Thailand, A Photo Diary 4/4

And here comes the last part of our Thailand series, hopefully not the last of our visit to the land of smiles. A first time tourist or visitor or traveler should not go to Thailand and leave without seeing any of its famous wats or temples. You go to Thailand for these.

It was the hottest day of the year in Bangkok when we ventured into "the city where anything goes but the traffic". From Pattaya, where we were based, we took a bus going to Bangkok. Travel time is around 1-2 hours depending on the traffic. We alighted on a metro train station, very much like the Philippines' MRT, and boarded the train going to the port where boats and ferries set sail on the Chao Phraya River. Stations 8-9 take you tourists to the most popular temple grounds. 

Ferries and boats ply the river Chao Phraya 

A mix of modern and traditional structures

A station along the Chao Phraya River

Growing up in the Philippines, I am already accustomed to the madness of Manila. In a way, navigating Bangkok is quite easy but the sweltering heat, hotter than Manila, made the journey challenging. Bangkok, when translated into its 26-word Thai name, will trump all tongue twisters you've ever encountered. So in the essence of saving space, I'll just type its shortened name, Krung Thep or "City of Angels." Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, sprawls along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, home of some of the grandest temples in the world. 

Shops and motorcycles line the streets outside the Grand Palace

We decided to begin our tour in the biggest of them all, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Both temples are inside a vast ground that most tourists flock every day. The former, the Grand Palace, was the residence of the former kings and their families but today, it's mainly used  for royal ceremonies like Coronation Day. The latter, the Wat Phra Kaew, is the holiest temple in Thailand. It houses the most sacred Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha. Entrance fee is 500 baht. 

The complex is crowded with people but a must-visit nonetheless

The roofs reach the skies.

No entrance to most temples.

E touching the surreal walls of the temple

Wonderful colors; blue is a fave.

Towering over us

Gold statues every where

This is heavy noh?

Entrance to an Angkor Wat miniature

Incredible work of creativity and sense of religion

My vision turned gold.

Behold the guard!

There is a dress code that each visitor must follow when visiting Thailand's temples. Men and women must be dressed appropriately: covered shoes, no sleeveless shirts, and clothes must cover the legs. When we were shopping for our outfits, I kept reminding Eyecandy of these rules. Her frustration on having limited choices drove her crazy. Her frustration drove me crazy... with laughter. 

Respite from the heat

The temple of the Emerald Buddha

Removing shoes is a must before entering the Wat Phra Keuw. You might be surprised when you see the Emerald Buddha. It's not tall; it doesn't grand. It's a mere 66 cm tall and with all the flowers, offerings, and rails surrounding it, it's hard to even see it closely. But the Emerald Buddha is a heavyweight in spiritual and historical significance having been traveled across the Indian subcontinent, Laos, and finally settling in Thailand over 200 years ago. It is the holiest image if the Buddha in Thailand. It's so sacred, no photography is allowed inside the Wat Phra Keuw. The Buddha is actually made of jade.

The palace grounds

The Grand Palace

Spot us! Hehe.

We were truly awed and amazed by the temples inside the Grand Palace. The entire place is well-designed, lavish, and beautiful. It's a place you won't find anywhere else (unless of course you see replicas or miniatures of the place). Every nook and cranny offers view of the magnificent temples and structures. It's a brilliant piece of artwork spanning 945,000 square meters. Just wandering around half of the place made us so tired. Add that to the hottest temperature ever and we were done with the Grand Palace.

After half a day of touring, we head to the exit.

We sought a cold escape in a small restaurant just outside the main gate and ate lunch. After resting a bit, we hailed a tuk-tuk, an auto rickshaw almost similar to the Philippines' tricycle. It can carry 2-3 persons at a time. It's great for navigating short distances.

Getting to places in a tuk-tuk

Inside a tuk-tuk

While stuck in traffic, Eyecandy and I can't help but notice the pink taxis in the road. And of course, being Pink Tarhas, we can't help but smile seeing how cute the color is. It's even glistening in the daylight. It looks like... candy. Haha. 

