Day02 - 21st June 2007

Dinner time is around the corner. Me and Nicole manage to take a short rest in the hotel after an touristy adventure. We brought some snacks from 7-11 before heading back to the hotel. Munch on them… take a quick shower and decided to head down to Suan Lum Night Bazaar for some shopping and hawker food.

The Suan Lum Night Bazaar is one of the biggest and most crowded night market in Bangkok. We were quite shocked to know that Suan Lum is still open. Rumours has it that the night market was closed down. I guessed they just decided to wait for us to visit it first.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is indeed quite a big place with loads of different small stalls. Me and Nicole was almost blinded by the amount of stalls and things to buy. For the first half an hour, we just walk pass many shops without even knowing where we should begin with.

I finally understand why we can’t think straight and bought anything. Why? Cause I am walking around on an empty stomach. Me and Nicole agree that we should go search for food. We should search for stalls that sells sausages.

Why sausages you asked? Cause… stalls near our hotel sells sausages and it has been tempting us for quite sometime. The funny part… we walk around but we practically can’t find any stalls that sells sausages. Of course we were quite disappointed. Thinking it was a big night bazaar, they would sell loads of different type of food.

When we found the first and only stall that sells meatballs we quickly ordered a stick to try. It isn’t exactly what we had in mind to try but the well… since there isn’t much options… why not try it.

Judging on it’s first look, it surely doesn’t look appetizing. The porkballs actually like they are not cooked. The first bite definately proves us wrong. It tasted so good. It’s really worth the 15 Baht.

We actually sorta give up in searching for sausages and decided to just stop at the foodcourt and order whatever food that we like and eat. Yup, foodcourt is always the best place since one can really choose from the lots.

There were so many stalls there… and so we walk and look around to see if anything interest us. Me and nicole were discussing how we should order more variety of food which is less filling. We walk and point around and keep in view of what interest us… when suddenly, we found this stretch of stalls that sells sausages, meatballs and many other snacks.

At the first stall, we ordered the Pork Changmai Sausage (15 Baht) and Garlic Pork Sausage (15 Baht). They both tasted extremely good but I prefer the Pork Changmai Sausage to the Garlick Pork Sausage. The Pork Changmai Sausage have this strong lemongrass and tom yam flavour. Spicy and a little sourish… wooo… definately one of the best sausages I have ever tried.

We then hop on to another shop to order some Grilled Chicken (50 Baht). I actually have no intention of ordering it… but the aroma just drives me nuts and I just gotta have it. It’s really lovely. The meat is so juicy and tender. It tasted very much like chicken char siew. Slurp…

We then decided to order some different variety of sausages and meatballs from another stall. The meatballs and sausages (30 Baht) didn’t really taste that good. In fact… I think it is kinda bad. From it’s outlook, it looks exactly like the sausages that you can get from the supermarket but the taste wise is really bad. There isn’t much texture to it. The sausages is practically too soft and have no meat taste to it. Same goes for the meatball as well. Definately the worst stuff we have eaten in the day.

Then me and Nicole split up to make our final selection. She went and ordered Crab and Pork Meatball (40 Baht) and Shrimp Roll (50 Baht). I way prefer the shrimp roll to the crab and pork meatballs. I think the crab and the pork don’t kinda mix well and tasted a little odd.

As for me, I went and order fresh fruit juice. I ordered Mango Juice (60 Baht) and Pineapple Juice (60 Baht). In my opinion it’s seriously a good deal. They seriously blend a whole mango to get that rich and thick Mango Juice. Wooo…. the juice tasted so rich.

There were groups performing and singing… keeping everyone in the foodcourt entertained while we have our dinner. Right after dinner, we continue our walking session.

Believe it or not… we didn’t buy anything. There are loads of things to buy… but I keep telling myself, wait and see… wait and see… we can always come back to this place and buy it later on. Which of course is true… it ended up many of the price was jacked up.

I originally intended to buy some local designer artwork… which I think is god’s fate. I failed to purchase it because the artist left the shop to somewhere and not come back even after 10 minutes. And so, I decided to just leave the place. How sad eh?

