Thai treasures

Sensational Siam

The smooth touchdown at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport does nothing to ease my sense of nervousness over my first visit to a foreign clime without a valid visa. I am armed with all the requisite documents and foreign exchange for Thailand’s Visa-on-Arrival facility, yet I am unable to quell the trepidation within, as I accidentally stray into the Fast Track Visa Counter at the airport. Here, a payment of 200 bhath (Rs 400) added to the visa fee of 1,000 bhath, would speed up the process.

The word ‘speed’ has to be an understatement! After the submission of the specified amount, a filled-in form and a photograph, I am asked to cross to the other side, where a smiling woman hands me my passport with the Visa-on-Arrival stamp. My “that was fast” comment is met with the cryptic, “That is why we call it fast track!” This is my first exposure to this tourist-friendly country and the impression continues throughout the length of my stay there.

Art of fighting

From the airport, I am driven to my hotel in the beach-town of Pattaya. This is where I am going to have a couple of days’ training in Thailand’s favourite martial art form, muay thai, along with other tourists who have signed up for it. Thai men are trained in this sport right from their childhood and it is a skill that is passed on from generations, like a precious legacy, along with the other extolled Thai virtues of courtesy, discipline and the sporting spirit.

The two days of training are gruelling, involving long warming-up sessions in addition to learning the actual moves. But soon, I find myself caught up in the excitement and demands of muay thai. I look around the various rings and realise that some of the trainees are real professionals. The sport seems to be attracting women worldwide and appears to be a good form of self-defence.

At Pattaya, a break from muay thai comes in the form of the Tiffany Show. I have never witnessed a cabaret and it is quite an experience to see one performed exclusively by transgenders and transvestites, exuding glamour, agility and grace. Some moves are definitely over the top, but one cannot deny the talent. If not for the male voices ringing out loud and clear, asking you to pose for pictures, you would never guess.

A visit to Pattaya is incomplete without a walk along the beach. Tourists are lounging on deck chairs quite undeterred by the blazing sun whilst vendors offer a variety of delicacies from the sea. Buoyed by the excitement, I hasten my way for a walk on the beach.

Ayutthaya, the earlier capital of Thailand, has several attractions. A look-in on Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, an ancient royal monastery, is a revelation, as I am surrounded by Buddha’s images, the most sacred of them being that of Phra Buddha Chaimongkol, whose benign countenance smiles down upon me.

Taste of Thailand

The Thais have taken the branding of their country to a whole new level and this is evident in the cultural extravaganza, the Siam Niramit, staged both in Bangkok and Phuket. Involving around 150 participants, the show holds the audience in thrall as it traces the history of Thai civilisation and the Karmic and religious beliefs of its people. State-of-the-art technology is employed for the show and the dance, music, trapeze and dazzling costumes of the performers, make it a not-to-be missed event in Bangkok. The icing on the cake is when a boat sails on to the stage. We are left gazing in wonderment. How on earth did they manage to get water on the stage? The price of the ticket includes a sumptuous buffet dinner, comprising traditional Thai fare.

The Thais are amazing in that they are able to get their animals to perform as well as humans! This is evident in the Safari Park in Bangkok, which can bring out the child in you. There are chimps who display the muay thai and other skills, sea-lions that pull tricks on each other and dolphins that perform amazing feats. For me, the Spy War, the grand finale of the day, is the most exciting, with its combination of special effects, heart-stopping paratrooper stunts and unbelievable sound effects. It’s like witnessing a Bond film!

Height of hospitality

No visit to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace, the city’s most famous landmark. One cannot help but be struck by the beauty and majesty of this palace, even before stepping in. There are tourists swarming all over the vicinity, clicking pictures and marvelling over the intricacy and skill of the Thai craftsmen who created this architectural wonder. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most visited place and there is a feeling of awe when one steps inside, as people are on their knees or prostrating in prayer. Photographs are not allowed inside but I am thrilled to find that my zoom lens is able to capture the small image of the Buddha, from outside. 

A visit to the Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is another must-do in Bangkok. The architecture is similar to that of the Grand Palace and the most awe-inspiring sight is that of the statue of the Buddha, covered in gold leaf and measuring a length of 46 metres. It is practically impossible to capture the image of the entire idol in one go and I keep stopping at various spots to click, as do others around me.

Thailand is an epicurean’s paradise. The local cuisine has its own special taste and the red and green curry preparations are finger-licking delicious. The 360 Degrees Revolving Rooftop Baiyoke Sky Hotel is among the places that offers an unbelievable Thai spread. Located on the 84th floor, it is thrilling to stand on the balcony outside, as the floor gently moves around, to offer a panoramic view of the city. A holiday in Thailand appears most special because of its people who are gentle, kind and solicitous.

Must-visits

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the city’s main night-time attractions, especially for families on souvenir hunting. The market is filled with antique and handicraft stores.

Khun Lek (Sangduen Chailert) runs this sanctuary for injured and rescued elephants. The park is in Mae Taeng valley, 60 km from Chiang Mai, and provides a semi-wild environment for animals.

Kanchanaburi province, an area of lush forests and a haven for backpackers, has a dark past. One can find the start of the infamous Death Railway, and the bridge over the River Kwai. Both are haunting relics from WWII, constructed by prisoners of war. It's a chilling spot, but essential on any Thailand itinerary.

Started by Khmer King Jayavarman V during the late 10th century and finished by his successor King Suriyavarman I (1002–49), Phimai Historical Park is one of the most impressive Khmer ruins in Thailand.