Thailand Journal

After spending great time in Singapore, it was time to leave. As our return flight to Turkey was via Singapore, we could spend one more day in this country. That was an advantage for us. We would not have to carry all our belongings and we would have chance to compare the prices with the prices in Thailand. After a 3 hour smooth flight with Jet Star Asia Airlines, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Jet Star Asia Airlines was a low- cost sub- brand of Qantas Airlines and had flights to almost all points in Asia. Alternatively, Air Asia, Malaysia centered, was performing affordable flights in the whole Asian continent. However companies such as Thai, Singapore Airlines performed similar flights but at really high prices. There was a distinct feature of Suvarnabhumi Airport for me. I had attended a seminar given by a young professor and made research about Hydronic Underfloor Cooling Systems of this airport. I was very lucky to have a chance to analyze the system closely. After analyzing the system fully, we found the number 1 bus going to Silom district and started to wait the departure time. The price for the bus was 7 THB per person. ( 1 THB= 0,03 USD) After Singapore,this price was very cheap to us. As soon as we got on the bus, we realized that we were in the real Asia.

After storey highways, while traveling in a rash bus, we saw police and military vehicles everywhere. According to the latest news, a group of protestors called Red Shirts was carrying out actions against the current government, and soldiers counteracted with bullets. During the intervention of soldiers, deaths had happened and this annoyed us in a manner. Along the way, we witnessed Red Shirts on large squares formed wooden and iron barricades against the military intervention. After an hour journey, we got off the bus opposite the hotel and faced with the hustle and bustle of the city. Even thought it was difficult to cross the street, hearty welcome at the hotel door made us feel better. Their welcoming way by men saying ‘’sawatdii Kha" and women saying ‘‘sawatdii khrap’’ and their positive responses made us feel in a good mood. 64 storey Lebua at State Tower Hotel was one of the most luxurious hotels in Thailand. There are a lot of points of hotel that should be seen such as its precise and interesting architecture, the swimming pool and SPA center on the 19th floor, the Sirocco restaurant on the 63rd floor, the open-air bar so called Skybar ( always takes places in the world's must see places list) and the Dome restaurant on the 64th floor. As soon as we stepped in, we understood that we had made the correct choice. We had never thought that we were going to be shocked by the time we entered the room. When we meet a huge living room, a stylish kitchen, a huge bathroom and a bedroom with a balcony having a perfect view, my wife and I hugged each other. After the hotel disaster in Singapore, this hotel was really good to us. I can strongly recommend Lebua Hotel at State Tower without hesitation for those who would like to visit Bangkok. You won't regret this. (http://www.lebua.com/lebua-at-state-tower/)

On our first day in Bangkok we decided to spend some time by participating in the activities in the hotel. After a little rest and watching the scene, we went down to the swimming pool on the 19th floor. One of the things I liked here was the music broadcast under the swimming pool. When you sank your head into, martial tunes were relaxing you. There could be an only reason to interrupt our swimming pool joy, the famous Thai massage. You will come across Thai and foot massage salon at the most in Thailand. Although we had read that  there were really clean and professional salons, we learned that there were bad examples. We decided to pamper ourselves as that day was our wedding anniversary. We were very satisfied with the massage made by expert ladies in the hotel's spa center.Now, we were ready to go out for the Bangkok's colorful nightlife in a rested and relaxed manner. We had to pay a large quantity of money for 90- minute massage session but it was worth.

Although the hotel staff warned us about not going out, we went to Patpong night market by the first “Tuk Tuk”. The inner city transportation was done by Tuk Tuks for the fastest way. Tuk tuks were transportation vehicles used essentially with bargaining price and  mostly used by young people. Though those colorful vehicles violating all the traffic rules caused an adrenaline rush, we would like to get on again by the time we got off.You can use the Skytrain network surrounding the city alternatively to Tuk Tuks but especially evenings I recommend you to use Tuk Tuks. When we arrived at the Patpong Night Market, we saw a scene totally different from what we had expected. We were not expecting a street of which entry and exit were bonded with barriers,on each side of the street armed soldiers were there. Shops were closed. Against a possible protest, armed soldiers were waiting in all crowded streets. Our hopes were fading gradually. Thousands of insurgents gathered and made announcements with loudspeakers on the big Siam Square. A civil war was about to start in the city.

