Bangkok (21st October 2009 - 27th October 2009)

The law of inertia states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest. So I decided I should be on the ball to start penning as CL requested to be able to read it by.. TONIGHT? Gosh!

But I'm still so tired from all those insanity that had been around me the last few days. In fact would I go back BKK? Nope unless is for business trip. I have stuff I wish to revisit or search for, but it does not give me a die die must have or die die must go back feeling. Unless I master Thai, and can finally convince the local that I really am their people and to stop those who think foreigners are dumb and can be preyed upon, then I will think about going back BKK for personal trips.

***************
The above was written on 27th Oct 2009. As mentioned I gave up in the beginning after something happened and had to continue it now...

Changi Airport Terminal 1

Reached T1 relatively early.  While taking photos, I realised it has been exactly a year since I last flown.  That time was with my then-colleauges for a leisure trip to Japan.  It was at T1 too that we boarded the JAL plane.
How time flies.  It is almost a year in my current job and while I did travelled, it has always been via land transport or water transport haha.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Upon reaching Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, I actually felt butterflies in my stomach, much like 2 yrs ago when I reached Tokyo Narita Airport.  The language disparity, the unknown, and the feeling of a lone ranger adds a certain unease feel.

Oriental Suite Apartment

I did made my way to my friend's apartment and had a pleasant chat with the cab driver, prob the only Thai cab driver I felt can be trusted (maybe cos he speaks smattering English and he really seems like a decent and loving dad haha)

Woke up early the next day, knowing it is going to be a fun day! My friend's colleague had taken leave and decided to be our (another of my friend's colleague + me) tour guide.  They even psyched my friend to take leave and join us haha.  And having a driver makes the travelling a breeze as we covered 2 floating markets and Ayutthaya.


Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

In the past, daily commerce in Thailand was conducted mostly along rivers and canals (or khlongs in Thai). Bangkok’s water network was busy and served as the principal means of communication causing Bangkok to be called as the “Venice of the East” by early European visitors.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a morning market.  Thus when we reached in the morning, it has started to be bustling with activities.

The preparation before serving us delicious noodle for breakfast.I have no idea the dish name though. Is it khuaytiow rue?

 

The coconut ice cream is a must-try dessert. I had initially thought it is like the typical coconut ice cream, till I saw coconut slices. The ice cream is served on a different type of coconut, not the typical thirst quencher type but snaller.

I am fascinated by the arm extension haha.  It is truly a handy tool for the boat owner to gather more sales.  And floating market is really a nice place to buy stuff.

The fruits are freshly gathered for sales especially the pomelo (above) and the mango (below)

the food is cheap and good (and yeah I get to try my mango sticky rice!!  It was an interesting dish of sticky rice with milk.  But I am not a rice lover so I think I prefer mango without rice haha.  The other picture is the fried goreng.)

and the items are varied and interesting (lots of spices packed in cute little bags for sale).

Even their hats are interesting, when you don't need it, you can fold it up.  So compact!

A Thai telling us this is edible and proceed to devour it, jokingly! I think is mussels or escargot.. not too sure...

Another food preparation again before...serving us khanom buang.

A Thai taco with a crispy shell, a meringue-like paste (not from egg whites, though) and either shredded sweet pork or shredded egg yolks cooked in palm sugar syrup. The red is the salty version (egg yolk) and the white or paler version is the sweet version (sweet pork).

A coconut sugar farm right inside the floating market, partly because there was a coconut plantation. These coconuts are used to make sugar. However the actual process of converting the coconut into sugar is unknown to me.  Actually, on the way to the floating markets, we pass by a lot of salt and then sugar plantations. The owners were even selling salt on the roadside. I hope to visit one of them next time.

Have to admit that the river is dirty too as I see too many times people .  Even the Thai realised it (cos they are the ones using it), thus many of the boat owners will put offerings to appease the River God and apologise for dirtying it.  I thought about Goong Prince Shin and the flower bracelet at that point...

Amphawa Floating Market

Is another floating market that opens in the noon.  As we were too early I did not take much photos of it.  But I want to remember this floating market because it is near a forest and one can hire a boat to see fireflies there.  I wish to see fireflies...