Well aren't you a sweet-colored taxi!

Our next stop is the nearby Wat Pho, another popular temple in Bangkok. This temple is said to be older than Bangkok itself having been around since the 16th century. Whoah! It houses the longest reclining Buddha in Thailand. I saw pictures of the reclining Buddha in the Internet but I was so amazed when I saw it up close. Now I know why no photo can ever capture it in its entirety. It's quite difficult to do so. 

Near the doorway of the temple.

First, a glimpse...

Then a full view of the face.

My attempt to get a full shot of the reclining Buddha

The reclining Buddha is 45 meters long! The soles of the Buddha are inlaid with mother of pearl to show 108 auspicious laksana (characteristics of the Buddha). There are 108 bronze bowls in the corridor symbolizing the laksana. People can drop coins in this bowl. It is believed to bring good fortune. 

 The sole of the reclining Buddha

Outside the wihaan housing the reclining Buddha, the compound opens up to 91 chedis (stupas or mounds), four vicars (halls) and a bot (central shrine). The Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage. The temple is home to the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, a school for Thai massage and medicine.

The stupas and other structures in Wat Pho

A chedi.

The details are amazing!

Another must-visit wat is the Wat Arun located at the opposite river bank from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The Temple of Dawn is a vast complex too and climbing up the prang (tower) is a must, along with seeing the porcelain-embedded exterior, murals and the sacred banyan tree. However, we were content to gaze at the Wat Arun from the river. 

The Wat Arun complex in the Thonburi bank

The Wat Arun prang (tower)

Seriously, we were too tired to visit another temple complex. Our bodies were aching for air-con (yes, we were actually dreaming of Riyadh by this time... and screaming 'please AIR-CON!!!' LOL!). We visited the malls after. (What's a Pink Tarha trip without a visit to the mall?! Hehe.) 

Shop til you drop!

The Siam Center, one of Bangkok's oldest shopping centers, has been renovated and is now offeringthe latest in Bangkok's fashion scene. The third floor, dubbed as "Fashion Visionary" has Thailand designer brands. We also found a store which carries Jeffrey Campbell! For a time, I think we hyperventilated upon seeing the shelves of Litas, Night Walks, and other JCs! We had to walk away forlorn because we couldn't even buy a pair. Hehe. We also saw the Cath Kidston store. If Shoegarfreeruby was with us, she'll be happy with Siam Center.

OMG, JCs!!!

We crossed the open area to the next mall, Siam Paragon, one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia featuring luxury brands. It also houses the Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in South East Asia. We strolled around a bit and decided to go back to Pattaya already having had a full and fun day in Bangkok.

Where the posh shop.

We missed quite a few tourist spots in Bangkok. We didn't get to visit the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market (sayang, I was ready to exercise my bargaining prowess) and the Floating Market. But there are other times, yeah? Next time we visit Bangkok, we wouldn't dare miss these!

We arrived Pattaya around 9:00 in the evening and because Eyecandy was still looking for some adventure, haha, and because we missed getting down and dirty with the Thai crowds (I mean experiencing the weekend market), we went back to a night market we passed by on our way to the hotel. Because we didn't know the name of the place, E had to describe the place to the driver. Good thing, they knew what she was talking about.

It was the best decision ever to venture out into the night and into the crowded night market (thank you, E, for dragging my ass to this, haha).  It was a whole bunch of sensory overload as we discover the goodies awaiting us! We were so drawn to the street food, because we've always wanted to try the street food in Thailand. South East Asian countries are known for their street food and in Pattaya, we found a LOT. 

Oyster omelet fresh from the makeshift pan

Raw ingredients for a good soup or dish; choose and they'll cook it!

