Bangkok 2013
I wrote two entries on Bangkok (2011) before (here and here) but this trip I learnt a lot more - probably because I do not exactly have anyone to depend on. I went with Serene, the sister who said she has no plans whatsoever. But luckily, Bangkok is not that hard to navigate (Serene had to help me still). My direction sense usually frustrates people.
Our flight - Thai Airways ($280 per pax)
There was a promotion going on but the timings were pretty good and we chose the following:
4 May 2013 - Arrive at BKK at 13:45 (local time)
8 May 2013 - Land in Singapore at 22:55 (local time)
More important than in-flight food :P
Our hotel - Citin Pratunam
Citin Pratunam is right smacked in an alley, of an alley. Definitely not an easy place to locate and considering the number of alleys there are (bear in mind they all look the same), it takes some time to get used to getting to that place. That being said, I cannot deny the good location (such an irony) of it - the awesome street food and the whole stretch of shopping area: Pantip Plaza, Grand Diamond Plaza, Platinum Mall, Central World, and all the way to Siam area (about 3 - 4 BTS stations, all walk-able, tried and tested). There's a family mart and several 7-eleven stores there as well. No lack of coke zero or whatever you may need!
From Citin Pratunam to Pantip Plaza (10 mins walk) to Grand Diamond Plaza (5 minutes walk) to Platinum mall (5 minutes walk) to Central World (10 minutes walk) to Siam Paragon (10 minutes walk through Skywalk at level 2 of Central World).
We paid about $30 per night per person for our stay in Citin Pratunam (3* hotel). The staff there were generally good, friendly and smiley (except for one bad receptionist named Anne).
Whilst what surrounds the hotel appears dodgy, the interior is better than expected - comfortable beds and spacious enough.
Small, basic toilet. But good enough.
They also have a tuk-tuk (8am to 8pm, every 30 minutes) that brings you to the nearest BTS or Platinum Mall area.
Day 1
Singapore --> Suvarnabhumi Airport
Upon clearing the immigration checks and all, we stopped by the Tour Service booth (there were a couple of them) at the airport and tried our luck at getting a tour to the floating market because after researching, it seems that it is not easy to get to the floating market and take elephant rides as these are at the outskirts of BKK (1.5 to 2 hours drive from BKK).
Suvarnabhumi Airport --> Citin Pratunam
Thereafter, we took the Airport Rail Link to Ratchaprarop station, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 40 baht (SGD 1.80) per pax. This is very cheap compared to taking a cab which probably takes about the same time (or more). The train ride is also very comfortable :)
This is ridiculously cheap.
Interior of the train, which is relatively new.
The station is supposedly very near (5 minutes walk) to our hotel. But as we do know how to get there by foot, we hailed a cab. It was just our luck that the cab driver does not know how to get to our hotel and wasted more than 1 hour of our time (the meter shows 140+ baht). Their meter starts at 35 baht and jumps really slowly so 140+ baht is a hell lot. By the way, it's best to always get the address of the hotel/places in Thai. Most people there can't understand/read English.
I am going to pen down how to walk back to the hotel in case I will be staying there again (haha). Glow Hotel is just opposite Pantip Plaza. Turn into the alley where Glow Hotel is, and walk straight (in front of you should be a seafood place with blue signboard) then turn right. Cross the road and enter the alley after you see a '93' signboard. Walk straight again and the hotel is on your right hand side.
Citin Pratunam --> Pantip Plaza --> Grand Diamond Plaza (market) --> Citin Pratunam
By the time we reach our hotel, it is about 5pm (local time) and we cannot visit the Erawan Shrine as planned. So we walked out and went to Pantip Plaza which is right at the main street (after coming out of the 2 alleys from our hotel). It's like a small Sim Lim Square but the iPhone/iPad covers are not cheap. Not worth going at all. We settled our dinner at A&W there.
Pantip Plaza
Street outside Pantip Plaza - lots of street food here
Our A&W dinner, which ain't awesome to be honest.
As we still have some time before our scheduled Thai massage at our hotel (300 baht for 1 hour, ~ SGD13), we walked along Pantip Plaza - where there's a whole string of street food - and came to this market (like our pasar malam) outside Grand Diamond Plaza. I think the stores are from the stores inside the shopping mall. Got a couple of good deals here!
This is where we do the massage by our hotel, Citin. It is in another building about 30 seconds' walk away.
After our massage, we tried the Phad Thai (just outside our hotel). I am anticipating it because I read many good reviews. And it is really the best Phad Thai I've had. The degree of sourness and sweetness is just right. It is oily but I can't stop myself from eating almost everyday. I ate the 'seafood' version and think that the prawns weren't fresh. So I just stick to Phad Thai with Egg (no beansprouts).
This is the Phad Thai stall - starts late afternoon till late at night if I didn't remember wrongly.
Me happy with Phad Thai, one of my favourite dishes.
