Ask any Asian frequent traveler out there & most of them will tell you that they have been to Bangkok but I've never been there. Each time the plan is in store, timing is just not right with factors like unstable political situation, flood etc. Finally got the chance to visit there recently with my parents during my leaves before starting new job (I'll talk about that in later post). One day after I was told my resignation was accepted, Mum helped booked hotel & flight immediately.
Day 1
Departed on an Air Asia flight from the new KLIA2 international airport & arrived at Don Mueng International Airport at 11.30 am local time. By the way, Bangkok is 1 hour earlier than Malaysian time. Greeted by the taxi driver by the name of Kasem. True to what they said about Thai people, Kasem was warm & courteous, speaking in good commanding English. Thank you to TripAdvisor too for helping us to get his contacts. Like many of the South East Asian cities, you don't need a paid tour package to help you go around Bangkok really. Bangkok has many those Toyota Innova & Fortuner taxi drivers who can be booked with reasonable fee to bring you around to the places of attractions. For a full day tour covering Floating Market, Dangerous Market & Grand Palace, it costs only 3500 baht (approx. MYR 352.00 or USD 103) for a van which can comfortably seat 5 people. All drivers can cover till nearby Pattaya & Hua Hin. Some are willing to drive to Chiangmai & Haadyai, which are 10 hours drive away. The more resourceful ones can even help you to book hotel rooms or show tickets with just a telephone call.
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| Kasem with his Toyota Fortuner taxi |
Checked into this Hotel 93, located at the vicinity of Pratunam district area. The famous Pratunam market is only stones throw away from the hotel & most major shopping complexes are about 10-20 minutes walk away. No time wasted the moment we left our luggages & walked straight to Platinum Mall, Thailand largest fashion mall about 10 minutes walks away. It has 7-storeys of shopping floors & countless numbers of stores. The stores operate on the principle that buying 1 piece is a retail sale, but buying 3 pieces & above will get you wholesale price. The pricing structure differs according to stores & the agreed price will depends on your bargaining skills & the seller's agreement. Some stores do not practice bargaining but still, the retail price is reasonable. A basic coloured male shirt fetches 200 baht (approx. MYR 21.00) & a piece of male cotton boxer short costs 100 baht (approx. MYR 11.00). Walking around the stores really make you thinking no wonder women got crazy when shopping here. One woman shirt with proper bargaining, can get as low as 150 baht (approx. MYR 16.00) each & a woman slipper costs 200 baht (approx. MYR 21.00). Besides, the workmanship of the apparels here are reasonably good considering the low price. The only setback is that no trying of the clothes is allowed. The policy here is either u take it or leave it.
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| Must try desert: The most delicious coconut ice cream ever, along Pratunam street |
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| Multiple local foods sold in Platinum Mall food court |
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| One of many many shopping lanes. Its like a maze out there !! |
Took the taxi ride to Asiatique Riverfront in the evening for dinner & walk. This pier along the bank of Chao Phraya river, was formerly belongs to the East Asiatic Company back in the 1900s. Today, this same area was being developed into a riverfront project, combining shopping, dining, sightseeing, activities & events under one roof. The shopping retail price here naturally, higher than other places. We had typical Thai dishes dinner before making a trip back to hotel.
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| Evening scene at the Asiatique pier |
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| Colourful lights at the riverfront |
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| Prawn tom yam soup with chilli paste. Check out the size of the river prawns |
One funny observation about taxi drivers here when u ask for a ride back to Pratunam district is, they will give you one long look as if you are asking them to send you to a haunted place. Pratunam has narrow roads & located at the other side of the city. Traffic jam towards & in the area is horrendous. Taxi drivers, naturally will give you a terrified look first before deciding to take you or not. We are made to stop at a main road & walk our way back to hotel instead. A rest is definitely needed for a long day ahead the next day.
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| Walking on the way back to hotel along Pratunam street |
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| Must try street food: Crunchy, delicious fried chickens but super oily. Please consult your doctor before consumption |
TO BE CONTINUED....