The popular pad thai is a favorite so we had to get it. Also a serving of oyster omelet which a Thai lady was cooking in what seemed to be an upside down drum covered in frying oil. There were exotic food like crickets which we balked at. We moved on and spotted stalls of really cheap maki and sushi rolls. I had to get a styro of those. Eyecandy spotted a weirdly-shaped corn dog and fried quail eggs. The meat in their barbecue is flat instead of long so we have to try them too. 

Would you dare?!

Weeee! I love these!

Crackers good for snack time

While roaming around, we stumbled upon a couple doing caricatures and that's when we decided to have ours done. It was pretty cheap at only 160 baht. With the frame, it's 400 baht.

Sundrenched and Eyecandy :)

I think the artist got us down pat. What do you think? ;)

The receptionist in our hotel might be curious as to why we were bringing heaps of plastic bags. Well, it was our way of toasting our stay in Thailand... street food party! We opened every thing in our hotel room and savored each bite. True to what we've always known, street food rocks! Thailand rocks!

Goodbye, Thailand! (at the Suvanabhumi Intl Airport)

Ahhh, Thailand. You've had your moments of torturing us with your heat and traffic (also one of your daughters almost made us miss our return flight because she forgot to set our wake-up call!) but we are very happy that we get to see you and experience the best that you have to offer to the world. Truly, you are the land of smiles. Until we meet again and we get to say, Sawaddee! (Just so you know, we're doing the wai.)

Muscat below

We flew via Oman Airways back to Riyadh. We stayed a record-breaking 12 hours in the Oman Airport waiting for our connecting flight from Muscat to Riyadh. I didn't know how we survived that layover but we did. Oh, I think the Premium Lounge and Costa Coffee helped. Lol. 

We arrived at noon, we leave by midnight

I truly enjoyed this trip with Eyecandy. It's our first trip outside Saudi Arabia and it was crazy and amazing at the same time. We kept each other insane. Looking back, it was a LAUGH TRIP. ;)

This being our last entry on Thailand, we would like to thank the person who made all this possible. He was the first person to support The Pink Tarha. And more importantly, he supported us every week day  in Riyadh. Our daily life is so different now that he's no longer here in Saudi Arabia. To the best boss ever, thank you very, very much! KOB KUN MAK KRAB! ~ Sundrenched

Revisit our Thailand adventure:

Thailand, A Photo Diary 1

Thailand, A Photo Diary 2

Thailand, A Photo Diary 3

Thailand, A Photo Diary 3/4

After enjoying the sea and temple experience at the Sanctuary of Truth, you'd think we're out of energy but nooo... we still have other places to go to but we didn't want to go there drenched in sweat so we went back to the hotel for a quick rest and touch-up. Oh mostly touch-ups. When you look at the map and find out the kilometers we had to travel back to the hotel, you'd think we wasted time instead of going to our next tourist spot. Don't cringe, guys. It's all for our photos. You know, the beautiful memories we'd take back with us to Riyadh. (And we didn't want looking at our ngarag selves in those supposed to be beautiful memories.)

Now, who goes to Thailand and not ride an elephant? The elephant trekking industry in Thailand has drawn mixed emotions from visitors. One side says it's perfectly fine and another says it's animal cruelty. Well, God knows Eyecandy loves her pet animals to a special degree and as for me, yeah, you can judge me. I don't have an inclination to have pets but I'm a kind person (promise!) and I promote world peace. Haha! Wanting to ride an elephant is in our bucket list and though it was a wonderful experience, it's one of those experiences that I will only do once in my lifetime. I feel sad for the gentle giants, that they have to be used for business. However, I feel glad that I finally had the chance to see them up close and personal.

Elephant Safari

Originally, we wanted to go to the Elephant Village and I remember telling that to the driver a couple of times. I had an idea that it was outside the Pattaya area so we didn't mind the long ride. But the driver took us to Thappraya Elephant Safari (at least I think it was, please comment when I got the name wrong). 