Address:
Suan Lun Night Bazaar
Wireless Road & King Rama IV Road
Lumpini Park
Bangkok 10230
Telephone Number: (0) 2655 4023
Opening Hours:
Daily: 3.00pm - Midnight
Website: http://www.suanlum-nightbazaar.com/EN/index.php

Day02 - 21st June 2007

Right after the Grand Tour, we decided to head to the nearest temple. Looking at pictures Loh took months ago before my trip, it has been part of my agenda to visit this gigantic reclining Buddha. How can I miss out such a must visit place.

Everyone keep telling me Wat Pho is just next to the Grand Palace. Yes, even by looking at the map… it is like damn near. But honestly speaking, it is not as near as expected. Okay… it isn’t that far. But after a whole day walk, it just seems far away.

Coming out from the Grand Palace, the guards made us walk one big round around the Grand Palace. And… the norm… being stopped by gazillion tuktuk drivers trying to slaughter us with their pathethic and pricy charges. Not to mention the amount of people who try to stop us by telling us how Wat Pho is closed cause it’s Buddha’s Day and well.. yes, the excuses go on and on and on.

Me and Nicole finally reach the main entrance. Admission fee of 20 baht is required. Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1000 Buddha images, which include the biggest Reclining Buddha.

This 46 meters long and 15 meters height Reclining Buddha is decorated with gold plating on his body and mother of pearl on his eyes and feet. The Reclining Buddha is built during the restoration of King Rama III. Yup… awww, this is the first time I see such a huge bling bling Buddha figure. Seriously, to get a nice and clean picture without anyone’s head inside seems to be a difficult task. There really are many tourist and lots of them just don’t care. They would just push you and some tall people would just simply stand right in front of you and blocking us from taking pictures.

Outside of the main building, one can notice there were around 95 chedis in Wat Pho. Amazingly, Wat Pho also have a massage school. Believe it or not… Wat Pho is known as the birth place of Thai massage. Before the temple was founded, Wat Pho was a traditional Thai medicine education centre.

I still think it is sorta unbelieveable. The statues outside looked quite modern compared to other. Carved in a rather chinese style but each of the guy wears a coat and a hat. Mmmm….. amazing~

After a whole day walking around looking at temples and palaces, we decided to walk back to our hotel and take a good rest. Yup, I need to soak my feet into warm water and just relax. I can’t feel my legs anymore. Finding our way back from Wat Pho to the hotel is bad.

We got a little lost. And did I mention, trying to cross a 6 lane road is like the most challenging thing to do~ Thank god the traffic polices were helpful. I must say, they are really nice to tourist They help us to clear some traffic… and I must really take this opportunity to say… I am really greatful for his help. Or else… I think I am still standing by the side of the busy road.

Address:
Wat Pho
2 Sanamchai Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang
Sub-District Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number: (662) 222 5910
Fax: (662) 226 9779
Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 5pm
Website: http://www.watpho.com/

Day02 - 21st June 2007

After a busy day shoo-ing off a large number of tuk tuk drivers, running and dodging con-man/woman… me and Nicole decided that we should go and visit a really cool place, The Grand Palace. I’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Palace. I think it is really a beautiful place and I will have to give up every other place to visit… I would.

Now… the problem is getting in to the Grand Palace. One have no idea how many obstacles we would have to go through. Firstly, someone told us.. it was Buddha’s Day and the place will be closed for the day (all the sweet lies). Then someone told us the locals need to do their prayers and only the locals can enter the Grand Palace. The place will only be opened to visitors after 1.00pm (which is also a total lie). Then someone told us, our dress code is unappropriate and we will never get in. Hence the diversion to other places such as other temples and bargain place.

Pissed of with the harrast and not to mention after listening to so many lies, we just can’t help to just walk straight and go try or die thing. At that point of time, I wouldn’t really care if they kicked me out when I reach there. It is really amazing to find out, upon reaching the main entrance, there were so many notice being posted up to beware of the people trying to make offers to go some other temples and places. So yes, seriously… they are aware of this issues and problem happening.

Like many people would have guessed, my sleeveless top.. does not qualify me to enter the Grand Palace directly. Thank god they do rent out cloths for visitors. Yup, they have button shirt (in GREY colour) and sarong like pants to choose from. No worries, all you have to do is just leave a 100baht deposit with them. When you are done with the touring, all you have to do is just pass the receipt back and you will get your full refund back. Simple eh? Yeah, but if you really really want to take pretty pretty pictures, I seriously advice you to wear a nice top and jeans

I am so excited! I am about to make my princess dream come true. wander around the palace… awww~ Okay, if I am not mistaken, the entrance fee is around 200 - 250baht. Right after paying, one will receive two seperate ticket, one white and one yellow ticket. The white ticket allows visitors to visit The Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion while the yellow ticket is a one day valid entrance to the Grand Palace.