Day 2
We saw a plethora of microwavable packed food and we decided to try it for breakfast. It's really cheap, but taste quite bad.
My essential. The addiction I can't kick.
Try it at your own risk.
Citin Pratunam --> Erawan Shrine (BTS: Chitlom)
I know that it's at Chitlom BTS but as I ain't sure how to get there, we decided to get on a tuk-tuk at 80 baht (~ SGD3.50). Upon reaching there, someone immediately shoved joss sticks into our hands and tried to sell us flowers (for praying) at exorbitant prices. Serene gave her a big note and she refused to return us our money. Be sure to check the prices and all first! There's a stall in the shrine which I guess should be safer to get from there.
We are not sure what to do with the sacred water. I blindly copied what the others did. Lol.
It was on that day we realized that it's within walking distance from our hotel because it's just opposite Central World.
Erawan Shrine --> Big C Supercenter --> Citin Pratunam
Before we could get to Chatuchak, it started raining (pretty heavily). It's a weekend market so we've got to skip it. We continued walking and chanced upon Big C Supercenter (which was on my itinerary but I didn't know its exact position). This place is just opposite Central World. We went to McDonalds to check out the menu and we got a Parfait (which is not the kind of parfait found in US) and a McFlurry Chocolate. The latter was good and I let Serene have the former because I am not a fan of vanilla sundae. Serene's say US's version of parfait is with yogurt.
McD Parfait.
McFlurry Chocolate :)
I had wanted to visit Big C Supermarket and we grabbed some snacks which are cheap there. We were spoilt for choices for their instant noodles so we skipped that. Not all things are cheap though! We went back to our hotel thereafter as we even got two big bottles (1.25 litres) of Coke Zero for my consumption. :D
Coke is my brand of caffeine.
We got a little lost trying to walk back so we hailed a meter cab. Like I mentioned, the place is actually very near our hotel but the cab took really long to send us back (61 baht, ~SGD2.60). We later know that he detour just so we have to pay more. We knew this because we later got to somewhere 3 stations away from Siam (about 6-7 stations away from our hotel!) and saw the same surroundings! They should have just refused us and requested for a fixed amount and not waste our precious time!
Citin Pratunam --> Grand Diamond Plaza / Platinum Mall --> Market opposite Platinum Mall --> Citin Pratunam
We walked out and at the alley opposite Pantip Plaza, we saw this noodle stall that Serene is very interested in. Honestly I ain't very impressed but it tasted really awesome and unique! We ate the non-spicy version. I think I won't be able to take the spicy version because it looks daunting.
This fishball texture is not like Singapore's (hence a little weird) but the gravy is good!
Along the same alley - this tastes like soon kueh.
We went on to Platinum Mall. It's so different from 2 years ago when dresses were mostly 150 baht (SGD6.50). No doubt the quality of items there had improved a lot but the clothes were like 400 baht to 700 baht (SGD17 - 35) and I know can't bring myself to buy them because I know prices are marked up. I didn't really get a lot there. Also, I cannot buy shoes because their largest size (EUR 40) is tiny.
Crepe from Platinum Mall.
We walked to the market opposite the mall instead. For these market places, you'll see a lot more poor quality clothes. The key is just to make sure you only get the better quality ones. We also walked at the Grand Diamond Plaza (in the mall) which is just a small shopping mall. Not all things are cheap and there's nothing much to shop. But you might be able to find some good buys there (I did!).
Along the way, we bought this street snack which is supposed to be potato but it taste gross. Do not buy!
This looks like carrot cake from afar but it's actually some fish snack which is terribly gross. Very fishy.
We went back to our hotel and bought dinner. I had my Phad Thai again while Serene tried the wanton noodles, both at 40 baht (~ SGD1.8)!
Sinful but good.
Wanton Noodles which tasted average.
Citin Pratunam --> Healthland Spa (Asoke) --> Citin Pratunam
Our transport to and from this place costs 100 baht each - total 200 baht (~ SGD3.60)This is another branch of the Spa I went during my visit in 2011. Similarly, it has 8 levels and feels really atas. We did Traditional Thai Massage at 500 baht for 2 hours (~ SGD22). Not as painful as expected. :)
Along the alley outside our hotel, we got mangoes at 25 baht (~ SGD1.10) and fruit salad at 45 baht (~ SGD2). Mango salad (35 baht) is sold out.
Although we requested for less spicy, it is still too spicy (even for me), no doubt it's good.
Cheap and good (at this point) mangoes.
Day 3
At the Tour Service booth at the airport, we had gotten ourselves a half-day tour (they told us it's only floating market) at 800 baht (SGD 35). The original price was USD 50 and it's from 7 am to 2 pm. Our alternative plan is to get a private tour service: a half day tour (7am to 12pm) to the floating market and railway market, costing about $130 for two. Turns out our money was well-spent. Recommended even if it's USD50!
