OUR RECENT trip to Bangkok was an absolute whirlwind of sights, flavors, and experiences. Forget the malls and street markets for now – for a truly diverse Bangkok experience, we ventured beyond the typical tourist trail in the City of Angels (plus a side trip to Pattaya), thanks to our friends at the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Cebu Pacific.
This vibrant city pulsates with varied tourism gems, from unique museums and expansive parks to Insta-worthy cafes and bistros that offer picturesque views and quirky corners.
Here is a quick glimpse of the sites we explored during our visit.
Suan Sampran in Nakhon Pathom: This riverside retreat provided a tranquil start to our adventure, offering views of lush gardens and interactive activities (tie-dye, scented oil, organic rice rub making) that gave us a glimpse of traditional Thai life.
Ancient City in Samut Prakan: We stepped back in time to this massive outdoor museum (the world’s largest!) filled with replicas of Thailand’s iconic historical and architectural landmarks. Think Nayong Pilipino to the 10th power.
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World: A fascinating underwater world where we spent hours exploring marine life and meeting various aquatic creatures, from playful otters and penguins, to majestic rays and sharks.
Bubble in the Forest Cafe in Nakhon Pathon: This TikTok-famous “floating” restaurant afforded us an enjoyable pitstop with its resort-like layout of azure-colored ponds and cozy open-air patios that create a very relaxing ambiance.
Madame Tussauds Bangkok: Want to meet incredibly realistic wax figures of some of the world’s famous celebrities and historical figures, including our very own Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Grey? This is the place.
Sook Siam in Icon Siam: Nestled within a sprawling mall, this modern food court took us on a journey through the kingdom’s rich culinary heritage where we spent some time wandering through the meticulously recreated streets and sampled some Kanom Krok, Pad Thai, Khao Mun Gai, and other traditional Thai dishes.
Siam Fantasy in Asiatique: A dazzling spectacle replete with music and elaborate costumes that transported us to a fantastical world of Thai legends and folklore. If you’ve seen Niam Siramit before, think of this as its abridged cousin.
Chao Phraya River Cruise: A must for first-time visitors, the cruise afforded us a unique perspective of the city on board a sleek riverboat. Apart from the Thai dinner buffet, we were also entertained by a band (with Filipino musicians, of course!) and fireworks as we navigated through the historic river, passing by iconic landmarks – the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and countless glittering skyscrapers.
Truly, each location we visited offered a unique and memorable experience, showcasing the diverse beauty and rich culture of Thailand. To get there, Cebu Pacific Air flies directly from Davao to Bangkok via Don Mueang International Airport every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