Since the Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion is located before the entrance to the Grand Palace, me and Nicole decided to hop in and drool over all the gold, emerald, diamonds, jade and everything expensive. Looking at the amount of gold belts, gold hair accessories, gold trees, cups, necklace… I must say I want to faint. Somebody carry me please. Not to mention, the Emerald Buddha (in 4 season) is located here as well. Of course one of it is currently being displayed at The Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Our grand tour soon begins. It’s like a total different world once we step pass the gate. Everything just blings. The amount of gold is just crazy. There are so many visuals on the wall to welcome us. Right in front of the entrance, we could actually notice the Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn and Hor Phra Rajkoramanusorn. Awww… it’s really really nice. There are even loads of giagantic yaksha (giant guardian) around the area. Well, surely I must pose and take pictures of the yaksha. It’s after all a very symbolic thing.

We then continue to snap our way to The Upper Terrace which consist of 4 main monuments. Phra Mondop is a repository for Buddhist sacred scriptures inscribled on palm leaves, contained within a beautiful mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinet. Oh yeah, it really bling to the max. Trust me… it really does hurt your eye when the bright sunlight hit on it. Next to it is the Phra Siratana Chedi, a reliquary in a shape of a golden chedi.

One could not miss the Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn (The Royal Patheon). It is a place where the statues of the past sovereigns of the ruling Chakri dynasty are enshrined. I really love the style and how they actually incorporate the golden colour and other colour so nicely. I mean seriously… back then.. when even my grandparents weren’t born. They already have such exquisit taste. Ah… no wonder people would just die to take a glance back then.

There are many statues of elephants and mythical beings around the terrace. Yes, everything coated with gold… more gold and everywhere you turn to… there are hints of gold. No worries, you eyes are seriously fine :). As for me and Nicole… we pose and pose and pose and snap and snap and snap. By the time I finish walking on the Upper Terrace, my battery is already flashing for help.

We then make our way to the main attraction, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple is a place one of the most popular places in Thailand where people come and pay their respect to the Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is carved from a block of green jade and is clad with one of the three seasonal costumes (summer, rainy and winter). The one we saw on the temple was the summer costumes. To see other costumes, one can visit the Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion. The costumes of the Emerald Buddha are changed three times a year in a ceremony presided over by the King.

It is said that the Emerald Buddha was first discovered in 1434 in a stupa in Chiang Rai. The Emerald Buddha is enshrined on a golden traditional Thai-style throne made of gilded-carved wood known as a Busabok in the ordination hall of the royal monastery. The walls of the ordination hall are decorated with paintings depicting events of the Lord Buddha’s life which includes his birth and childhood. There were also several other paintings which portray the enlightment and how the Lord Buddha is preaching his Dharma.

We then walk around and snap loads of pictures. Upon leaving the Temple of the Emerald Buddha we continue to walk on and notices a large strecth of walls with paintings. I must say, the detailing and the story flows is simply amazing. We then reaches this door which linked us to this other part of the place. There is a large sign at the door stating once you decided to go over, one can’t return back to the Upper Terrace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha area.

And since we have done most of the visiting at this area, we decided to move on. We landed ourselves to a more modern area. It is obvious the buildings now have more western influence in them. The first place we landed ourselves is at The Phra Maha Monthian Group which consist of 3 main buildings. The place was really big and we only manage to visit the Amarindra Winitchai Hall and the Hor Phra Dhart Monthian. The Amarindra Winitchai Hall is used for a number of ceremonies such as commemorating the birthday of the King.

From the Phra Maha Monthian Group area, there is a door linking us to The Chakri Group which consist of the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall and The Central Throne Hall. The Chakri Maha Prasat Hall is built by King Chulalongkorn and was completed in 1882. As for the Central Throne Hall, it seves as a notable reception of foreign ambassadors on the occasion of presenting their credentials. There is a weapon museum located at this place where it exhibits the type of knife and weapon used back then.

Our walk continues and we stopped at The Dusit Group. A section which consist of the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Rajkaranyasapha Hall and the Aphorn Phimok Prasat Pavilion. The Dusit Maha Prasat Hall was built by King Rama I was burned down in 1790 and is replaced by the wooden Amarintharapisek Maha Prasat. The Hall is main function is to held the funerals for the kings, queens and honoured members of the royal family.

