Embarking on an adventure with my college buddies in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand, was a journey that shattered stereotypes and revealed the true essence of this incredible destination. With an economy that heavily relies on tourism, Thailand has something to offer for everyone regardless of their interests and budget. From the busy roads of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Pattaya and the tropical beauty of Phuket, our trip was a delightful blend of culture, excitement, and exploration. Join me as I share the highlights of our escape, uncovering the real charm that lies in “The Kingdom of Thailand: Beyond the Stereotype.”
Day 0
The journey commenced with an early morning flight, Indigo 6E1055, departing from Bengaluru. After spending the night catching up and dozing off awkwardly on the terminal sofas, we boarded our flight. Destination: Bangkok, Arrival time: 1205.
As we reached the beautiful and massive Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, we took some time to find the right exit. Before we exited, we made sure to get a local SIM card for easier connectivity. An 8-day unlimited internet plan costs somewhere around 400 Bahts. Getting INR converted to Bahts in Bengaluru was a very smart move considering the exchange rates in the airport. To reach Pattaya, approximately 60 km from Bangkok, we opted for Grab, Thailand’s favourite taxi app, to find a ride. As we set out to Pattaya, we were highly impressed by the wide and well-maintained roads which didn’t last long enough as the pending sleep took over.
Upon reaching Pattaya, we checked in to our hotel and spent the afternoon freshening up, filling up on some home packed food and buying essentials from the nearby 7-11. I cannot overlook the significant role that 7-11 played in ensuring the budget-friendliness of our trip. Offering affordable options for food, beverages, sim cards, water bottles, and various other products, we found ourselves frequently exploring the store’s food section. It became an opportunity to try out items unavailable back in India.
In the evening, as our initial course of action, we headed to a nearby Indian restaurant for dinner in a Songthaew. Songthaews serve as the predominant mode of transportation in Pattaya. These shared taxis follow set routes and can be hailed at any point along their journey. Typically, songthaews are pick-up trucks equipped with two rows of seats in the rear and charge as low as 10 Baht for a person. After our dinner, we headed to the Walking Street. Pattaya’s iconic Walking Street is the beating heart of Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife with its bustling nightclubs, food carts and lively street performers.
This “not so family street” was filled with guys pulling you into their respective nightclubs or luring you into gogo bars and weird beep shows. Surprisingly, the top clubs in the street are Indian and mostly play Bollywood and Punjabi music. After a long stroll, we chose to check out one of the Indian nightclubs. These places typically offer complimentary entry but may require people to place orders throughout their visit. As expected, the club was filled with Indians from ages 18 (hopefully) all the way up to infinity, drinking, smoking hookah and enjoying the music. However, there was no shortage of Thai h**kers singing every Bollywood song line by line because they knew that music was the best way to attract their customers. Following a night filled with performances, Bhangra, and the sight of people tossing cash, we returned back to our hotel.
Day 1
The next afternoon we set out to our first spot, The Sanctuary of Truth museum. The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya is a remarkable temple and museum, standing tall at 105 meters, and what’s truly amazing is that it’s entirely made of wood – not a single metal nail! It’s a big deal in Pattaya and an important place in Thailand. The idea behind it was to honour Buddhist and Hindu values and preserve traditional Thai wood-carving techniques during the Cold War for global peace. Located on the beach with a stunning ocean view, it’s a must-see. Tickets cost around 500 THB, and it’s a good idea to buy them online.
In Money Heist season 3, we see Tokyo head towards a wooden castle-like structure to finally meet with the Professor and to hatch a plan to rescue Rio. Did you know this scene was actually filmed in the Sanctuary of Truth?
After spending our afternoon exploring and clicking pictures in this beautiful place, we came back to our hotel. After a day of hunger, we found ourselves starving and opted to order pizza through Grab – also a food app. We spent the latter night strolling through Pattaya beach, watching the beautiful lights from the skyscrapers and the rushing waters.
We then visited the nearby Central Pattaya Mall for a quick beverage and ended up exploring the food section filled with fresh and enormous fruits, a vast array of cheese and all kinds of animals out there. We tried the tea with rice milk and the classic Thai delicacy of mango with sticky rice, a perfect blend of sweet mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk. In our quest for a place offering vegetarian options, we stumbled upon Subway, where we were surprised by their plant-based chicken strip sub. We then visited the nearby 7-Eleven for our post-dinner snacks and returned back to our hotel.
