...so this is a continuation of my first international travel story.
Day 3
It was a hot yet gloomy day but it couldn’t stop us from visiting Bangkok’s famous tourist spots – the temples.
We visited first the Wat Arun Temple (also known as “Temple of Dawn”). When visiting temples, one must wear modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees). It just so happened that when we visited the weekend market, I bought a long Thai skirt, so to really embrace the tourist experience, I wore it to the temple.
There, we had so much fun taking photos while fully immersing ourselves in their culture.
We had planned to see Wat Pho and the famous reclining Buddha next, but a heavy downpour sent us back to the hotel instead.
Luckily, after lunch, the rain cleared and we headed to the Grand Palace.
This is the park across the Grand Palace where we saw squirrels climbing the trees.
We also saw this worship area before entering the temple.
We explored the vast grounds (IT WAS REALLY HUGE) and paid our respects at the main temple.
We watched the monks as they prayed. The intricate architecture and vibrant colors were even more breathtaking in the sunlight. And we made sure to hydrate ourselves as the heat is too much. (I forgot to bring a handy personal fan)
We ended the day on a high note – literally – by visiting the Mahanakhon Skywalk.
At the 78th floor, we stepped onto the glass floor which felt like walking on air high above Bangkok.
The panoramic views of the city were breathtaking, stretching as far as the eye could see. We also ordered mocktails as we enjoy the view of the place.
As we made our way down to the 74th floor, we explored the interactive augmented reality experience of Bangkok’s landmarks.
What we (mostly me, my husband and his sister) enjoyed the most is the Skyride Virtual Reality Simulator. It was a thrilling experience and a perfect way to cap off a day of culture and adventure.
TIP: Do not forget to bring water, portable fan, umbrella especially during summer days as the heat is really challenging. Also, when visiting temples, always wear comfortable but modest clothes. Avoid wearing sandals, flipflops, short skirts, sleeveless.
Day 4: Clothes, Crunchies, and City Views – The Perfect Bangkok Combo
Our Day 4 in Bangkok is all about shopping. We started the day at Platinum Fashion Mall. From trendy clothes to accessories at bargain prices. We all enjoyed browsing endless stalls, hunting for unique pieces, and picking up a few stylish outfits to bring back home. The only problem is the luggage weight limit. LOL! But as a person who seldom buys clothes, this was an exciting part for me. The phrase “I deserved this” was my mantra during shopping. The clothes are really cheaaaaap that it won't break your budget.
After satisfying our shopping cravings, we had our quick lunch at the mall’s food court (super loved the food), before heading to Big C Supermarket to hunt for food souvenirs. We bought local snacks, instant noodles, sauces for tom yum and pad Thai, and sweet treats – perfect to relive the flavors of Thailand once we’re back home. It was a fun and budget-friendly way to collect memories in edible form. Of course, one of the must have food souvenirs is the lava cake from 7-11. I super love chocolates!!!
Back at the hotel, we squeezed every last thing in our luggage. It was a bit of a puzzle, I tell you – but the stingy part of us refused to pay for extra checked bags! LOL! After packing our stuff, we retreated to our hotel’s rooftop view.
The water was cool and refreshing. Floating under the open sky, we sipped on colorful mocktails.
As night fell, city lights lit up the sky. It was the perfect way to wind down after a long day of shopping and exploring.
Why the First International Travel Is More Possible Than You Think
For many of us, traveling abroad can feel like a distant dream – expensive flights, endless planning, language barriers, and the worry of “what if something goes wrong”. I used to think and feel the same…until this trip.
What I discovered is that taking that first step is far more achievable. You just need to be willing. With proper planning, smart budgeting, and willingness to embrace the unknown, even your “impossible” dream trip can become a reality.
If you’re reading this thinking, “I wish I could travel abroad” – I once thought that too. And now, I’m writing this from experience, not imagination.
Thank you for reading! I appreciate the support!
