Two days in Bangkok: What to do and what not to do!

Every travel itinerary for Thailand begins with a stopover in Bangkok and why not should it be like this! After all, Bangkok is the capital and is a hive of activity. With different cultural flavours to offer, Bangkok also has some really nice tourist attractions that can be visited in two days.

All of us have come across many ’10 Things to do in Bangkok’ blogs and videos, but we never just follow any one particular itinerary. We refer to a number of vlogs, videos, blogs and then decide. Unlike the shopaholics, we (Footloosebackpackers) prefer absorbing ourselves into the great architecture and the cultural belongings of a place. For starters, when we reached Bangkok on the eve of 6^th May 2017, we had nothing on our ‘to do’ list. As one hour passed and we got some time to ourselves, relaxing and overcoming the jet lag, we decided to go on an unplanned stroll in the night suit. Here are the places we visited:

Erawan Shrine

Erawan Shrine houses the idol of Phra Phrom (the Thai representation of Hindu Lord of Creation- Lord Brahma). It is formally called as the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine and people come to pray and wish for health and well-being. Once a wish is fulfilled, the devotee organizes a traditional thank you dance which is performed by the Thai dance troupe. Some devotees also present the idols of Elephants. This is a serene place where you will feel relieved and tranquil.

Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon forms one of the largest shopping groups in Bangkok. It is spread across acres of land and it will take a while to explore it completely. You can visit this mall to relax in the centrally air-conditioned environment and to enjoy live music and window-shop from your favourite posh brands.

Day -2

The next day was a busy day for us; we had planned to cover most of the places on that day, say The Grand Palace, Temple of Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Madame Tussauds Museum, and Siam Ocean World (with 4D movie).

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. It has different sections and the Temple of Emerald Buddha is within this palace only. Temples can be identified by the two big statues of guards outside. Several precious gems and beads have been intricately put together to construct the magnificent walls of the palace. It offers such beautiful sight that you will be forced to do a double take.

Timings: 08:30 AM – 15: 30 PM

Ticket Price: 500 THB/ Person

Best time to visit: Early Morning around 09:00 AM (still it will be crowded)

Wat Pho

Wat Pho offers a quick visit as it houses the idol of Reclining Buddha. It is huge and the place is worth a visit. Devotees can pray while the tourists can learn many things from Thai culture. The ticket is inclusive of a free water bottle and there is a small store where you can write down your wish on a paper and leave the rest to the Lord.

Timings: 08:30 AM – 17: 00 PM

Ticket Price: 100 THB/ Person

Best time to visit: Early Morning around 09:00 AM (Since this place is just a walking distance away from Grand Palace, try to cover this immediately after Grand palace)

Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn)

Wat Arun is located on the west bank of Chao Phraya River. The Temple derives its name from the Hindu God Aruna. The most striking feature of this temple is the central prang, which is encrusted with colourful porcelain. There are stairs that lead you to the top of the temple from where the view of the Bangkok city which offers a magnificent view of the city of Bangkok.

To reach the temple, you can take the ferry from Tha Tien Pier. One way to Wat Arun will cost you 4THB/ person. Yes, it is really cheap; it will hardly take five minutes for the ferry to cross the river and you will be at Wat Arun.

Wat Arun is beautiful but if you decide to go during the day, the heat might become a problem. It is called the Temple of the Dawn because it is decked out with lights; it looks exquisite.

Timings: 07:30 AM- 17:30 PM

Ticket Price: 50 THB/ Person

Best time to visit: Around 04:00 PM when the natural light is still there so that you can appreciate the architecture and have a look at the Bangkok city. If time permits, wait till the moon comes up and then you can see the real Temple of Dawn.

Siam Ocean World, Bangkok

Siam Ocean World is the largest Aquarium in the South East Asia. A large variety of marine creatures can be found here like Octopus, Sea Horse, Jelly Fish, and Sharks. The aquarium is big and it will easily take 1-2 hours to complete the tour (inclusive of photography time). The maintenance is top notch. And I promise you that if you are visiting an aquarium such big for the first time, you won’t come out disappointed.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM (Last Entry at 08:00 PM)

Ticket Price: On Weekdays before 12:00 PM 675 THB/ Person

Original Price: 900 THB/Person

Best Time to visit: Any time before 08:00 PM as there is not much rush.