You better leave your expectations of trekking before climbing the elephant. I thought we'll be taken to a forest and see wonderful views of myriad flora and fauna and cross a long river where the water flows freely and... I found out my imagination works way too much. Here's how our experience in the elephant safari went...

Our ride's comin'!

There was a platform that we have to climb so we can easily go on top of the elephant where a guide and a chair strapped to the elephant are waiting. It was kind of scary at first being this high from the ground but if you've ridden a horse or a camel before, this is so much easier. Eyecandy and I had an elephant each, woohoo!

The guides took us to a small area with trees... and elephant dung on the ground. Lots of them! It wasn't a forest where we can marvel at the surroundings. It was just an area with trees. Period.

The excited me before I saw the 'woods.'

The farm.

We continued the journey to a small lake (more like a pond if you ask me) where the elephant submerged its body on the murky water. I wish the pond was bigger so the elephants can wade through a wider space. My elephant played with the water with its trunk and Eyecandy and I had a fun time photographing the scene. Apparently, the elephant I was riding on was the smartest of the bunch. Well, it sure picked the right person! Haha!

This is the only view there is.

The swamp.

Eyecandy shooting me...

... and I'm shooting her.

My elephant playing with his trunk.

After a few minutes frolicking in the pond, our elephants moved on to dry land where our guides took our photos. They encouraged us to take their place near the head of the elephant. I was hesitant at first but E went on and climbed down a bit. I followed and found out how rough the elephant's skin is. Hehe. If you're taking this same journey in visiting Thailand, I suggest you make the most of this moment and have your guide take A LOT of photos. Try doing different poses, it's okay. Don't be like me who seemed to be rooted in place and shuddering when the elephant moves. Haha.

Eyecandy doing the wai.

My 'I can do this but not really' face. LOL. E enjoying herself.

The Pink Tarha x Thai elephants. I dunno why we keep on doing that hand pose.

I was kind of disappointed that there weren't any beautiful views to be seen along the trek aside from a barren landscape. The price of 1,600 baht was a bit too much for this but oh well... when would we ever have the chance to ride an elephant again? Like I said, this adventure is great for a first-timer.

Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand has a rescue and rehabilitation park for elephants so you might want to check that out too.

After our elephant meet-and-greet, we had to go to Tesco/Lotus for a quick dinner and grocery shopping. We had a 7:30pm schedule to watch the Tiffany Show, a popular transvestite cabaret show in Thailand. (Don't ask us why we had to watch it. But if you must know, we're just curious to see one of the top ten best shows to see in the world, that's all.)

Pattaya was already suffering from traffic at around 5pm and our driver had to maneuver his way in record time just so we can arrive at the theater before the start of the show. He has a different interpretation of "rush hour"! The ticket is 800 baht  each for the mezzanine. Upon taking our seats, the show started.

I sneaked a shot at the beginning of the show.

Taking photos is not allowed so we can't show you what happened and we won't describe it in detail because you have to see it for yourself. All I can say is the costumes are incredible and the show is spectacular!!! (By the way, this show is wholesome! I just have to say this talaga.) If you're a bit claustrophobic, the venue might be a problem for you. The performers went outside of the venue visitors can take photos with them.

Looking like a Ms. Universe pageant. Nakakahiya naman tumabi. :P

The Tiffany Show stars... gondohhh.

We were too tired that day and we have to wake up early to go to Bangkok. The Bangkok entry would have to be the last because the temples there deserve a lone entry. But before going back to the hotel, we spotted an open massage place. And who goes to Thailand without getting an authentic Thai massage?! There are so many massage places in this country, the same way that you'll find numerous khubz places and bakala in Riyadh. We couldn't pass up this opportunity so we gave it a go. Best.body.massage.ever.

When visiting Thailand, get a Thai massage! 

Pattaya In A Day

Our fourth day was the chillax day. We didn't have a concrete itinerary and we're not racing with time so in the morning, while Eyecandy was preparing for the day's lakwatsa, I roamed the hotel grounds and took photos...

