Adventures in Thailand: From the Serene Beaches of Pattaya to the Bustling Streets of Bangkok

Thailand; the gorgeous Asian abode, home to millions of dwellers, living lavishly within its very lap. Sandwiched between Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar – Thailand truly is at the prime location. From gorgeous beaches and beautifully lit crab shacks to busy suburban cities and bustling shopping malls – you’ll find it all here, within this spectacular Asian country. On our splendid visit to Thailand, we visited two out of the four main provinces – Pattaya, and the bustling capital: Bangkok.

First up – Pattaya city. Our stay included two days of beachy, summer vibes – and a rejuvenating dive under the crystal waters of the Gulf of Thailand. We were off to a rocky start at the Cozy Beach Resort, Pattaya – but we persevered. Despite not having gotten our room keys after a 4-hour flight, and a 2-hour drive – we weren’t even that tired. Our exhilaration kept us on the balls of our feet at every moment. We set off from the lobby of our hotel and headed towards the Big Buddha statue – a ginormous golden Buddha sculpture, that sat undisturbed on the top of a hill. After visiting several other renowned attractions in Pattaya, like the Sanctuary of Truth and the Alcazar Show – we were truly exhausted. 

We had a scrumptious dinner at the famous eatery – Sky Gallery. It was really something else – sitting under the shade of a huge tree, staring out at the inevitable ocean of darkness – being able to see nothing but tiny pinpricks of light in the distance.

But the best day at Pattaya? We called it ‘Water Day’. Imagine standing firm on a whizzing speedboat – as it whooshes over the crystal blue water of The Gulf of Thailand. Sounds amazing, right? Well, it was. I still remember the exact feeling of having water splash my face – feeling the cool rivulets run down my cheeks as the breeze brushed over the cool waters. We were on our way to the Koh Larn islands – the best possible beach location to be at in summer. But we had more than one reason to be excited about the trip – for as we drew nearer to the island, we were also approaching our scuba diving spot. 

Of course, the Koh Larn experience was every bit as breathtaking as I’d anticipated it to be. Whether it was taking a dip in the freezing cold ocean – admiring the colorful swarms of fish swirling by our feet or laying in the ocean – staring up at the bright blue sky; it was truly unforgettable. Every minute of it.

The next morning, we awoke early – and waved goodbye to the stunning coastal city of Pattaya. But of course, we had one last experience pending at Pattaya – the Tiger Park. It was easily the best part of my trip. There must have been over 50 tigers in the humble little park. Never had I ever imagined that I’d be able to stand within a mile of a tiger – so you can imagine my immense astonishment and exhilaration when they told me that I could even get up close and pet one of these magnificent creatures! I’ve honestly never come across an animal with softer fur – or more beautifully padded paws than that little tiger I befriended. Sunny was her name. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that I’m sure not to forget.

After our last hurrah at the tiger park, we truly did bid farewell to Pattaya, and headed off towards the Capital city of Bangkok. 

The last three days of our trip at Bangkok – seem to whiz by. One minute we were strolling, positively mesmerized by the adorable strands of fairy lights strung across the roofs of stores at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. I’ve got to say, our days in Bangkok were nothing less than the literal personification of ‘impulsive buying’. By the end of the visit, we had about three sets of unnecessary elephant-patterned outfits, our own little collection of gadgets (two pairs of ear pods from Marshall, one portable speaker, one wireless charger and a tiny pink camera), not to mention a gleaming white new pair of crocs.

But the best part about Thailand? No doubt there – the food. Whether it was rustic Thai green curry from a roadside restaurant, spicy papaya salad from a street vendor, or the rich and flavorful massaman curry from a local eatery, the culinary delights of Thailand left an indelible mark on my taste buds.

Thailand’s food scene is a vibrant mix of flavors and aromas that cater to every palate. Each dish tells a story, rich in culture and tradition, offering a sensory experience that goes beyond mere sustenance. The freshness of ingredients, the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, and the intricate techniques used in preparation make Thai cuisine a true gastronomic adventure.

On our last day in Bangkok, we decided to indulge in a culinary extravaganza at a renowned restaurant that offered a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. The highlight of the meal was the Pad Thai – a stir-fried noodle dish that is a staple in Thai cuisine. The combination of stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts, all tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce, was nothing short of spectacular. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors that left us craving for more.

As the sun set over the bustling city, casting a golden hue over the Chao Phraya River, we couldn’t help but reflect on our incredible journey. Thailand, with its captivating beauty, rich culture, and delectable cuisine, had given us memories to last a lifetime. From the serene beaches of Pattaya to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, every moment was filled with joy and wonder.

If you ever find yourself yearning for an unforgettable adventure, I urge you to explore the enchanting realms of Pattaya and Bangkok. Immerse yourself in the local culture, savor the exquisite flavors, and create memories that will stay with you forever. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an extraordinary journey through the heart of Thailand. Bon voyage!

–Srinika Mukherjee, a ninth-grade student, is a budding author with two published books and a fervent passion for music.