After a long walk, me and Nicole decided that we should just grab a drink. Yes, we need a place to sit down, wipe our sweat… have a nice cold drink. Now yes… I of course have to return my cute little GREY shirt… get my refund and continue to hop on to my next destination.

Time and tide wait for no men…

Address:
The Grand Palace
Na Phralan Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number:
(662) 623 5500 ext. 3100, 1124
Opening Hour: Daily 8am - 4pm
Admission Fee: 200 Bht (Foreigner)
Website: http://www.palaces.thai.net/
Prohibited:
Taking photo inside the ubosot
Man: Shorts Pants Slippers
Woman: Undershirt Singlet Shorts Sandals

Day02 - 21st June 2007

Has it ever cross your mind that you tend to sleep less when you are on a holiday? I felt so. My dark circles worsen. I always thought I could rest more during the holidays. I wanted to… yet, I didn’t want to waste time and wanted to cover more areas or places of visit.

I force myself to wake up at 7.00 am. I seriously have not wake up in such early hours for… as far as I can remember. Probably my working hours have been pampering me too much. After spending our half day lepaking around Khao San Road (yesterday night), we decided to do the tourist thing.

Upon waking up, we went on and doing our girly things and then head down for our complimentary breakfast. Yeah, my stomach is making noise the moment I step out from my hotel room. Upon reaching the breakfast place, many people is already there… mostly foreigners.

They serve lots of stuff. Many many different type of bread served with different type of jams and butter, pork sausages (yes, only pork), ham, scramble eggs, salad bar, congee with many different type of pickles, cornflakes and cereals with milk, soya bean with “yau char kwai”… and the list goes on.

My favourite would still be the limited but tasty thai food. I still remember how I go goo-goo-ga-ga over their thai food the previous time I stayed here.

Right after breakfast, I took out my bangkok map while Nicole busy reading her guidebook… and we both started our journey. Like a normal tourist, we walk and walk and walk while busy looking around. Everything seems so new and fascinating. Until now I still can’t figure out why.

I could still remember, we were looking around figuring our way and where should we head towards next. We stop at this crossroad junction when suddenly a woman who claims that she is a college student greeted us. Noticing our “I think we are lost” face, she offered help. I felt really happy. I mean, when you are in cofusion of where to go and someone seems to just pop out from no where, so generous to help. She took our map, and showed us where we are. Then ask us where are we heading towards. I just said we are walking around trying to find our way to the nearest tourist spot.

She then start asking me and Nicole to go places that claims to be the “OPEN FOR ONE DAY ONLY” temples. Yes, she repeatedly asked us to go visit the Lucky Buddha, the Black Buddha and some other form of Buddha statues. That very moment remind me back of the incident which happens to me and Jiimbo on my previous trip (click here to read). I should have seen it coming. Yes, I have been noticing her outfit and her LV bag just didn’t fit the college profile. For those who don’t know, I think all their college and university students wear uniforms. And I must say, their uniform… especially the girl’s ones are extremely sexy. I seriously won’t mind wearing uniform like that.

She then keep on repeating the fact that there are special promotion and “TODAY IS THE LAST DAY” one will get a special rate because the Thailand Tourism Board is trying to promote Bangkok to the tourist. I kept pulling Nicole away insisting that we shall travel by foot. And that there are many places we want to look around.

The lady then walk away. Me and Nicole continue to look at our map. After 5 minutes, she re-appear behind us and ask us how come we are still here and that we should just take her advice. Haha… seriously, the more she talk about it… the more scary and bad senario keeps passing through my mind. We both quickly cross the street and just continue walking. Serious, I felt keep on moving to god knows where is way more safe than just standing still trying to figure where we are suppose to go next.

Ah… I finally found the familiar landmark. Yeah, I could see the Santichaiprakarn Park from far. I have been there on my previous trip (click here to read). I think it’s really a lovely place to hang out. It’s really quite a big place with a few sections.

Prasumen Fort/Phra Sumen Fort is the main attraction of Santichaiprakarn Park. Prasumen Fort is one of the two remaining fort in Rattanakosin Island (an area that demarcates the old city area of Bangkok) and is situated at the north-east corner of Rattanakosin Island.