Ayutthaya

King Naresuan, The Great Palace
Shrine to King Naresuan, former King of Ayutthaya.  
First stop was to visit King Naresuan, King of Ayutthaya.  He was one of Thailand's most revered monarch as he was known for liberating Thailand from Burmese control in about 1690.  Legend has it that he once won Ayutthaya’s freedom by gambling with the Burmese prince on a single cockfight.  Which explains why one can find so many roosters placed around as offerings.  True or False is for you to decide though as there are lots of stories about this King of Ayutthaya.

After that we headed to the nearby Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, known for its Temple of the lined Buddhas.

Wihan Phraphutthasaiyat (Wihara of the Reclining Buddha Image)
Constructed in the reign of King Naresuan the Great for religious adoration and royal meditation.  The largest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya.

The Great Chedi Chaya Mongkhol was built by the command of King Naresuan the Great, to commemorate his decisive victory over the Burmese invasion in A.D. 1592.  Serves as a symbol of prowess and sacrifice of the king and his soldeirs, who with their national and religious devotion have brought out calm and peaceful assurance to the Thai people.

The chedi is bell-shaped, about 60 meters high, constructed on a mound of raised ground (15 X 32.4 X 32.4 m.) with steps going up to the Buddhist image placed midway to the top. The chedi itself now has a distinct tilt, but still can be entered via the stairs.  When I was inside, I saw people buying a pack of little square papers which are gold tinted.  After some observation and my friend's explanation, I realised they buy the papers to help gold plate the Buddha statues and surrounding pillars.  No wonder I kept wondering why there were so many squarish gold spots around me.

Then we went for a sumptuous late lunch where I got to eat Som Tum (papaya salad, the second item I wanted to try in BKK... checked!) and grilled prawns.

Wat Phra Ram
Travel Details: 
Admission Fee: 50 Baht (Foreigners)


After lunch we visited Wat Phra Ram.  The view is splendid.  And when the sunset starts peeking, the orangey-reddish effect on the chedi (or stupa, is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics) is absolutely breathtaking.  It is said that most tour will end their tour at this scenic place and the tourists never fail to lavish praises of this place.  I remembered my friend commenting though, that she wondered if it is because they had a tiring day and at this last spot, with the sunset approaching, one cannot help but feel more appreciative of the nature around you.

It is also the place where you find the heads of the Buddhas being hacked off by the Burmese eons ago.  Sigh, most of the time, it really is the innocent that is affected by such turmoils.

Wat Maha That
Travel Details:
Admission Fee: 50 Baht (Foreigners)

Our last stop except it really was so late (almost 5pm) and we were actually refused entry.  My friend had to tell the lady we came from afar to see this place before the lady relented (without charging us, so nice.  That's why I feel I probably trust Thai woman more.)

Sadly we did not get to the see the famous Buddha head in the tree due to the wet grounds and dim light.  Attached here is a photo of it taken a while back by my friend.  As for me, my memory of this place will be the wet grounds (which explains the pretty reflection I had taken haha).

Public Transport


Before I begin on my 2nd day of adventure, let me first mention the 2 types of "train" transport in BKK.  The MRT which is solely underground.  It uses a black round chip to travel about which I felt is pretty cool.  Note the hole in the machine to drop the black round chip.  Actually with all the recycling going around, I wonder why SMRT never thought of being more GREEN with their movement.  Sighz.

The other main mode of transport is the BTS which is their skytrain above the road.  This use the typical card that I am familiarised with.

What I find amazing is there are even shops INSIDE the station.  They must be very confident that people will shop after entering the gantry.  I did not shop though haha.

Jim Thompson House Museum
Travel Details:
National Stadium BTS station and use Exit 1. You will need to make a "U-turn" at the bottom of the stairs and walk back along the street away from the station. Turn right at the sign and walk down the soi (street) till the end which leads you to the house. 

Admission Fee: Guided tour costs at 100 Baht.  You can visit the open areas for free. 
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm daily (last guided tour at 4:30pm)

Learnt alot about Thai house style and architecture and about Jim Thompson, a very humble and interesting man who left the world in a mysterious manner.  Hmm.
What I find most memorable is the black and white tiles where the guide said during winter, the owner will step on the black tiles for warmth and during summer, the owner will step solely on the white tiles for coolness.

After that I walk around the area, taking photos of MBK (Mah Boon Krong Center), Siam Square, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Central World, Platinum Mall... you get it.  All shopping areas.  And all crowded areas because today is Chulalongkorn Day!  Still remember memorising history facts about him during school days.  Too bad while the original intent was to see how Thai people celebrate this special day for Rama V, due to the inaccessibility of the place (Royal Plaza in Dusit District), I switched to shopping day instead.  Bought some stuff like a pair of shoes...

