International Educational Trip – Exploring Bangkok & Pattaya: A Memorable Journey of Learning and Culture
Bangkok, Thailand – Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (UNDIKNAS) proudly announces the successful completion of a significant educational trip to Thailand, which took place over four days from August 28 to 31, 2024. This trip was designed to integrate in-depth academic exploration with comprehensive cultural experiences, providing participants with broad insights into Thailand. On the first day, the journey began with a visit to Big Bee Garden, where we explored Thailand’s rapidly growing beekeeping industry. Edu-Trip participants gained valuable knowledge, particularly about effective beekeeping methods to produce various products besides honey, such as propolis, vitamins, honey vinegar, ice cream, honey coffee, and more. This visit provided a hands-on understanding of sustainable practices and the importance of biodiversity. Following this educational activity, the group continued to Platinum Shopping Mall, a large complex known for its wide range of fashion and lifestyle goods. Here, Edu-Trip participants experienced Bangkok’s dynamic shopping culture and gained insights into consumer trends and the economic dynamics of one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs.
The second day was dedicated to academic and cultural enrichment. The morning was spent at the School of Industrial Education and Technology (SIET), King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), a leading institution known for its cutting-edge research and innovative educational practices. Participants engaged in interactive sessions with esteemed faculty members, gaining valuable insights into Thailand’s higher education system, scholarships, and its focus on technology and research. In the afternoon, attention shifted to traditional Thai commerce and culture. The Edu-Trip group explored a local dry goods store and then visited Erawadee, a shop renowned for its herbal medicine and traditional Thai health products. Here, participants learned about the significance of herbal medicine in Thai culture and its role in modern health practices.
The next activities focused on exploring Bangkok’s cultural heritage. One of the highlights was a visit to Wat Arun, a historic temple that is a cultural icon of Thailand. In the afternoon, the group proceeded to ICONSIAM, a luxury shopping and entertainment complex reflecting modern urban development in Bangkok. Here, participants experienced a blend of contemporary lifestyle and Thai tradition through high-end stores, cultural exhibitions, and gourmet dining options. The second day concluded with a visit to Asiatique, a bustling riverside night market offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The vibrant market atmosphere and diverse offerings provided a profound cultural experience of Thailand, encapsulating the dynamic street life of Bangkok.
The third day began with a visit to Pattaya, where students toured Gems Gallery, a leading company in the jewelry sector. Here, they gained valuable insights into the history and process of diamond formation until it becomes a valuable product. Next, students visited the Great and Grand Sweet Destination, where they explored various local sweets and sugar products. Following this, they were taken to Nong Nooch Garden, where they gained a deep understanding of Thai culture through traditional dance performances and an elephant parade. The final day concluded with a visit to Laser Buddha, a famous tourist destination featuring an impressive laser Buddha statue and offering stunning views of Pattaya city.
This four-day trip to Thailand proved to be a transformative experience, offering students a unique blend of educational and cultural insights. By engaging with local industries, exploring academic institutions, and immersing themselves in Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating country. The trip underscored the value of experiential learning, providing students with a global perspective that will undoubtedly enhance their academic and personal endeavors in the future. This educational adventure reaffirmed the importance of combining academic inquiry with cultural exploration, equipping students with the tools to appreciate and understand diverse global perspectives.
