Nong Nooch Botanical Garden and Resort, Pattaya

On the last day of the Marianos' trip to Thailand, we rented a van and drove to Pattaya to visit NongNooch Botanical Garden and Resort. Pattaya is  a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Entrance ticket to the garden is Thai Baht 500 each ($16).

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace Bangkok

A must-see sight for any travelers to Bangkok is this magnificent Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha located at the heart of the city. These complex of buildings are in one compound.  I can't count the number of times I have been there. The entrance ticket has changed several times in the last thirteen years but it's worth the money. This time, my guests and I paid Thai Baht 500 each.(around $16).

Floating Market Damnoen Saduak

One and a half  hours away from the bustling metropolis is Thailand's most popular floating market. It is located in Damnoen Saduak District in Ratchaburi province, 105 kilometers away from Bangkok. My guests and I joined a guided tour of the floating market. We also went for a walk along the canals. The canals were packed with boats selling fruit and vegetables and local food. The tour cost Thai Baht 1000 per person (around $30). The price includes trip to floating market, buffet lunch and Samphran Elephant ground and zoo.