Lebau - Mezzaluna


Travel Details:
Saphan Taksin BTS station.  Took a cab to Lebau (Short trip).  You can also choose to walk. 

Website:http://www.lebua.com/bangkok/dining/mezzaluna/

Mezzaluna is the signature Italian restaurant at lebua. Located atop 65 floors, the restaurant offers panoramic view of the city and the Chao Phraya river. Ingredients are sourced from the regions of Italy where they are acknowledged to be the best cooked by our Master Italian chefs. Classic Italian songs belted out in the background compliment the ambience. With such great lengths taken to present the best of traditional fare, what can cuisine at Mezzaluna be but a slice of the best of Italy.


• Highest Restaurant at the Dome at lebua, accessible by an elevator to the 64th floor
• Open daily from 6.00 pm - 1.00 am for dinner (last order at 11.30 pm)

The original intent was to go to Sirocco for an outdoor fine dining experience.  It is also the only splurge I forsee for this trip (and it is indeed costly even though we tried to keep cost low by not ordering wine nor main dish haha).  We just wanted to try dining since Sirocco was touted as a must-go by my Thai colleague too.  The ambience is great though.  As for food wise, the bread was plentiful, the crispy rice for appetizer was yummy and did not taste like burnt rice haha.  Theveal shank braised in wine was so-so.  And the tiny little dessert was adorable.  Sadly, all the photo turns out bad because I forgot to change my white balance.. arghhh...

Anyway this fine dining reminds me of my notes on pricing, where you decide on a price not only based on cost (the traditional and most commonly used method) but also on services, ambience etc.  Packaging is really important to motivate people to pay more haha.







After dinner, we went to Sirocco, the fine dining place we did not managed to reserve.  Although the people were a bit rigid/snoobish?/dutifully carrying out orders and were like limiting us from taking photo or lingering too long, I did manage to capture the splendid night view in my mind at least haha.  Photos definitely did not turn out well "p.

Located on the 63rd floor of The Dome at lebua, Sirocco is the world's highest al fresco restaurant and one of Bangkok's most coveted dining choices. It never fails to leave one mesmerized with a breathtaking view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river, an amazing Skybar and quality Mediterranean fare with ingredients from the world's best markets. Live jazz music featuring vocalists of international repute, adds to its captivating ambiance for a perfect evening.

Muang Boran

Travel Details:

Took cab.
Admission: 300 Baht (exclusive rental of Golf Buggy or Bicycle)

Website:http://www.ancientcity.com 

"Ancient City" (Muang Boran in Thai). Outside of Bangkok, on the old road to the beach resort of Pattaya, lies a relatively little known park dedicated to preserving Thai cultural heritage in the form of the many significant buildings and historical places from throughout the country.

The Chom Thong Palace Hall, Ayutthaya
This was built based on the late Ayutthaya architectural style.  I did not visit it while in Ayutthaya though, probably if I have a chance again.  Afterall I still have not see with my eyes the Wat Maha That.

Reclining Buddha, a replicate 
Haha I have yet to see the reclining Buddha I came for... so still fascinated by all these....

Khao Phra Viharn
This is the highest point in ancient city. Khao Phra Viharn, a mountain-top temple on the Cambodian border.  We waited for the rain to lighten before we climb up the numerous staircases to reach Gopura IV.

The Buddha Image being protected by the Seven-Headed Naga

After Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment, he enjoyed the happiness of emancipation.  In the sixth week, during which time Lord Buddha was in the joy of freedom under a big tree, east of the Phrasrimaha Bodhi Tree, a heavy rainstorm broke out.  Then appeared the Mujjalint Naga, a seven-headed serpent residing in a big pond near where Lord Buddha was seated.  The serpent coiled itself into the form of a seven tiered seat for Lord Buddha and spread his head like an umbrella to protect the Lord from the rainstorm.

But I have one puzzling questiong which I never got it answered, that is I never managed to count 7 heads no matter which sculptures I have seen (and I seen many from Ayutthaya, Jim Thompson House Mansion hmmm..)

The interesting things for sales which gives you a Back to the Past feel.  Upon seeing the photo of fried quill eggs, I realised I never did try any while in BKK.  Hmm wonder if they are nice.

