My Vacation in Thailand

March 2008

By Bernadette Johnson

I am a novice international traveler compared to my travel companion Judy Frank who has been to Italy, Turkey, Russia, South America and Greece (with me) to name a few destinations. My international travels to date, includes London, Paris, Greece and most recently, Thailand.

Judy and I have been very good friends for many years and share a passion for travel. We’ve decided to travel internationally when we realized we were compatible traveling together within the United States. In September of 2005 we embarked on our first international vacation to Greece accompanied by another dear friend Anne Jerands…. we had a blast.

Fast forward to January 2007, I received a call from Judy that Gate 1 Travel was having a special on their Thailand 12 Day Package (Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Chang Rai, Chang Mai), and was I interested. My response was, “sign me up.” Thanks to our wonderful travel agent Roberta at Windows of the World Travel in Buffalo Grove, IL, we were on our way to an exciting, non-stop, full of adventure vacation. I will not dwell on the travel time it took to get to Thailand because my attitude is - it’s the only way to get there.

Tuesday, arrived at Bangkok International Airport at 1:10 am, met up with the other Gate 1 Travelers and transferred in a modern air-conditioned motor coach to the hotel. After a few hours of sleep, we enjoyed a lavish buffet breakfast (not to be missed every morning), and joined the tour group members for a couple hours of orientation.

Our first tour was the City and Temple Tour which included three of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimit with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 ½ tons of solid gold) – Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings – Wat Benjamaborpitr, the White Marble Temple, one of the finest examples of Thai architecture.

Later that evening, we enjoyed a delicious genuine Thai style dinner in delightful Thai atmosphere surrounded by beautiful decoration. The meal was accompanied by Thai classical music and dances. I will always remember the dancers with their beautiful glittering costumes and exquisite graceful movements.

Early Wednesday morning we took off for Damnoen Saduak, one of the most famous floating markets southwest of Bangkok. This buzzing market is at its best early in the morning before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up. The colorfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. There is lots of chatter and activity – bargaining is common – that’s all part of the fun. I was very excited that I was able to bargain down the price of a dress to half its original asking price

Later that afternoon, we went on the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Tour. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Bangkok. We saw palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple.

Thursday, we departed from Bangkok to Ayuthaya, the former capital of Thailand. The principal sights here are the gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpitr, and the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch. We moved on to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol located just outside the town of Ayutthaya and built by Kin U-Thong in1357 for meditation. In 1592 when King Naresuan defeated Burmese by killing the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephant back, he constructed the temple’s large pagoda to match the high pagoda at Chedi Phu Khao Thong which had purportedly been built by the Burmese. And also a short stop to visit Wat Chai Wattanaram, it was built by the royal command of King Prasat Thong. We proceeded to Lopburi to via Prang Sam Yod (Sacred Three Spired Pagoda), then on to Pitsanuloke and checked into our hotel for the night.

Needless to say, this was a grueling day of tours and traveling to our next destination. Later that evening when we checked into the hotel, I skipped dinner and chose to sleep instead.

Friday was yet another long day of being on the road visiting Wat Maha Dhat Phitsanulok with its revered Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Jinaraj. Departed for Sukhothai where we visited Wat Maha Dhat Sukhotha Wat Sri Chum with the gigantic Buddha statue. Continued to Sri Satchanalai, visited Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha Dhat Chalieng then proceeded to Lampang where we checked into our hotel for the night.

During this extraordinary journey, I’ve seen more Temples and Buddhas than I could count. The ton of pictures I took does not come close to capturing the essence and magnificence of this beautiful country so rich in culture and history. You actually have to be there to see it and live it - in person.

To be continued in the next issue.