Amazing Thailand, Day 1

I have lots to things I want to write about my recent trip to Thailand so I’ve decided to give a little roundup on what we did there each day, beginning with Day 1. Then I’ll just write some more explaining things in detail in future posts.

*****

We arrived in Thailand just shortly before 9 am. I can’t believe I’m stepping into this amazing country for the first time.

Our guide Mr. Boonlert picked us up at the airport. He was with other bloggers from Kuwait and Bahrain. I am so glad to meet all of them, they were all nice people. We got on a van and headed south to Samut Songkhram province enroute to Hua Hin, a seaside resort located south of the capital city of Bangkok.

The guide told us stories about Thailand, its people and amazing history. He spoke with pride and joy about his country, pointed out so many things along the way.It was a real treat to hear him speak – if only I wasn’t too tired or sleepy!!After an hour, I dozed off. Sorry Mr. Boonlert!

Lesson learned: I must not have red wine again on any flight if ever I need to be alert and attentive in the morning!

Before I slept though, I managed to take a photo of the three headed elephant statue along the highway.

three headed elephant

There were so many temples but the van was traveling so fast my poor camera couldn’t cope up! By the way, I can’t believe how there are  so many photos of the king in all parts of the country. It’s just so new to me.

As we enter the town of Samut Songkhram, our guide pointed out a typical market with vendors and consumers buzzing about.

thai railway market

He says, this market is NOT typical at all. It lies above the railway and every 3-4 hours, vendors pack up their things to allow the train to pass! Then after a few minutes, they put their displays again and continue market life!

thai railway market

Photo credit

Our itinerary said we are going to the Floating Market but our guide decided to schedule that on the later days. We went straight to Baan Amphawa Resort and Spa instead to have our lunch. It’s my first meal in Thailand so I really looked forward to it – and whoa, it did not disappoint. I got reacquainted with my love for coconut here too.

coconut meat

Pomelos sold at very cheap prices.

pomelos

US$1=30 Thai Bahts so a 100 Baht pomelo only costs about 12 UAE dirhams! It’s 1/3 cheaper there and 3 times more delicious. I want to bring these back to Dubai!

After lunch we headed further south, to Hua Hin where a promise of one hour of rest in a freshly made bed awaits and bath!

the rock bed and bath

But who rests and takes a bath when there is free WiFi in the room? I only managed to take a quick shower because I ran out of time after checking out the internet, tweeting and blogging!

Our next stop? Hua Hin Night Market…now recalling any haggling skills left for street shopping! (Night market post will follow shortly)

6 Comments

  1. Thailand is a mesmerizing country: the fruits , the market, the streets, the people, it’s hard not to want to go back over and over again. Can’t wait to see the markets!

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  2. How wonderful it all looks. Glad you got to nap in the car… you sure needed it since you didn’t at the hotel. TeeHee
    I, too love coconut… so delicious, your photo is wonderful.
    I cannot wait for more of your trip.

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  3. Can I just say AGAIN……So JEALOUS!

    Oh Grace, I’m so happy that you got to experience this-This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime thing 🙂

    And yay for vicarious living!! Hehe.

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