside : And yeah , roadside shopping is goood and fun too. You can get some cool stuff like watches, t shirts and funky electronic toys. The cheapest thing I found on roads I found was the spectacles and Goggles which are dirt cheap.
Tips/advice :
Thai baht : for around 115 rupees you get 100 bahts . Indian currency is not accepted there. US dollar is preferred one.
for every purchase above 2000 from a single store in a single day you are entitled for a VAT refund around 10% from the airport. So keep your bills with you if you buy above 2000 from a single store.
Moving around taxi is preferred one . The taxis have meter which displays rates, drivers dont return change here. if meter is 45 and u give 50 bath, dont expect 5 baht in return.
You will expect some offers from taxi drivers and tuk tuk drivers.. about the massage parlors.. and extra favors... (sometimes it embaradssing if you are with a lady.)
Please learn your skills about non verbal communication . People here talk only in their local language or with the calculator to show you the price. Its difficult to communicate .
Thats about it .. my experience of thailand . A small country but a well maintained clean and a good place to visit.