My Grand Tour Experience: A Taste of Thai by Joshua Pratama

The end is the beginning of something new. Although Joshua’s journey has come to an end, he will face new experience back in Bali and also in the Netherlands when he flies there in September. But first, let’s read his activities in his last week in Thailand.

It Is Just the Beginning…

It is unbelievable how time flies. Having “resided” in Thailand for about 10 weeks for a Grand Tour, the journey has finally come to an end. You may be wondering: If this ends, then why the title says “the beginning”? Such a contrary indeed, but this is true as I am embarking upon new journey in Bali again for my second year’s last Module and eventually, The Netherlands next academic year! For me, this year is probably the most exciting one as by the end of this year, I will have both the opportunity to study abroad and travel to the other parts of the world. Moreover, I believe that many more opportunities await…

Is it a farewell? Well, it is not certainly true since I will see many of my Grand Tour colleagues again in Bali or Leeuwarden. On the other hand, of course, it is so sad leaving a great country like Thailand where people are so friendly and respectful despite of the language barrier sometimes. Furthermore, I will surely miss Stenden Rangsit University and the faculty who has been so helpful as well as supportive throughout my intensive International Business Communication (or Spanish) Module. I really hope that I could still keep in touch with them and of course, with my classmates.

My last week in Thailand does not mean I mostly waste my time by chilling or just going out. Instead, this week was actually my Exam Week. Luckily, I only had two exams on Monday and Wednesday so I could spend the rest of the days with my  friends before departure. On the other hand, I cannot experience the Thai New Year called Songkran Festival from 13 April to 15 April as I would already leave Thailand by then. On this occasion, everyone gets wet as people on the road will splash you with water. This action symbolises one’s purification in the New Year. It is likely to be the biggest (water) celebration in Thailand. Nevertheless, I would like to wish all Thai people a happy Songkran Festival!     

Although a farewell dinner has been organised last week – which was a blast for sure – I filled up my last two days by hanging out with my friends in Dream World Rangsit, a well-known theme park in Thailand and going for a day trip to Ayutthaya, former capital of Siamese Kingdom.

In Dream World, there is “Snow Town”, which is an indoor artificial icy park where you can play snow sledge in this -5.5^oC “town”. It is such a weird feeling to be freezing inside but extremely hot outside. Anyway, I think it was a well-spent time with my friends by getting drenched of “Giant Splash” or sick of “Viking” and “Tornado” rides.

I also gained another insight into Thailand by visiting Ayutthaya. From Rangsit, the city can be reached within less than half an hour by train. Guess what! After three months not riding my scooter in Bali, I get the chance to ride it again to get around the city since this is probably a cheaper alternative compared to renting a tuk-tuk. Thank to the traffic in Ayutthaya that is not as bad as Bangkok as well as GPS technology (of course), my friends and I managed to “survive” to see different ruins of temples. To be honest, I really like the city layout since it is much organised even though three different rivers lock the land. Various historical Buddhist artefacts can be found here due to its history being the capital of Siamese Kingdom. Ayutthaya is probably 360^o the other way around than Bangkok as it is peaceful and a little bit quiet even in daytime.

Lastly, I am super glad that I have decided to do my Grand Tour in Thailand. In general, I would say this is the best decision and the perfect moment since this Module does not really have a lot of assignments or exams to be done. In other words, there were more travelling and leisure chances for me to explore the country, the culture and the people. In my opinion, Grand Tour offers you a win-win situation to continue your studies without any delay besides travelling abroad. So, why don’t you join Stenden and go for a Grand Tour in other Stenden campus sites? You will never forget this one-time, wonderful experience for sure!

Quoting from Sita Villa Facebook’s comment on my farewell post “Choke Dee, La Gorn” that literally means “Good luck and goodbye!” in Thai, I think it is also the time for me to say the same thing to Thailand, the Land of Smiles. Surely, you will be missed a lot!