Description about Phra Sumen Fort from the information board in front of the fort:
Phra Sumen Fort was built in the reign of King Rama I. It was made from bricks coated with cement in octagon-shaped. Its front sides faces towards Bang Lamphu Canal. The basements of the fort and the wall are made to be wide flattened bases and are situated 2 meters under the ground. The size from the northern side to the southern side is 45 metres wide. Its height from ground to the top of Bai Sema (battlements) is 10.50 metres, inside the fort. Also it has earthwork and a shelter that protects the ammunition.

The ground floor of the fort is divided into 2 parts by a wall which having Bai Sema of the sharp-point ede type, separating the ground floor’s wall and the upper floor’s wall. There is a door that opens to the front side of the fort, and there is another big angled Bai Sema at the staircase at the back. The wall also having Bai Sema with sharp-pointed shape, the lower parts are bored cavities of the curved shapre, there are 4 cavities in each side.

In the middle of the fort, there are 38 rooms for ammunition and weaponry storage. However, the 7 angle-shape battle tower and the roof were tumbled down during the reign of King Rama V and King Rama VII. In 1981 the Fine Arts Department renovated the fort by using old photos taken during the reign of King Rama V and registered it as a national monument in the year 1949.

Then, there is this big park  by the fort. You can see a lot of school kids around, some tourist is walking around taking pictures and some were plain sleeping on the grass, enjoying the bright and sunny day. As for me and Nicole, our best way of enjoying ourselves would be taking pictures and pose around.

One will see an empty concrete ground facing the waterfront. You can see lots of benches by the waterfront. Tourist can actually sit down and rest while looking at the breathtaking view. Yes, one is actually facing the Chao Phraya River. Looking further north-east of Chao Phraya River, one can actually see the Rama VIII Bridge.

The Rama VIII Bridge officially opened on 20th September 2002. The brige is 2.45km in length (including approach spans). The Rama VIII Bridge has become a new tourist attraction. 

The Santichaiprakarn Pavilion, a beautiful Thai-style pavilion is located at the middle of the park. A lot of cultural performances is being performed at this pavilion. And I must say, the view overlooking the waterfront is simply amazing.

Looking towards the south, we can actually see the Phra Pinklao Bridge. In recent years, a walkway along the waterfront is built. Tourist take a long walk along the waterfront heading towards the Pinklao Bridge. So you see, one couldn’t ask for more. I’m just at the first stop and it seems like I have visited way many area.

On my previous trip, I took the waterfront walkway route. So, this time, I decided to walk along the main road to catch more exciting views.

Oh yeah, did I not mention, the moment I stop by in front of Santrichaiprakarn Park.. some “appears to be friendly” tuk tuk driver approach us.. trying to explain to me about the park and then tells me how boring and how there isn’t any interesting place to visit around. Again, he insisted that me and Nicole to go visit the same few places. And the best part, he kept lowering his price to convince us to hop on the ride. Mmmmm… from then onwards. I am convinced, it is all a scam.

We walk and walk and walk. Little do I know, by choosing a different route… everything one see just changes. We then manage to walk towards the National Museum (view virtual tour) section along Na Phrathat Road. It really cross my mind that I wanted to go in and visit the museum. However, it really seems like a huge place.  And our travel schedule is really pack to the max. We hardly have time to slot in a short tour around the museum in our agenda.

Address:
Bangkok National Museum
Na Phrathat Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number: (662) 224 1333
Fax: (662) 224 1404
Opening Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Public Holidays
Website: http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/bangkok/main.htm

We then continue to walk till we pass by a few university. Yeah, we are actually on our way to visit the Grand Palace. The funny part, along the way… everyone starts to ask you where you are going. Me and Nicole soon found out the trick… that is to stay quiet. Don’t care and just walk straight.

For those who travel by foot. You will really know you are at some very famous tourist spot when there are many people around you trying to ask you where you are going and trying hard to divert you to some place else. Besides that, you will see many stalls selling drinks and of course some would walk around selling souvenirs.

We know the Grand Palace is just around the corner, cause one can really see the golden colour shrines. But as we were walking… some young guy just walk pass us and tell us that if we are heading towards the Grand Palace, it’s closed and will only open after 1.00pm because it’s Buddha’s Day and they need to pray.

