10 DO-IT-YOURSELF THAILAND: 4D/4N TRIP ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

Initially our plan is to do Thailand-Laos backpacking since I guess it is now becoming mainstream when going out of the country. As they say, hitting two birds in one stone.

However it ended up just Thailand and decided to visit the nearest province as replacement to Laos. We know Thailand is one of the most favorite places to visit in the world. Like the Philippines, people here are friendly and have the purest smile of happiness. And of course, the cost of living is affordable.

Here are the full details of travel itinerary and estimated expenses. I don’t feel like calling it as suggested itinerary but rather I’d like to call it sharing our trip itinerary and expense. It's up to you how you make your own but you can use this as reference for your do-it-yourself.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

We arrived at Suvanabhumi Airport past 12MN and checked in at the hotel near Petchaburi Road around 2AM. After all the papers processed at the hotel lobby, we found ourselves deeply asleep while snoring. We were so drained flying from Manila for almost for hours.

I have set my alarm to 8AM to catch breakfast at the hotel. We need to have the full energy to start our first day in Thailand.

8:00 AM	Call time – Prepare for breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 AM	Depart to Grand Palace Take the BTS from Phayathai to Siam (Bearing End). Interchange to Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier (Wong Wian Yai end). Take the boat with Orange or Green Flag and alight at Tha Chang (Pier N9).
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Visit Wat Pho (right behind the Grand Palace)
3:00 PM	Visit Wat Arun (short walk towards Tha Tien Pier N8) by crossing the river.
4:00 PM	Head to Asiatique Riverfront. From Central Pier, take the free shuttle boat.
6:00 PM	Explore Silom Road/Pat Pong From Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier, take the BTS to Sala  Daeng (National Stadium end).
9:00 PM	Head back to hotel.
EOD	Return to the hotel for a good night rest.

DAY 2:

Woke up early for another hotel breakfast and scheduled to depart at 9AM en route to Pattaya. This is one of the most famous beach roads in Thailand which is about 2 hours away from downtown City. After our cramped ride from Minibus, we arrived at the beach city past 12 NN. Since we do not have the hotel to stay yet, we decided to walk on the beach road searching for affordable inn. We were positive that we can find one because Pattaya is one of the most visited places in Thailand for some beach bumming and of course, life afterdark. XD

When everything was settled, we found ourselves sitting at the beachfront watching the sunset while drinking beer. Although we drink discreetly because it was holiday when we arrived and we don’t know about it that drinking or any kind of partying is not allowed. But it was still relaxing!

9:00 AM	Depart for Pattaya Take the cab/BTS from Phayathai to Victory Monument. After which, take  the van from Victory Monument to Pattaya.
12 Noon	Lunch – Arrival to Pattaya Look for accommodation.
1 PM	Free Time – Lounge at the beach, drink and party. Optional – Island hop to Koh Larn.

DAY 3:

Scheduled to depart in downtown Bangkok but we still have the morning time to go around Pattaya City. We actually decided to swim by the beach early morning but ‘twas low tide. That’s why we ended swimming at hotel pool located at the rooftop. Perfect point indeed with overview of the whole Pattaya City.

We left the beach City around 11AM.

After 2 hours of bus ride we arrived in Ekkamai terminal, near Ekkamai BTS Station. And instead of going back to hotel, we decided to go straight to Chatuchak, the biggest weekend market in Thailand to buy souvenirs and explore the place with the most affordable items.

After two hours of rambling at the market, bought some souvenir items for friends and loved ones back home, we decided to go back to hotel for a needed rest. We have things to do still at night.

By 6PM, with only two hours rest, we decided to explore Khao San Road. We needed to have a quick break with beer session plus food trip. There we found ourselves hanging out with other foreign visitors and intermingling with the locals. 

8:00 AM	Breakfast and prepare for departure to BKK
11:00 AM	Depart to BKK
1:30 PM	Arrival in BKK Lunch Time Hotel Check-in – Pratunam Pavilion Hotel
2:00 PM	Chatuchak Weekend Market Take BTS from Pratunam to Mo Chit Station (Sukhimvit Line)
4:00 PM	Head back to Hotel
6:00 PM	Depart for Khao San Road

DAY 4:

Our last day in Thailand! Whoa I hate to say goodbye but yes, my piglets are waiting for me back home. We woke up early to visit the famous Terminal 21 Mall in Bangkok. This mall is situated near Asok BTS Station, and what make this mall unique to others? It’s the world’s mall, not because this is the biggest but each floor has a unique theme with the famous cities in the world. Though the prices are not really affordable but yet you gonna feel arriving and departing around the globe at the same place.

