Thailand is a country you’ve definitely heard of, known for its tourism, culture, and beautiful beaches. It is one of the most visited countries in Asia, if not the most visited overall, and that alone gives me a reason to explore what makes it such a popular destination for travelers worldwide.
My trip to Thailand was a sentimental decision I made. As the New Year approached, I found myself struggling mentally due to many surprising and overwhelming events that occurred during the first quarter of the year. At times like these, we often face tough decisions about what is best for ourselves.
At the age of 35, I felt a strong desire to simplify my life and focus on finding peace. There are moments when I just want to escape from everyone, even close friends, as I long to be alone and experience life on my own terms. There’s a saying that people can sometimes ruin the best things in life; their words and opinions can unknowingly weigh heavily on us.
Life can often be dramatic, but it’s this drama that adds color to our existence. Within these challenges, we discover more about ourselves and the peace that lies within. As the saying goes, “face your own demons” and conquer them all at once.
Where is Thailand Located on the Map
Thailand is located in Asia, specifically in Southeast Asia. It shares borders with Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The country has a Buddhist majority and features unique geological facets, including mountains and beautiful beaches. Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is a center of trade and commerce and is known for its vibrant nightlife. Bangkok is one of the friendliest cities I have ever visited and is very welcoming to tourists. The city boasts some of the best shopping malls, party districts, and food hubs.
Despite its urban atmosphere, Bangkok also has solemn places, such as temples and other religious sites. When I was in Bangkok, I felt nothing but freedom! This may be because of the city’s acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, which adds a unique charm.
Visa Requirements
As a Filipino citizen, you can visit Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before their arrival. However, there’s no need to worry about this process, as it is straightforward. The website is fast and intuitive, and you should receive your TDAC within the same day after signing up online.
My first day in Thailand was spent exploring the temples.
My first day in Thailand was focused on visiting the temples, which are the top attractions for most foreigners. Thailand is home to some magnificent Buddhist temples, each with its unique design and features.
The temples we visited were:
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha):
This is Thailand’s most important temple, located within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It was the first temple we visited, and I must say, it was overwhelming in scale and beauty. The Grand Palace truly highlights Bangkok’s rich culture, history, and religious significance. You’ll be amazed by the statues and intricate designs, making it a great spot for photos. I did take some photos, but my phone battery died, so I couldn’t take more. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed me to focus on soaking in the experience without the distraction of taking pictures. It felt magical to truly live in the moment.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn):
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, this temple is known for its towering prang adorned with colorful porcelain. We arrived around 2 PM, and it was quite hot. This temple is also unique because of its different colors and designs. It was crowded when we got there, which is expected since it’s a popular destination. My experience here felt more personal, and I found the design to be incredibly artistic. It deepened my appreciation for the beauty of Buddhism. Fortunately, I was able to charge my phone and captured some great photos.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha):
This temple is home to the colossal reclining Buddha statue and is known for its traditional Thai massage school. I was truly amazed by the size of the Buddha—it was the largest I had seen so far, lying down in a very impressive manner. This gave me a new perspective on the image of the Buddha. Wat Pho is a large compound, allowing visitors to roam among various temples and view different Buddhas. You can also pray here and make offerings. The experience is unique because each temple showcases different Buddhas, continuously reflecting the vibrant and colorful culture of Thailand.
On the second day, we enjoyed a river cruise that included a visit to a wet market and ended with a grand cruise at Icon Siam. That evening, we explored the nightlife in Silom.
In the morning, we took a boat ride through the narrow and shallow areas of Bangkok. While the views may not have been the most spectacular, this experience allowed us to witness and engage with Thailand’s authentic and everyday life, away from the glitz and glamour. Along the river, we saw houses and various Buddha statues. The trip also took us to a famous wet market where vendors sold their goods from boats, providing a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in Thailand’s culture.
In the afternoon, around 4 PM, we waited to board our cruise for a scenic journey along Thailand’s beautiful river and city lights. This ride is quite fancy, as we are on the large and impressive Lotus White Cruise. I call it fancy because there is a buffet featuring dishes from around the world, along with live entertainment that makes the entire experience feel very first-class.
This journey allows us to see Thailand’s vibrant city while enjoying the wind in our hair and relaxing music. This trip is definitely the highlight of our experience—everything is covered: food, entertainment, stunning views, and an experience that truly embodies Thailand.
Party in Silom
As much as I thought the cruise would be the highlight of my trip, I was wrong. The party in Silom is out of this world! The entertainment is exceptional, and I had a fantastic time. This district is so vibrant, with the best bars and food to try. You’ll meet many tourists here, and there are countless things to buy.
What makes this experience unforgettable is that it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I witnessed things that were beyond my imagination, all happening live right in front of me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. For me, the shows I saw here are forms of art and expression—truly iconic entertainment. This was definitely the highlight of my trip, and I would certainly come back here.
Third Day – Icon Siam and Trying the Food
Icon Siam is the largest mall, if not in all of Bangkok, certainly one of the biggest. This mall is not only massive but also features most of the luxury brands you could ever want. Its design and sheer size are iconic. We took many photos and wandered around to shop, but the highlight of our visit was definitely the food.
There is a dedicated food district where you can find all of Thailand’s delicacies—both exotic and must-try dishes. We enjoyed trying pad Thai and barbecue, spending time exploring the variety of food available because, after all, nothing offers a better experience than good food.
We really enjoyed our time at Icon Siam, and I even did some shopping for jewelry and fashion accessories for my family in the Philippines. We had so much fun and would definitely spend more time here next time!
Takeaway:
Thailand is a beautiful country with its own unique charm that you’ll want to experience time and again. It offers nearly everything one could desire, and my trip there served as a refreshing recharge for my soul and mental health. Bangkok is a vibrant city filled with energy that inspires you to live life to the fullest and explore. I believe this is very important when visiting a new place. Would I return to Thailand? Definitely! I would love to explore more of the country, as I am sure there is much more waiting for me to discover.
