Thailand - The Land Of Smiles

28th October,2016 - The day arrived.After long planning, friend and I boarded an early morning flight to Bangkok.

We arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport ,got done with all formalities and stepped out of the airport around 4:30pm local time.The moment one steps out of the airport,strong odor of cooking oil may overwhelm some.We boarded the airport express line to reach the Phaya Thai station.And then took the train to arrive at Phra Kanong.Although,the BTS and MRT lines provide excellent connectivity to the city,the distance from aiport may tire you.We arrived at the our hotel Hopeland Executive at 6:30PM local time.It is a pretty decent property and on the main road and about 5-7 minute walk from Phra Kanong station.Day 1 went by roaming around and having dinner at a small restaurant nearby.

Day 2 - Was travel day to Pattaya.Thanks to a very minor accident,we had to postpone the travel to early evening and not morning as planned.We took a bus from Ekkamai bus station to Pattaya.Buses leave on time here and hence it is best to arrive early enough.It gets very humid in Bangkok and hence best to ensure that you consume enough fluids through the day.We arrived at our hotel in Pattaya,relaxed for while before we headed to the streets nearby.Pattaya can be very much on your face initially.Definitely not my favorite place!Travel tip - shared tuk tuks are really cheap.Do ensure that you confirm the price per person before boarding these shared tuk tuks.

Day 3 - By now,we were getting used to the weather,food and streets in Thailand.The strong cooking oil odor is everywhere and takes time getting used to.Day 3 started by a walk down the Pattaya beach road.The beach is strictly okay here.Travel Tip - Buy water from 7/11.It would cost anywhere between 9-18 THB.Restaurants charge a lot for bottle of water.After a long walk down the beach road and lunch at an Indian restaurant,we were back at our hotel ready to move back to Bangkok.The bus ride from Pattaya to Bangkok feels very similar to the bus ride from Mumbai to Pune.Since,we had an early morning flight to Phuket next morning,we booked a hotel (G9 Bangkok) closer to the Don Mueng airport.Travel Tip - If you are short of food and it is very late in the day - just walk upto a 711 store and buy packed food for 35-60THB.They would warm it at their store for you to carry back to your hotel.We had to do this because all restaurants in the area had closed by the time we got ready for dinner.If one has time,chatuchak market is a must visit.

Day 4 - Travel to Phuket!A very different place compared to cities in North Thailand.The approach to Phuket runway is lovely! There are several small hills dotting the sea below!It looks gorgeous from the top.

Phuket was a lot cooler than Bangkok.Patong beach is where our hotel was located - Antadel Hotel,a very decent 3* property.Phuket provides you with quintessentially beautiful beaches.Morning passed exploring the streets.Be ready to walk long distances in Phuket.Tuk tuks charge a minimum of 200 THBs!!!After spending lot of time at Patong beach,we went to the famous Bangla Road.Known as Vegas of South East Asia,it is the place to be in Phuket.Does get crowded but definitely manageable!And yes you have the bars - of all kinds!

Day 5 - This was one of the trips I was looking forward to.Island trips.We booked an island trip through speed boat to Phi Phi island for 1000THBs per person.The experience was truly memorable!Specially green waters around Maya Bay and Viking cave.One may try snorkeling there or at Phi Phi.After enjoying a bit of nature,it was time to unwind at a club at Bangla road.Live bands with loads of food/alcohol options - this is certainly the place to be during evenings.

Day 6 - By now,I had got used to Thailand,people,language,streets,oil,food.And it was my birthday too!Apt for some self reflection,I spent a bit of the morning at the lovely patong beach.It was a bright and sunny morning.Phuket was definitely best part of the trip.Back to Bangkok that evening!

Day 7 - Last Full day.It was time for the visit to Wat Arun temple.A BTS travel to Hua Lampong station followed a bus travel to Tha Thien pier.From this pier on can get regular ferries to cross over to temple side and back.It costs all of 3.5THBs per trip.Beware that the tuk tuk guys near Hua Lampong station can mislead and get you to the private piers.These piers charge you 1000THBs for 1 hour ferry ride across Chao Praya river.We got 'scammed' by the tuk tuk driver.Wat Arun is a quintessential buddhist temple.Be mindful of the steep staircase at the temple.The temple visit followed some lovely street sea food right outside the pier.3 king prawns for 30 THB was amazing!!So was sushi for 5THB!!Evening was spent at 38 Sukhumvit night market which is right next to the Thong Lor BTS station.Famous for lip smacking and spicy food options!Paradise for non vegetarians.

Day 8 - Early morning flight back to India!What struck me about Thailand was the pride with which locals served tourists.Smile is contagious!