Note: Do not buy tickets from the counter. Instead, opt for online booking. Not only will you get a good discount but also confirm tickets. Secondly, go for combo option (inclusive of Madame Tussauds and Siam Ocean World). We used the application KLOOK (download from here) and bought a combo for both the places for 880 THB/ Person.

Madame Tussauds, Bangkok

Though not as big as that in London, this one offers decent wax statues. You can easily spend one-hour clicking pictures with every statue and then enjoy a 4D movie that comes as a complimentary gift. The movie is not that great- the effects don't seem real but free stuff is generally liked by all, isn’t it?

Timings: 10:00 AM- 09:00 PM

Ticket Price: 700 THB/ Person

Best Time to Visit: After 05:00 PM because evening is the peak time to shop rather than visit a wax museum!

All said and done, we were super tired after day 2’s travel and exploration. We just needed hot food and a good night’s sleep, for the next day we had to be all pepped up for our journey to Phuket (Detailed itinerary coming up soon).

Till then, keep traveling and keep exploring the beauty of nature.

The Best Guide For Thailand's Visa-on- Arrival Process

The land of free men- Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries of the world. With pristine beaches, alluring marine life and spectacular temples and architecture, Thailand is on the hot-list of every traveller. One may just enjoy and relax on the white sand beaches or one might just plan an itinerary to explore the God’s divine country. But the hassle that every traveller faces every time a plan is made, is regarding the formalities involved in the Visa process.

Good News! Thailand offers Visa-on-arrival for most countries and India is one of them. Lucky us!

For Visa-on-arrival, as you board the plane to Bangkok, the flight staff hands over two slips- arrival and departure slip, which look like this:

·       You need to fill both the sides of the slips with your First name, last name, nationality, Passport number, date of birth, flight number and gender. Remember to cross the correct option and use block letters to fill the slip.

·       The second step is to successfully and safely land in Bangkok and before collecting your checked-in baggage, proceed to the Visa-on-arrival counter. You can ask the staff members for directions if need be. However, the boards are all over the place that will guide you properly. Having reached the visa-on-arrival centre, you need to take the immigration form and stick your photograph on it. Fill the form completely and then put it along with the other necessary documents (list given below). Again, use block letters to fill the form.

Here is a list of documents required for the Visa-on-arrival Document Verification Process:

1.   Passport with a validity of at least six months

2.   Immigration Form that can be taken from the counter and filled with correct details (to download the immigration form, click here)

3.   2 Photos (4 cm x 6 cm)- 80% face visibility

4.   Arrival Card (duly filled) (keep departure card safely)

5.   Proof of Accommodation (Hotel receipts)

Note: If you are planning to stay with a friend or relative, you need to have an invitation letter for the same by your host and their Thai ID proof

6.   Proof of Financial means (10,000 THB per person ~ INR 20,000 per person)- Bank statement with bank seal is the most appropriate document

7.   Return Ticket for your travel

8.   Boarding pass

9.   Visa Fee (2000 THb per person)

Note: Till 31-08-2017, the Visa fee has been reduced by 50% and it is 1000THB per person

·       Once done with the Immigration form, proceed through the gate of the visa-on-arrival office. You will see two different sections- one will have a long queue which will be the line for the regular VOA (Fee- 2000 THB); the other shorter queue will be for the fast-track VOA. If you are in a jiffy and your time is a problem, you can spend some more on Visa fee and opt for the fast-track process. The regular process will take around 40-45 minutes.

·       After submitting your documents successfully along with your passport, the official will issue a counter/ token and ask you to wait in the waiting area. The wait is about 5-6 minutes and then the file containing your passport and Visa fee receipt will be handed to you.

·       After this, you will have to proceed to the gate where the much-awaited stamp will be put. Your photo will be clicked and entry into Thailand will be granted.

Remember to keep your departure card safely for return to your homeland.

