Bangkok, Thailand
April 2, 2013
Farewell to Vietnam and one day at sea. After departure from Phu My, Pacific Princess set a sou-westerly direction, then alters course to west, following the west coast of Vietnam, across the Gulf of Thailand, past many oil rigs in the area, to our next port of call Laem Chabang, Thailand.
Laem Chabang is the gateway to Bangkok. This enchanting city on the Chao Phraya River is a magical place where graceful dancers perform in shimmering silk gowns, temples with gold-leaf spires harbor priceless Buddhas and riverboats cruise a maze of canals.
The only nation in Southeast Asia to escape colonial rule, Thailand offers a rich and ancient culture that flowered unhindered by Western influence. Proud and strongly nationalistic, the Thai people call their nation Muang Thai - "Land of the Free."
Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, Bangkok is home to more than eight million people. The capital's proper name is Krung Thep - the "City of Angels."
With so many activities to choose, we opted for a leisurely drive to Nong Nuch Village, a privately owned, 250-acre village set against lush green hills.
We give our camera a workout in this enchanting botanical park, which features entertainment, trained elephants and tigers.
A short stroll through the manicured grounds and botanical gardens we take in the brightly hued flowers and their intoxicating floral scents. The vast area includes abundant flora and fauna, two lakes, miniature bonsai trees, stately cactus plants, bromeliad gardens, and a hothouse for orchids and ferns.
Inside the Nong Nuch Village, we thrill to colorful cultural performances of traditional Thai folk songs and ceremonies at the Thai Village Theater. Folk dances from various regions in Thailand are performed, and we get a demonstration of drumming, sword fighting and Thai boxing, which is an obsessional recreational sport.
The highlight of our visit to Nong Nuch Village is the charming elephant show. Elephants are the symbol of good luck in Siam, and these gentle, yet highly intelligent giants, perform a variety of tricks under the careful guidance of their trainers.
No trip to Thailand is complete without Thai massage and fortunately for us the cruise terminal offered complete relaxation.
See below the many photos we took.
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| Thai Village Theater is packed with tourists from around the world |
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| The colorful performance begins |
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| Drumming Performance |
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| Drummers are set in every part of the stage. |
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| Folk dancers are like colorful human butterflies. |
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Folk dance
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| Skillful timing is required for this dance |
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| Sword fighting |
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| Ceremony in a language of mudras |
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| The many-armed Thai Goddess |
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| Thai boxing |
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| Deities come to life. |
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| Beautiful women adorned in ancient traditional garb |
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| Sword fight atop elephants |
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| Folk dance |
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| Elephant show |
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| Elephants effortlessly pick up tourists with their trunks |
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| Elephant reach into audience for bananas. Notice the length of their reach |
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| Bike riding |
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| Elephants painting t-shirts |
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| Soccer playing, too |
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| Elephants lining up for their turn |
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| Elephant making the throw |
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| Baby elephant, here and below, dancing to "Gangnam Style" music |
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| Petting a real tiger |
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| Sophia placed her hand on the tiger and his mouth opened. Good thing she didn't notice |
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| Sitting with a Goddess |
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| Young men enjoying a refreshing coconut drink |
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| Colorful grounds |
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| An Elephant ride through the grounds |
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| Impeccable landscaping throughout entire park |
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| Wildlife color the grounds like Disneyland |
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| A park for the entire family |
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| Keeping cool under a Thai umbrella |
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| Breathtaking symmetry |
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| A cool pond in 90 degree heat |
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| Architectural design of simple beauty |
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| Stonehenge recreated in Thailand |
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| Steps from another point of view |
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| Next to Sophia's favorite guardian: the dragon |
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| Way to go |
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| Sculptures dot landscape everywhere |
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| An ancient reptile |
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| Entrance to orchid garden |
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| The splendor of orchids |
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Orchid garden
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| Orchid garden |
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| Two hearts coming together |
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| A symbol of rare beauty |
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A cool refreshing drink at the end of rhe day
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Beaches as seen on drive back to pier
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One of Brigit's favorite past-times: getting a foot massage
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| Passing along a heart crystal to Thai masseuse |
Thank you all for sharing this incredible journey with us.
We'll talk to you soon.
Love, Brigit & Sophia
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