My Grand Tour Experience: A Taste of Thai by Joshua Pratama

This week Joshua stepped outside Thailand and discovered 2 hidden gems of South East Asia: Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane. This is also one of the benefits of going on a Grand Tour. A chance to visit neighboring countries within easy reach J

The Gems of South East Asia

Having been blessed with another “Study Week” (if you are not familiar with this term, please refer to my previous writing J) just one week before the exam week, I made the best out of it by travelling to Thailand’s neighbouring countries, Vietnam and Laos respectively. One adjective to describe both countries would be “forgotten” since they have not been popular tourist destinations yet unlike Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore even though Vietnam is now emerging as another Southeast Asian’s power. Well, let me tell you my stories then!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, this bustling used-to-be capital of South Vietnam is the largest urban area in the country that looks like an elongated “S”. Having spent a weekend there is probably not enough to explore the city and its nearby tourist attractions, such as Cu Chi Tunnel. Along with my Vietnamese friend/travel buddy called Mai, she took me around her melting-pot city by her scooter. By saying scooter, I really mean there are probably zillions of motorcycles. Just to warn you before visiting this city is to prepare yourself for the insanely crazy traffic. I really mean it as you should not expect the traffic to stop just because you would like to get across the road. 

Besides the traffic, I would say that HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City in short) is amazing! Not only because of its local food (since I love culinary travelling), but also because of its rich, a bit gloomy history due to French and US’ invasion as well as the civil war. Since I am not good in history, it may be better if you browse Mr. Google or Miss Wikipedia for further information :p

At first, I would expect the country to be “same-same” like other Indochina countries, but the city, apparently, still maintains strong influences of its former occupiers especially in terms of the architecture, which portrays the influence of French colonial style. Besides various museums and historical monuments (such as Independence Palace), HCMC has a lot to offer! Starting from the highest skyscraper in the city – Bitexco Financial Tower – with the resemblance of Vietnam’s national Lotus flower to Saigon river to spend your evening while sipping a sunset cocktail in one of the riverside restaurants. Otherwise, take an evening walk along the main avenue in District 1 where many branded shopping malls are located.

What make the city even more interesting, surprisingly, are the churches. Along my trip, I have seen so many churches with unconventional European design. One of them is even flashy pink in colour! However, Notre Dame Cathedral is probably the most famous one that attracts a lot of tourists and locals alike due to its central location in District 1 nearby other popular spots as well, such as the Central Post Office.

One last note that I have never experienced it before was Saigon backpacker’s nightlife. Mai brought me to a local street where a plenty of foreigners and Vietnamese youngsters sit down on the pavement, having a nice chat while savouring Saigon’s local beers. That was just so fun especially when you gather with your friends and start jamming or singing along.

Sabaidee! Vientiane, Lao PDR

Laos or officially Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is probably the “forgotten” gem of Southeast Asia as it is still untouched in the world of tourism. The only landlocked nation in ASEAN, Lao PDR boasts about Mekong River that has nourished the country since ages. Nonetheless, my super short trip, in the capital namely Vientiane, is definitely worthy. This time, I travelled by myself from Monday night until Thursday morning on a sleeper night train from Rangsit to Nong Khai (where it borders with Lao via Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge). Albeit such a short period, but I have successfully managed to visit at least, all tourist destinations recommended in its official tourism website.

In general, Lao is pretty much similar to Thailand particularly in terms of language, culture and food. As it used to be a French Indochina colony too like Vietnam, the legacy of French-style colonial buildings is still present up to date. In short, I can say that Vientiane is like a combination of Thailand and Vietnam as they share similar history.

What I really enjoy from my trip in Vientiane was going to Patuxay. A local rendition of Arc de Triomphe of Paris, Patuxay is a gigantic, gate-like monument that is just located in Lane Xang Avenue, one of the main streets of Vientiane. Facing a classic French-style Presidential Palace at the other end of the avenue, you can see the panorama from the top of this building. One more thing that makes it unique is the presence of the World Peace Gong, a gift from Indonesian World Peace Committee to Lao PDR Government. The Indonesian Embassy is even within a short walking distance from this park.