Day 2
Having loved the beach, we woke up early the next day to enjoy a swim, soaking in the sunny beauty. After another stroll, we returned to the hotel and decided to jump into the pool. Post-swim swim we freshened up and started to the famous floating market. Pattaya’s Floating Market is a cool place where vendors sell things from boats in canals. You can find traditional crafts, souvenirs, and yummy Thai street food. It’s not just for shopping but also to experience Thai culture. From colourful fruits to tasty snacks, the Floating Market shows the Thai way of life. We tried the delicious toddy palm cake and coconut pancake. Next, we went to the tiger park. We saw big tigers up close and took cool pictures while exploring around.
Next on our list was Tiffany’s show. It’s a famous performance with lots of music and dancing, and what makes it unique is that it’s performed by transgender individuals. The show was colourful, and the performers wore beautiful costumes. The artists performed music from all over the world including Bollywood. After the show, you can click pictures with the artists but this comes with a price of 100-500 TBH. Wrapping up our final night in Pattaya, we treated ourselves to a famous Thai massage, and rest assured, it was the genuine kind without any unexpected twists or happy endings. It was a relaxing and culturally enriching experience, putting a perfect end to our time in this vibrant city.
Day 3
Early morning our taxi arrived to transfer us to Phuket with a layover in Bangkok. After a three-hour drive, we reached Bangkok. Plan for the day – shop and explore the city. We shopped and roamed around the enormous Platinum mall which sold a variety of clothes, souvenirs and other goodies. After shopping, we headed to the nearest metro station. I must admit, that Bangkok is one of the most well-planned and developed cities globally. With towering skyscrapers, well-maintained roads, and a seamlessly connected public transport system, the city looks absolutely gorgeous.
A long BTS (sky train) interchanged with MRT (subway) and a short tuk-tuk ride led us to the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is a historic complex renowned for its ornate architecture and cultural significance. Constructed in 1782, it served as the official residence of the Thai monarch for over 150 years. The palace embodies Thai craftsmanship and cultural opulence, standing as a testament to the nation’s royal legacy. We then returned back to the mall for a Japanese lunch and boarded our taxi to Phuket. Phuket is well connected to Bangkok via busses but due to the heavy demand and bad planning, we travelled via taxi.
Day 4
With several pitstops in gas stations and 7-Elevens, we completed the 18-hour journey to reach Phuket. Upon reaching, we checked in to our cafe cum dormitory and ran to the nearby Indian restaurant for a hearty meal. In the evening, we explored the Old Town of Phuket. Phuket Old Town is a charming area, filled with colourful buildings, quaint streets, and a relaxed vibe. The town showcases a mix of Chinese and colonial architecture, and it’s a great place to stroll around, discover street art, and enjoy local shops and cafes. It offers a glimpse into Phuket’s rich history and is a perfect spot for a leisurely and cultural exploration.
Day 5
The most exciting day of our trip awaited us as we were all set to discover the Phi Phi Islands in the Krabi province. Phi Phi Islands are a group of beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea. They have clear blue waters, and white sandy beaches, and are surrounded by coral reefs. A taxi picked us up to reach the bay where we got onto a speedboat to explore the various islands.
We first visited Monkey Island where we surprisingly didn’t spot any monkeys and then we visited the Bamboo island. Diving into the underwater wonderland of Bamboo Island was a thrilling experience. With a simple snorkel mask, we ventured into crystal-clear waters, discovering a vibrant world of colourful fish and mesmerizing coral formations. After a delicious lunch on the island, we reached Maya Bay. The bay features a stunning crescent-shaped beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Famous for its appearance in the movie “The Beach,” Maya Bay is a tropical paradise.
We had the chance to sail the long-tailed boat, a charming wooden vessel characterized by its extended propeller shaft, providing a unique and authentic experience that took us around the Pileh Lagoon. After clicking some pictures and taking a plunge into the water for snorkelling in the deep lagoon, we relished the rain and the strong wind. The tour ended with a stroll on the Phi Phi Don island and visiting the Viking cave. The 45-minute ride back to the shore while sitting on the bow of the speed boat was extraordinary. After eating some Pad Thai, we were dropped back at our dorm.
After a fresh up we went back to the Old Town to attend the weekend market. At the weekend market, we indulged in some shopping before dedicating the rest of our time to savouring a diverse array of delicious Thai dishes. (Refer to the end for a list of foods we tried.)