Thailand Visa-on-arrival is not a complex process. One has to be absolutely ready with the documents and the other paperwork and the process might seem like a cakewalk. So, good luck, be ready and be confident. Use lists to cross-check the documents and do not forget to keep the originals.

Have a safe and successful trip to Thailand!

For a detailed itinerary, click here.

Exploring the Green Paradise of Kerala: WAYANAD (2-day Trip)

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The Year 2017 has plenty long weekends, one of them is this one. When you have three days to plan your travel, why not cover the nearby areas. Wayanad (Kerala) is one of the most beautiful districts of Kerala. And to plan for this amazing place is not the toughest job in the world.

About Wayanad

Derived from the word ‘Vayal Nadu’ which means land of paddy fields, Wayanad is a magnificent plateau situated at a height of 700-1200m. With a rich cultural heritage and mysterious legends, Wayanad is adorned by the natural beauty. Hills, Peaks, Caves, Lakes and Forests- all these make this place worth a visit. Here is a two-day itinerary for exploring Wayanad and enjoying the serene and calm brilliance of nature.

Places to see in Wayanad:

1.     Chembra Peak

2.     Edakkal Caves

3.     Ambukutthi Mala Waterfalls

4.     Sochipara Falls

5.     Pookode Lake

6.     Wayanad Heritage Museum

7.     Chain Tree (Big Banyan)

8.     Meenmutthi Falls

9.     Kanthanpara Falls

10.   Heart Lake

There are many other places that can be visited if you have more than 2-3 days.

Day 1

To start with, book a hotel near the Sultan Bathery as that is the central point of the district. You can cover 4 places on day one:

Sulthan Bathery

This can top your list because it won’t take much time to explore the Jain Temple and know the history.

After a quick tour of Sulthan Bathery, you can head towards the Wayanad Museum and then Ambukuthi Mala Mountain (12km from Bathery). The Edakkal Caves are located at a height of 1000m on this mountain.

Sulthan Bathery

Relics of the ancient Jain Temple in Sulthan Bathery

Ambukuthi Mala

The Edakkal Cave Trek: You can opt for this trek as it is not so difficult. Fine weather and good company can keep you going. At the base, you will have to buy the ticket to the caves and then continue walking and climbing. The passage is through numerous smaller caves, through the rocks and boulders. But the installation of steel staircase and presence of the admin staff ensures that the crowd moves safely and there is no mobbing.

Carvings on the rocks

Entry point to reach the Edakkal caves

After spending quality time on the dry rocks, the urge to dip your feet in cold water will definitely be high. You can opt for the Sochipara falls next. These Falls provide water rafting, bathing, swimming, etc. The tree top huts give a splendid view of the Western Ghats.

Sochipara Falls

If there is still time, you can go ahead with the itinerary and end the day with your visit to the Kanthanpara Waterfalls. These falls are relatively smaller and form an ideal picnic spot.

Kanthanpara Falls

Day 2

After the night’s rest, either you can opt for a day’s trek to Chembra Peak, stay there overnight and then climb down. Or you can visit the following places.

Banasurasagar Dam: This is the largest earth dam in India and offers a soothing sight for the sore eyes. For cutting the transport cost, you can book the hotel in/ near Kalpetta for the second day.

Banasurasagar Dam

After Banasurasagar Dam, you can see the Chain Tree, followed by Poodoke Lake. With lush green trees and mountains surrounding this fresh water lake, you can enjoy boating facility too.

The Chain Tree

Further towards the south is the Lakkidi View Point which inhabits the huge mountains and the bird's eye view of the valley in the south. The road to this viewpoint is composed of nine hairpin bends and the journey is sure to pump up the adrenaline rush.

View of the hair-pin bends from Lakkidi View Point

View of the southern valley- western ghats from Lakkidi View Point

Day 3

The last day can be either kept as a buffer day for the return journey, or it can be used to explore the North of Wayanad- Pazhassi Raja Tomb and Kuruva Island.

Hope this information comes handy to all the nature lovers!

All Images: Courtest Google Images

Exploring MYSORE in a day!

