Day 4 is Family Day as we spent most of our time in Dream World or in other words, The World of Happiness. The classical European style fantasy land is located at Pathum Thani Province, just north of Bangkok. Although nothing much relating to Thai, it is the best place for family fun.

Dream World, Thailand

Totally lost in the Fairy Tale maze, we visited the Giant’s house (Jack and the Beanstalk), strolling around Frog Prince castle, riding around with the enchanted Cinderella pumpkin carriage.

Stuck in Jack's Room

Do some arm wrestling and transformed myself to SuperJason and caught the bloody thief on a Tuk Tuk.  Sounds childish rite? Come on, it’s dreamland.. spare yourself and be childish for a day!

Arm Wrestling

SuperJason saves the day

Ok, if the childish fairy tales don’t appeal to you, then you may consider this.. feel the adrenaline rush on the coaster…

Silhouettes of the coaster

If you couldn’t stand the hot weather, cool down in the Snow House. Finally, we ended the day with another family portrait. This is supposed to be a couple seat in Dream World. Instead we made it a family seat. Why not? Love makes a family, don’t u agree?

Love Makes a Family

Great moments are always short! Don’t you think so? The moments I have been longing for, now became memories. Although it was just 5days 4nights.. our family bond had grown stronger. I strongly believe that travel is the best way we share love, happiness and great memories together.

Family Portrait at 84th Floor

Even though, our Thailand trip ended after the fifth day. The Magical moments will never go away, and remains in our heart as a nostalgic memory.

It has been great sharing these wonderful moments with you, and I wish to share more. Now that I’m back in Banjarmasin, Indonesia for work, I never miss documenting the Banjarese lives over here through photography. Just went to Lok Baintan, Banjarmasin early 5.30am this morning. Had a lot of scenic shots of the traditional Floating Market here. Will be sharing them in my blog soon, but first, I’ll need time editing and uploading. So, stay tuned..

Of all the 2000++ photos, these are some i can share… feel free to browse through my Amazing Thailand photostream in Flickr for more photos–> Amazing Thailand Photoset

I would advise you to read my previous post regarding my Thailand trip as this is a continuation from the previous two.

Day 1: Expected the Unexpected
Day 2: Tradition Live On Too..

Before going on with all the good words of the magnificient Thailand, here is a bad one. Exactly one month after the nostalgic moment, a dramatic event happened. Anti-government protesters in Bangkok blockaded Suvarnabhumi, one of Asia’s busiest airports since 25th November, Tuesday night. Seeking to oust Thai Prime Minister in the latest escalation in a long-running political crisis.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, One Month before Closure

Now that all flights are cancelled, stranded tourists.. it will be a big impact to the tourist industry as this is the time when Thailand will be expecting more tourists. Thailand is no longer Amazing, as the dangerous place reputation to do business and travel has been worsened. According to Thai media reports, some 100,000 tourists are stranded, and schedules of airlines around the world have been disrupted. The situation got worsened as today 51 protesters were wounded in several explosions.

Well, I am lucky to be in Bangkok at the right time. It’s a beautiful country, too bad this is happening! Still and all, this event doesn’t affect my perception to Thailand. It is still amazing to me and worth visiting.. not during this time of course. Day 3 had instilled this mindset.

After breakfast in Asia Pattaya Hotel, we strolled around the garden and beach. Serene atmosphere and fresh sea breeze… it was the perfect antidote to the uncompromisingly massive structure.

Admiring the White Orchid at Asia Pattaya Hotel

We are supposed to be in Choral Island, but due to my sea-proofed family, we decided to skip and go somewhere else. On top of that, I’ve been to Krabi… why waste for the same activities! Sea is part of my work location anyway. Thus, we ended with the “Wonders” of the world. Mini Siam at Pattaya, a place which contains miniature replicas of many sacred places and important historical sites around Thailand. Ranging from The Arc De Triomphe and the Sydney Opera house to  Tien Tan Temple, Eiffel Tower, Colloseum, The Statue of Liberty and etc. All of these I have had the honour of seeing in real life. Of course the miniatures..

Beijing Temple of heaven, T'Ien Tan

Not forgetting to mention the historical sights of Thailand such as Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Democracy Monument, Buddha’s Footprint and etc.

Trying to shoot as if it is in big real scale

The statues of Goddesses and King of Snakes, Ananta

We spent hours gasping here and there, and I was shooting here and there like nobody’s business. It’s a small world after all. In the afternoon, a jaw dropper event awaited our arrival. It was the fascinating Thai Culture and traditional dance show at Nong Nooch Village, Pattaya. Now look at the shots, the eye catching dance under the gleaming lights.

Thai Cultural Dance, 1000 Hands Style

Thai Cultural Dance and Costume

It was extremely challenging to get a clear shot in the low light situation and far from the stage. Luckily, i brought my tripod, sitting up quite tall to avoid audience head shots.. an indian audience behind gave me an earful, claiming that I was blocking his sight. Who cares! I already got my best shots and I’m proud of them.

Ladyboy, main attention on Stage

Throughout the dance, one question keep swirling in my mind.. “Who is who? Which one is a lady, which one is “katoy”?” I asked myself. In Thailand, there are an estimated 10,000 katoys. It’s an ambiguous term, spanning full male-to-female transsexuals who have had their pen*s removed, breast implants and an artificial vagina inserted, to men who have had breast implants but have kept their pen*s. In addition, there are also transvestites who work in the cabaret circuit and male actors who dress as women for television. Eunuchs have been part of Thai society for centuries. So, as soon as this lady came out (photo above), I am sure she was a he!

End of the Show

More shots, visit “Amazing Thailand” album in my Flickr. That is why I called Amazing Thailand, a country rich with culture and architecture. The best part of our magical journey indeed! From cultural dance to religious ceremonies and martial arts, we then moved to the Elephant shows. This time I was impressed again watching elephants with special skills in playing football, dancing, and even interacting with tourists. Look at how they tease the audience!

Elephant Tease

Our day ended with a two-hour Thai massage. All in all, I would conclude Day 3 as an eye opening day into the rich culture of Thailand. Now I can see why Thailand has a lot to brag about itself and its appealingness to tourists from all over the world.

Next coming post: The Magical Journey Never Ends (Day 4 & 5)..

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…..