Bangkok and Ayutthaya in Thailand!

Thailand is making its way to International scene because of its openness and its massive effort to really promote their tourism, no wonder why Bangkok (capital of Thailand) has successfully surpassed London as the Top Travel Destination last 2016.

This 2017, I wanted to witness why the world is falling in love in this country. Let me share my itinerary for you to have an idea on what to do, where to go and how much you need during your stay.

Day 0:

We booked a night flight from Manila to Bangkok via Cebu Pacific (take note that there is an hour time difference between Manila and Bangkok, Manila an hour ahead), after landing to Suvarnabhumi Airport, we proceed (always tell the taxi driver to turn on the meter) to Sukhumvit 40 where the house of our host is located (we booked our accommodation via AirBnB). Thanks to our Taxi Driver and to Police Officer Serm for helping us out find that house (sorry for the very low quality of image).

Day 1:

Before starting your day, please be sure to have a copy of their Train system. This will surely help you throughout your stay.

Our first stop is The Grand Palace, this I think is the most visited temple in Bangkok, first obviously is the number of people flocked in that place and second is the ticket price which costs 500 Baht. To get there, ride a BTS to Saphan Taksin Station and jump off to Chao Phraya Express Boat Pier Sathorn Station going to No.9 Tha Chang Station which costs 15 Baht.

Next is Wat Pho which is a stone throw away  from The Grand Palace. This temple is my favorite! Get amazed with this huge Reclining Buddha for a ticket cost of 100 Baht.

After finding a perfect selfie with the Reclining Buddha (getting a perfect selfie is a real struggle) don’t lose this moment trying their unique Thai Massage. 420 Baht is not that bad for the experience, you’ll never go wrong with this I promise! Go and grab this one.

Our last temple for the day is Wat Arun, which again, is a stone throw away from Wat Pho. Of the three temples we’ve visited, this is the most peaceful and the cheapest for a ticket cost of 50 Baht. I love this place because this is where I got the chance to take a selfie with the Monks (it is not that easy to please them). 

After a very tiring day, we deserve a break! We go straight to the River City for our Buffet Dinner while Cruising along the Chao Phraya River. From Wat Arun, go back to Sathorn Station and from there ride a Tuk Tuk. Just tell the Tuk Tuk driver to drop you off on the River City. The ride costs 60 Baht.

This Dinner Cruise costs 800 Baht. I booked this online thru Asiatravel.com so maybe you can get a lower rate if you purchase directly from their ticketing office.

Day 2:

From BTS Siam Station, let’s see the modern side of Bangkok, we had our breakfast in Siam Center just in a mood to eat enormously. Siam Paragon and Siam Center are the closest to Siam Station. We also had a chance to go and see the beauty of Lumphini Park, which is closest to Ratchadumri Station. No entrance fee for the park.

After fully satisfying our stomach, it’s time to head back in time and enjoy life like a child again. Do consider the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World inside the Siam Paragon. You can choose what kind of package you want depending on your budget and the things you want to encounter. In our case, we chose the more expensive one, since this is a once in a lifetime experience and we also wanted to experience the most out of what Bangkok can offer. For 2,000 Baht, we were able to go down the largest aquarium in South East Asia and live together with sharks and other marine species. I’ll tell you that is all worth it. Go and try!

The day isn’t over yet! We will witness the Thai culture thru a show Siam Niramit. From Thai Cultural Station, be there at 5pm, Siam Niramit is offering a free ride at Exit 1 to and from the venue. We had our buffet dinner before the act starts. We bought the ticket online thru Asiatravel.com for 1,200 Baht inclusive of the Show and a Buffet Dinner. Again, the price may go lower if you purchase on site. This is a must!

Day 3:

Kingdom of Ayutthaya is the former capital of Siam. With this mark of history, this place is very meaningful and of our highest priority before the trip ends. To get there is very simple, from Mo Chit Station, ride a mini van for 60 Baht. Don’t take any offer from the taxi drivers that will go as high as 1,500 Baht. You need to take a Tuk Tuk to tour you around Ayutthaya, for 200 Baht you can haggle for a 2 hours tour for a group of 4. It is advisable to join a group. Just like in our case, we spent our 2 hours tour in Ayutthaya with 2 lovers from Spain. It’s fun having conversation with strangers like you. And it’s fulfilling to meet someone new. So sad that we don’t get that opportunity to take pictures with them.

What else is the best way to end your trip than to buy “pasalubong” (souvenirs). Well, Chatuchak market just got it all. Just near Mo Chit Station, follow the stream of tourists, and you will never get lost. 1,500 Baht is just enough to spend.

Thank you and I wish you a memorable trip in Bangkok, Thailand!

For the breakdown of expenses (in Philippine Peso):

• Airfare via Cebu Pacific (MNL-BKK-MNL) – 1,890.59 (Promo Fare)
• Baggage Allowance 20kg. – 1,499.99
• Accommodation via AirBnB (5days/4nights) – 1,832.50
• Travel Tax – 1,620.00
• Tour thru Asiatravel.com – 2,913.29
• Allowance – 16,489.00

TOTAL COST – Php 26,245.37

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Callistus B. San Diego

Author