As we could not find what we wanted, we started to head out to Lumphini Night Market by getting on a Tuk Tuk. It did not seem so colorful like Patpong, but as we wandered the market, we would enjoy this. We were pleased to meet imitation products, handmade accessories, special design clothes and interesting toys. What I liked most but did not buy was the old Buddhist character. After shopping some from the market, we went to Soi Cowboy Streey by a Tuk Tuk. All of the streets were similar and all the names of them were expressed in numbers. Instead of soldiers, here there were women trying to take people into the clubs. It is possible to see how Bangkok became famous with its nightlife. After eating something at the first Burger King, by getting on Tuk Tuk, we wanted him to take us the most enjoyable place of entertainment. Most of Thais can speak very little English and sometimes communication may be a problem. We forgot our bag in Burger King, so we wanted the driver to take us back to the same point. Until the driver understood this, we had to take a tour around the city. Although he nodded every time as he understood what I had said, he drove us to somewhere different. We could not know where we were as he was using crossroads. We were completely got lost. Fortunately, we were able to find Burger King that we were looking for after half an hour. Our bag was safe and for this time we accepted the taxi drive's offer.

We were going to watch the famous erotic show "Ping Pong Show." Taxi driver drove us to an old and dusty store under an old building. A lot of old men was reading newspapers and talking excitedly. After the hard bargain that we made with the attendant at the door, we paid 500 THB per person and began to walk towards the direction from which the music was coming from. As we walked down the hall, the volume was increasing continually. When we opened the door at the end of the corridor, the scene we faced put us off. The erotic show so-called Ping Pong consisted of women exhibiting themselves on the platform. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Ping_pong_show) The woman ending her show began chatting with customers and tried to get free drinks or something. Their interests on me despite my wife showed their understanding of the concept of sexuality. Unfortunately, taking photos was strictly forbidden. After spending some more time at Ping Pong show, we realized how tired we were and we got back to our hotel by taxi. Nights in Bangkok were enjoyable and we began to love this city.

In the morning of a comfortable night, our plan was to visit historical Buddhist temples and the Grand Palace. There were restrictions on clothing in such places.  At the entrance, we needed to hire a long sleeve shirt for my wife. We did not pay attention to the people saying "The temple is closed today, I'll take you somewhere else". We had read before that they deceived people in this way. The complex of Grand Palace was one of the most touristic destinations. Works made with an incredible effort were displayed in a complex pattern. Everywhere was full of gold embroideries and carvings. Although we had tried a little photography, light conditions did not allow this. After viewing some interesting works, we left from Grand Palace and got on a taxi to go to the world's biggest structure built from teak tree, Vimanmek Mansion. This building, built by King Rama in 1900, was gorgeous with its precious gifts sent by the rulers for the king of Thailand. There were gifts inside sent by Ottoman Empire for King Rama V. (http://www.vimanmek.com/) You can enter inside after the intense security checks and taking photos was strictly forbidden. You have to step on the floor with bare feet to avoid any damage. After visiting the palace with a guide, we went to Burger King on Khao San Road. This was the road on which events that resulted in deaths of 24 people. Most of the windows and walls of shop had got bullet holes. Tourists from all over the world wrote messages protesting the government and the military. Although it was fearful to be at the edge of civil war, I had the feeling of slight movement inside. With my camera on my shoulder, I felt myself like a war reporter and I was so excited to take good photos. My excitement came to an end when my wife prevented me to approach rebels.