Next, we headed to Platinum Fashion Mall.

This mall is situated near Petchaburi where we stayed. Platinum Fashion Mall has the variety of different items, from clothing, to shoes, men and women’s apparel. Any-thing! Prices are affordable; it’s within your budget so I guess I spent all my money left buying clothes and other items. The entire 6th floor as well occupies the food center, so if you wish to crave an authentic Thai cuisine, you can also find it here. 

8:00 AM	Hunt for Brekky
9:00 AM	Terminal 21 Mall to shop for Pasalubong
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Platinum Fashion Mall/Pantip Plaza IT Mall Free shuttle from hotel.
3:00 PM	Head back to hotel and prepare for the flight back.
6:00 PM	Early Dinner (Pratunam Area)
7:00 PM	Depart to Airport
12:00 AM	Flight back to Manila

EXPENSES:

I hope my memory serves me right. Please see below figures for the expenses during our tour in Thailand. First figure is fixed price. Second figure is the estimated expenses for transportation, food, drinks, and souvenir items. During our tour, exchange rate was 1 PHP = 1.36 THB but I converted it to 1.50 THB so the excess will be mine an additional money for souvenirs.

ACTIVITY	THB	PHP
Airfare (Cebu Pacific promo fare roundtrip)		3,800.25
Taxi from Airport to Hotel (400THB/3 persons)	133.00	200.00
Hotel Bangkok 2nights	1,200.00	1,800.00
Minivan going to Pattaya	100.00	150.00
Hotel Pattaya 1 night	700.00	1,050.00
Bus from Pattaya back to Bangkok	124.00	186.00
Hotel Bangkok 1 night	600.00	900.00
Rabbit Card for BTS Transportation	300.00	450.00
Wat Pho Temple	100.00	150.00
TOTAL		8,686.25 PHP

ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE (ESTIMATED ONLY)	THB	PHP
Transportation	1,000	1,500
Food/Beer	1,000 – 1,500	1,500 - 2,250
Souvenir Items	1,600	2,400
TOTAL:		6,150.00 PHP
OVERALL TOTAL:		14,836.25 PHP

I hope by sharing our DIY would help you plan and execute your trip to Thailand. You have something to comment or suggest, appreciate if you would post it in the comment section.

0 THAILAND: SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT, HOW TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CITY

It is indeed the biggest airport hub in Thailand. Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK) pronounced as Suwannaphum opens on September 2006 for domestic and on international commercial flight after 14 days of operation. This airport earned as the most photographic airport award in the influx of social media like Instagram. And I would say that they have the best architecture in an H-Shaped. The roof is covered with glass panels and fantastic ceiling.

Suvarnabhumi is located in Racha Thewa or about 25 kilometers from downtown Bangkok. I heard the name was chosen by their incumbent King Bhumibol Adulyadej which means the golden kingdom. This is the 16th business airport in the world and 6th in Asia.

In 2014 recent survey, Suvarnabhumi is awarded as the Top3 in World’s Best Premium Service Airports.



After almost four hours of flying, I finally have the chance to see this Airport hub. And of course setting foot for my third country visit after Hongkong and Macau. Or I don’t know if you can consider the latter two as country, I think they’re just an administrative region of China. Whatever, I still have stamps on my passport.

Arriving in Thailand, it was my first time to see the gigantic A380. As the person with so much fondness of aircrafts, it feels so much excitement when I get the chance to see right before my eyes the biggest passenger plane in the world. Suvarnabhumi is the main hub of Thai Airways International that is known for different fleets both Airbus and Boeing.

When pilot announced that we may now alight the aircraft, I have this enthusiastic energy to get out and witness myself Thailand’s megastructure. They’re airport is really huge and it immediately sinks to your mind that you are in another country. Thailand flags are scattered everywhere at the airport plus their Sanskrit text.

