Discovering Amazing Thailand

Okay, as promised ... Well, I wasn't able to do what I promised three months ago - that was to give you updates of my Thailand escapade due to being occupied by other stuff. So, to move on, let me give you the highlight of this awesome trip that I had, and allow me to give you some tips, probably about the must-see places. When you hear of Thailand, I pretty much sure that temples and just a bunch of temples were filling your mind, but no, that's a very wrong concept as I discovered myself that this superb country has so much to offer more than just temples.

How did I get to realize that there's not only temples but a lot more interesting places to go and see in Thailand? First off, I did a search. Yes, just as how you look up on best airline ticket deals - you have to find out more in order to get to see the best places and experience the most wonderful adventure during your visit.

First stop: Nong Nooch Garden, Pattaya [October 26, 2013]
Nong Nooch is world renowned for its impressive Elephant and Thai Cultural Shows, along with what is largely considered the biggest and most beautiful botanical garden in Southeast Asia. A Muay Thai showdown is also expected.

Second Stop: Palio Village, Khao Yai [October 28, 2013]
Palio is a picturesque shopping centre, 220km north-east of Bangkok, themed around a Tuscan village where visitors are treated to an out-of-the-ordinary combination of clothes and gift shopping, gourmet snacks, live entertainment, and an eclectic mix of independent shops and stalls.

Third Stop: Farm Chokchai, Pakchong [October 28, 2013]
Farm Chokchai is a fully integrated dairy farm perched on a vast stretch of plains amidst a scenic surrounding. As superb tourists facilities are provided, Farm Chokchai is an agro-tourism spot where visitors can learn about milking, making of fresh milk ice cream, animal feed plant, and several other activities.

Fourth Stop: Chocolate Ville, Bangkok [October 28, 2013]
Chocolate Ville is a new unique design restaurant which features a small European village, much more like a theme park, with the concept of "Dining in the Park".

Fifth Stop: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya [October 29, 2013]
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is situated on the city island in Ayutthaya’s World Heritage Park in Pratu Chai sub-district. It has been registered as a national historic site by the Fine Arts Department since 5 March 1935. This monastery was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Royal Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

Sixth Stop: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok [October 29, 2013]
Chao Phraya River is the principal river of Thailand which flows south through the nation’s fertile central plain for more than 225 miles (365 km) to the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand’s capitals, past and present (Bangkok), have all been situated on its banks or those of its tributaries and distributaries, as are many other cities. Along the river is a scenic view of many temples such as the Grand Palace and other historic buildings.

And this is Bangkok!

Some facts you should know about Thailand:
- Tesco Lotus is everywhere
- 7 Eleven is located every after one kilometer
- When you buy a bottled water expect it to come with a drinking straw [people will know that you aren't a local if you don't use a straw]
- Bottled water is free when you buy gas
- If you stay in Bangkok, it is more practical to use the BTS than any other means of transpo
- Most Thai people do not speak English, so never attempt to ask especially for a direction
- Pedestrian lane is nowhere to find, so be brave, have that guts to cross the road/street swiftly and carefully
- You have never been in Bangkok if you didn't get to Siam Paragon

Have a grand Thai experience!

My Awe-inspiring Changi Experience

It was Friday, 25^thof October - the day that I expected to spend 17 hours inside Changi Airport in Singapore. Bored? Not at all since I got to utilize my time exploring all three terminals via the amazing sky train. My aircraft landed 35 minutes before midnight of 24^th so after clearing the immigration, I proceeded to the nearest Left Baggage counter and checked my luggage in, which did cost me SG$4.30. I stayed at the Terminal 2 Arrival hall public area during the night, slept on the plastic benches with no pillow but only a scarf to keep me warm.

Morning did come fast which made me more excited to go around the terminals. And to make the story short, I took the sky train and I was able to spot the airport tower with the Crowne Plaza Hotel adjacent to it along with the airport highways emblazoned with thick mass of pink flowers. Click! Click! There were lots of stunning scenes to take photos of. I was privileged to witness the synchronized movement of the renowned Kinetic Rain, while the Slide@T3 was among the best spots in my list, yet too bad it was closed that day.

When I checked in for my next flight, I got more chance of seeing the Terminal 2 wonders which included the Sunflower Garden, the Orchid Garden and Koi Pond, together with the Cinema and Internet free stations. Awww, not much words to say - let the following photos explain how I really felt!

Awesome huh! Have you ever been to Changi?

Read Each Page and See the World is Wonderful!