After spending the day with cultural activities, we had a 60 minute foot massage session in one of the halls of the shopping center. It was impossible to understand how strong these short and thin Thai women were. They began cleaning up our feet with warm water and sometimes we fell asleep in the middle of the session. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_ massage) 60 minute feet massage at a clean hall costed 300 THB. After a while, this foot massage turned into a habit that our body needed it everyday. One of the most important activities to be done in Thailand was Thai massage.

After our short trip in the hot weather, we got back to our hotel by having our feet massage done. We went to the balcony of our room to take photos of the sunset. We could watch Chao Phraya River and the silhouette of the complicated city Bangkok from our balcony. We were out for dinner after getting dark. We did not want to leave by hotel taking the warnings of the hotel staff into account. After eating our three cheese pizza of Pizza Hut in the shopping mall opposite the hotel, we reached to the port at the side of the Chao Phraya River dividing the city into two. By watching people getting back home from work, we began to walk on the narrow streets again. By reviewing the local food and buying all kinds of tropical food we went back to our hotel to enjoy the view of our balcony. We were enjoying our balcony with the Smirnoff Ice and variety of different tropical food in our hands. It was a dreamlike night. Among the tropical fruits, we most liked Mangosten. This purple, round fruit looking like garlic was the fruit that got the most attention. Ramboutan, Durian, Carambola, Dragon Fruit, Papaya, Pineapple and Mango were also good. Due to different growing conditions, melon, water melon and banana tasted different. But we had to sleep before it got too late as we would set out early in the morning.

Taxi -that we planned one day ago- was waiting to pick us up at 06.00. Our plan was to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi city. (http://en.wikipedia.org/%20wiki/Amphoe_Damnoen_Saduak) We would like to arrive earlier tha the tour buses and before it got more crowded. After buying something for breakfast, we set out for Ratchaburi situated about 150 kms west of Bangkok. Our taxi driver was a sympathetic person who was able to speak a little English. He was treating really carefully not to disturb us with the setting of air conditioner and the volume of music. We agreed on 800 THB for going to Floating Market, waiting for us during the activities and getting back to the hotel. This was a very low cost for us, but considering that taxi driver had bought 250 THB of compressed natural gas (CNG) for a round- trip, the cost was already too much. Thai people were very poor but the friendliest people I have ever seen. After touring the Ratchaburi city by taxi, we set out for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. When we got there, we stopped at one of the facilities to hire a boat. We paid 1000 THB per person after a hard bargain. An old man was using the long boat that we hired. Normally, these boats are hired in groups but in order to take photos more easily, only my wife and I hired the boat. We cruised quickly among the channels. The market had not been fully launched and tourists had not reached the market yet. After cruising among narrow channels for a while, we stopped for little chats with the other boats selling fruits and decorative items. Fried bananas got our most attention. The weather got warmer as the hours passed and the tourists began to fill the channels. Those people, having their lives passed between channels, were always smiling. These people under difficult circumstances were distributing positive energy as if by saying “never lose your smile despite the difficulties faced" Breathing the same air with these people believed in Buddhism was enough to rest our souls. We got back to our taxi by getting rid of tourists and took the return road. On our way back to Bangkok, we were making plans for the rest of the day. With the advantage of starting the day early, we decided to visit the city of Pattaya too. We agreed with the taxi driver to take us anywhere we wanted by giving him 1200 THB more. He seemed very happy to have found a good customer. HE rang up his wife and told the good news about earning 2000 THB in a day. The social gulf between people of Thailand and we were too much.