Caught sight of a few interesting stuff too like the big lotus leaves in the pond.  I was so tempted to jump on top of it except I know I'm heavy (sigh).  It was interesting to see how the leave rot to just leave the "veins".  I also caught sight of a frog moult which is the first time I seen it.  Hmm I never did find out how do frogs moult actually but this moult really looks like a real frog to me initially (minus the flies).

Took lots of pictures (our camera battery juice ran out even before half a day has gone by) which is an amazing feat because it was raining intermittently while we were there.  Thanks to my friend for her superb driving skills to ensure we capture most shots without getting too wet. I think the place is too big that in the end, we kind of got bored and blur if we had visited it already and left the place to head back to BKK for lunch.  Nevertheless, it really was fun!

Thailand Cultural Centre

Travel Details:
Thailand Culture Centre MRT Station
20 min walk though because it is hidden at the back.

After lunch, I went to Thailand Cultural Centre because I thought it was open on Saturday too.  And as it was a Saturday, you could see a bustle of activities from children to adults learning music and dancing.  Reminds me of a typical community centre on a weekend.  Unfortunately the place I wanted to visit "Thai Life Permanent Exhibition" was not open on Saturday.

Chinatown

Travel Details:
Hua Lamphong Station then took a cab (short ride)

Very typical Chinatown feel much like the streets in Hong Kong.  The dinner was nice though we ate shark fin and bird nest (not very good la but when I'm out in a crowd, I usually let them select the menu).  I like the way they arranged the apples haha.  Oh and I bought fried pork skin and other tidbits from 林真香 which is supposedly quite reputable.   


Chatuchak Weekend Market

Travel Details:
Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station

Lots of cute stuff e.g. barbie clothes and dolls as well as "funky" tees

Of course Chatuchak Weekend Market is known for its pet corner which can be quite interesting/depressing depending on your take for pets.  One can always view it with an open mind I suppose.  A lot of times, I guess we can only do our part and maybe try to influence the people around us.  For this pet corner, I did not really scrutinise the shops so never really notice any cruelty that will break my heart.  I wonder if I do see the tiny elephant feeding gimmick, will it break my heart?  Hmm but as I did not stay in those touristy area, I also missed the chance to experience it.

Add a caption

The first day sunrise

Oh and it took me some time to realise what I was staring at....

is a variety of dog's food.  I almost thought they were tidbits to be bought home haha.  Well maybe I'm inclined to try out dog's food "p.

Another interesting thing I saw is this lolly machine.  Under such hot weather, it is indeed a refreshing treat haha.  I did not take a close-up photo though as cannot disrupt people from doing business "p.  Next time perhaps.  I actually quite like Chatuchak Weekend market despite the weather.  Just that I don't have the whole day to spare so I had to rush off in the noon to catch where my heart really wants to go...

Siam Ocean World
Travel Details:
Siam BTS station
Admission Fees: 680 Baht after discount from a BTS pamphlet


One word, I did not regret my trip even though it is costly with the 20% discount I got.  Luckily I happened to curious and see the BTS route booth haha.  I have a concept after watching the movie (inclusive in the ticket).  Will post in Grasstales when done.

While I was there though, I found myself a new love - Jellyfish.  I could just stand there mesmerised by the way they move themselves.  I did saw other animals e.g. leopard shark and spotted sting ray but did not managed to capture a good photo of these.  Actually most of the photos turned out bluish because of the underwater world effect haha.


Suan Lum night bazaar

Travel Details:
Lumpini MRT station

I think I had a nice time shopping there because it is night time and because it was raining which means lesser people haha.  I like the lights, very beautiful... Oh ya, I also bought the luk chup to try which is little miniature fruits made of mung bean haha.  I have to admit I wouldn't buy it again because I'm not really a mung bean lover (I do eat ang ku tueh but I still prefer the peanut version).

My last day of travelling which is also the most problematic day because the places I wish to go are quite inaccessible.

Hualamphong railroad station

Travel Details:
Hua Lamphong Station then a short walk 

After a train ride to Bekok to reach Endau Rompin (Selai), I got fascinated to the other end of the track, in Bangkok, Thailand, right here. The feel is more Thai here as compared to Tanjong Pagar Railway Station which has a strong Malaysian feel.


Wat Traimit

Travel Details:
Hua Lamphong Station then a long walk

Then I head to Wat Trimit, home of the large solid gold Buddha.  But I waited and waited and the place don't seem to open. In the end I asked a tour guide and he kindly told me it is closed for public :(.  So sad.


