It was day 3. After a morning shower, I got down, and was ready to check out. Then I sort of got Shuwai up for brunch. We went to the Emporium, where we had Thai food. I ordered a bowl of Pork Fried Noodles and a Durian sticky rice. The pork noodles were tasty with the raw egg that was broken and mixed. The durian sticky rice was confusing. It's coconut milk overpowered the durian as it was mixed. It sort of became a durian sticky porridge. Well that was slightly too much coconut milk 😂 We headed down and I got some groceries from their 'atas' supermarket. Then I took the MRT to chatukchat station. Where bus A1 took me to the airport at a small fee of 30 baht. The airport was crowded. After checking in, I went through immigration via the ASEAN Lane (a benefit for ASEAN nations like Singapore). On the flight back, the plane was tad bit empty and I even had the whole row to myself 😀😀 Maybe it was due to the fact that the next day was Chinese New Year Day! Near Singapore, the plane circled for a couple of minutes due to high traffic at the airport. Still, we landed 30mins ahead of the stipulated time. Time was perfect and there I was, back to reality. Damn. The land of smiles surely passed quickly. But I'll never forget their everlasting hospitality and the jet ride there. Through this trip, I met numerous people, with the best being Shuwai. Being of same age and having been to Bangkok solo, it was great to show him around Bangkok on the sights and little things to visit in Bangkok. Well, don't forget to check out his Instagram for more!
0 Comments
Rise and shine! Despite sleeping late last night, I got up early to catch the peak hours of the morning. Walking out of the hostel, the air was fresh yet cooling. Sounds of the traffic buzzing by got louder as I near the main road. Bangkok, a buzzing city that is its best in the morning. The pace was slow despite the large gathering of street food around Phrom Phong BTS. From mixed vegetable rice to deep fried food, street vendors have much to offer to even the healthiest of person. Just like my previous trip, I started the morning with a stroll to Ari BTS, a 20-minute walk from the hostel. En route, I pass by Benjasiri Park. A local park that offers a void of quiet space from the streets. Its flora was blooming as I visited, where Park goers did their morning rituals. So I chanced upon a street stall that sold Pork Soup Noodles. I got a bowl of Freshly cooked soup noodles (40 baht). Next stop, shopping for my other half. Literally dedicated the morning for just that. I guess I find little fun shopping as it gets pretty boring after awhile. I discovered Pratunam Market, a large market with wholesale clothing at cheap rates (only if you get it at wholesale price) after wandering around and purposely getting myself lost. That's the fun of it! I came across a stall that claimed it does not have a branch in Singapore. Having that phrase plastered all over the store, I decided to give it a try. They sell just Wanton Mee and drinks. Honest Review (2 out of 5 👍) Taste: Bland and Plain, especially the noodles. The Char siew, wanton was dry and bland too :( Plus point: Deep fried pork fat gave a much-needed savory at the end Texture: The overall dish was oily, which was understandable. Despite that, the texture of the noodles and its vegetables were just right. Well, I wasn't impressed. What's more, the damage was 100 baht 😱 I soon wandered around before discovering a fabric paradise. Located just opposite Platinum Mall, it's Shibuya 19 (I think so) level 3-6. Japanese Canvas costs only 100 baht per meter or just 40 baht per meter for wholesale! Satisfied my fabric cravings there! Next up, the food market outside Central World Mall. The market offered local cuisines such as barbecued seafood, mango salads, and sweet cravings such as Coconut ice cream and Mango Sticky Rice. Worth it and value for money, the market also provides sheltered seating areas in a new tentage. Pretty much the morning was complete! I have to say that I did mixed Cambodian Riels with Thai Baht that cheated my feelings, thinking I had enough money to cover my shopping expenses. Damn to those embarrassing moments that I tried to give them Riels 😂 #epic As the sun rose, it begins increasing hot and humid. It was noon, I headed back to the hostel for some reprieve from the heat. It was 3 pm. I met up with Shuwai from the hostel and we head out for Rod Fai Train Night Market via Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station. The amazing thing about that station was that there wasn't a Cultural Centre in sight. Nearby was Esplanade Mall, a retail and F&B mall that has only one thing I'd want to savor - iBerry Coconut Cake. The cake was great! Soft and mildly sweet coconut sponge cake topped with Sliced Fresh Coconut Flesh, and a gallop of fresh whipped cream at just 100 baht! Next up, rock climbing at Bounce! Legend says that student passes are the world's best discount card. At just a flash of our student passes, we got a discounted rate at just 320 baht for a session of 1 hour. Once secured with a harness, one can scale multiple courses of different styles in varying difficulties.
After 15 minutes, I've reached my destination, where I took the train to Phrom Phong BTS Station, located in the green line. Phrom Phong is a quiet neighborhood with its nearest shopping mall, the Emporium. Its surrounding feature an array of Japanese themed dining, wellness services, and convenience stalls. Surprisingly, it is not difficult to get a seat in the Japanese restaurants in Phrom Phong, given its genuine look and the quality of food and service given. The day before, I booked a bed from MonkeyNaps Hostel via Agoda. The cost was very affordable at only S$19 for two nights. However, it is located about 4 streets away from the BTS station. Being a hostel that was still undergoing renovation, it took awhile for me to find out where it was as its location wasn't clearly shown in Google Maps. In the end, I found it after a tip given by a helpful passerby that noticed the 'Help me I'm lost' expression. Check out my review of the hostel through my TripAdvisor profile! After checking in, I went out looking for dinner. So, yup I spent my first night in Bangkok savoring legit Japanese cuisine. Chancing upon a Japanese restaurant that didn't just serve sushi, I ordered a bowl of Salmon Sake Rice (140 Baht) & cup of Matcha Ice Cream (60 Baht). Both filled me lightly as it was already near to midnight. Dinner was great! I needed some really good pressing at my back after months of working previously. Walking around, I surveyed massage establishments and decided on the one that was the most proper. After an hour of massage, I was back at the hostel for the night.
At the hostel, I chanced upon a fellow Malaysian named ShuWai. We introduced ourselves and I learn that it was his first solo backpacking trip overseas. In this case, it was Bangkok for 10 days (or longer) then train rides back to his hometown. Well, it seems pretty interesting! Perhaps I should try that soon in future. I was offered a ride on a jet to the Land of Smiles, Bangkok. It was a dream come true as I boarded a jet that is very much equal to a business class seat in a regional airline, except that it has no frills and no flight attendants. I didn't need that, for which the airplane was enough to amaze me. Arriving at Seletar airport, I went through a quick immigration and security before boarding a shuttle that took me to the jet. The ride went past similar jets that took the experience to a whole new level. From smallest of light aircraft to the larger brothers of business jets, it was a dream come true. Upon reaching, I boarded the aircraft thru its flight stairs and sat at the back of the plane, just in front of the toilets. The ambiance was luxurious yet aged. Its leather seats were matured yet comfortable. Moreover, I could view the cockpit from my seat! #Amazeballs Soon we're up in the skies cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet to Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok, Thailand. After a mere 2 hours, we've reached the border of Thailand and landed shortly after. The jet then taxied to the parking area before its passengers de-board and the pilots begin the shutdown procedure. In a flash, I made it to Bangkok. Despite the exciting journey, I realize that the flight was extremely noisy and its toilets were operating in the form of in-flight portable toilets (just like those on the ground).
Immigration was a breeze and I zoomed out to the arrival hall, where I bid farewell and thanked the pilots for the great experience. From then, I was alone and experienced in the land of smiles. Check back in a few days for my little adventures in Bangkok! PS. I would not be continuing the Cambodia series due to commitments at work. I'll try to do so when I'm free! Until then |