Citin Pratunam --> Half Day Tour --> Citin Pratunam
Tour Stop 1: Damneon Saduak Floating Market
After a 1.5 - 2 hours car ride, we reached this place where we got on to a motorized boat through the river to the Damneon Saduak Floating Market.
There, you will need to buy a ticket to get on the paddle boat at 150 baht (~ SGD6.50) to go round the river and really look around the water market (there's a dry land market too) and shop or buy food. The ride is about 30 minutes. The things there are expensive so if you see anything you like (merchandise), please remember to bargain.
Before we board the paddle boat.
Paddle boat!
Nice experience everyone should go for.
We bought Mango Sticky Rice at 100 baht (~ SGD4.30) for a small portion for the experience. Mango sticky rice by the roadside costs only about 30 baht (~ SGD1.30).
We have some time at the dry land market and the things there are expensive. The singlet I can get elsewhere at BKK at 100 baht is selling at 300 baht. I bought a dress for Hayley (niece) and it's bargained from 550 baht down to 200 baht!
Tour Stop 2: Chang Puak Camp
It's and elephant camp (and a pleasant surprise because Serene wanted to ride an elephant). Here we took a 30 minutes elephant ride at 600 baht (SGD26) and it was quite an experience.
Even into the water!
Midway the ride, the man in front tried to sell us some accessories and obviously we didn't get. The man for our elephant just got down the elephant like that! It's very dangerous please. We really think it's because we didn't buy anything from him. Wth!
Tour Stops 3,4 and 5: Snake Farm (no one was interested so we skipped this), Handicraft store (pretty impressive inside but otherwise a waste of time) and lastly a Gem factory.
Had chocolate potong (nothing too impressive) and it melted really fast because of the hot weather.
Citin Pratunam --> Central World --> Citin Pratunam
Went to Naraya @ Central World for the bags, and Isetan for cheap lingerie (brands like Triumph and Wacoal). Shop 2000 baht in a single receipt and claim 7% VAT rebate (there's 100 baht administrative fee though).
Had dinner at this place which ain't impressive and ended up overly full.
Walked back to our hotel and saw many stalls of such! Night is so bustling with activities. This was a really tired day.
Day 4
Citin Pratunam --> Pratunam Wholesale Market --> Citin Pratunam
Woke up early to get to the Pratunam Wholesale Market (from 5am to 9am). However, most sellers only sell if you buy 3 pieces of the same design and it's impossible for me to do that. Some will still entertain one piece sale (more expensive) and later when Serene tried to bargain I realised that they may accede to lower the price (if you try). Honestly, it's a bit of a wet blanket because I saw a jumper I like but the seller refuse to entertain a one piece sale. :(
I feel like having instant noodles and so we got some from the Family Mart for breakfast.
Serene really liked the Green Curry noodles but I can't say the same. Mine was instant glass noodles!
Citin Pratunam --> Central World
Decided to get more of the lingerie and also plan to satisfy Serene's craving for cheesecake at Central World. As we walked out, we saw the noodles stall again and decided to share a plate of it. Yes we ate at the roadside! :)
Tried two cakes which were pretty unsatisfying - Parferio's Cheesecake and Bistro 7's blueberry cheesecake. We shared a plate of noodles at Bistro 7 but that ain't worth mentioning as well.
Central World --> Bangkok Smile Clinic (BTS: Chitlom)
Read about this clinic and so I decided to give the whitening a go since it's way cheaper than in Singapore. We wanted to cab there but the hotel staff told us that it's very near the BTS when we seek help to get the location in Thai. Chitlom BTS is walkable from Central World (skywalk at level 2) so we walked all the way to the clinic. We asked people along the way but really it's just walking straight from the BTS. I did the laser whitening (SGD 360) while Serene took the take-home bleaching set (SGD260); the dentist will advise what treatment you are suitable for. The people there are able to speak English. I wouldn't say that the difference is stark though. There was slight pain.
Bangkok Smile Clinic (BTS: Chitlom) --> Terminal 21 (BTS: Asoke)
Terminal 21 is a shopping mall where each level is made to a resemble a certain country.
It's a fresh concept, but I'm not extremely impressed. However, I know one place I have to go is - TaeKaeNoi Land. The fried seaweed is cheap and there's many flavours (unlike Singapore). Prices are originally at 78 baht for 2 packets but there was a promotion so I got 3 at the same price (SGD 1.20 for 1 packet). I brought 9 packets back (I finished 6 packets in 2 weeks). Sushi and Pizza flavours are good; highly recommended! Also got some other Thailand snacks here, including the famous 'dog poo'. The (seaweed) sheet version was only a little cheaper so I did not get those.
We walked past this same cafe that we went in the afternoon and I get to try my mango crepe cake while Serene tried her chocolate lava cake. Both were good (and cheap).
We continued walking around until it's time for dinner.
I guess this level is London?
