Bangkok 2013

SAWASDEE KAAA! :D

Last April I was able to visit Bangkok with my parents for a couple of days and it's only now that I've actually gotten to write about it. There isn't really much I can say about Bangkok but their shopping malls are incredibly, and amazingly big! They literally have malls that have everything. By malls, I mean tiangge (168 type malls) and everything so cheap! They kid not when they say that Bangkok is really a shopping haven. They also have more high end malls too but lol, why go there, you can visit the same brands locally anyway so might as well grab the opportunity to shop cheap! <3 Fortunately, our hotel was walking distance from Platinum Mall and other shops so that was really convenient. :) If you like shopping, get a hotel somewhere in Pratunam or somewhere near MBK where it's also near the malls and night markets.

Since I already started talking about shopping, might as well get to that part first. I don't really have much photos from there since it's pretty crowded and who has time to take photos when you're shopping (haha) 

**Again I apologize for lack of more decent photos. iPhoneography will do for now. Bringing a heavy camera around isn't always the most convenient way to travel/shop :( 

1. Shopping 

These are just some of the interesting things I saw there. HOW CUTE ARE THESE HIGH WASTED SHORTS?!?!?! They're only for more or less 300baht, which is like, P350 more or less @_@ Just the thing about shopping there though, is that you cannot fit the clothes so if you aren't sure about it then it's a bit risky.

THIS YOU GUYS, IS AN ACTUAL HEADBAND!! with a bird (REAL SIZED BIRD) on top. Looks  real when you see it in real life hahaha. They sell these in different kinds; some with birds on them like pigeons, owls, lovebirds, but they also have them in small teddy bears and all other cute things! 

2. Cultural Show : SIAM NIRAMIT

During our second night in Bangkok, one part of our semi-tour was the night cultural show called Siam Niramit. Apparently it's really famous in Bangkok and it's one of the must-see shows when visiting the city. Cameras were confiscated during the main show in the theatre but there was a mini show/parade outside before the show started. 

To be honest I wasn't stoked on watching the show because I thought it'd be just like other cultural shows but it actually turned out to be pretty awesome. They had a really big stage with more or less  300-400 people on set and just amazing props. I don't understand how they were able to surface a real river in the middle of the show (where people actually dove into during the river scene) and manage to dry it out (IDK EITHER) for the other scenes. Also, the 3D flying people were amazing, pretty flawless execution of harnesses and lights. The show was a tad too long but I enjoyed nevertheless! 

OF COURSE ELEPHANT! 

Souvenir shop

Me and momma bear before the show

Pretty lanterns! 

3. Pattaya Beach

For a day we went to Pattaya Beach (apparently it's like one of the main tourist beaches in Bangkok) that was 1.5-2 hrs away from the city proper. Nothing much I can say about the beach. To be honest there wasn't anything special about it. For someone who lives in the Philippines, where we have pristine beaches like Boracay and Palawan, to name a few, this doesn't even come close. The sand there was fine and white (doesn't compare to Boracay for me tho) but the place was just too damn crowded. AND MAN, WAS IT HOT IN THERE. It's one of those beaches where there were tents and beach chairs elbow to elbow beside each other, it just wasn't for me. I'd choose a beach here back home ANY DAY. (Laid-back just the way i like it)

**Let me mention that the way to the island is a speedboat. I've never ridden one and I probably won't ever get on one again. IT WAS HELLA SCARY OKAY, I grew up riding motorboats and stuff but not speedboats. AAH, I thought I was gonna die in there. Unfortunately for me I had to ride it otw back as well x__x 

Also, did I mention THEY DO NOT HAVE FRESH WATER THERE TO BATHE? @_@ If ever you were lucky enough to find a half-decent shower (seriously gross not even exaggerating), then lucky you. Food there wasn't stellar either. This is just me though, as I have been to a lot of beautiful beaches here in our country. 

Disclaimer: I have not been to Phuket / other beaches in Thailand, just sharing my experience with Pattaya alone. I've yet to visit the beautiful beaches of Phuket! :)   

4. City Tour / City Walk 

We spent half a day during our second day going around Bangkok to do some sight seeing. Long story short, BUDDHIST TEMPLES!

With le parents in front of (one of the many) four-faced buddhas 

Honestly not the posey type so I end up doing weird poses like this or opt for a wacky shot

The Thai Ronald Mcdonald. Can't pass up on this obligatory tourist photo op! heheh

OK so apparently most of the temple shots are still in my phone

View from our hotel room

on the way back to the PH <3 

Last thoughts:

Bangkok pretty much looks like one big Divisoria to be honest. Not much sight seeing you can do in Bangkok (city proper) for me but there is seriously ENDLESS CHEAP SHOPPING TO DO <3

Also, food in Bangkok is incredibly cheap and good. Too bad we weren't able to visit places like the floating market, the ancient cities, night markets, and stuff like that but there is always a next time! Lastly, the people there are like Filipinos also (aside from physical resemblance), Thai people are relatively warm Asians (if u know what i mean lol) Like all places, there will always be pros and cons but Thailand is definitely worth visiting. :D

XX, Khimella