Pattaya, located about 140 km east of Bangkok and was a touristic city whose name was identified with sex tourism. We decided to visit the shopping mall " King Power" from where you could do tax- free shopping as we would come back here. We would receive the goods we bought at the airport when we stepped on the tax free area. As it seemed really complicated to us, we ate at KFC and set out towards Pattaya. During the two hour journey, we had enough sleep. We parked the taxi in the parking lot of Royal Garden Plaza,and promised the taxi driver to meet at the same point after 4 hours.  (http://www.royalgardenplaza.co.th/ pattaya/index.html) The economy of Pattaya City along the coastline was based on tourism. The biggest aim of women at every step was old European tourists. It was disgusting to see a really old European man wandering with two Thai women. It was possible to understand the reason why Pattaya was famous for the "sex" after walking ten minutes in the street. We walked along the coast by watching sections of different lives and chatting with local people. When we learned that 8 year old handsome boy whom we took photos of had a brain tumor, we were almost crying. We could perform our favorite activity in our trips, visiting Hard Rock Café. Hard Rock Café in Pattaya was the Hard Rock that we enjoyed most so far. The team was incredibly harmonious and enjoyable.

(http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/) After spending more than an hour in here, we got back to our meeting point by taking photos along the way.Before setting out, we ate a menu at Burger King and got around in the shopping mall. We got on our taxi at the meeting hour and got back to Bangkok. We had visited 3 cities in the same day and traveled about 700 km.

When we got back to the hotel, it was dark. After having shower in our room, we began to prepare our baggage for our next trip. While my wife was collecting our stuff, I was busy with taking photos of  Bangkok scene from the balcony.  We prepared our baggage for Phuket journey. As there was chaos in the city center, we decided to spend the night by eating something at Sirocco Restaurant and drinking something at Skybar.The scene and the service was excellent and of course the bill was high. It was worth. Even if you didn't stay at  Lebua Hotel at State Tower, I recommend you to visit Skybar one night.

After waking up at 5 in the morning, we went to the airport by taxi and we caught our flight at 07.50 easily. After an hour long journey, we were at Phuket airport. Patong bay was 50 kms far away from the airport. As we allocated just 2 days for Phuket, we chose taxi instead of losing time with the bus. Taxi prices were high when compared to prices in Bangkok. While traveling by taxi, we saw a scene similar to Agean coast. This scene relieved us. We were in Phuket with the desire of vacation. Our five star hotel Millenium Hotel Patong Phuket was clean. (http://www.millennium hotels.com/th/millenniumpatongphuket/index.html) The lobby and the round were looking better than the photos. On the floor of our room there was a large outdoor swimming pool. Having settled in our room, we immediately went out to go to Phuket beach. The hotel was within the walking distance to the beach. Also for those who did not want to walk, there was a Tuk Tuk service provided by the hotel. We preferred to go on foot to get to know the environment. When we stepped on the white beach, we agreed that the beach was more beautiful in the pictures. After a little swimming in the sea, we decided to get around in the city center. There were bars everywhere and we were sure that the streets would be more enjoyable at nights. We bought Speed Boat and Phi Phi Island Tour from one of the tourism agencies.We paid 2100 THB for two people to the dealer for this package including 7 islands. The tour bus would pick us from the hotel and would drop us off to the hotel again. The publicity photos seemed perfect and we were slightly excited.

After spending a few hours in hotel's swimming pool, we started  to prepare for the night. We headed to Hard Rock Café in Phuket after eating at Burger King. Having done the shopping, we sat to have a cocktail at the bar. Having enjoyed with waiters and barmen, we got into the crowd on the side streets of Patong. A crowd of people like in Istiklal street was constantly moving. One of the Ladyboys trying to attract people into the bars drew our attention. We sat on the stand opposite a few dancing Ladyboys on a platform.  (http://en.wiktionary.org/ wiki/ladyboy) We were so close to the floor and there were at least 10 Ladyboys around us. We were having the most fun. Especially the aunt Ladyboy over 40 years was very interested in us. This sympathetic aunt who took our photos with all Ladyboys  did not neglect to give erotic poses. Thailand has already destroyed the taboos about sexuality. People enjoy the life by ignoring anything. Always someone came and asked if we would like to have a photo with the interesting animal. I took photos of my wife with a little sweet monkey. Because of poverty, people had found numerous ways to earn money. There is almost nothing that you cannot do with 100 THB. The whole night only costed 4000 THB. That was why, all Ladyboys were around us. That night, we really had fun!