One of those windows leads to our room.

Get a massage here!

Swimming pool with a bar in the middle! How cool is this? Vodka, please! :P

The stairs going down to the beach area.

It would have been great to take a dip in this shore.

Most tourists stayed put in the hotel to swim in the exclusive beach area. Eyecandy enjoyed a dip and  bathed in the sun during her second day in Pattaya (she has tan lines to prove it). I'm not really a beach person (uh because I can't swim) so I just picked a spot with a good view of the sea and hung out by myself (no, I didn't go emo... lol).

My favorite spot.

The fourth day was all about seeing the whole of Pattaya without traveling to many places. How? Viewing decks, of course! There are two near our hotel.

The Big Buddha Hill aka Wat Phra Yhai has, obviously, a BIG Buddha, the biggest statue of Buddha in Chonburi Province.  The 300-ft Buddha is called Luang Phor Yhai by the Thai people. We were cringing at the thought of climbing the stairs to see it (because hello, we're super fit for this! O.O) but our worries are unfounded. It was the easiest stair climb to a tourist spot ever!

You are welcomed by dragons.

The Big Buddha... the gold made my eyes water. It's so shiny!!!

When we reached the deck, we saw the Buddha and surrounding it are smaller images of the Buddha representing each day. I naturally went to the Buddha of my birth day (Sunday) and had my photo taken. The views are exhilarating! We love seeing the whole city. We even asked a local to get our photo. It was quite funny when we looked at his shots after... we were missing in the photos! Wow! The scenery must be so good he left us out! Lol. Turned out he didn't know how to use the camera's viewfinder!

Buildings and towers and... whew!

Even if it was hot, the wind was strong and refreshing.

The Pattaya Hill (Khao Phra Bat) is near the Big Buddha Hill so we decided to check it out also but because the sun was in its all-time high hot already, we just went out of the vehicle, went to the view deck, took 20 photos max, and went back to the vehicle pronto! The views are incredible too.

The Pattaya view.

Zooming in to see the ships and boats.

A busy metro.

Seeking the cold temperature of a mall, we went to check out Royal Garden Plaza in Beach Road, where the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum is housed. If you look at the photo above which we took in Pattaya Hill, you can see a suspended huge round "balloon" in there. That's the newest attraction of Ripley's... the Sky Rider. We were low in funds already so we didn't check out Ripley's anymore. We just roamed around the mall to look for souvenirs and eat.

Believe it!

Ties made of Thai silk for the men in our lives.

Thai silk scarves for the girl friends.

We were famished after a half day of activities so we ate! (Because we're pretty good at eating huh.) Royal Garden Plaza's Food Wave is a great food court. Most food courts in Thailand operate on a card system. In the Food Wave, we were given a card before ordering in their stations, which are divided into categories like Japanese, Thai, Western, Seafood, Desserts, Drinks, etc. After ordering, the card is swiped and a receipt is given back with the card. The food and drinks will be delivered to the tables and payment would be done when going out of the food court. We picked a table in the veranda, even if we're dying of the heat, because the scenery is nice (and because an eye-catching scenery thumps comfort anytime)! Look!

We chose the right mall to visit.

The Pattaya City sign, huma-Hollywood!

Parasailers in the distance.

And our food photos are more enticing with natural lighting...

Refreshing prawn papaya salad

Delicious California Maki

Pattaya certainly has its charms. It blends tradition and modernity seamlessly. It has wonderful views of modest skylines and and amazing beaches. By the way, according to locals, it's pronounced as "put-tu-yah" and not "patt-eye-yah," which is how E and I pronounced it all the time. We've had a long day but it was super worth it! I end this third entry with our window view in the afternoon of our last day in Pattaya...

Sunset at the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand

 Temples, temples, temples on the last entry of our Thailand series. ~ Sundrenched

Thailand, A Photo Diary 1
Thailand, A Photo Diary 2