Love this bridge; there are mini cars too :p
We went up to the food Court, where you need to use a card instead of cash. But money can be refunded when you're done. Prices are cheap!
Serving is small though.
Non-spicy because Serene can't take spicy food.
This is like YTF.
These are mini paus but order at your own risk. Not good at all.
The toilet we went to is nice!
Before we find our way to our massage place - waffles buy one get one. We wanted to get one but the person told us it's on promotion lol! It's only about 28 baht for 2!
Terminal 21 --> Healthland Spa (Asoke) --> Citin Pratunam
Thereafter we asked for directions and walked to Healthland Spa for Traditional Thai Massage with Herbal Compress at 800 baht (SGD 35) for 2 hours.
Previously we took a taxi and tuk tuk to and from Healthland Spa and were charged 100 baht for one way. So this time, we were planning to find a tuk tuk who will charge us the same. However, when we finally find one (bargained from 120 baht down to 100 baht). He drove very recklessly - he sped and even drove into the lane travelling in the opposite direction. All that for 20 baht (less than SGD1)! We made sure we got off the tuk tuk before we pay him because we were afraid that he would just drive off.
Day 5
Citin Pratunam --> Pratunam Wholesale Market --> Citin Pratunam
We went to the wholesale market again to grab some last minute buys. Headed back to the hotel to rest before we set off again at about 9am just so we could have the 30 baht noodles.
Citin Pratunam --> Madame Tussauds Wax Museum @ Siam Discovery (BTS: Siam)
We were so disappointed that the noodles stall wasn't open yet. :( We passed by McDonalds and decided to have a simple breakfast.
The corn pie is disgusting, according to Serene.
We shopped on the way as we walked all the way to Siam area. We went into Shibuya19 shopping mall (opposite Platinum Mall) because Serene needed the toilet and we found a shop selling good quality bags at cheap prices! Really tempted to continue shopping there but we had to leave for our next stop!
After alighting/walking to Siam BTS: Siam BTS > Siam Paragon (linked) > Siam Centre > Siam Discovery. It sounds like a mouthful but it's actually just a 5 minutes walk. We asked for directions along the way to avoid going the wrong way.
The ticket costs 800 baht (SGD 34.50) per adult but I booked the tickets online at 50% discount. The condition is to enter the museum by 12 noon. We initially planned to reach at 10am (opening time) but we arrived a little later because we were shopping along the way. It's advisable to reach early because it's already pretty crowded at 11am and it's not easy to take pictures there.
A pity I didn't bring my DSLR along. :(
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum @ Siam Discovery --> Siam Paragon
After viewing the museum, it's lunch time! There's a food court at Siam Centre and Siam Paragon and we chose Siam Paragon in the end. There are also a couple of cafes in Siam Centre but we feel like having Thai food on this day. :)
This clear flat noodles with seafood is surprisingly good! It's about 150 baht (SGD6.50) but the prawns were fresh and price is still decent by our standards. :) The serving is very small though.
Siam Paragon --> Mango Tango @ Siam Square (BTS: Siam)
Siam Square is on the opposite side of Siam Paragon. It's a 5 minutes walk from the BTS but we asked all for directions all the way till we reach Mango Tango (it's near Novotel). Having heard countless raves about this place, I am pretty worried that I will be disappointed.
Everything looks so good on the menu and we decided to order 3 dishes (initally we wanted to share one Mango Sticky Rice). They really have the best mangoes I've ever tasted in my life. This is a must-go! We felt that the staff was pretty black-faced but when we pay, Serene said it's so good she just had to tell her that their desserts are so good. In the end, the staff smiled. I think they are just busy hence the black face. :)
Siam Square -- > Citin Pratunam --> Airport Rail Link
We headed back to our hotel by foot. By now I am so tired but I keep telling myself that we're returning and it's the last lap. We rested and had the Phad Thai for the last time. As I did my whitening, I cannot have Coke for 48 hours. The weather was so hot, I literally was begging for plain water - I just have craving for it. We wanted to ask the hotel staff how to write the Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link in Thai so that we can get a taxi there before hopping on to the train to the airport. However, the manager (?) instead got his bellman to bring us to the airport because he said it's just a 5 minutes walk and it's not wise to get a taxi who may deliberately detour and charge us some 200 or 300 baht. The bellman helped us with the luggage leaving only one bag (of seaweed - very light) with Serene; he had wanted to carry everything himself. On his hands were about 30kg worth. He single-handedly carried them through the railway track and up the stairs. I was so touched... I didn't know what to say. Needless to say, such service is deserving of tips (though I don't exactly tip people).
Airport Rail Link --> Suvarnabhumi Airport
We reached slightly earlier and took a rest at Dunkin' Donut. Serene tried the Thai Milk Tea and she was full of praises for it. My friend who just returned from Phuket also said that Thai Milk Tea was so good she had it everyday during her trip.
