23 Dec 2024 - Year-end Trip to Bangkok/Khao Yai (Itinerary included)

This was our first trip whereby we departed in the current year and returned in the following year.  Due to the difference in Jerlene's poly holiday and Javier's school holiday, we now only have a few weeks in a year when their school holidays coincide to embark on our family trip.  We checked in at Changi Airport Terminal 2 but realized we needed to go Terminal 1 to board the plane.

The flight time was slightly more than 2 hours.  We landed at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport at about 11:30am.  Bangkok Airport had implemented passport-free system for international flights starting December 1, 2024.  The system uses facial recognition technology to match passengers' faces with their stored travel and identification data. Passengers can enroll by providing facial data and passport scans at airline counters or self-check-in kiosks.  After we cleared custom and collected our luggage, we quickly went to Budget Car Rental counter to collect our rented car (Toyota Camry).  At the same time, we activated our e-SIMs on our phones, which was so much more convenient than using a WiFi router.

From the airport, we took the toll-free route towards Khao Yai.  The travel time was about 3 hours.  One hour into the journey, we took a rest stop at a petrol station.  There was a Cafe but we decided to buy some snacks from the 7-eleven store.

We also bought Milk Tea and Bubble Tea from a mini Chakaimuk store below.

After the short break, we continued our drive towards Khao Yai.  Below was our itinerary for this trip.

Day 1: Check-in to Lacol Khao Yai, Dinner at Midwinter Khao Yai

Day 2: Hotel Breakfast at Lacol Khao Yai, Palio Khao Yai (CLOSED), Rai Manee Sorn Sunflower Field, Toscana Piazza, Baan Suan Noi Hobbit Resort, Khao Yai Thiang Windmill, Premium Outlet and Pak Chong Night Bazaar, Christmas Eve Dinner at The Witches Brew

Day 3: 30th km Viewpoint, Khao Yai National Park Visitor Center and Walking Trail, Sai Sorn Reservoir, Haew Suwat Waterfall, Farm Chokchai, Chokchai Museum, Studer Restaurant

Day 4: PB Valley Winery, Primo Piazza, Khao Yai Speedkart and ATV, The Chocolate Factory

Day 5: Thepphitak Phunnaram Temple, Secret Art Garden, Check in to Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel, Dinner at SENA fest Mall

Day 6: The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Samyan Mitrtown, World’s Largest Gogowa Doll (Squid Game 2) on the Chao Phraya River, ICONSIAM Shopping Mall

Day 7: Day of Shopping Malls in Bangkok

Day 8: Bang Pa-In Palace, Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Day 9: Lunch at maindreamin cafe, Last Shopping Day at MBK Center, Getting Ready by Chao Phraya River for New Year Day Fireworks

Day 10: Spectacular New Year Fireworks Display over Chao Phraya River, Farewell Bangkok

Details of the trip to be updated in upcoming posts...