After the entertainment at the bar, we went to the exhibition hall to watch the performance of Ladyboys' musical. Despite the fact that it was not perfect, it was still worth it. The night would not end but we would participate in Phi Phi Island tour and we needed to sleep a few hours before the tour. I guess my wife and I never forget this crazy night.

The minibus picking us up from the lobby at 8 in the morning, dropped us off at the harbor, the point of departure. Firsa company officials had our group consisting of 35 people with us go aboard on a speed boat with 3 motors. We were cruising so quickly. That was my first time on a speed boat and I loved it! We reached the island which was our first stop after 45 minute journey.We jumped into the white sea. People in the team gave some bread for fished to be gathered and the bottom of the sea was not invisible because of the colorful fish. I normally do not like swimming with fish but this time I would do with it. As I could not see the bottom of the sea, I caused my foot to be cut.When I got on the boat, the wound seemed much bigger than I thought and the medical advice was certainly necessary. The team on the boat was so professional and they stopped bleeding by cleaning my wound and using a pladget. This situation would not disappoint me although I felt a great pain on my foot. There were beverages and fruits in a large freezer. We drank something and ate pineapple along the way. After swimming in the clear sea, our second stop was Monkey Island. There were a lot of monkeys there and they were on the coast when we were there. After feeding the monkeys with fruits and taking photos of them, we reached Phi Phi Island.(http://phi-phi.com/) As many travel agencies did the same activity at the same time, there was almost no place left to sidle the boat. After taking photos of Longtail Boats and getting around, we had eaten something. As we were selective about the food, we had to eat the ready made cakes. Upgoing boulders from the sea consisted the Phi Phi Island group. There were a lot of these islands in most parts of the Andaman Sea.There were a few hotels on the island. Although we did not have much time to get around the island, we decided to stay at this hotel in our next Phuket trip. It must have been an excellent thing to be able to take photos during the sunrise and sunset. After leaving the island and half an hour journey, we reached a coral island having a white and quiet shore. Most of the agencies skipped this island. After the interval of sunbathing, swimming and scuba diving with a schnorkel for two hours, we began to get back. The time showed 16.00 o'clock and the fatigue of everyone was written all over. Everybody was satisfied with the service provided by Firsa agency.

We reached the hotel at 18.00. Even though we made a check- out in the morning, we had a shower in the Shower Room and changed our clothes. After eating at any Pizza Hut in the shopping centers, we got on the aircraft with Air Asia Airlines at 23.10. We set out to Bangkok.

After resting a few hours at a hotel very close to Bangkok airport, we flew back to Singapore with Jet Star Asia Airlines at 09.25. Days in here were the most colorful days of our holiday. We completed our shopping in Thailand with pearl accessories, elegant clothes from silk fabrics, and lots of magnets. Thailand is a colorful and enjoyable place that we would like to go at every opportunity. It was even possible to understand the complexity of city from electricity poles. The behaviors of people with us made us feel like the king and the queen. When compared to Turkey, having a holiday in Thailand was a lot more reasonable and enjoyable. Although only three months have passed, we are planning to visit Thailand again in festive holiday. I definitely recommend people that would like to visit Thailand to put 1000 USD, except for the flight tickets, in the pocket and visit it.

THANKS !!!

Please beware your time and effort to read my blog is highly appreciated. Hopefully, tips provided for your next trips will save you some time and money in addition to quality of time you will spend. I will be more than happy to share my experiences from my future trips to continue being a small guidance for you to spend a quality of time with your family, friends and partners. Giving a tiny contribution to your great memories will give me enough spirit to do so. If you think my tips were useful and would like to support my case, please donate a small amount from your heart by clicking the “donate button” below within the minutes. Hence, I can improve the content of my website with more trips. I appreciate your support.

Many, many thanks.

Oktay.