It was an official trip to Thailand to attend a conference 3 years back. I just managed to get my passport just 2 days before the scheduled trip of 21st April. So I had no time to manage the visa but depend on Visa on Arrival process. Reaching Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport with the team, I took the queue for Visa on Arrival and submitted the VISA fees of 2000 Rs. and got the VISA instantly. We had few cabs waiting to pick us from the Airport and drop us at Pattaya. Our company had already booked a hotel for us in Pattaya where the conference was scheduled.
Way to Pattaya
Reaching Pattaya, I checked in the hotel and had my lunch with the team. The company had organized a dinner for us at Fusion-Indian Restaurant. The dinner followed by a DJ Night at Kon-Fusion, where we were welcomed in the Thailand style with garland of flowers. The party was over around 12.30 am and most of us reached back the hotel.
The next day was busy as whole day we were engaged in the conference, which lasted till 5.30 pm. After relaxing for some time, we went for a planned dinner at a Thai Restaurant. We returned around 11 pm. On the way, the guide informed us regarding the famous Walking Street, which developed sheer interest in us.
The Walking Street
Reaching the hotel, I took an hour to decide to visit the famous walking street. I along with one of my office colleagues started for the place around 12.30 am. Reaching the place, I was amazed with the lighting and crowd. I was totally in a different world. I could see many Indians there. Let me tell you what exactly a #walkingstreet is. It’s a long street with bars, cafes and pubs on both sides of the road. There were Russian, Thai and many other nationalities girls dressed in short cloths attempting to lure passer-by to the bars. You can also spot some shemales here and there. After doing some recce I and my friend entered one pub. I had never been to any such place previously; hence it was fascinating for me to watch the girls dancing by the pole. I ordered beer which was relatively cheaper- around 45 bhat which is 90 Rs. Approximately. We left the bar around 5 am in the morning and end up spending 2000 Tha bhat.
The Coral Island
The next day, a planned trip was waiting for us to visit the Coral Island. It was really tiring after whole night of outing at the Walking Street. However, I enjoyed the water sports like parasailing and banana boat ride. After reaching the hotel, I joined the Gala dinner party planned by my office.
Return to Bangkok
The next morning we had to start for #Bangkok where I did some shopping at the famous Indira Market. One thing I must tell you is that clothes are really cheaper and you can expect to get lots of varieties. If you shop in Bangkok, you must be prepared to bargain but do that with a smile on your face-you’ll get some better deal.
We had our flight at the midnight and reached Delhi IGI Airport in the early morning after 4 hours air travel. Overall experience of Thailand was good. The country is clean and people are friendly. It is also one of the most visited destinations due to its affordability and versatility.