THAILAND, especially its capital city Bangkok, has given me an unending fascination. Apart from its amazing temples, museums and other structures reflecting the country’s rich culture and traditions, the place has many other offerings that would surely make a tourist like me to come back and exclaim “can’t get over you, Thailand!!!”
I have been telling my friends how great my first out-of-the-country experience in Thailand was. It has given me a kind of impression, a realization that the world has in stored a lot for us to see, feel, taste and explore.
In my previous feature, I shared my Thailand experience particularly our tour in Bangkok’s first interactive 3D Art Museum called Art in Paradise, one of the best food destinations Train Night Market, the historic Chao Phraya River and Canals, the Buddhist temple Wat Arun known as the “Temple of Dawn,” and the open-air museum Ancient City.
This time, let us discover more of Thailand’s “hidden” treasures such as the Erawan Museum, Chocolate Ville, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, Madame Tussauds Museum Bangkok, Line Village Bangkok, and Jim Thompson House. These are just among the “not-so-usual” destinations perfect for families and friends.
Erawan Museum. As one of the must-see museums in Thailand, it houses among the most exquisite art collections in the Southeast Asian country.
Located in Samut Prakan Province, Erawan Museum is known for its of 39-meter long and 29-meter high giant three-headed bronze elephant. It was named after Airavata, the elephant from Hindu mythology.
Thai tour guides said it took almost a decade to build the elephant and the museum under it. The three-level interior represents the underworld, earth and heaven.
Truly, Erawan Museum is an important structure that mirrors Thailand’s rich art, history, culture and tradition.
Chocolate Ville. As sweet as its name, the Chocolate Ville Restaurant and Park in Bangkok offers tourists another feel.
Just around 30 minutes from city proper, specifically in Bueng Kum District, the “dining in the park” concept with European theme villages has wowed us media and vloggers from the Philippines.
This attraction has awaken the child in me. It has showed me sceneries I first saw just in my dreams. A fantasy turned a reality, in deed.
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. One of the world’s largest aquariums, this attraction situated just under a mall is home to hundreds of different sea species perfect to children, families and friends.
For me, it was like a journey, a learning experience, under the sea. I feel like I have conquered the ocean -- traveled with fishes of different colors and sizes, had fun with mighty turtles, danced with cute penguins, and amazed with wide-variety of corals and other creatures.
Madame Tussauds Museum Bangkok. Rubbing elbows with the stars? Have selfies with legendary personalities? Or, touch, hug, even kiss them? Well, this wax museum at Siam Discovery Center in Siam area has it all for tourists.
I got the chance to see up close the members of One Direction, had a chance to sit beside Oprah Winfrey, “chitchat” with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and meet famous personalities like Bruce Lee, Hollywood favourites Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman, and Asian stars like Mario Maurer, Jackie Chan, and Michelle Yeoh, among others.
Line Village Bangkok. This world’s first Line Friends indoor digital theme park is another fun and exciting stop that travelers must consider when visiting Thailand.
There, tourists can enjoy various zones of digital interactive games and activities including selfie VDO kiosk and 4D VR experience while meeting Line characters like Brown and his friends Cony, Moon, James, Boss and Choco.
Jim Thompson House. Last stop, Bangkok home and Asian art collection of the late James H.W. “Jim” Thompson. Another destination worthy to visit when one wants to know more of Thais and their past.
Built in 1959, the museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Tourists across the world gather to discover the story, its mystery, of once called the “Thai Silk King.”
Thailand has allowed me to experience many firsts. It made me fall in love with the Kingdom -- its story, culture, tradition, people, food, and destinations.
I will forever be fascinated to the country, and I will always look forward to coming back there. Kapunkap Thailand!