We lined up immediately at the immigration counter, and since I’m a Philippine passport holder no need to present visa. ASEAN has an agreement that all travelers belong to ASEAN region will not require to apply visa and granted 30-day stay. 

This airport has a quite number of walkalators, or they call it travelators. It feels like you don’t have the chance anymore to walk by foot because of these lator-ish setups.  I’d like to believe that they have the most organized facilities, more counters open especially immigration.

The mural above in yellow-orange-blue colors is I guess the Suvarnabhumi Dowwadung which is the most import concept for Thai society.

Since we arrived past 12 midnight, we decided to jump out from the airport after spending short period time taking pictures inside the airport.

But when we bid goodbye in Thailand, I know I will have plenty of time to explore if possible the entire airport while waiting for boarding back in Manila.

Just like a promise, during our waiting period I wandered the passenger lounge and take photos of these beautiful and stunning gigantic figures of the airport. There are four-giants seem like guarding the place. They are called Yaksha – the Guardian Giants. If you already traveled the city, those faces will be familiar to you as the figures are scattered all over the region.


HERE ARE THE PHOTO GALLERY INSIDE THE  PASSENGER HALL:

After our five-day tour in Bangkok we finally set foot again at Suvarnabhumi airport to say our sweet goodbye to this beautiful country. Since we arrived early and while waiting for the window to open, I have the chance to go around and take photos. Their architectural remnants are all enveloped in golden charm.

And what I really want to see is this dragon. Before we arrived in Bangkok I was searching about Bangkok and I always see this charismatic three-headed dragon with four-arm figure standing in the middle. I thought I’m gonna see this on arrival but you will only have to chance to meet them on departure out from Bangkok.

HOW TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CITY:

AIRPORT RAIL LINK: 

The best option to get in and out of downtown Bangok is via rail. It’s the fastest way to get in and out considering the hustle bustle traffic in the City. Express train leaves every 20 minutes going to Phaya Thai in 18-minute journey. Fare is 19 THB.  From Phaya Thai station, from there you can transfer around the city via BTS or Sky Train.

METERED TAXI: 

Taxis are located on the first floor of the arrivals area. Since we arrived past 12 midnight, we got no chance to ride the rail since the operation ends at exactly 12 MN. So we only take pink and yellow taxis to get into the city. You will be lined up at the taxi stand and let the dispatcher know where are you heading and then your destination will be written on a piece of paper that will be given out to the taxi driver. Please note that you have the right to say no if they will ask you for a flat rate. If the driver insists, then get out and let the dispatcher know. You will be paying extra 50 THB surcharge on top of your meter rate. I think that’s the driver fee. Since we booked hotel near Petchaburi our meter read almost 300 THB.

0 THAILAND: WAT ARUN, THE TEMPLE OF THE DAWN

The soaring temple of Wat Arun.

You will surely notice this soaring temple of Wat Arun if you are in Chao Phraya river en route to the temples of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. It is situated adjacent to WatPho temple, the oldest and largest temple in the Kingdom of Thailand. 

This temple is consists of five prangs; four on each corner and one in the middle, the center one is the tower which you will climb in almost upright 90 degrees, it’s very narrow and steep. There would be a significant reason why it’s steep; it is said to believe that the Buddhist has to face this challenge upon reaching Nirvana. As per Wikipedia, Nirvana literally means “blown out” or perhaps, it’s like a place of where you can find peace and happiness. Maybe in Christian alike, it is the heaven.

Wat Arun taken from the Chao Phraya River.

In order for you to enter at the main temple, one has to pay 50 THB. And likewise at the Reclining Buddha hall, they also require some dress code but not too strict. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are all covered. Anyway they have scarf for rent just in case.

When you reach inside the temple, don’t be surprised with the architecture. You will certainly be fascinated by the decoration and the design. The middle tower and four small prangs are covered with some colorful porcelain and seashells. While also stepping into the stairs, you will also witness different figures that serve as the guardians of the temple.

Now the question why it is being referred as the “Temple of the Dawn”, simply because by the height of about 219ft or like 20 storey building, the first light of the sun rising from the east shall reflects off the temple in vibrant pigments.

