IN just a little over six months, MYAirline celebrated two remarkable milestones: welcoming their 1 millionth passenger and launching their first international flight to Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday, June 28.
Inviting members of the media and social media content creators on this inaugural flight, MYAirline and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ensured a memorable five-day visit to Pattaya and Bangkok.
Right from the beginning, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. Check-in at KLIA2 was a breeze, with friendly staff guiding us through the process.
As luck would have it, we were personally greeted by none other than Captain Warrin Wahab himself, who happened to be checking in at the counter. His warm welcome set the tone for an exciting journey.
The flight, lasting a comfortable 2 hours and 15 minutes, was a delight. The seats were generously spacious, providing ample legroom for even the tallest passengers.
It was a pleasant surprise to find the seatbelt to be extra-long, an often overlooked feature on budget airlines that made a world of difference in terms of comfort.
Upon touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport, we were met with warm smiles and a gracious welcome from the TAT and airport staff, setting the stage for an incredible stay.
But why are more flights to Bangkok something we eagerly anticipate? MYAirline's expansion provides travellers with additional options and flexibility when it comes to flight schedules and destinations.
This means that tourists can plan their itineraries more efficiently and tailor their experiences to suit their specific needs.
Thailand offers Malaysian travelers a unique and captivating destination that allows for a short journey to immerse oneself in a different culture, savour a vast array of culinary delights, and indulge in an exciting shopping haven.
Our first stop was the lively coastal city of Pattaya, located just 1.5 hours away from Bangkok. Pattaya greeted us with its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and an abundance of attractions and activities. This city promised adventure at every turn.
Among the highlights of Pattaya was the world-renowned Alcazar Cabaret Show. Renowned for being the best transvestite cabaret show in Thailand, the performances were a sensory feast.
From contemporary musical renditions to awe-inspiring traditional acts featuring stunning costumes, the hour-long show left the audience in awe. The Alcazar Cabaret Show offers three daily shows at 6pm, 8pm, and 9.30pm, with an extra show on Saturdays at 11pm.
The next stop on our journey took us to The Sanctuary of Truth, Thailand's largest wooden building. This architectural marvel is a museum and a sanctuary for wood artisans.
Located at Rachavet Peak in Tambon Na Klua, Aumphor Bang Lamung, Cho Buri, The Sanctuary of Truth pays homage to Thai traditional craftsmanship. The intricate carvings and the sheer size of the structure left us mesmerised.
The absence of nails in its construction and the presence of carpentry artisans to explain the various techniques used added to the appreciation of this remarkable masterpiece. Inside the sanctuary, wooden statues and intricately carved ornamentations depict the philosophy of life.
It's no wonder that The Sanctuary of Truth contributed to Thailand receiving the Best Travel Industry Award in 2008.
A visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden introduced us to a lush oasis. This sprawling botanical paradise, winner of numerous international awards, showcased meticulously landscaped themed gardens.
Exploring the 600-acre garden was made easy with hop-on and hop-off coaches, allowing us to admire life-sized handcrafted animals and gigantic prehistoric dinosaurs. Cultural shows featuring Thai dances and martial arts added to the charm of this tropical haven.
To escape the heat, we ventured into the Frost Magical Ice of Siam, an enchanting ice-domed wonderland where temperatures dropped to -15°C.
This Instagrammable amusement park offered a unique experience with snowy landscapes, ice sculptures, and various engaging activities.
Of course, Pattaya wouldn't be complete without a visit to its beautiful beaches. We soaked up the sun, dipped our toes in the azure waters, and enjoyed exhilarating water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
And not to be missed were the stunning panoramic views of the coastline from the Pattaya Viewpoint.
As evening fell, we found ourselves immersed in the vibrant energy of Pattaya's renowned Walking Street. Neon lights illuminated the bustling thoroughfare, inviting us to explore its lively clubs and witness captivating street performances.
Strolling along the street, we savored the buzzing atmosphere, taking in the city's legendary nightlife scene.
Our adventure continued in Bangkok, the bustling capital city of Thailand. One of the highlights was the Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise, departing from the Asiatique Pier.
Before boarding, we had the opportunity to explore the open-air shopping arcade, enjoy live music performances, and indulge in rides on the ferris wheel and carousel.
The cruise itself was a delightful experience, with delectable Thai dishes served as we glided along the Chao Phraya River. The live band serenaded us, and we were treated to magnificent views of Bangkok's most iconic and sacred landmarks from our unique vantage point.
No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a stop at Wat Arun, also known as The Temple of Dawn. This Buddhist temple, located on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River, derived its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often associated with the radiations of the rising sun.
Wat Arun's distinctive prang (spires) and its iridescent reflection in the morning light make it one of Thailand's most recognisable landmarks.
Exploring the temple grounds and witnessing visitors dressed in traditional attire for photos around the temple added to the cultural immersion.
Of course, no trip to Bangkok is complete without indulging in the city's renowned shopping experiences. Our first shopping adventure led us to 7-Eleven, an unexpected but delightful surprise.
The convenience store chain in Thailand offers an extensive range of snacks, hot food, skincare, and cosmetics that surpass what we find in Malaysian stores.
We made multiple visits, enthralled by the novelty and the availability of rare, social media-famous brands exclusive to Thailand (and perhaps Japan). Those packaged burgers and toasties you've seen on TikTok? Absolutely delicious!
Another shopping highlight was Bangkok Chinatown, one of the largest in the world. Bursting with colorful alleyways, stunning Chinese temples, historic buildings, and delectable street food, Chinatown is a must-visit.
Exploring the famous Yaowarat Road and immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere was a delightful experience.
We also couldn't resist a trip to the Chatuchak Weekend Market and JJ Mall. Despite the heat and humidity, the market was worth braving. With an array of goods available, from decorative items for the home to unique finds, there was something for everyone.
Don't be shy to haggle and negotiate prices, as it is customary at the market. And if the outdoor heat is too much to bear, JJ Mall right next door offers similar knick-knacks and souvenirs, along with the comfort of air conditioning, cafes, and massage kiosks.
Jodd Fairs Night Market, located in the Rama V neighborhood, also captured our attention. With over 700 stalls, this night market offers a variety of clothing, decorations, handmade products, and tantalising street food.
The prices were reasonable, and conversing in English with the vendors was effortless. Although seating may be limited, indulging in the delectable treats while standing added to the market's lively atmosphere.
And, of course, we couldn't miss out on visiting Icon Siam, a 10-story mega-lifestyle center that houses over 7,000 shops, 100 restaurants, and even a floating market.
While exploring the mall, we encountered both well-known brands such as H&M and Sephora, as well as unique items in SOOKSIAM, a themed zone with an indoor floating market.
The selection of unique souvenirs like herbal body care, handwoven textiles, and aromatherapy products was impressive. Art enthusiasts were treated to an incredible art-in-mall journey, featuring works by over 100 Thai and international artists.
To top it off, the upper floors offered bars and restaurants with stunning terraces providing captivating views of the Chao Phraya River. From budget options to Michelin-starred establishments, Icon Siam catered to every taste and budget.
Bangkok, a city where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with modern allurements, offers a myriad of experiences for every traveller.
With the twice-daily flights on MYAirline to Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, starting on August 17 there will be even more opportunities to explore this captivating city. – The Vibes, July 9, 2023
The Vibes’ internet connection throughout this journey in Thailand was powered by Roamingman Malaysia. For great uninterrupted internet connection while travelling, click here.
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