Suvarnabhumi Airport --> Singapore
We have been walking up early (5-6 am) daily and returning back to hotel at 9+pm before we turn in at about 11pm-12am for the 4 nights. We are extremely tired it all show on our faces...
Our flight - Thai Airways ($280 per pax)
There was a promotion going on but the timings were pretty good and we chose the following:
4 May 2013 - Arrive at BKK at 13:45 (local time)
8 May 2013 - Land in Singapore at 22:55 (local time)
More important than in-flight food :P
Our hotel - Citin Pratunam
Citin Pratunam is right smacked in an alley, of an alley. Definitely not an easy place to locate and considering the number of alleys there are (bear in mind they all look the same), it takes some time to get used to getting to that place. That being said, I cannot deny the good location (such an irony) of it - the awesome street food and the whole stretch of shopping area: Pantip Plaza, Grand Diamond Plaza, Platinum Mall, Central World, and all the way to Siam area (about 3 - 4 BTS stations, all walk-able, tried and tested). There's a family mart and several 7-eleven stores there as well. No lack of coke zero or whatever you may need!
From Citin Pratunam to Pantip Plaza (10 mins walk) to Grand Diamond Plaza (5 minutes walk) to Platinum mall (5 minutes walk) to Central World (10 minutes walk) to Siam Paragon (10 minutes walk through Skywalk at level 2 of Central World).
We paid about $30 per night per person for our stay in Citin Pratunam (3* hotel). The staff there were generally good, friendly and smiley (except for one bad receptionist named Anne).
Whilst what surrounds the hotel appears dodgy, the interior is better than expected - comfortable beds and spacious enough.
Small, basic toilet. But good enough.
They also have a tuk-tuk (8am to 8pm, every 30 minutes) that brings you to the nearest BTS or Platinum Mall area.
Day 1
Singapore --> Suvarnabhumi Airport
Upon clearing the immigration checks and all, we stopped by the Tour Service booth (there were a couple of them) at the airport and tried our luck at getting a tour to the floating market because after researching, it seems that it is not easy to get to the floating market and take elephant rides as these are at the outskirts of BKK (1.5 to 2 hours drive from BKK).
Suvarnabhumi Airport --> Citin Pratunam
Thereafter, we took the Airport Rail Link to Ratchaprarop station, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 40 baht (SGD 1.80) per pax. This is very cheap compared to taking a cab which probably takes about the same time (or more). The train ride is also very comfortable :)
This is ridiculously cheap.
Interior of the train, which is relatively new.
The station is supposedly very near (5 minutes walk) to our hotel. But as we do know how to get there by foot, we hailed a cab. It was just our luck that the cab driver does not know how to get to our hotel and wasted more than 1 hour of our time (the meter shows 140+ baht). Their meter starts at 35 baht and jumps really slowly so 140+ baht is a hell lot. By the way, it's best to always get the address of the hotel/places in Thai. Most people there can't understand/read English.
I am going to pen down how to walk back to the hotel in case I will be staying there again (haha). Glow Hotel is just opposite Pantip Plaza. Turn into the alley where Glow Hotel is, and walk straight (in front of you should be a seafood place with blue signboard) then turn right. Cross the road and enter the alley after you see a '93' signboard. Walk straight again and the hotel is on your right hand side.
Citin Pratunam --> Pantip Plaza --> Grand Diamond Plaza (market) --> Citin Pratunam
By the time we reach our hotel, it is about 5pm (local time) and we cannot visit the Erawan Shrine as planned. So we walked out and went to Pantip Plaza which is right at the main street (after coming out of the 2 alleys from our hotel). It's like a small Sim Lim Square but the iPhone/iPad covers are not cheap. Not worth going at all. We settled our dinner at A&W there.
Pantip Plaza
Street outside Pantip Plaza - lots of street food here
Our A&W dinner, which ain't awesome to be honest.
As we still have some time before our scheduled Thai massage at our hotel (300 baht for 1 hour, ~ SGD13), we walked along Pantip Plaza - where there's a whole string of street food - and came to this market (like our pasar malam) outside Grand Diamond Plaza. I think the stores are from the stores inside the shopping mall. Got a couple of good deals here!
This is where we do the massage by our hotel, Citin. It is in another building about 30 seconds' walk away.
After our massage, we tried the Phad Thai (just outside our hotel). I am anticipating it because I read many good reviews. And it is really the best Phad Thai I've had. The degree of sourness and sweetness is just right. It is oily but I can't stop myself from eating almost everyday. I ate the 'seafood' version and think that the prawns weren't fresh. So I just stick to Phad Thai with Egg (no beansprouts).
This is the Phad Thai stall - starts late afternoon till late at night if I didn't remember wrongly.
Me happy with Phad Thai, one of my favourite dishes.
Day 2
We saw a plethora of microwavable packed food and we decided to try it for breakfast. It's really cheap, but taste quite bad.
My essential. The addiction I can't kick.
