A trip to Thailand had long been a dream. When my friend Sameer initially showed interest, we planned to go together. But when he couldn't make it, I decided I wouldn't let the opportunity pass—I booked a two-day solo trip to Bangkok.
As always, my journey began with intense preparation. I dove deep into the city, specifically studying the metro system and the best ways to maximize my 48 hours.
My journey started simple: a low-floor bus from Kottakkal to Nedumbassery (Kochi) Airport. At the check-in counter, the airline staff quizzed me extensively—asking for my arrival form, hotel booking, and currency—all of which I confidently presented. Immigration, fortunately, was seamless.
The departure gate was bustling with tour groups and honeymooners bound for Thailand. I boarded the Air Asia flight at 11:00 PM and was the first to settle into a fourth-row seat. Though the first six rows were premium, the flight was full, and a few of us lucky ones got upgraded spots.
Four hours later, we landed in Bangkok at 4:30 AM local time. The immigration line was long, but I cleared all procedures without issue. I bought a local SIM card and headed straight for the metro.
🏍️ Racing to the Floating & Rail Markets
My destination was the MBK Mall, the starting point for my pre-booked tour. The journey required two metro line changes. Realizing I might be late, I exited the metro and quickly hailed a Grab bike taxi. Racing through the morning traffic, stopping constantly at signals, I was nervous about the time.
I made it just in time! My guide was waiting, holding a sign with my name. I was the only person who had booked the Rail Market and Floating Market tour that day via Agoda, so instead of a van, we used the guide's private taxi.
Our first stop was the famous Train Market (Maeklong Railway Market), about 80 km away. After battling initial city traffic, we hit the express highway and zoomed along. My guide was a fount of information, pointing out magnificent Buddhist temples, malls, and vast salt farms along the way.
We stopped near a beautiful temple, and then walked to the market. It was a sprawling sight: vendors selling vegetables, fruits, chicken, meat, and fish on both sides of the rail track. The moment the train approached, all the stall owners swiftly pulled back their awnings and goods. The train zipped by, seemingly inches from where I stood in the safe zone. Immediately, everything popped back out!
I decided to try something unique: I boarded the train at the station and rode it back through the market and surrounding villages for 15 minutes. The guide met me at the next village-like station.
After a quick, tasty breakfast of rice and shrimp at a gas station stop, we drove to the Floating Market. We hired a boat and navigated the busy waterways, where vendors sold goods from their boats and the banks. The experience was made perfect with a delicious coconut ice cream!
The journey back to the city, through charming villages dotted with coconut palms, limes, and mango trees, crisscrossing canals and rivers, was delightful.
🏛️ Temples and Thrills by the River
The guide dropped me off at my hotel. After checking in and resting briefly, I ventured out. The first sights, sadly, included poverty, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the city. I strolled around, grabbed some street food, and headed to the Grand Palace.
The area was busy, but not for sightseeing—it was preparing for ceremonies following the passing of the Queen Mother, and most locals wore black. After admiring the palace and beautiful nearby buildings from the outside, I walked to the pier.
I took a boat across the turbulent Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn). Even from the river, the main spire (Prang) was striking. Over 70 meters tall, it is covered entirely in pieces of Chinese porcelain, creating a stunning mosaic that sparkled under the sun. It's believed to be named after the Hindu deity Aruna (the Sun).
After a risky river crossing on another boat and a short walk, I was back at the hotel. In the evening, I plunged into the electric nightlife of Khaosan Road, and then took a bike taxi to the magnificent ICONSIAM Mall. The food court here was astounding, offering everything from crocodile and scorpions to grasshoppers! After a late-night meal, another bike taxi took me back to the hotel.
🐒 Day Two: Safari World Extravaganza
Day two was dedicated to the Safari World theme park, located about 40 km away on the edge of the city. Since there's no direct metro, I took a bike taxi to the nearest station, rode the metro (Green to Pink Line), and then took a final bike taxi to the park entrance.
I made it to the shows right on time:
10:05 AM: Orangutan Show (Clever tricks and comedy!)
11:00 AM: Elephant Show (Incredible feats, from painting to playing football!)
11:45 AM: Spy War Show (Adrenaline-pumping action, explosions, and stunts!)
After a tasty buffet lunch at Blossom Restaurant, I enjoyed the water-based shows: the Dolphin Show (1:45 PM) and the Sea Lion Show (2:00 PM).
At 3:00 PM, the main event began: a tour through the Open Zoo inside the Safari Park via an air-conditioned bus.
It was an unforgettable experience. There were no cages or barriers—the animals roamed freely. We drove past majestic tigers in a large pride, watched tall giraffes gracefully pluck leaves from branches, and saw herds of zebras and stretches of water filled with crocodiles.
Before leaving, I took fun photos and videos with an orangutan. I then took a bike taxi to the metro station, bought some final chocolates from a supermarket, and rode the metro to the airport.
My flight, delayed by an hour, finally took off and landed in Kochi at 11:30 PM. From there, an auto rickshaw took me to Angamaly, and a fast-passenger bus brought me home, marking the end of a beautiful and perfectly executed budget adventure!
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