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Bangkok is full of fastidious decorated Buddhist temples – as you go from one to the next you’ll be continually blown away by the craftsmanship and meticulous details. But if you’d rather seek enlightenment in a gourmet meal, or dance the night away, you’ll also enjoy Bangkok – the restaurant and nightclub scenes here are among the best in the world. Ultimately, we’re here to celebrate Ed’s birthday.

BUT this is one of the unforgettable trips we had so far. Have you ever had a negative experience where the event turned out to be a lot better in the end than it was initially?  Well, the purpose of this blog is to share our experiences whether they’re good or bad.

One thing I like about tour packages – I don’t need to think too much. Everything is planned accordingly. While the thing I don’t like about it – you have to follow the schedule whether you like it or not. We booked for Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise tour package but didn’t make it. Why? First, we’re late for about 10 minutes at the pick up point. Why again? Because of heavy traffic at 6AM. Did we inform them? Yes, but the contact person couldn’t be reached then. Why again?  She’s still sleeping. The driver already left us. In short, we got FRUSTRATED at that very moment.  So, how? No choice, just accept the fact. It’s non-refundable and non-transferable.

So now, what? We went to the riverside. Had a sumptuous healthy breakfast – while enjoying each bite and appreciating the view we plan and make the most out of it! There you go!

The Private Long-Tail Boat Ride

From the River City, we board on a comfortable long-tail boat at Chao Phraya River. While on board, you’ll enjoy the majestic city view and pass by the gorgeous temple of Wat Arun, a towering shrine whose main spire juts dramatically into the sky. If you have ample time, explore the glittering Grand Palace.

We didn’t visit the Grand Palace though we pass by at Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew because we wanted to use our limited time to experience the Floating Market. The concept of floating market is a novelty worth seeing. However it seems to have degenerated into selling of mass produced goods at a higher price than the city markets.

Visit The Temples

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn is one of Bangkok’s best known landmark. It stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri. Wat Arun is best seen from the opposite bank of the river; it glistens in the sunlight during the day and stands dark and noble at dawn or dusk. A visit to the beautiful, peaceful monastery complex surrounding the familiar towers are worth-while. This Wat or Buddhist temple is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. The four-corner prang of Wat Arun, which house images of the guardian gods of the four directions, reinforces this mystical symbolism. It also contains narrow lanes; elegant, old white buildings; shrines, pools of turtles; and two fine giants, Yuk Wat Jaeng, mortal enemies of the Yuk Wat Po across the river.

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald, most beautiful and important Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is so richly and intricately decorated that, once entering the temple, you will feel as if you are in a real ’city of angels’, like in the movie.

Note: Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand’s most sacred temple, so please do not wear shorts, or sandals.

True Love at Neverland

This Husky Cafe is probably the cutest and sweetest escape in Bangkok. This Siberian True Love Café in Bangkok is truly, truly a dog lover’s heaven. This charming cafe is home to 25 gorgeous huskies, 2 Australian Shepherds, 1 Japanese Akita and 1 little Shih Tzu, all of which are part of a big fluffy family.

Our interaction with huskies were exceptional. Now, I know, True Love cafe was the main reason why I visited Bangkok this time round and why we’re not meant to go to Ayyuthaya. There’s a better place ahead of us that made my day.

Sunset Mass

Surprisingly, a city with massive temples is situated a Catholic Church. Attended a sunset mass at Holy Redeemer Church and it was unforgettable experience to have met a priest who prayed over us.

Night Market

One of the “Must-Go” in Bangkok is definitely to visit Night Markets (Shopping). The energy and vibe of night markets in Bangkok is just so different and you really got to experience it for yourself! Night markets of all sorts are available. You can choose to go to those near your hotels or those that are themed, like vintage ones. There will definitely be one that will suit you.

Nightlife

After the sun wanes, Bangkok gets its second breath. The heavy traffic subsides, the mad rush is over. So now, we got to experience the Bangkok nightlife.

Royal City Avenue – more commonly known as RCA – is the epicentre of Bangkok’s clubbing scene and an officially designated nightlife zone. The vibe is young, the mood is carefree, and with lots of security whereby you can feel safe as you party the night away. But we’d still prefer a more cozy ambience so we find another place nearby RCA.

Indulge in Local Favourites

You must have heard a lot about Bangkok food. Perhaps even overwhelmed with choice to the point of not knowing where to start. From street foods to cafes to local food restaurants. Take your pick, it’s available everywhere.

We tried the Tom Yum and Phad Thai at Kang Ban Phe Noodle and Seafood Cafe. It has a very good reviews but not excellent.

Pampering Massage

There is no place like Bangkok when it comes to heavenly massages and pampering spa treatments.

Set your mind free, soothe your senses, luxuriate in the holistic treatments and bid your stress and worries goodbye.

There is a lesson to be learned in everything that happens to us. Whether we realize it or not depends on how we respond. If we decide to see the negative experience that way we will inevitable perceive them as such. We can easily be frustrated for what had happened. By changing our perception we’re able to let go and change our mood.

What negative experience have you had that later turned out to be a lot better?