Try it at your own risk.
Citin Pratunam --> Erawan Shrine (BTS: Chitlom)
I know that it's at Chitlom BTS but as I ain't sure how to get there, we decided to get on a tuk-tuk at 80 baht (~ SGD3.50). Upon reaching there, someone immediately shoved joss sticks into our hands and tried to sell us flowers (for praying) at exorbitant prices. Serene gave her a big note and she refused to return us our money. Be sure to check the prices and all first! There's a stall in the shrine which I guess should be safer to get from there.
We are not sure what to do with the sacred water. I blindly copied what the others did. Lol.
It was on that day we realized that it's within walking distance from our hotel because it's just opposite Central World.
Erawan Shrine --> Big C Supercenter --> Citin Pratunam
Before we could get to Chatuchak, it started raining (pretty heavily). It's a weekend market so we've got to skip it. We continued walking and chanced upon Big C Supercenter (which was on my itinerary but I didn't know its exact position). This place is just opposite Central World. We went to McDonalds to check out the menu and we got a Parfait (which is not the kind of parfait found in US) and a McFlurry Chocolate. The latter was good and I let Serene have the former because I am not a fan of vanilla sundae. Serene's say US's version of parfait is with yogurt.
McD Parfait.
McFlurry Chocolate :)
I had wanted to visit Big C Supermarket and we grabbed some snacks which are cheap there. We were spoilt for choices for their instant noodles so we skipped that. Not all things are cheap though! We went back to our hotel thereafter as we even got two big bottles (1.25 litres) of Coke Zero for my consumption. :D
Coke is my brand of caffeine.
We got a little lost trying to walk back so we hailed a meter cab. Like I mentioned, the place is actually very near our hotel but the cab took really long to send us back (61 baht, ~SGD2.60). We later know that he detour just so we have to pay more. We knew this because we later got to somewhere 3 stations away from Siam (about 6-7 stations away from our hotel!) and saw the same surroundings! They should have just refused us and requested for a fixed amount and not waste our precious time!
Citin Pratunam --> Grand Diamond Plaza / Platinum Mall --> Market opposite Platinum Mall --> Citin Pratunam
We walked out and at the alley opposite Pantip Plaza, we saw this noodle stall that Serene is very interested in. Honestly I ain't very impressed but it tasted really awesome and unique! We ate the non-spicy version. I think I won't be able to take the spicy version because it looks daunting.
This fishball texture is not like Singapore's (hence a little weird) but the gravy is good!
Along the same alley - this tastes like soon kueh.
We went on to Platinum Mall. It's so different from 2 years ago when dresses were mostly 150 baht (SGD6.50). No doubt the quality of items there had improved a lot but the clothes were like 400 baht to 700 baht (SGD17 - 35) and I know can't bring myself to buy them because I know prices are marked up. I didn't really get a lot there. Also, I cannot buy shoes because their largest size (EUR 40) is tiny.
Crepe from Platinum Mall.
We walked to the market opposite the mall instead. For these market places, you'll see a lot more poor quality clothes. The key is just to make sure you only get the better quality ones. We also walked at the Grand Diamond Plaza (in the mall) which is just a small shopping mall. Not all things are cheap and there's nothing much to shop. But you might be able to find some good buys there (I did!).
Along the way, we bought this street snack which is supposed to be potato but it taste gross. Do not buy!
This looks like carrot cake from afar but it's actually some fish snack which is terribly gross. Very fishy.
We went back to our hotel and bought dinner. I had my Phad Thai again while Serene tried the wanton noodles, both at 40 baht (~ SGD1.8)!
Sinful but good.
Wanton Noodles which tasted average.
Citin Pratunam --> Healthland Spa (Asoke) --> Citin Pratunam
Our transport to and from this place costs 100 baht each - total 200 baht (~ SGD3.60)This is another branch of the Spa I went during my visit in 2011. Similarly, it has 8 levels and feels really atas. We did Traditional Thai Massage at 500 baht for 2 hours (~ SGD22). Not as painful as expected. :)
Along the alley outside our hotel, we got mangoes at 25 baht (~ SGD1.10) and fruit salad at 45 baht (~ SGD2). Mango salad (35 baht) is sold out.
Although we requested for less spicy, it is still too spicy (even for me), no doubt it's good.
Cheap and good (at this point) mangoes.
Day 3
At the Tour Service booth at the airport, we had gotten ourselves a half-day tour (they told us it's only floating market) at 800 baht (SGD 35). The original price was USD 50 and it's from 7 am to 2 pm. Our alternative plan is to get a private tour service: a half day tour (7am to 12pm) to the floating market and railway market, costing about $130 for two. Turns out our money was well-spent. Recommended even if it's USD50!
Citin Pratunam --> Half Day Tour --> Citin Pratunam
Tour Stop 1: Damneon Saduak Floating Market
After a 1.5 - 2 hours car ride, we reached this place where we got on to a motorized boat through the river to the Damneon Saduak Floating Market.
