The Good Life Philippines: Vacation in Thailand

It was our first time to have a vacation in Thailand. I stepped foot in Bangkok with my husband Voltaire, my friend Claire and her mom, Tita Crising. Claire booked this vacation in Thailand last Christmas season as a sort of get-away for us, after mounting a series of successful events last year.

This vacation in Thailand was interesting and enjoyable. We flew to Bangkok via Cebu Pacific. When we got off the plane, I realized that it's just like "home." As Thai Ground Stewards welcome us, we immediately noticed the semblance of Thai features and physique with Filipinos. I might have made a mistake calling them "kabayan" had they not been speaking a different language. Suvarnabhumi International Airport seemed bigger compared to our NAIA Terminal 3. I was thankful that the airport's walkalator was functioning; lest, it would have been a long walk for us. (Can I just mention that our walkalator was not working when we boarded the plane and even when we got back from Bangkok?). Any rate, upon entering the arrival area, our eyes set-upon the huge photos of 2 elephants, which reminded me of my husband's ultimate plan to ride on one when we get to Thailand. (He got his wish and it was a thrill- but that's another story).

Vacation in Thailand- Volts and I at NAIA Terminal 3

Vacation in Thailand- With Claire at NAIA Terminal 3


Riding the Walkalator at Suvarnabhumi Airport with Volts and Tita Crising


Vacation in Thailand- Elephant Portrait at Suvarnabhumi International Airport

We were fetched by our guide, named Chocolate. He reminds us of the local comedian-actor Chocolate, because they have a resemblance. He's courteous and friendly . He mentioned that he already visited Manila and stayed in a friend's house in Green Meadows. He relayed his experiences when he toured Intramuros last year and expressed his intent to visit Boracay next year.

The weather was hot, similar to that of Manila’s summer days. We rode the comfortable tourist bus and while traversing the roads, Carriedo, Recto and Sta. Cruz came to mind (although there are also big buildings, in other areas). Traffic was heavy--bumper to bumper, as we call it, but then again, we are used to that, are we not?

We stayed at the Four Seasons International House, a nice and cozy hotel at Petchburi Road, Thailand. The owner of this boutique hotel happens to be a Filipina, Tita Zeny, a long-time friend of Tita Crising. It’s smacked right in the middle of Pratunam Garment Center, that’s why we also met a number of Filipino entrepreneurs who engage in garment trading (or who we colloquially refer to as “biyaheras”). Four Seasons International House has all the amenities that one would need in a hotel—wifi, buffet breakfast, sauna and massage and 2 free bottled waters, replenished everyday. It’s also a good alternative to luxury hotels, because it’s very affordable. We got our room for $65 per person for 4D/ 3N, inclusive of breakfast. It's near the shopping area, a 7-11 and our favorite NESCAFÉ Cart.


Vacation in Thailand- We stayed at Four Seasons Hotel


Vacation in Thailand- Room at Four Seasons International House

Vacation in Thailand, 7-11 near Four Seasons International

Vacation in Thailand- Bangkok NESCAFÉ Cart

Any rate, the very first “adventure” we had during our vacation in Thailand was eating street food. We just had a little difficulty talking to the vendors, so sign language was the most effective means of communication. We pointed at the food that we wanted to eat--this technique, we call "turo-turo" in Filipino. We ate fish, pork, chicken, steamed vegetables and of course, a very spicy salad. Locals said that it's a must to try the street food, so we went, we ate and were full. It was a hefty, but affordable meal. We spent something like 500 THB or about 735PHP, not bad for a party of four. The exchange rate during the time of our visit was 1PHP=.68 THB (Oh yes, sadly , our PHP has a lower exchange rate during the time of our visit to Thailand).