Our trip to Mysore was an unplanned one. This itinerary is in continuation of the trip to Chikmagalur.

One day- 10 hours- five people and Mysore, the cleanest city we have ever been to. Mysore is well- maintained and clean- this would be an understatement, for the way the things fall in place in this city is sure to make you do a double take.

We started at 4:00 AM for Mysore and reached by 7:30 AM. There are three major attractions in Mysore- The palace, zoo and Chamundeshwari Temple. Apart from these, there is ‘Brindavan Garden’, Tipu Sultan park, Wax museum, Sand museum, Nandi bull (on the way to Chamundeshwari temple). But the latter places can be skipped if your travel itinerary is made for one day. We targeted Zoo first because it opens early.

Zoological park: This is worth visiting. The entire zoo is spread across 2.8 km and it will take not less than 2.5 hours to explore it completely. The ticket is economical: Weekends- Rs. 60 + Rs. 20 (for camera). You can carry water bottles, shades and caps but no eatables are allowed.

Next, we went to Mysore Palace. On weekends, this historical place is really very crowded. But thank the Mysore Government for their efficient management and maintenance, that you will finish the tour of palace in an hour. The ticket is cheap (Weekend: Rs. 30).

The ticket price might increase if there is any flower show or any other attraction and the sad part is that you cannot opt out of it. The price has to be paid whether you go for the attraction or not.

Last but not the least, we went to Chamundeshwari temple, which is located on the Chamundi Hills. The road to the temple is finely decked out, so much so that you will fall in love with the city. The roads are wider, there are separate lanes for ascending traffic and descending traffic.

Points to remember when visiting Chamundeshwari temple:

·       Do not buy the VIP ticket worth Rs. 100 because if you do, you will regret it later.

·       The temple is beautiful, with perfect carvings and architecture. But the fact that the priests literally ask you to put money in front of every idol of God, is very baffling. So, try to avoid this.

·       There are various shops that sell memoirs and other girly stuff. BARGAIN for 50% lesser price.

·       There is huge parking space near the temple, so you need not worry about your vehicle

I hope this information comes in handy.

One liner for the trip: Had a whale of a time!

“Bizarre travel plans are dancing lessons from God.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Backpacking Hacks- Stage 2

After having decided the destination, cities and the number of days you want to spend in different cities, it is time to get to Stage two.

Here is a checklist of things to do:

STAGE 2

1. The Order

This step is a tough one. You need to decide in which order you would be visiting the different tourist attractions. For this, you can try googling the city map and then compare the distance and location of the attractions from your place of stay. It would be better if the hotel (or the place you opt to stay) is near the city market. This would cut down on the transport cost.

2. The Timetable

It is important to manage time and also keep a buffer gap. Especially when traveling to foreign countries for the first time, it is important to read as many blogs and reviews as possible. Collecting information based on others' experiences is always a wise choice. Generally, more than four places cannot be covered in one day. But this count can vary from person to person.

3. Bookings

After having the blueprint ready, it is time to start with the bookings. Book the flights first (following all the hacks to get cheaper tickets) and then book the hotels. The preferable sites for booking hotels are Expedia, Tripoto, Airbnb, Bookings.com. When going for a hotel selection, browse through the photographs and the reviews to get a fairer idea. Before finalizing the booking, check the location of the hotel and keep these two points in mind:

A) If you are visiting a land-locked destination, ensure that your hotel is near the main market

B) If you are visiting a beach/island, ensure that your hotel is near the pier

This would not only cut down on walking miles and help you save energy. Also, in the case of emergency, the market area always comes handy.

Another important point to keep in mind is that whenever you are pre-booking hotels abroad, go for the option- "Pay Later". The website will ask for card details; you can safely enter your details.

4.Run-Through of the Plan

After all these steps, it is important to do a quick run through of the plan so that nothing is missed out. Visa related information needs to be found out prior to booking any tickets (Obvious fact, isn't it?).

5. Final Checklist

Make a final checklist under the following headings:

·       Clothing

·       Documents

·       Footwear

·       Accessories

·       Gadgets

Hope this information comes in handy. For any other query, please email at ejblog12@gmail.com