Bangkok Bloggers Unite at TAT Blogger Campaign

One of the things we love about travel blogging – other than writing and traveling – is being part of a community. A community of people who love to travel, other bloggers and of course the brands and tourism boards. To our merriment, we were recently invited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to join an exclusive bloggers Mini Tour of Bangkok. This tour was also a promotion of their TAT Blogger campaign to further promote the country’s tourism.

This is exactly why we get extremely giddy when we get to experience an event or workshop where everyone is involved. Oh and if you’re getting disinterested in reading any further, we implore to keep going (or skip) till the end – we have a surprise for you!

The Tour

I was really early for some reason but luckily so were a few others. We decided to grab a bite to eat as we waited for the rest. When the time came we all gathered at the Sathorn boat pier at Saphan Taksin. The TAT team organized us into two teams – A & B. The A team consisted mostly of foreign bloggers or those who blogged in English – or so it seemed. Team B had mostly Thais. I thought it would have been better if they had mixed it up.

Anyways, soon after we all got onto the river boat and made our way to the Oriental Pier, which was only one stop away. Team A, my team, got off here while I’m not sure where Team B was headed.

EAC building

Here we got to see iconic buildings that make up Bangkok’s trade history and the European influence. First, just as we got off the boat, we notice the HQ building of the East Asiatic Company. You can see it has a unique European style architecture and design – I think Venetian.

It has long been empty but is still talk of the town among locals and foreigners. We went inside and all of a sudden everyone became a fashion blogger – taking selfies and posed photos against the vintage walls. It was quite amusing.

GUILTY, I was one of them too!

Our next stop was the Assumption Cathedral.

The church was build in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the Catholic community in that area more than 200 years ago.

Notice that building on the right with a golden half-globe on top? Can you guess what it is? Hint: It was in Hangover II movie.

Next we made our way – all the while taking lots of pictures with the TAT staff – towards the O.P. place. This is supposedly a shopping center but to be honest is more like an art gallery or museum as you don’t see anyone buying anything. The shops sell everything from jeweler and handicrafts to tailored clothing, luxury goods and antiques. I wondered, though how these shops are still in business. I guess there must be a reason.

By now we were quite exhausted – not from walking but from the excruciating heat. The TAT team took us to in a shaded alley where we were rewarded with a local delicacy – a roti (crepe) with sugar and condensed milk. They have other flavors too I think but this is what they had prepared for us.

Another photo opp!

Bloggers I Met

This event more than anything was about meeting the people. So I have to share with you all the bloggers I met, some who I had been meaning to meet for a while.

Pupe of Stellar Balcony

Anite of Manao Soda
Kristýna of Epic Betch
Eddie of Stranger in Bangkok
Stella of Stella Wellness
Caroline of Nomad Bound *she’s the one with that awesome umbrella*
Samantha of Bangkok Foodies and organizer of this event

The Campaign

The day ended with all the bloggers, Team A & B being invited to the Mango Tree . Here we all sat down as, enjoyed treats and listened to a few speakers. A French journalist gave a short lecture on European influence in Thai culture & history after which TAT finally announced the blogger campaign.

Win a free trip to Thailand by TAT!

As part of the TAT campaign to promote Thailand, they are giving away free tickets. But it’s not just any giveaway – you have to earn it through their travel contest. It’s quite simple to enter.

Just fill out your details in the registration form and then upload your story (not more than 350 words) and 3-5 pictures. You can also upload a short video (30-90 seconds). The video and/or story must fit in either of these categories: