My 4-Night, 5-Day Journey with WPT Prime Thailand
When I first signed up for the WPT Prime Thailand tour, I thought it would simply be a side adventure to complement the poker experience. But it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had—filled with culture, friendship, and laughter.
Day 1: Bangkok – The First Encounters
We gathered at UOB Live in the morning to begin the journey. I ended up in the second departure group, and what I thought was a small inconvenience actually gave me the chance to meet some of the friendliest people of the entire trip.
After a hearty Thai lunch, we explored the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple—Thailand’s most sacred landmark. The golden temples and majestic halls were truly mesmerizing. Thanks to our local guide, we got to learn fascinating stories about Thai history while taking our first group photo together.
Later, a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River gave us a glimpse of riverside life and traditions. The day ended with a colorful cultural performance before we returned to the hotel.
Day 2: Pattaya – Thrills and Traditions
On the way to Pattaya, the group enjoyed a fun activity stop before heading to Suan Thai Village. There, I joined cultural activities such as fruit tasting, a lantern ceremony, and even a friendly water fight. The highlight was the warm hospitality of the locals, who were eager to share traditions and stories with us.
By evening, we arrived at our hotel in Pattaya. A few of us explored the night markets, sampling local food and enjoying a lively atmosphere by the beach.
Day 3: Pattaya – Island Adventures
The next morning, we took a speedboat to Koh Larn Island. For me, this was the most unforgettable part of the trip. I joined a group for underwater walking—wearing astronaut-like helmets that allowed us to stroll on the sea floor surrounded by tropical fish. It was surreal and a bit challenging at first, but once we adjusted, it became magical.
I also tried riding a jet ski, which was pure adrenaline and fun. Later, we toured the island by shuttle, stopping at several stunning beaches. Along the way, I had inspiring conversations with fellow travelers about their journeys in poker, training, and life. It was a reminder that poker not only brings competition but also creates friendships across cultures.
Before returning to the hotel, we stopped at Pattaya Viewpoint to admire the city from above—a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to reflect.
Day 4: Pattaya – Bangkok – A Fitting Farewell
Our last day began at the Pattaya Floating Market, where we sampled unique local dishes and enjoyed shopping for crafts and souvenirs. Later, at a jewelry workshop, we observed artisans creating beautiful handmade pieces—a true showcase of Thai artistry.
The trip ended in Bangkok with some shopping at King Power Duty Free and a farewell dinner. It was bittersweet knowing the journey was ending, but the memories and friendships would last long beyond the trip itself.
Reflections on WPT Prime Thailand Tour
This tour far exceeded my expectations. Everyone—from the guides to fellow travelers—was warm, supportive, and full of good energy. The fact that we all shared a love for poker made it even easier to connect.
WPT Prime Thailand showed me that a poker event can be more than just cards and tables—it can be a gateway to culture, travel, and community. For those who missed out, I can only say: you missed something truly special.
Thailand has just begun its journey with large-scale poker events, and I believe the future holds even greater opportunities. I look forward to seeing this destination grow into one of Asia’s most exciting stops for the global poker community.
– Anh Nguyen –
