I Fell in Love with Siam

I had my second trip outside the country in what they hailed as the City of Angels, Bangkok, Thailand this September. Incidentally, my first trip was  on the same month of last year, in Singapore.

First impressions, it's as if I'm Manila that time, if not for the people speaking in Thai. Singapore and Bangkok are totally different experience I had and both I had a great time. If you're up to exploring authentic traditions and culture, Thailand is one of the best destinations. From the first time you step on to their land, you would definitely see the culture of the Thailand.

If my memory serves me right, Thailand, formerly known as SIam, is the only country that has not been colonized by the another country. Hence, every bit of their culture is originally theirs and not influenced by another race.

Here's a rundown of authentic Thai observations:
1. They can hardly speak English. Unlike Singaporeans, who can give you a a sentence or two, Thais have a hard time speaking the language. Ergo, it's going to be challenge for you to communicate when you're there. 

It's better if you will learn the basic of their language. It would come in handy.

Sawatdee  - means Hello or Goodbye, put "Krub" when you're male, and "Ka" if you're female. I am not sure with if I spelled it correct. I have to do some research on this. It's like "Mabuhay's counterpart in the Philippines.

Khob Kun - again, followed by either Krub or Ka, means Thank You

Peng Pai - too expensive

2. If you don't how to make "tawad", in Bangkok, you will learn it easier. All you need to do is just utter some words and voila! You can get the thing you want to purchase half of the original price if you're really good at it.

3.Tuktuk - It's a 3-wheeled vehicle, much like that of a Tricycle in our country. It would have been a nice experience had we not been soaked in rain. I thought the driver was a little insensitive when he knew that his passengers are already soaked and wet but he kept on driving this Tuktuk.

4. Pat Phong - Before we went in Bangkok, I read some travel blogs and forum about this. You haven't been in Bangkok if you are not going to experience this. It's a Tuktuk away from where Pratunam, where we
stayed.  I thought, really?, that's how they welcome tourists. I guess, prostitution is legal there. Am I correct? Better google it so that you know what I am talking about. Censored? Oh well, that would have to be an
understatement! All I can say, it's CRAZY OUT THERE!

5. There's not a place where you could not see an image of their King and Queen. Seldom if not at all you can see Billboards of their celebrities, contrary to what we have in Mania, unless it's election time.

6. Tourism in Thailand is booming! You can see a lot of foreigners all over Bangkok. I could perhaps forget some of the things I observed when I was there, but generally, these were some that I was able to witness when I was there.