Day 6
It was the most awaited New Year’s Eve. I started my day by roaming the streets of Phuket and checking out the nearby electronic shops. Next, we visited Central Phuket Mall. It was huge, with lots of people shopping for the New Year. We wandered around electronic shops, food stalls, and other stores. Some folks dressed as Thai characters entertained everyone, making it a lively and fun experience. We had our lunch at the nearby Japanese restaurant and returned back to our hotel. The rest of our afternoon was spent playing cards and then we went back for a stroll to the weekend market.
In the evening, we geared up to welcome the New Year at the renowned Pa Tong beach. Waiting for our taxi to take us to the beach, which was 20 km away, proved to be a bit challenging. The taxi driver, taking advantage of the high demand on New Year’s Eve, attempted to charge us extra, turning the ride into a lengthy journey. Surprisingly, it was a very rainy day. We got down and walked up to the Bangla Street. Bangla Street in Patong is a lively spot known for its colourful nightlife. With neon lights and music, it’s a popular place to enjoy live performances and have a good time.
After enjoying some street performances, heavy rain and a growing crowd pushed us to a nearby nightclub. We spent some time trying to grasp the extraordinary events inside before heading out. Walking to Patong Beach, we tried to catch the beautiful sight of sky lanterns and fireworks which were actively sold, adding to the festive vibe. Undoubtedly the most popular stretch of coastline on the island, being generally busy right along its 2.5 km length. However, there is no part of Phuket with a livelier atmosphere. The beach buzzed with people, featuring a stage with live rock music where the countdown was set to take place. We strolled along, observing the unique way people celebrated – sky lanterns landing on people instead of soaring high, and firecrackers bursting into the sea rather than the sky. With a diverse crowd from different nations, the experience became truly special.
We welcomed in 2024 with a lively countdown, loud music, and colourful firecrackers, as people danced their hearts out in celebration. After hours of dancing, we caught a taxi charging inflated rates to reach back to our dormitory. Concluding our Thailand trip with this vibrant New Year’s celebration was the perfect finale of an incredibly enjoyable journey. It undeniably stands as one of the best trips of my life
Day 7
It was journey day – Phuket to Bangkok via Surat Thani. We wokeup in the morning with eyes full of sleep, packed our things from the dormitory and finally checked out. We walked up to the bus station to catch our minivan to Surat Thani at 12 PM. After a four-hour journey, we arrived around 4 PM, with our bus to Bangkok scheduled for 7 PM. We were provided space at the private bus stop to store our luggage, where we experienced a bit of the “foreigner” treatment from the locals. During our wait, we utilized the gym facilities, charging our phones as we passed the time.
Typically the smaller town of Surat Thani, finding vegan restaurants proved challenging, intensifying our hunger. We finally found a small restaurant with vegan options, no customers and one chef chilling. We entered the restaurant and ordered six different items at 6 PM. The chef was quick to get all the items ready and cook delicious food for us within 30 minutes. Satisfied with our scrumptious Thai meal, we hurried to the bus stop, where a pleasant surprise awaited – a double-decker bus to Bangkok, marking a first-time experience for most of us. The bus was equipped with charging points, wifi and all the comforts required for a journey.
Day 8
We had reached the last day of our trip. Arriving in Bangkok around 6 AM, we found ourselves unsure about reaching the airport. Opting for a unique adventure, we hopped on an old and traditional bus to the nearby metro station. The ride, filled with the cool morning breeze, turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable and fun experience. Walking down to the metro station, we got on a train to the Suvarnabhumi airport. The metro line, elevated on tall pillars, weaved through the towering skyscrapers and flyovers, offering a beautiful farewell view of Bangkok. The well-built infrastructure provided a picturesque journey, allowing us to savour the last glimpses of this vibrant city.
Entering the airport at 8 AM, we patiently awaited our 2 PM flight back to Bengaluru. While roaming around, searching for eateries, I savoured the famous cheese sandwich from 7-Eleven. As the time ticked away, we sat together, spending our last moments chatting, exchanging pictures, and reminiscing about the memorable experiences and hilarious events from our trip. After checking in, we shopped for chocolates in the duty-free shop which almost led us to miss our flight. As the flight took off, I enjoyed the final views of the beautiful country.
Thailand, contrary to my expectations, unfolded as a paradise with breathtaking landscapes and a diverse mix of people from around the globe. Beyond the stereotypes, it revealed a richness that goes beyond preconceived notions. With its unique charm, Thailand proves to be a heavenly destination for tourists seeking beauty, culture, and unforgettable experiences. As we carry the warmth of Thai smiles in our hearts, the vibrant tapestry of our journey through Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket becomes a cherished chapter.
Food section 😛
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