While on my way to the great countdown to commence, let me play with some stuff that would somehow enlighten the day. Still, on the thought of my upcoming adventure, I have sorted things like what to wear, how many pair of shoes/flip flops to bring, do I need an umbrella, which sunglasses, extra tops, etc. Yesterday, I have booked my hotel and then I have started mapping my way through the public transpo, and even mapped the airports – where and which gate to the exit [and No, I am not excited!].

Well, Friday is over, it is now Saturday in the eastern hemisphere but today seems to be slow. Work, people, FB feeds, passing vehicles, and even the sun tend to collaborate for this slow-mo pacing – one of the best moments for a grand flashback! … Rewind to the late 1990’s when I first thought of seeing places outside my home country, and it seemed to be an impossible dream that I would never afford to get a taste of it. But, everything has changed a decade ago, and I am seeing now a clearer view of my dream turning into reality. I wasn’t born wealthy nor have other people to support me rather than working all out on my own, and with some help from my family. Yet, because I have been blessed to become a part of the booming online market portal, some almost five years ago [will turn 5 years on oDesk on the 25^th - Congrats myself, and many thanks, oDesk!], the once “dream” to visit other places gradually spins and now making a concrete base. And yes, I am determined to go wherever the northern winds will take me!

I have heard and read tons of travel quotes, and now I am sharing this one …

Photo credits to St. Augustine
Indeed, the author of this verse made a brilliant comparison, acceptable and factual – if you only stick on one page, you will never appreciate a book. Hence, if you have great gratitude to the world and it’s Creator, go see and taste what it has to offer. Experience everything beyond borders. ‘Happy feet’ means happy traveling! :)

E-tickets Valid Via Mobile Devices

While a friend posted this on Facebook, I found it interesting to spread the news. So for my fellow travelers from the Philippines, you no longer need to make a hard copy of your e-tickets, but saving it on your electronic mobile devices will be enough to pass through the airport. Read more...

Happy flying everyone!

World's Paramount Airport - I've Been There!

Six weeks more and it’s off I go!

While making slight preps for my upcoming jaunt, I make sure that all tickets [airline tickets and theme park admission tickets] are set and paid including hotel and tour reservations. I have talked to my host and all itineraries are laid and scheduled, picking up only the best places to see and great food to eat [so to make sure that I won’t miss anything that I would regret in my comeback]. But one issue has left me a dilemma lately – my primary airline rescheduled my flight so instead of a 5-hour stopover, I now have a whooping 17 hours of airport idleness prior to catching up on my next flight. But the good thing is that, I will be taking a break at the World’s Top Airport – the Changi Airport!

See more on SKYTRAX World Airport Awards
If you are a certified nomad, you would have heard the buzz about Changi – possibly from the news, travel blogs and advisories, or even from friends that have been there. As per the record, Changi grabbed the first place in 2012-2013 World’s Top 100 Airports by SKYTRAX. It is Asia’s major aviation hub connecting tons of flights daily to Australia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Europe, and North America, to name a few. With this, the Changi Group continues to provide all the comfort while one travels. Currently, there are three terminals that compose Changi – Terminal 1, 2, and 3, and an upcoming Terminal 4 is at watch as the administration has demolished the old Budget Airport. Skytrain is used to connect passengers going through and from all the terminals. Inside Changi is a generous selection of shops – designer’s brands, novelty, and restaurants while at the transit area are several gardens that truly ease everyone from a long and tiring flight. What’s amazing is that Changi also offers free rest areas, napping areas [with corresponding fee], transit hotels, cinemas, free WiFi, entertainment zone, and baggage counters. With all these, you can wisely make use of your time exploring inside and leave boredom during your connecting trips.

Since I have already mentioned about the best airport in the world, let me just revisit another huge aviation core in Asia – the Hong Kong International Airport which ranks as the 4^th. Hong Kong International Airport is currently the world’s busiest cargo gateway and one of the world's busiest passenger airports. It is the home for the renowned Cathay Pacific, and the rest of Hong Kong and Asian airlines that cater flights to London, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, India, Osaka, Seoul, and more.

When I first stepped on the floor of Hong Kong International Airport, I felt especially different ambiance with the huge area topped with luxurious lounges, restrooms, interior finishes, and train that connects within the premises. Because the airport is enormous, expect some confusion and possible lost when you are a first-timer and are poor with directions. However, this technologically-advanced airport along with its congenial Immigration Officers made me revisited the city a year later.

As a traveler, I get to appreciate the airports that I got to set a foot on, and gladly, I’ve been to the best airport in the world, and will be there again in the near future. See you soon Changi!

Which airport have you been to? Share me your stories and photos.