There, you will need to buy a ticket to get on the paddle boat at 150 baht (~ SGD6.50) to go round the river and really look around the water market (there's a dry land market too) and shop or buy food. The ride is about 30 minutes. The things there are expensive so if you see anything you like (merchandise), please remember to bargain.
Before we board the paddle boat.
Paddle boat!
Nice experience everyone should go for.
We bought Mango Sticky Rice at 100 baht (~ SGD4.30) for a small portion for the experience. Mango sticky rice by the roadside costs only about 30 baht (~ SGD1.30).
We have some time at the dry land market and the things there are expensive. The singlet I can get elsewhere at BKK at 100 baht is selling at 300 baht. I bought a dress for Hayley (niece) and it's bargained from 550 baht down to 200 baht!
Tour Stop 2: Chang Puak Camp
It's and elephant camp (and a pleasant surprise because Serene wanted to ride an elephant). Here we took a 30 minutes elephant ride at 600 baht (SGD26) and it was quite an experience.
Even into the water!
Midway the ride, the man in front tried to sell us some accessories and obviously we didn't get. The man for our elephant just got down the elephant like that! It's very dangerous please. We really think it's because we didn't buy anything from him. Wth!
Tour Stops 3,4 and 5: Snake Farm (no one was interested so we skipped this), Handicraft store (pretty impressive inside but otherwise a waste of time) and lastly a Gem factory.
Had chocolate potong (nothing too impressive) and it melted really fast because of the hot weather.
Citin Pratunam --> Central World --> Citin Pratunam
Went to Naraya @ Central World for the bags, and Isetan for cheap lingerie (brands like Triumph and Wacoal). Shop 2000 baht in a single receipt and claim 7% VAT rebate (there's 100 baht administrative fee though).
Had dinner at this place which ain't impressive and ended up overly full.
Walked back to our hotel and saw many stalls of such! Night is so bustling with activities. This was a really tired day.
Day 4
Citin Pratunam --> Pratunam Wholesale Market --> Citin Pratunam
Woke up early to get to the Pratunam Wholesale Market (from 5am to 9am). However, most sellers only sell if you buy 3 pieces of the same design and it's impossible for me to do that. Some will still entertain one piece sale (more expensive) and later when Serene tried to bargain I realised that they may accede to lower the price (if you try). Honestly, it's a bit of a wet blanket because I saw a jumper I like but the seller refuse to entertain a one piece sale. :(
I feel like having instant noodles and so we got some from the Family Mart for breakfast.
Serene really liked the Green Curry noodles but I can't say the same. Mine was instant glass noodles!
Citin Pratunam --> Central World
Decided to get more of the lingerie and also plan to satisfy Serene's craving for cheesecake at Central World. As we walked out, we saw the noodles stall again and decided to share a plate of it. Yes we ate at the roadside! :)
Tried two cakes which were pretty unsatisfying - Parferio's Cheesecake and Bistro 7's blueberry cheesecake. We shared a plate of noodles at Bistro 7 but that ain't worth mentioning as well.
Central World --> Bangkok Smile Clinic (BTS: Chitlom)
Read about this clinic and so I decided to give the whitening a go since it's way cheaper than in Singapore. We wanted to cab there but the hotel staff told us that it's very near the BTS when we seek help to get the location in Thai. Chitlom BTS is walkable from Central World (skywalk at level 2) so we walked all the way to the clinic. We asked people along the way but really it's just walking straight from the BTS. I did the laser whitening (SGD 360) while Serene took the take-home bleaching set (SGD260); the dentist will advise what treatment you are suitable for. The people there are able to speak English. I wouldn't say that the difference is stark though. There was slight pain.
Bangkok Smile Clinic (BTS: Chitlom) --> Terminal 21 (BTS: Asoke)
Terminal 21 is a shopping mall where each level is made to a resemble a certain country.
It's a fresh concept, but I'm not extremely impressed. However, I know one place I have to go is - TaeKaeNoi Land. The fried seaweed is cheap and there's many flavours (unlike Singapore). Prices are originally at 78 baht for 2 packets but there was a promotion so I got 3 at the same price (SGD 1.20 for 1 packet). I brought 9 packets back (I finished 6 packets in 2 weeks). Sushi and Pizza flavours are good; highly recommended! Also got some other Thailand snacks here, including the famous 'dog poo'. The (seaweed) sheet version was only a little cheaper so I did not get those.
We walked past this same cafe that we went in the afternoon and I get to try my mango crepe cake while Serene tried her chocolate lava cake. Both were good (and cheap).
We continued walking around until it's time for dinner.
I guess this level is London?
Love this bridge; there are mini cars too :p
We went up to the food Court, where you need to use a card instead of cash. But money can be refunded when you're done. Prices are cheap!
Serving is small though.
Non-spicy because Serene can't take spicy food.
