Historically known as Siam, the Kingdom of Thailand offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, dynamic gastronomy, and vibrant cityscapes. The Southeast Asian country is bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. It also shares maritime borders with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. Bangkok is the state capital and largest city of Thailand.
Siam. Thailand, referred to as ‘Siam’ until 1939, was ruled by an absolute monarchy until 1932. It was then followed by a constitutional monarchy. With Bangkok as the preeminent urban center, it is surrounded by similarly sized cities – Chiang Mai to the north, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani to the north east, Pattaya in the south east, and Hat Yai to the south. According to George Cœdès, the word ‘Thai’ translates to ‘free man’. Moreover, according to Chit Phumisak, it means ‘people’ or ‘human being’.
International Airport
Thailand can be accessed via the following airports – Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, and Phuket International Airport.
Direct flights from Iloilo to Thailand. Cebu Pacific Air now operates non-stop flights between Iloilo and Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport three times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
With the launch of the Iloilo-Bangkok route, Cebu Pacific now flies to Bangkok from all its hubs, serving both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
Transportation System
Transportation in the country is varied, with no dominant means of transport. The State Railway of Thailand operates national rail lines with Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Bangkok Hua Lamphong as main terminals of intercity routes. In terms of Rail Transport, four are in place: the BTS Skytrain, Metropolitan Rapid Transport (MRT), Red Line Mass Transit System (SRT Red Line), and Airport Rail Link. On the road, popular means of transport includes tuk-tuks (an auto rickshaw) and songthaews (improvised pickup).
Tourist Attractions
“An increasing of tourists visiting Bangkok each year has proven that Bangkok is always a popular city for tourists. For major tourist attractions in Bangkok, most of them are historical sites or religious sites such as temples in Bangkok. There is beautiful architecture, wall painting and also important in history, such as Wat Phra Sri Rattanasamaram (Phra Kaew), Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangalaram (Wat Pho), Wat Arun Ratchawararam, Wat Sra Ket, and Phra Bor Banphot (Golden Mountain), Wat Ratchanadda, Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Suthasan, Wat Thep Wararam etc,” excerpts from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) official website.
Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn
The Wan Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, referred to as the Wat Arun, is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The Buddhist temple, named after the Hindu God Aruna, existed since the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351 to 1767 AD). It is nestled along the Chao Phraya River and stands at a majestic 82 meter (269 feet). In Buddhist iconopgrahy, the central spire symbolizes three levels – the Traiphum (realm of existence), Tavatimsa and Tusita Heaven, and Devaphum for six heavens within the seven realm of happiness. The Wat Arun is a prominent place of worship for Buddhists.
Iconsiam
Iconsiam, the Icon of Eternal Prosperity in Thailand, ranking fourth in the World’s Best Shopping Centre in the Le Marché International des Professionnels de l’immobilier (MIPIM) Awards.
Nestled along the bank of the Chao Phraya River, the mega lifestyle property boasts more than seven thousand shops, one hundred restaurants, and multiple entertainment venues.
The world class destination is the product of a partnership among Thailand’s most reputable companies: Siam Piwat (operating Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery), Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, and Charoen Pokphand Group.
Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
Chao Phraya Princess Cruise is a dinner/sunset buffet with live music, covering scenic sights such as the Iconsiam, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, among others. The river cruise departs and arrives at Asiatique, also known as the Riverfront Destination and the largest food and beverage destination in the metro. It also has boarding points in Iconsiam and Rama 3.
Sae Phun
Sae Phun, a quaint restaurant along Mahannop Road in Bangkok, is a Michelin Star gastronomy destination operating since 1926. Now run by third generation family, the restaurant has earned the Bib Gourmand Award, recognized for its exceptional cuisine. Bestsellers include Egg Noodle with Three Musketeers (roasted pork, pork wontons, and steamed pork spare ribs), boiled prawn wontons with chili oil, among others.
Thipsamai
Thipsamai Padthai Pratoopee is home of the original Padthai and the oldest Padthai restaurant in Thailand. With origins dating back to 1939 from a boat along Phasi Charoen Canal and then to a sidewalk in Bangkok, it was referred to as ‘Padthai Pratoopee’. The Thipsamai brand was created later in 1966 and has since been favored by patrons worldwide. The restaurant was the first to create Padthai Sen Chan (with shrimp oil and prawns wrapped in egg).
Fly to Thailand with Cebu Pacific
Direct flights from Iloilo to Thailand. Cebu Pacific Air now operates non-stop flights between Iloilo and Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport three times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
With the launch of the Iloilo-Bangkok route, Cebu Pacific now flies to Bangkok from all its hubs, serving both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
