First-time at the Phaya Thai Palace

It was a warm afternoon when we arrived at the Phaya Thai Palace or Phya Thai Palace in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi District. It plays a significant part in the royal family of Thailand as it was a Royal Residence during the reign of King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V. When we got there, there were only …

First-time at the Jim Thompson House & Museum

“Welcome to the Jim Thompson House,” our lovely Thai guide said in her deep British accent voice. This tourist destination was a place I wanted to visit during my recent Thailand trip because it sounded new to my ears. I’ve seen it listed in many must-visit lists when in Bangkok and it surely piqued my …

My 5 Memorable Train Travels

Getting from one city to another by plane may be the fastest way but traveling by train can be a whole lot of fun. I’m the type of traveler who loves to see the scenery, that is why I always prefer the window seat. And train travel gives me that opportunity, less the bumpy ride …

Traveling and Worshiping

When one has a day job and has to take some time off to travel to some foreign destination, the journey is often scheduled near the weekends to make the most of it. That’s what I always do. Several times, I time my trips during the Holy Week when business in the Philippines are mostly …

First-time in Novotel Suvarnabhumi

Arriving in Bangkok on a dark night from Chiang Mai and an early morning flight to catch the next day can be a bit taxing. Good thing we were to stay the night at Novotel Suvarnabhumi, a stone’s throw away from the airport. But it’s not just the proximity to Bangkok’s gateway that makes Novotel Suvarnabhumi …

First-time in Asiatique the Riverfront

The Asiatique in Bangkok’s Riverfront is one of the newest places to be in the Land of Smiles. It’s a dining, shopping, and entertainment venue in one. It opens at 5:00 pm until midnight, providing a new vibe to Bangkok’s nightlife. But did you know that Asiatique was once a pier belonging to the East …

First-time at The Siam Hotel

It was a fast ride to The Siam Hotel. As we touched down on a Sunday afternoon, the Bangkok streets were free of the usual traffic scene. More so, the police escort that we had, as part of our MICE lane experience for this familiarization trip by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), made …

My art elephant

A white thing was standing at the edge of my bed as I walked into my hotel bedroom in Bangkok, Thailand for the MICE familiarization trip. The thing had many colorful designs on it. I looked closely and smiled at what I saw. Meet my art elephant, Forever Birds. Created by artist Anchalee Intorn, it …

Thai Airways and its MICE offers for business events

With three hours on air aboard Thai Airways, I wanted to grab some sleep. But the screen in front of me was too tempting to let it pass. I searched for movies but I couldn’t seem to decide which one to watch. I browsed the music, hoping it can get me to fall asleep. I …

Thailand gears to be a strong MICE destination

Bound for Bangkok, Thailand for a MICE familiarization trip, I was engrossed playing a game onboard Thai Airways, one of our trip’s sponsor when the passenger seated beside me asked if he should also fill out the form, the immigration card, that I inserted in my passport. I answered in the affirmative and told him …

A Mother’s Day in Crowne Plaza Bangkok

August is a special month for the Thais. On August 12, in particular, Thais celebrate its Mother’s Day in time for the birthday of the Queen. Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park has a way of celebrating this special occasion. As a tribute to the moms working in its Heart of the House, which is composed …

2011 Travel Highlights

While excitement at work kicked in pretty hard for me in 2011, it also hindered me to do a lot of exploring outside of my job description and workplace. It’s a good thing though that despite the demands of my job, I was able to do a bit of traveling last year. First off, I did …

My Comfy and Suite Stays in Bangkok

I was recently back in Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Leadership Conference of various Habitat for Humanity offices in the region. Yes, it’s back to business trips for me. Not that I abhor going abroad for work. There were certainly some perks, like fewer expenses. Yet, most of the time, days were spent cooped inside the …

Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok is the first city outside my own country that I have ever visited. Now, it’s the most-visited city for me. Although shopping is not really at the top of my agenda when visiting Bangkok, I couldn’t help but put it on my itinerary. For those who are after cheap commodities, from clothes and apparel …

Loi Krathong

First-time for a Loi Krathong Festival

I never expected that as soon as we touched down at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport we would be witnessing the Loi Krathong, which is the festival of lights. It literally means “to float a basket”. During this day, Thais, and even foreigners, release their krathong, a decorated banana trunk with candle and incense, to the river to …