This is like YTF.
These are mini paus but order at your own risk. Not good at all.
The toilet we went to is nice!
Before we find our way to our massage place - waffles buy one get one. We wanted to get one but the person told us it's on promotion lol! It's only about 28 baht for 2!
Terminal 21 --> Healthland Spa (Asoke) --> Citin Pratunam
Thereafter we asked for directions and walked to Healthland Spa for Traditional Thai Massage with Herbal Compress at 800 baht (SGD 35) for 2 hours.
Previously we took a taxi and tuk tuk to and from Healthland Spa and were charged 100 baht for one way. So this time, we were planning to find a tuk tuk who will charge us the same. However, when we finally find one (bargained from 120 baht down to 100 baht). He drove very recklessly - he sped and even drove into the lane travelling in the opposite direction. All that for 20 baht (less than SGD1)! We made sure we got off the tuk tuk before we pay him because we were afraid that he would just drive off.
Day 5
Citin Pratunam --> Pratunam Wholesale Market --> Citin Pratunam
We went to the wholesale market again to grab some last minute buys. Headed back to the hotel to rest before we set off again at about 9am just so we could have the 30 baht noodles.
Citin Pratunam --> Madame Tussauds Wax Museum @ Siam Discovery (BTS: Siam)
We were so disappointed that the noodles stall wasn't open yet. :( We passed by McDonalds and decided to have a simple breakfast.
The corn pie is disgusting, according to Serene.
We shopped on the way as we walked all the way to Siam area. We went into Shibuya19 shopping mall (opposite Platinum Mall) because Serene needed the toilet and we found a shop selling good quality bags at cheap prices! Really tempted to continue shopping there but we had to leave for our next stop!
After alighting/walking to Siam BTS: Siam BTS > Siam Paragon (linked) > Siam Centre > Siam Discovery. It sounds like a mouthful but it's actually just a 5 minutes walk. We asked for directions along the way to avoid going the wrong way.
The ticket costs 800 baht (SGD 34.50) per adult but I booked the tickets online at 50% discount. The condition is to enter the museum by 12 noon. We initially planned to reach at 10am (opening time) but we arrived a little later because we were shopping along the way. It's advisable to reach early because it's already pretty crowded at 11am and it's not easy to take pictures there.
A pity I didn't bring my DSLR along. :(
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum @ Siam Discovery --> Siam Paragon
After viewing the museum, it's lunch time! There's a food court at Siam Centre and Siam Paragon and we chose Siam Paragon in the end. There are also a couple of cafes in Siam Centre but we feel like having Thai food on this day. :)
This clear flat noodles with seafood is surprisingly good! It's about 150 baht (SGD6.50) but the prawns were fresh and price is still decent by our standards. :) The serving is very small though.
Siam Paragon --> Mango Tango @ Siam Square (BTS: Siam)
Siam Square is on the opposite side of Siam Paragon. It's a 5 minutes walk from the BTS but we asked all for directions all the way till we reach Mango Tango (it's near Novotel). Having heard countless raves about this place, I am pretty worried that I will be disappointed.
Everything looks so good on the menu and we decided to order 3 dishes (initally we wanted to share one Mango Sticky Rice). They really have the best mangoes I've ever tasted in my life. This is a must-go! We felt that the staff was pretty black-faced but when we pay, Serene said it's so good she just had to tell her that their desserts are so good. In the end, the staff smiled. I think they are just busy hence the black face. :)
Siam Square -- > Citin Pratunam --> Airport Rail Link
We headed back to our hotel by foot. By now I am so tired but I keep telling myself that we're returning and it's the last lap. We rested and had the Phad Thai for the last time. As I did my whitening, I cannot have Coke for 48 hours. The weather was so hot, I literally was begging for plain water - I just have craving for it. We wanted to ask the hotel staff how to write the Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link in Thai so that we can get a taxi there before hopping on to the train to the airport. However, the manager (?) instead got his bellman to bring us to the airport because he said it's just a 5 minutes walk and it's not wise to get a taxi who may deliberately detour and charge us some 200 or 300 baht. The bellman helped us with the luggage leaving only one bag (of seaweed - very light) with Serene; he had wanted to carry everything himself. On his hands were about 30kg worth. He single-handedly carried them through the railway track and up the stairs. I was so touched... I didn't know what to say. Needless to say, such service is deserving of tips (though I don't exactly tip people).
Airport Rail Link --> Suvarnabhumi Airport
We reached slightly earlier and took a rest at Dunkin' Donut. Serene tried the Thai Milk Tea and she was full of praises for it. My friend who just returned from Phuket also said that Thai Milk Tea was so good she had it everyday during her trip.
Suvarnabhumi Airport --> Singapore
We have been walking up early (5-6 am) daily and returning back to hotel at 9+pm before we turn in at about 11pm-12am for the 4 nights. We are extremely tired it all show on our faces...