Grand Palace
Travel Details:
Took cab from Wat Trimit
Admission Fee: 350 Baht (inclusive of Vimanmek Mansion)

I decided to then hail a cab to Grand Palace to avoid the tour bus crowd at 9am.  Somehow the weather seems too hot for me today and the tour around the area doesn't seem pleasant.  Plus the moment I step in and see a lady telling a foreigner about her personal tour services (which is very ex in my opinion.. I think it costs more than 500 baht.. Can't remember now but my friend did agree with me when I recount my day to her later during dinner.).  Seems really a touristy place.  Oh and they have strict dress code (so I wore shirt and jeans and brought a shawl just in case.  Thankfully it was not required else I might die from the sweltering heat).  I forgot to rent the english tour companion (listening device) though which probably explains why I'm so lost in this place.

Caught sight of a change of guard while mingling in the area.  You wouldn't want to know why I was still in the area though.. My 8gb mem card was shouting for attention for the lack of space.. HUH! Must be the video I took while in Siam Ocean World. Sigh.  So I was deleting photos and stayed longer than intended thus I caught the parade.  Talk about fate.  I still remember how I rush so early to  see the changing guard ceremony in National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall only to find it in National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.  Haha and I still have not caught the Istana one.

Wat Pho

Travel Details:
Took cab from Wat Trimit
Admission Fee: 20 Baht (TBC)

Phra Buddhasaiyas (Viharn Phranorn)

The building is constructed for containing the important Buddha image, the Reclining Buddha of the reign of King Rama III.  This is the largest and most beautiful piece of fine arts of a Buddha image in a reclining position found in Thailand.  The mother-of-pearl inlay at the feet of the image is of the Thai-Chinese style, as indicated by 108 auspicious signs portraying natural scenes of both Indian and Chinese influences.

After that I walked to Wat Pho.  Too hot still until I found the reclining Buddha. Shade at last!  I just had to take a close up of the mother of pearl after reading the description.  The donation style is unique too.  At the end you can purchase for 20 Baht a small container of coins and deposit them in dishes. Sounds unique.  Except I did not try because I was busy taking photo and forgot to till my mum said me.  Oops!

Vimanmek Mansion
Travel Details:
Took cab from Wat Pho

Admission Fee: inclusive in Grand Palace ticket

By early noon I decided to head to Vimanmek Mansion. At first a tuk-tuk wanted to bring me there and he quoted 40 baht (cheaper than the cab fare).  But he started that stupid tourist lie on the Mansion is not open yet and I got fed up and just walk away.  Why can't these people earn their money decently?  Probably is the culture.  Anyway the first cab driver did not know the way and I had to find another driver.

When I reached Vimanmek Mansion, I decided lunch first, tour later haha.  I did spend a real long time here because the various exhibition halls are air-conditioned which is a cool respite for such hot day of 37.5 degrees Celsius.  The last stop is the mansion which is a guided tour so at least it makes it more interesting to have sonmeone explain for me.  At least I knew that the building beside it is a servants quarter. I found it quite unique when I first saw it.



Wat Arun

Travel Details:
Took tuk tuk from Vimanmek mansion to Tha Thien

Then I walked out thinking if I should take a cab or tuk tuk.  Somehow not much tuk tuk around.  And I was outside Dusit Zoo which doesn't seem very attractive.  Hmm.

Anyway I took a tuk tuk to Tha Thien, though I suspected I was still over charged.  Sigh.  Stayed there a long time waiting for sunset because Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is known to be especially beautiful during the evening.  I did not pay a visit to Wat Arun though because I think I got saturated with all these temple walks. 

Unfortunately the sun doesn't want to peek out so this is my best masterpiece.  Ok at least I get to try the last transport I wanted - the water boats (Chao Phraya Express Boats) haha.  I think is the direction so it wasn't so crowded phew.  And alighting at the most common stop - Saphan Taksin so I was pretty sure I wouldn't get lost as almost the boatful of people alighted together too!


Saphan Taksin

Saphan Taksin Night view where they even let out fireworks or crackers at times.  (Probably why I caught sight of the firework in Lebau previously).  Headed back to find my friend for dinner at MK.  Did not like it though.  Too bad as it was the last meal of this trip haha.

The next day, I had once again caught the sunrise in the airport...

before heading back to SG.

While seeing the clouds, I realised how much I love the sky and the water.. much more than I love the earth... sigh if only I can don't come back to land....