2019 Countdown in Bangkok

By: iamAldonLopez | January 5, 2019

New Year’s Eve is the most special date throughout the year. All of us are so excited about this event because this is the time when we can renew our spirits. This way we can enjoy experiences that will always be kept in our hearts as treasured memories. The arrival of a new year means the start of a new stage in our lives, in which we set new goals and want to make some positive changes in our lives. In order to celebrate this event, we gather with our friends, families and together we put aside all the negative things that happened last year. What if distance force you to be away from your loved ones during this season? How would you celebrate your New Year’s Eve when you are stuck on the other side of the world? I stated on my previous blog about being away from my family and friends during Christmas. And so, I noticed that no matter how far you are, or no matter how circumstances are in life if you sustain passably outlook; You will always see the silver lining in each situation.

I was glad that I won’t have to indulge myself, going solo or treat the night like a regular evening because my brother and his partner flew to Bangkok. They arrived in Bangkok on the 28^th of December 2018. So, I had to meet them in the metropolitan area on the following day to catch up with my brother as we haven’t seen each other for almost 10 months and to celebrate the New Year’s Eve with them as well. As the New Year draws close and they only have 3 more days left in Bangkok before going back to the Philippines. We took advantage of it by going to some common places in Thailand. So, here’s what we did:

Day 1: WAT ARUN

After I arrived at Urbana Sathorn Hotel where my brother and his partner checked in. We decided to go to Wat Pho temple but ended up to Wat Arun, instead.

Wat Arun (temple of dawn) also known as Wat Chaeng is located on the west of Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River. This temple is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. This Temple is considered one of the most stunning temples in Thailand. It has an impressive spire decorated with miniature pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain placed subtly into detailed patterns. My brother and I recommend you go here early in the morning before the crowds because it is quieter although, this is known as the temple of dawn. Also, be careful with the steps if you want to climb to the central prang because it is very steep but still good enough to balance yourself.

 

• Entrance fee: 100 baht
• Hop on/off the boat: 50 baht
• Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:30 PM
• Location: Located on the west side of Chao Praya River

Day 2: Elephant Ride and Floating Market Tour

Prior to my brother’s arrival in Bangkok, he was so excited to sit on top of a massive elephant. Well, I think everyone wants to ride elephants in Thailand. My brother couldn’t even wait to get his first photo riding on top of the elephant. In my case, I was not interested at all after I saw how they maltreated some elephants in Khao Yai and Sriracha and this time in Damnoen. Some elephants are beaten with sharp bull-hooks to control the animals. They use it to motivate them to work.

However, for the sake of experiencing a thrilling elephant ride through the jungle and how was it being on top of a gigantic elephant. I tried it with my brother.

After we rode the elephant, we realized that there’s nothing special at all. We are not even thrilled. Thus, we don’t recommend this activity if you are going to visit Thailand. There are a lot of tour package and other tourist destinations to choose from here in Asia-discovery. Just don’t ride elephants because I just learned that their spines are not made to support the weight of humans.

Floating Market

After Elephant riding, we headed to the famous floating market in Thailand called “Damnoen Saduak Floating Market”, known for its maze of canals. This floating market is in the Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province which about 100 kilometers away from Bangkok and approximately 15 minutes away from the elephant village. We saw numerous vendors selling fruits, products, and food on their rowing boats. It was fun to see those vendors wearing their local farmer traditional dresses and hats; However, everything here is a bit pricey. Thus, it would be nice if you bring your own food from Bangkok or buy something from any convenient store. Good thing, my brother’s partner prepared sandwiches, sliced pineapple fruit, junk food, and water so we can have our own food along the way. (Sweet!!!) Then, part of our itinerary was to experience a long-tailed boat ride through narrow canals going to Jetty Pier where we meet up our tour guide to head back to Bangkok. As we passed by, we saw those houses lining the canals and local fruit plantations.

Tour Itinerary

• 6:15 AM – Pick up at Urbana Sathorn Hotel
• 9:30 AM – Arrive at Elephant Village
• 10:30 AM – Arrive at Floating Market
• 12:30 PM – Going back to Bangkok
• 2:00 PM – Arrive in Bangkok
• Group Tour – Price per person 1,150 baht 
• Check Asia-discovery for the updated price.

Day 3: Waiting for the 2019 countdown

This is the last day of their trip to Bangkok, why not maximize the time of being together while waiting for 2019 countdown / New Year’s Eve. From Urbana Sathorn, we went to Lumpini Park in Bangkok for a quick walk. Who would have thought that inside the city there is still nature where you can breathe fresh air and see some rare indigenous flora and fauna? Yes, include this in your itinerary when you visit Bangkok and experience the peace and quiet place while you’re in the city.

While we were in our way here, we saw this “king of the Catwalk” Sinon Loresca is in Bangkok, Thailand and will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bangkok as well.

Going back to Urbana Sathorn Hotel, we took advantage of the infinity pool with city views. We made sure that we spend quality time together before their vacation ends. It will take time before we will see each other again.

Ultimately, New Year’s Eve has come. We started drinking and talked about the good and bad things happened in 2018. We were so grateful about the numerous other times when we been blessed beyond measure and bestowed with blessings that we never asked for.

Thank you, Craig and VINZ for choosing Bangkok to celebrate your New Year’s Eve with me. You both are the epitome of gratitude. Therefore, this blog is dedicated to both of you. 

 

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