At last but not least, I would say that Vientiane is really a “walk-able” city as there is less congestion and proper traffic light system. In addition, most of tourist attractions are located in the city centre so you can just walk around like I did. The city layout and organisation is very clear so it is very convenient to travel solo on foot. If you would like to immense more in the cultures, I think Luang Phrabang (an 8-hour road trip from Vientiane) on the north has more to offer especially if you enjoy seeing the temples. Why should you wait? Be a jet setter that discovers and unravels the beauty/mystery of the country!

My Grand Tour Experience: A Taste of Thai by Joshua Pratama

If you love spicy food and happen to be in Thailand, chances are, you would try as much local spicy food as you can while you are there. This week, Joshua went on to more culinary trip, and this time he got the chance to dine at Asia’s Number 1 Restaurant!

Wanna be on Top?

Quoting from America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) theme song hosted by Tyra Banks: “You wanna be on top?”, I finally got a chance to dine out at Asia’s Number 1 Restaurant/Top 32 World’s Best Restaurant called Nahm. Awarded by Restaurant Magazine – a UK’s industry publication – Nahm is headed by an Australian-born Executive Chef, David Thompson, who earned the first Michelin star for Thai cuisine. As for my friend and I, like we always say: “To see and to be seen”, this dining experience can just perfectly describe this saying. My friends and I booked a table for 4 two weeks before our visit. I am presenting you: Thai Gastronomy Part 2. 

Strategically located on one of the high-end, busy streets of Bangkok, Silom Road, Nahm is a humble Thai restaurant inside a luxurious hotel; Metropolitan by Como. Why did I even write “humble” when all the signs indicate that this restaurant is anything but that? There is no barrage of signs in the area indicating that in the area lies ‘Asia’s Number 1 Restaurant’. The restaurant relies solely on its performance to woo everyone away.  Anyways, check out what I ordered during my visit here!

After a state of indecisiveness commonly known as galau by Indonesians whether to choose set menu or à la carte, we finally decided on four different dishes and two desserts to be shared. Again, collectivism! Well, since pictures paint a thousand words, I guess it is not necessary for me to describe how ‘delish’ and gorgeous every dish was presented and served.

For me, the highlight dish of the day was soft shell crab stir-fried with chillies, holy basil and green peppercorns. It was truly ‘flavourful’ with amazing blends of spices. If I were a TripAdvisor rater, I would say that this dish is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

Besides, its minced prawn simmered with shallots, young chillies and coriander fresh vegetables and smoked pork was highly acclaimed as one of Nahm’s signature dishes too.

My other favourite would be one of the desserts; Pandanus noodles with black sticky rice, water chestnuts, tapioca and coconut cream. What an exquisite sweet treat to end my palate’s gastronomic experience! Although it is similar to an Indonesian-style dessert, which may be due to typical ingredients used such as coconut cream or pandanus noodles, I was hypnotised by the combination the Chef has made for this treat. At the end of the day, my appetite was satisfied.

To end with, let me give you a few tips before coming to Nahm. First and probably, the most important one is to RESERVE your table, at least one week prior to your anticipated visit. I am pretty sure that walk-in is hardly accepted even on weekdays due to its popularity among expatriates. Moreover, do not expect this place to be able to accommodate more than hundreds guests. In fact, this restaurant is relatively small, which surely enhances the intimacy and privacy for each party. Last but not least, if you are not a spicy food-lover, then this place offers very little. Why so? It is because Nahm takes pride in its spices.  Nevertheless, in order to get such high-end dining experience, be prepared to spend at least THB 1,000++ per person.

‘There is no love sincerer than the love of the food.’ Have a nice day!

http://www.comohotels.com/metropolitanbangkok/dining/nahm