We went to Bangkok via flight and its just 2 1/2 hr flight from Singapore and there is 1 hr time difference between Singapore and Bangkok.After landing at the Swarnaboomi airport, We were fascinated by the Thai influence very much.We started loving Thai culture very much.It was a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism.They considered Buddha much more than their God.He was supreme.
We reached our Hotel by train.It was a fun ride.Thai have great regard for their king and queen too and I could see pictures of the royal couple in many government buildings.
I loved the walk to hotel too.We had booked a hotel just a few minutes from the MRT. Though the streets were cleaner, the over head wires dangling above were a sore sight.Bangkok doesn't have underground wiring I guess so as I spotted many wires above the ground.
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| Shiva shrine outside our hotel |
Shrines in Bangkok are like small Wats outside any major buildings and we can see Shrines of Brahma(Erawan shrine),Vishnu, Shivan, Ganesha,Buddha almost all across the city.These shrines are open 24 hours.
Day 1 after having a quick lunch in our room, we took a taxi .We saw Erawan Shrine enroute , but didn't get down.We saw this shrine many times when we were in Bkk.It was this shrine where the bomb blast took place claiming 20 lives and injuring many.I tried to get a picture of the shrine.
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| Erawan Shrine |
We went to see Wat Traimit where there was golden Buddha built by solid gold weighing 5 tons and measuring 12'5" width,15'9" height .It is a 700 year old Wat(Thai usually refer temple as Wat).
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| king |
Later we went to Chinatown area and Little India area.I could see lot of street stalls along the way.Chinatown looked very similar to Singapore's Chinatown.All over Bangkok, there were shop houses of different sizes.
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| Royal Candle which has sculptures are famous in Thailand. |
We went to Gurudwara and a Hindu temple.It was a first time we have been to any Gurudwara and as I was wearing a salwar kammez, I was asked to cover my head with my duppata where as for Arshi and my hubby they gave a yellow shawl to cover their heads.We were offered prasads too.
Later we went to a North Indian style Hindu temple where we were greeted with marble statues of almost all Hindu dieties.As it was it was Janmasthami time, there was special celebrations for that.We had our dinner there .
The next day we started early from our hotel and took a taxi.We should be very careful with taxi drivers and tuk tuk drivers.Bangkok is known very famous for the heavy traffic an d when we go by meter cabs sometimes we have to pay very heavy rate because of traffic.The taxi driver who took us seemed friendly and we told him we wanted to go to Grand Palace.He told he will take us to floating market which is near to the palace and we agreed .But later realized it was a foul play.We were almost 30 min driving outside city and when asked how long will it take to reach floating market , he shocked us by saying another 1 hr drive.We understood we were trapped and ordered him to bring us back to city.We got down at Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn.A simple taxi ride that would have cost between 100-150 Bhat costed 400 Bhats when we got off.s considered a
We rushed to see Wat Arun.It was under renovation.We saw some small Wats nearby.
Took some pics and later took ferry in CHAO PHAYA river , another must see attraction in Bangkok.
Th e ferry took us to the other side where we went to see Wat Po.It is the Wat where there is reclining Buddha.The Wat is very big and beautiful.I didn't like of leaving the Wat Pho.
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| Wat Pho=Reclining Buddha |
Later we went to the the Grand Palace, a place where royal family lived once and even now they perform specific rituals there n important days..In Bkk, the royal family is considered as God and I could see the images of the royal family members in almost all Government buildings and just as we have our own National day an d decorate the town with red and white , I could see the images of queen alongside the road .I heard she had celebrated her birthday recently.
In Grand Palace, there was Emerald Buddha which is considered as a national pride and treasure of Thailand.There are 3 set of clothing for the emerald Buddha according to the various seasons.
After Grand Palace, we went to a street market where I could see them selling roasted worms, crabs etc.I most street markets I came across, they were selling cloths.But they weren't that cheap.Just window shopped as we proceeded further.
We had food in a Thai Vegetarian restaurant and I would say it tasted heavenly.Thais refer vegetarian food as " May " food.though a bit costly , we savoured every bit of it.We had vegetable noodle with sauce.
Later we went to see democracy Monument walked along and aslo went to a Wat .I didn't know its name as almost all major boards are written in Thai language.
Later we went to Golden mount (Wat Saket).Luckily though it was past 6 in the evening the Wat was still open and we climbed up the small mount.Th e view atop the mount was breath taking .Loved being there.
Later we took taxi and came to our Hotel where Arshi and my hubby took their relaxed moments in the swimming pool.
We checked out early along with our luggage and went to Mariamman Temple in Silom Road.It is an ancient temple built based on south Indian style of temple.It was our 12 th wedding anniversary.We took the blessing of the almighty.
In the same area, there was an India restaurant where we had our breakfast.
Later we took a cab an d went to Vimanmek Palace.If you buy Grand Palace tickets, you get the tickets for this palace too free of cost.As Thailand was facing post bomb scare there was heavy security in all places and we saw Vimanmek Palace and mansion where the royal family lived.It was built by pure teak wood and we were awed by it.In most places of Bkk , we can take pictures outside the buildings, but we are not supposed to take any pictures inside.As we were carrying check out baggage as well, only my hubby and Arshi went on to see Anantasamakhom Palace.There is strict dress code for adults.They are not allowed to wear shorts and sleeveless dresses.Arshi wore a leggings.But still she was asked to wrap a sarong/shawl.So I lended my shawl to her.
Our final destination was the Central where there are many shopping malls and shopping streets.As we didn't have enough time we had quick lunch of Thai vegetarian in one of the Mall's food court.the food was yummy.Now I am longing for Thai Vegetarian food.We saw the famous Ganesha and Trimurthi Shrine and as there was tight security, we just took dharsan from a distance.We did quick shopping there in Big C mall.I won't recommend it as I feel it is not very cheap.But it is a supermarket where you get everything under the same roof just like Giant supermarket or Mustafa.
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| Ganesha Shrine |
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| Trimurthi shrine |
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| inside train we can see priority seating for monks too !!!!! |
Finally we headed to Suvarnabhoomi airport.The airport itself is very beautiful.Took some pictures.These are must see if you happen to go to Bkk.I also loved the churning of Amrutha /nectar scripture there.It looks so beautiful.
Though we had initial fear over whether we will have a happy time in Thailand, we did savor many good memories.Even Arshi felt those 3 days were one the best days spent by her.But whenever we drove past Erawan shrine our heart felt tight with unknown sadness and when there was tight security we could sense the value of life and we live only once and we should live it in a peaceful way and not by seeking in to terrorist way that would scare and destroy people's lives and their dear ones future.We thank God for bringing us back to Singapore safely.
We loved the trip very much.
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| happy to be home and doing Gokulasthami poooja in the midnight. |
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