That's why whenever you have plans to visit Thailand, make sure to include this landmark on your itinerary. When you get to reach on top, you will surely feel the sense of fulfillment, the feeling of being cleansed it's like all the sufferings had gone. Furthermore you will also have the chance to see the beautiful skyline of Bangkok and the temples around Chao Phraya River.

It's fairly easy to get to Wat Arun temple. Take BTS Sky Train then alight at Saphan Taksin station, walk towards the Sathorn pier then ride either express boat (15 THB orange flag) tourist boat (40 THB). Disembark at Pier Tha Thien (N8) and then catch the ferry to cross the river going to the temple for 3 THB.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

0 THAILAND: WAT PHO, HOUSES THE MAJESTIC RECLINING BUDDHA

Inside What Pho temple. You will see numbers of small and huge Stupas, an icon of Kingdom of Thailand.

I honestly feel sorry for not learning its history prior to our visit. I’m sure there’s a good story of symbolism behind its design, structure and position. Regardless, it’s a sight to behold. It is indeed obligatory for oneself to know the history each time we visit a certain place. Thus, first day of our  trip to Thailand is visiting this majestic image of reclining Buddha.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Simply hop on the nearest BTS Station and make your way to the Saphan Taksin station. Use Exit 2 and walk along the pathway leading to the Central Pier. 

At the Chao Phraya Boat Terminal, Chao Phraya River.

At the Central Pier, you have two (2) options to get to Wat Pho. First is to take the Chao Phraya Tourist (Blue) boat with tickets priced at 40 THB per head. Second is to take the boat with Orange or Green Flag and alight at Tha Chang (Pier N9); fare is at 15 THB per head. If you seek comfort during your trip, I suggest that you select the first option as the Chao Phraya Tourist boat is not as crowded as the ordinary ones.

We alighted at the Tha Chang Station (Pier N9). Truth is, we do not know exactly which way to go. But my instinct tells me to follow other tourists (usually Caucasians). So we did and true enough, we ended at the door of the Wat Pho. It is not really hard to spot given that tourists would flock this area. It is only a few meters (to the right) away from the ferry station.

One of the boat service in Chao Phraya river.

When we alight at the pier station, we just followed the crowd since most of them are going to the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Standing outside the beautiful temple, I was already enthralled, the architecture and style will surely tell you how beautiful and rich the Thai culture is. The roof has this golden sharp ends that brought its unique elegance. 

In order for you to get in, entrance fee would be 100 THB.

This is what the Temple of Wat Pho looks like from the outside.

INSIDE WAT PHO TEMPLE

Having said that Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple, but the mainstream of your visit is to witness this majestic reclining Buddha. I know it’s just huge but I didn’t really expect how gigantic it is. This reclining Buddha measures 15m high and 43m long so I can’t really describe how massive it is. The interior of the house are all covered with different Buddhist and Thai symbols and arts. And note that every small detail of these symbols were all painted by hands.

And by the way before you can get inside, you will have to take off your shoes or you can ask for a foot sacks. They also have this silky bathrobe to cover your body especially girls wearing tiny shorts and hanging shirts.

A close look of the head of Buddha. 

Thumbs up. Look how big it is. It is shimmering in golden shades.

The toe of reclining Buddha and the marks.

A close look on the details sculptured on the foot of Buddha and the wallpapers.

An old and small image of Buddha where you can pray and offer.

While walking around this glossy statue, you will hear sounds of zen-like jingle being dropped into copper bowls. I thought it was like recorded music that being played inside the hall. And I was right; people are piling into these 108 bronze bowls lined up on the wall behind the statue. These bowls are indicating 108 auspicious character of Buddha. It is said to believe that these will bring good fortune. The donations will be used help the monks for maintenance of the temple. You will just have to exchange your 20 THB and they will give you a bowl full of coins.

These are the 108 bronze bowls that will bring fortune.

After visiting this hall, it’s about time to go around this huge temple of Bangkok. It’s actually a temple within a temples. And each section has the largest collections of Buddha images in the whole country. It’s over thousands of images. The entire temple is so quaint, deserved to be posted across social networking sites especially Instagram. There is no specific direction to follow; it’s up to you where to go depending on your interests but every nook and corner of this temple are all stunning. I’m sure that one day is not enough to conquer the whole temple.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.