Six Filipino friends traveled to Thailand for the first time to tour Southeast Asia. They experienced the intense heat of Thailand more than expected and had to rest. They visited historical sites in Ayutthaya and beaches in Hua Hin. They also saw the Floating Market and Grand Palace, feeling awe at Thailand's culture. However, their visit to Patpong for its nightlife shocked them with its aggressiveness. Overall they appreciated Thailand's beauty and hospitality, and grew to love its culture, vowing to return and explore more areas.

1. ==== ====
More Informations about Thailand you get here
http://amazingasia88.blogspot.com
==== ====
When Bangkok residents and those in neighboring provinces like Ayutthaya, Hua Hin and
Ratchaburi were gearing up for the hottest season in Thailand, 6 young, adventurous Pinoys set
out from Manila to fulfill part of their goal - to tour the whole of South East Asia. Their destination?
Thailand!
But little did they know it's going to be more than just a taste of the spiciest meal they've ever had
in their life, or that it's going to be more than just a beach experience. Here is a story of six friends
who came to Thailand for the first time. Their experiences have been so much more than they
hoped and planned for, and how they did it would be something you could learn from if you
yourself plans to travel Thailand.
Mark, Vangie, Hencel, Hil, Jeff and Sheryll thought they have done all the research they could lay
their hands on to arm them with all that they needed for their Thailand trip. But although they did
see parts of Thailand they expected,
nothing prepared them for the scorching, energy-draining heat Thailand is famous for especially in
the months of March and April.
"Umaga pa lang, mainit na" (in the morning, it's already hot), the group was saying. And that had
an impact on their sight seeing plans. They wanted to do more and see more, but the heat was
just too much so they had to catch up on some sleep their first couple of days to have the energy
to tackle Bangkok streets thereafter.
Nonetheless, those first couple of days, they experienced the historical architecture of Ayutthaya -
Thailand's capital before the Thais moved it to Bangkok, also known as Krungthep in the local
language. They also had a taste of Thailand waters and sand in tranquil Hua Hin, which is the
King's choice of residence for the summer season. Though they didn't have a chance to bump into
royalty while there, they were not the least disappointed. They had a chance to see and
experience parts of Thailand other than Bangkok even though it's only their first time to travel
Thailand.
The morning after their travels in Ayutthaya and Hua Hin, we met the Pinoy travelers at Wat Pho
(the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and took them to the ever famous Floating Market in
Damnoen [http://www.siampinoy.com/thailand-travel/damnern-saduak-floating-market-and-rose-
garden-2.html]Saduak.
While having a picturesque moment watching the array of Thai fruits, food and crafts along what is
known to some as the 'Venice of the East', the group had some regular Thai noodles (bam-i nam)
and enjoyed sticky rice topped with ripe mango (kaw niew ma muang) and the cheap, yet very

2. fresh fruits being sold along the khlong (canal). The sellers were cramped with their goods in
narrow wooden boats. Not much time to haggle there for customers, lest the boat with the goods
you have your eyes on gets swept by other boats.
And of course, the adventure wouldn't be complete without the boat ride along the khlong (canal).
But the most unforgettable experiences the group had came in contrasts. Nearly at the end of their
Thailand travels, the group visited the Grand Palace. There, they were awed by the intricacy of the
Thais' handiwork on the walls of the temples.
Literally everything spelled "majestic", and they wondered whether the bright colors and the
intricate work are true for all Buddhists or is it only in Thailand.
Apart from the grandiosity of the palaces and temples, the Thais' reverence for their King also
made a great impression on the group. To them, it's amazing that despite the apparent modern
technology in Thailand, people still have a deep respect for and that they still follow their King.
That same night, the group had an 180-degree turn when their travels took them to yet another
infamous place to visit in Thailand - Patpong! There they saw another side of Bangkok that is
equally amazing but in a totally different way. Though they had a forewarning that they might meet
quite aggressive people who would try to convince them they have the best "pingpong" show that
side of the city, nothing prepared them for the real experience.
"They really force you to buy their wares", was one of the comments from the group. "Nakakatakot
yung inaapproach ka nila tapos hindi ka nila talaga titigilan.Tsaka hindi ko ininom yung soda
(when we watched the show), kasi natatakot ako kung ano yung nakalagay doon"
it's scary when they approach you and they don't easily let you go. And I didn't drink the soda
because it's scary to think what could be in it), was yet another member's memory of the group's
Patpong experience.
What was unexpected by the group was how the women who worked in Patpong reacted to their
work situation: "Nakakagulat sa kanila, parang wala lang" (What was surprising was that it seemed
like nothing to them). "In fact, nagtatawanan sila (they were laughing). Parang they don't see it as
work na; just something natural. They don't see anything wrong about it".
Before the group came for this trip, they heard many stories about Thailand. Surprisingly though,
not much was told about Patpong. Many of the stories the group read in blogs and heard about
Thailand were scary, but they've found out, they're not all true. One of them says, just be practical.
Have the common sense to take the same precautions sensible travelers would take in any
country they visit for the first time.
The group also advises, "Do not limit yourself to Bangkok. Thailand is not beaches. Thailand is not
Patpong. Thailand is not temples. Thailand is everything!"
And because of that, this group of 6 friends vows to come back. There is yet more to Thailand that
they have not experienced. Next time, they would like to go south and explore the island beaches
like Krabi and Phuket. They might also go north where the long-neck tribe and the like lives, and

3. where the climate is so much more forgiving especially for travelers.
In the Philippines the group has also seen many beautiful places. And their Thailand experience
has only enhanced whatever is good and beautiful about our country.
And that is one message they would like to convey to others back home: to go places beyond the
7,107 islands (or more) of the Philippines. The purpose is not to promote tourism in other
countries, but for Pinoys to appreciate what is good about our own. And that is one message they
would like to convey to others back home: to go places beyond the 7,107 islands (or more) of the
Philippines. The purpose is not to promote tourism in other countries, but for Pinoys to appreciate
what is good about our own. This way people will have a better understanding of what works in our
country and what does not. From there, it would be easier to correct our mistakes because we will
have tangible points of comparison.
As the group leaves Thailand with thought provoking memories, they have this to say to Siam
Pinoy, "Thank you sa experience sa Thailand. Yung hospitality, hindi namin expected. Pumunta
na kami sa ibang lugar na may kakilala pa kami (we've already gone to places where we even
know people). But here, we don't even know you, you don't know us. Yet you spent time for us."
For us in Siam Pinoy, it has been a pleasure. It's not everyday we meet like-minded people. And
for those adventurous spirits left back home who plan to unleash themselves in Thailand, here's
their piece of advice, "Prepare themselves. Keep an open mind. Ang Thailand, hindi mo right away
mahal, e (you don't get to love it right away). But it grows on you. And when they get here, respeto
lang sa kultura nila" (just respect their culture).
The Venice of the East As the group of 6 friends go back to their different lives in Manila, they will
always have their extreme experiences of Thailand to look back to. A part of them would
remember the 'cigarette-smoking' and 'pingpong' ladies of the Thailand nightlife who sell
entertainment of another kind.
Another part of the group would look back with awe and wonder at the nationalism of a people and
the love they have for their King and country. And that national pride is the part of them, which
gives rise to those majestic and intricately decorated temples and palaces Thailand is known for
the world over. But for one thing, they are a more proud group of Filipino travelers, appreciating
more what is Philippines after learning and experiencing what lies beyond our borders.
Hedda Joy Tady-Tan is an international School Teacher in Thailand. She is also the Editor in
Chief of SiamPinoy.com - The Filipino Expats Community in Thailand Online.
http://www.siampinoy.com/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hedda_Tan