This is a continuation to the previous post. Thus, it is advisable to first go through  previous “Amazing Thailand: Expected the Unexpected (Day 1)“.

Yet while Bangkok has undoubtedly embraced westernization and modernization, it remains undeniably a Thai place at heart. In between the skyscrapers and sophisticated shopping centers there’s still the remarkable temple lying everywhere in the city. Day 2 has proved to us that traditions live on too!

It was early 5.30 in the morning. Bangkok is one hour slower than Malaysia. Thus, we can expect early sunrise over here. The golden light shines the city and it’s going to be another wonderful day for us.

The Early Sunrise

After the best buffet breakfast at 78th floor restaurant, we checked out and headed for the group. “Chao Phraya River will be our first destination”, said the tour guide. Chao Phraya River is a major river in Thailand also known as Mae Nam (Mae is “Mother”, Nam is “Water”), which literally means “Mother’s Water” or “Mother’s Milk”. “It was the mother’s milk that allows Thailand to grow,” according to the locals. As it flows, the river carries with it the history and culture of the country.

The Temple of Dawn

Along the boat trip, we passed through countless temples. Each with their own unique design and history such as “The Temple of Dawn” or in other words, War Arun. Located at the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, you don’t want to memorize the full name. Ok, get ready and spell with me.. it is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara. Got it?

Heavenly Temple

It was named “Temple of Dawn” most probably because the first light of morning is reflected off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence. The first thing that crossed my mind, How do they do it? It is like building an Eygptian Pyramid in Thailand. Well, I was unable to hold forth a high brow discussion on this, but I really appreciate those who built this iconic structure.

Rows of holy Sakyamuni Buddhas

Luck is on our side that morning. We are fortunate enough to witness a traditional ceremony held when one become a monk. Holding 3 lotus, he was accompanied by his family and friends marching around the temple and one of them started shouting with a weird tone (Tarzan-like tone).

The Day He Became A Monk

Visiting the small canal near the Chao Phraya River named Bangkok Noi (Noi is “small” in Thai), typical Thai houses and lifestyle can be seen over here. Not to my surprise, it is almost the same as the River City, Banjarmasin.  We then entered “Bangkok Noi Floating Market”.  The high expectation came to a naught when only two small boats were rowing around selling souvenirs. “Where are all the rest ?” I asked. Then I was told that this is nothing compared to the real one 1-2 hours out from the city. The boat ride ended after making merit “feeding cat fish with bread” in front of the temple at the canal. There are hundreds them swimming around and only one, white in color. According to Thai’s believe, those whose bread is eaten by the white cat fish, will be blessed. Who knows?

Chao Phraya River, Mae Nam

The City of Lights will be our next destination. A once sleepy fishing town which then booms as rest and recreation city, mainly prostitution. Particularly for single men looking for companionship. However, things have certainly improved and the city has been turning its location into a family-orientated destination. So besides bars and pubs, there is plenty more to do and see these days. Ya, I am sure you got it right. It’s Pattaya!

Our journey spans almost 2 hours from Bangkok. Upon reaching to the central, we dropped by Sri Racha Tiger Zoo for the so called “legendary tiger show”. Don’t get it wrong.. this is the real tiger, not those tigress in Pattaya. The zoo hosts one of the world’s most successful tiger breeding program and has thousands of alligators as well as some other animals.. The show started with an act by a mischievous, cute little pig which ran out clumsily and successfully revealed the “Welcome” cloth. The crowd burst with laughter.

Sri Racha Tiger Zoo

Next came the highlight of the show with a performance by the large Bengal tigers. The tigers sat in a semi-circle with their backs to the audience at the start of the show. A word of advice, don’t ever sit in the front row as they sometimes start pissing as they can squirt backwards a couple of meters. You don’t want to feel the rain! Jumping through hoops of fire, walking on their hind legs, then the show ended. Well, I am not that impressed!

Too bad the weather was not on our side. It was raining so heavily that we couldn’t get most out of it. There is a nursery where you can see one of the most remarkable sights at the zoo. This is the tiger cubs drinking the milk of a large mother pig. And then, in the neighbouring cage, there were piglets dressed in tiger skin shirts running around with a full grown tiger! What a sight!

Pattaya, City of Lights

Finally, we reached Pattaya. Hours stuck in the neverending jam made me feel frustrated. Once again, D300 saves the day. You know what I meant! As mentioned, Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife. A city with hundreds of beer bars, go go bars, and night clubs/discotheques. The night is always young.

The world famous Walking Street is the center of Pattaya

Our night ended with a good rest at Asia Pattaya Hotel, approx 8-10 km away from the city centre. We skipped the Cabaret Show and further activities as we were too tired travelling. A good night sleep and adventures tomorrow!

When Culture Meet The World (Day 3) coming soon…..

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 at 11:43 pm and is filed under Photography, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.