THAILAND - BANGKOK & PATTAYA

Hj Zulheimy Maamor : 12 March 2024

Memories in Bangkok and Pattaya

Bangkok officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhnon is the capital city of Thailand. It is located on the delta of the Chao Phraya River.

Bangkok is renowned for its vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage and majestic temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. 

I have been to Bangkok twice, the first time in 2000 and the second time in 2006. Both of my visits to Bangkok were when I was working with The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia. 

The distance between KL and Bangkok by air is 1,237.98 km

The photos of my arrival in Bangkok in 2000 and 2006

2000 - Don Muang International Airport is considered one of the world's oldest operating airport as it was officially opened as a Royal Air Force base on 27 March 1914. The Commercial flight began in 1924, making it one of the oldest Commercial Airport. However, in September 2006, Don Muang Airport was closed and replaced by the newly opened Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

2006 - Suvarnabhumi International Airport located mostly in Racha Thewa subdistrict, Samut Prakan Province, is one of the biggest International Airport in Southeast Asia and a regional hub for aviation. It was officially opened on 28 September 2006, taking over all flights from the Don Muang Airport. 

2000 - PRINCE PALACE HOTEL, BANGKOK

Prince Palace Hotel, located on Damrongrak Road, is named after Field Marshal Putera Kromaluang Nakhon Chaisri Suradej, who is the son of King Rama V.

2006 - EMERALD HOTEL, BANGKOK

Emerald Hotel Bangkok is located at Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand.It is very close (about 2-minute walk) to the Huai Khwang MRT (subway) station. It opened in 1992, s 5-star hotel featuring multiple restaurants (Chinese, Japanese and International), an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, a gym and various other facilities. 

CHAO PHRAYA RIVER

The Chao Phraya River, or "Menam Chao Phraya," is the longest and most important river in Thailand. It is 372 kilometers long and flows from the north of Thailand to the Gulf of Thailand (Gulf of Siam) in the south. This river forms the Chao Phraya Valley or 'Chao Phraya Basin.' Bangkok is rapidly developing as it is now because of this river. Bangkok's population of 8.1 million people depends heavily on this river.

A cruise on Chao Phraya River, often called the "River of Kings" is an essential Bangkok experience. We will past many historical landmarks including The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wah Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), contrast of traditional wooden houses and temples against the rapidly modenizing Bangkok Skyline. 

The famous Wan Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, known more commonly as the Temple of Dawn.Located on the west bank of Chao Phraya River, in the Thonburi area of Bangkok. 

WAT ARUN

A Buddhist temple situated on Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river.The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna. Wat Arun , also known as The Temple of Dawn, is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks. 

Wat Arun can be accessed through the Chao Phraya River, and ferries travel across the river towards the Maharaj pier. 

SAFARI WORLD & MARINE PARKS

A popular tourists attraction covering an area of about 200 acres, it is one of the largest open-air Zoo in Asia and is home of a wide variety of animal species from around the world. The park is divided into two main sections, Safari Park and Marine Park  and is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that can be explored by car or on foot. Visitors can get up close and personal with wild animals such as tigers, lions, bears and zebras wandering freely in their natural habitats. Besides, Marine World houses a number of themed attractions and shows featuring various animals such as dolphins, elephants, birds, sea lions, and orangutans.

Safari Park (Lion) - a lion resting on a rock , it is an open, drive-through zoo section where animals like lions, tigers and giraffes roam freely in large naturalistic habitats. 

The iconic Western Cowboy Stunt Show area, which is a major feature of the park's Marine Park section. The photo show the elaborate Wild West movie built for the show, complete with wooden saloons, a general store, and the "Ashline Company" building. 

This is the Marine Park section of the Safari World,Bangkok. Among it was the Dolphin Show, one of the Safari World's most popular attractions and the Spy War Show, the area was built to look like a harbor or waterway , features a narrative of espionage, often involving a daring protagonist infiltrating a villain's lair. 

FLOATING MARKET

There are many floating markets in Bangkok, one of the county's biggest attractions. The best known floating market in Bangkok is Damnoen Saduak as its use as a setting in the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Located about 100 km southwest of the city in Ratchaburi province. 

TIGER AND CROCODILE FARM

Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo, which is the largest and most famous of its kind near Bangkok.The farm was established in 1950 and became the world's largest crocodile farm by 1970.

That's part of my experience in Bangkok. If you're considering a trip to Southeast Asia, your journey will likely begin in Bangkok, as it is the primary entry point for travellers visiting Thailand. Bangkok is considered  on or the best places to visit in the world.

The Mak Yah Muslim Restaurant located at Phetchaburi Road in the Thung Phaya Thai neighborhood of Ratchathewi, Bangkok.It is a known and popular Thai Muslim restaurant in the area, specifically being run by Thai Muslims, whom also speak Malay. 

In year 2006, the only operational MRT line was the Blue Line (Officially the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line). It was officially opened on 3 July 2004 by HM King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

PATTAYA, THAILAND

This coastal city is mostly famous for its beaches, water sports, and outdoor activities. Pattaya is just 150 km southeast of Bangkok, a mere 2-hours drive.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PATTAYA

Is a world-famous-family-oriented walk through tourists attraction that originated in the U.S.A. The Museum houses more thatn 300 unique collections of oddities and it presents a careful balance between the strange, the shocking, and the beautiful. 

Located inside the Royal Garden Plaza, this attraction offered museums, waxworks (Louis Tussaud;s) and haunted adventures. 

TOWN IN TOWN HOTEL, PATTAYA

This relaxed, modern hotel is 2 km from Pattaya Beach and 7 km from the 20-storey Sanctuary of Truth. 

There are more than 30 ethnic groups in in Thailand. The term 'Thai' is both a national and ethnic term for the dominant population of Thailand. Approximately 95 % of the total population of Thailand identifies ethnically as Thai. 

For many, Thailand is worth visiting because it is an affordable destination where your money can go further. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

12 March 2024 > 1 Ramadan 1445H: 5.18 p.m