Introduction
Greetings from the vibrant streets of Bangkok! We’ve kicked off our multi-month adventure across Asia, and what a start it’s been! From our departure from Australia to our current escapades in the heart of Thailand, every moment has been a blend of exhilaration and cultural immersion. Join us as we recount our first week in Bangkok, filled with culinary delights, serene discoveries, and the build-up to the unforgettable chaos of Songkran.
Touchdown in Bangkok: From Quiet Beginnings to Culinary Adventures
After a lengthy flight and a calming cruise on the Chao Phraya River, our first order of business was some much-needed rest. Refreshed from our slumber and ready to take on the city, we ventured out early into the surprisingly quiet streets of Bangkok. Our morning started with a local favorite—a trip to 7/11 for their legendary toasties and iced coffee, setting us back just 148 baht (AU$6.30).
Energized, we explored the area around our hotel, discovering quaint coffee shops and inviting eateries. Despite the rising temperatures, we couldn’t resist cooling off in our hotel’s rooftop pool. To our surprise, the water was almost as warm as a spa, thanks to the searing Bangkok sun. We quickly learned that an evening swim under the setting sun offered a more refreshing experience.
That evening, our quest for authentic Thai cuisine led us to a local street vendor. There, we enjoyed a delicious Pad Thai for just 60 baht, choosing from an array of options including chicken, pork, and shrimp. The flavours were authentic and utterly “Aroi Mak” (delicious).
A Day of Exploration: Terminal 21 and Beyond
Our adventures continued as we visited Terminal 21, a unique mall themed around various international cities like San Francisco, London, and New York. Perched on the top level was a food court not to be missed. There, we indulged in some of Thailand’s finest dishes—pork stew over rice, dumplings, and wonton soup. The experience was made seamless with a card system to pay vendors, a convenient touch in such a bustling setting.
Later, a short Tuk Tuk ride whisked us back through the vibrant streets of Sukhumvit and Phrom Pong, ending another day rich with exploration and discovery.
EmSphere and Evening Delights
Another highlight was our visit to Emsphere, one of Phrom Pong’s newest malls. Just a ten-minute walk from our hotel (though we took the hotel shuttle for convenience), Emsphere dazzled us with its modern architecture and upscale shopping, including the iconic Swedish brand IKEA. We dined nearby, enjoying local Thai classics and Western options in a modern food court setting.
Dinner that night was a local affair near our hotel. The bustling atmosphere and the queue of locals were a sure sign of good food. We opted for safe yet satisfying choices like fried rice and crispy pork with kale, though the Pad See Yew with its fiery Thai basil and chili truly tested our spice tolerance, leaving us with a tingling sensation to remember.
Transition to Pattaya: A New Venue for Songkran Celebrations
After a wonderful six nights in Bangkok, it was time to take our adventure south to Pattaya, in anticipation of experiencing Songkran, the Thai New Year, in a new setting. We were collected by a private driver for the 1.5-hour journey, transitioning smoothly from the urban bustle of Bangkok to the spirited streets of Pattaya.
Upon settling into our hotel in Pattaya, Sabai Sabana, our first stop was the Big C supermarket at Central Marina, where we dived into the local preparation for Songkran. Here, amidst a variety of choices, we carefully selected our water pistols—essential gear for the upcoming water festivities. After much deliberation, our chosen Water Blasters were checked for functionality and we also picked up waterproof phone covers and zip lock bags to safeguard our belongings during the wet celebrations.
Embracing the Water Festival in Pattaya
Equipped with our new water pistols, we joined the vibrant street celebrations in Pattaya. It was a wet and wild experience, with water battles erupting at every turn. The streets of Pattaya enveloped us in a whirlpool of water and joy that lasted well into the night. Strategic positioning quickly turned into playful chaos as we engaged in full combat mode with locals and tourists alike, making our first Songkran in Pattaya an unforgettable experience.
Immersed in Songkran's Spirit
The spirit of Songkran was palpably alive and pulsating in Pattaya. Armed with our water blasters, we dived headfirst into the celebrations, which left us buzzing with energy. The streets were awash with water, laughter, and music, setting the stage for an all-out party atmosphere that was contagious. Not a single person, piece of clothing, street, or bar remained dry—everyone and everything was soaked in the spirit of the festival. This exuberant celebration brought together a diverse crowd, all united in the sheer joy of the moment, leaving us energised and more connected to the Thai culture and its people.
Stay tuned for more updates and tales from our travels on our blog, Travel Vloggers. We can’t wait to share more of our adventures with you!
