This year, travellers like you and me are blessed with long weekends; the months of August, October and December are full of extended weekends giving us a perfect chance to dodge some stress and head out for a quick getaway. However, first things first, let’s focus on the most awaited long weekend of the year and apparently one of the longest one too. Lucky for us, its knocks our doors this August!
The Calender this August is laid out something like this-
12th- Saturday
13th- Sunday
14th- Janmashtami (Monday)
15th- Independence day
and
25th- Ganesh Chaturthi
26th-Saturday
47th- Sunday
So, you can understand my excitement as I am writing this article because I want to share the destination that would fit perfectly during this upcoming weekend. Here, I’ll help you plan a 4 day trip that sizes well for the first long weekend. And the answer is what most of you might have already guessed by now….Thailand!
Book a hotel in Bangkok.
Now, you may wonder, why pick Thailand out of the plenitude of destinations across the lines of longitude and latitude. Undeniably, there are, so many reasons de facto why folks head out to this place whenever they get a chance and a 4 day trip is just perfect to get the most out of this amazing country.
So, lets unfurl the mysteries of this stunning location and help you with things to check off your list when you find yourself in the amazing land of smiles.
It’s Easy On Your Pocket
When it comes to your travel expenses, unlike most foreign destinations, Thailand comes a lot easier on your pocket. Rather then travelling all the way to the far west, you get a lot more in a lot less. In less than 5 hours, you are amidst Coral blue islands, verdant greenery, diversified vibrant cultures, savouring exotic food, rich history, art and culture. Frankly, a 4 day affair is no justice if you wish to treat yourself well, but it will satiate you enough to keep going for few months when you head back home.
Thai Tip: Spend time with the locals rather than at luxury resorts, your money would last a lot longer!
Street Food To Die For
You are committing a sin if you miss out on Thai street food. They are bound to soak you with absolute gastronomical delight. Try some curiously yummy looking dishes while you’re here.
Must not misses are the so very famous Tom Yum Goong Soup i.e. spicy shrimp soup, Pad Thai i.e.e stir fried Thai styled noodles, banana pancakes, Geng Kheaw Wan Gai (Green chicken curry), Som Tam i.e. green papaya salad and coconut ice cream- fresh, creamy and addictive for Bangkok weather!
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Sweet- sour, spicy and salty- these four flavours rule Thai cuisine. If you can manage to stay few days longer, engaging yourself in Thai cooking class with the locals would be a fun thing to do and flaunt when you’re back home.
Sun Sand And Leisure!
You can’t shy away from the massive 5000 miles of coastline which you must discover by indulging yourself in a tail boat ride. So, impersonate Sindbad for a while as you hop on a thrilling voyage to explore countless islands and beaches under the azure sky reflecting glitter on the clear blue waters. If you are a water baby, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet boating, white water rafting, kite surfing and speed boating are some very common activities that will keep you busy all day long.
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For the less adventurous, Kayaking is a much wiser way to explore the stunning islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi if you wish a quieter and peaceful experience without flocks of tourists herding around you. Opt for Coral island tour if you wish to taste all of it at once.
Floating Markets
After you have had your dose full of sun, sand and leisure on Day 1, head out on that tail boat next day to indulge in some unusual exotic shopping experience in one of the floating markets of Thailand. Sail down the winding waterways towards the market to taste fresh, organic local tropical food here.
Since, you will be here on the weekend, visit Taling Chang Weekend Floating Market, only 12 kms from Bangkok to taste purely authentic yellow longan, custard apples and intriguing salt crusted grilled fish and relish it down by the river.
For an ultimate afternoon getaway, head to Amphawa market, 1.5 to 2hrs away from Bangkok- delve yourself in fresh river prawns, buy handicrafts and continue your adventure with your boat ride to enjoy breathtaking view of the river banks.
Stunning Temples And Architecture
History and cultural fanatic or not, you must invest 4 to 5 hours of one of your days by taking a tour to some of the world’s most stunning man made wonders- witness the world’s largest 5m long and weighing 5.5 tonnes, the Golden Buddha statue that rests on the temple of Wat Traimit at the end of China Town in Bangkok.
Also, include the Grand Palace in your list- a 200 years old complex of buildings, erstwhile residence of the Kings of Siam, nestled at the heart of Thailand that comprises government offices, royal residences, and magnificent Buddhist temples.
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Carefree Rocking Nights
Nightlife in Bangkok is wild and crazy but at the same time safe, relaxing and super fun with excellent live music. Midnight fun is incomplete without a visit to Pattaya’s famous Walking Street and its glittering neon signs inviting you to countless nightclubs, go go bars, massage parlours, pool parties, live music and rooftop and cocktail bars. Even the Thai capital has so much more to offer than just adult themed fun.
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While in Bangkok, head out to Khao San Road for the night. It entertains madness in miles. If in Pattaya, you can enjoy cheapest drinks in Sois 7 and 8 in Pattaya; Boyztown and Pattayaland is packed with gay clubs and cabaret shows, Alcazar Pattaya show being the most famous one of the lot. So know, before you head out and decide which street exactly suits your interests.
Shop Till You Drop!
Thailand is a shopper’s paradise right from the luxurious to the most coolest inexpensive stuff. It hosts the most posh shopping centers that features all international brands under one roof and local Asian markets that lets you steal the most coolest exotic goods.
To taste the ultimate grand shopping experience, walk in to the massive Central World that hosts even cars and motorbikes for sale and flaunts multitude of cafes, shops, supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, movie halls and even an ice skating rink! However, a less noisy and crowded option ideal for a peaceful stroll would be the Siam center. Here, you will find the likes of DKNY, Victoria’s Secret, MAC and Armani with small little cafes to satiate your appetite.
For cheaper avenues, head out to the Platinum Fashion Mall for wholesale clothes and accessories with an eclectic style range. Vintage and antique lovers should visit Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin night market. Gadget buffs should stop at the Pan Tip Plaza. If shopping is must on your agenda, then you must not miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market to shop your brains out- its an absolute handicrafts and street food paradise.
Adventure And Wildlife
Thailand doesn’t disappoint you if you wish your long weekend to be wild and adventurous; the vast country boasts dramatic landscapes hosting amazing hiking and trekking trails and beautiful national parks preserving its beauty proudly. Must visits are Khao Yai National Park (one of Asia’s largest monsoon forests), Khao Sok National Park (finest in Southern Thailand) and Sai Yok National Park (caves, waterfalls, exotic rare fauna). History buffs can discover 12th century ancient ruins in Phimai Historical Park.
So, I guess that’s a truck load of itinerary for a 4 day long weekend celebration in Thailand. Stay tuned for our itinerary for the next 3 day extended weekend affair. We will see you next week! Until then, you are most welcome with your suggestions, who knows your destination may be our next favorite pick!