Me and Nicole got shocked. Cause we really planned things out and we have many other places to go after that. The guy then ask us to go visit some other Buddha statues places (just like what the previous few people say). Then on, we knew there is something fishy and continue walking on. It’s how great he pretend that he is just a university kid walking towards the university compound… he saw us and knew we are tourist and decided to give us a head’s up.

The nightmare soon start. Everyone… everywhere would just keep asking u where you are going. Some would just shout or tell you it’s close cause it’s Buddha’s Day or something along the line like it’s close for prayers and only locals can enter.

It sounded a little weird cause according to Nicole’s guidebook and what I read over the Internet, the place should be open. So yes, after a tired walking day, we decided to just grab a bottle of water (10 baht), drink up and then continue.

We didn’t want to be hassled by more people so we decided to find some quiet place. We spot this park/field like place called Sanam Luang. It seems to be a quiet place… and best of all, there are some benches where we can sit down, look at our map and guidebook.

Sanam Luang is actually an open field right in front of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. This place used to be the official royal cremation ground (Thung Phra Mane). It is a place to cremate the kings, queens and princes since King Rama I. The area is actually around 30 acres and the last cremation that took place at Sanam Luang was for the Queen Grandmother in 1997.

King Rama IV changed the name Thung Phra Mane to Thung Sanam Luang in 1855. The name was then shorten and is now known as Sanam Luang. The Fine Arts Department has listed Sanam Luang as a historical place in 1977.

Oh yeah, if you plan to walk around, sit down and relax on the bench… please make sure you are not afraid of birds. I don’t mean one or two.. I mean a big group of them. If you are walking along the place, it’s really fine.

But once you sit down, some lady with come up to you and force you to hold a bag of bird food. Even when you refuse to take it, she will just leave it on the bench next to you. And the next thing they would do… is to throw bird food right in front of you. So yes, all the birds from all around will be flying and fighting right in front of you.

And yes, I am totally afraid of animals. And now that I can’t go anywhere… I seems to be stucked. Haha… okay, Nicole is afraid of the birds too. Having no choice, Nicole took the bag of bird food and threw it far away so the birds would go far far away. Needless to say, everyone knows what happen next.

The lady came back and asked Nicole for money (20 baht if not mistaken). So yes, we did pay her off cause at the end of the day, we really just want to sit down and just continue on with what we were doing. Yup, Nicole is pissed off. The only way to cheer her up? TAKE PICS!!!

More exciting stuff… more exciting places… next…

Day01 - 20th June 2007

What can I say… if someone ask me what word sounds the best, I would not hesitate to answer “holiday”. This is practically my first trip with my cousin. No kidding… we have known each other since she was born… been to god know how many times family dinners but yes… this is our very first trip together… without all the adults’ supervision.

I thought it would be a free and relaxing day… I could wake up late… rest and relax, take my own sweet time in doing everything and anything. Sad to say, I am wrong. Since I slept like 4 in the morning… I thought I could sleep a little later… but I end up waking around 11 in the morning to continue packing and re-checking my luggage. By the time I am done, I heated up the dumplings my mum made. Ooo lala… I must say they are simply the best. And yes, we must have some specialty food before we leave. What happen to the others… DEEP FREEZE.

After eating and cleaning up… me and Nicole is ready to embark our little trip to Bangkok. It was rather exciting. My heart starts to beat a little faster when I started to pull my little luggage… er okay… it’s not that little after all. We took a cab from my place to the nearest LRT station. The journey from my house to the LRT station is enough to make Nicole know me more. At least now she knows her cousin (me) speaks Mandarin. Okay… and all this while, I thought she knew I could speak fluent Mandarin. But right… she was like :o. No kidding… eyes rolled so big, mouth wide open with a total shocked look. So yes, cuz… I can speak fluent Mandarin.

When we reach the station, we got tickets and travel to KL Sentral. It’s pretty much fun. Everyone around us is busy going to work or to college.. but me and Nicole… we are just pulling our little luggage and is taking our own sweet time going to the airport. Now this is so close to my so-called perfect life.

We got to KL Sentral, go to the money changer, change some Thai Baht and then hop on to the SkyBus. Yeap… we are one step nearer to our Cuz Power Holiday. It was quite a long journey. We talked and talked and talked our way to the LCCT Airport (official site). Er… yes, I have a lot of story to tell. I guess one would have guessed it from my long-winded writing style.

I guess the RM9 fare was pretty much worth it… considering the bus stop us at the entrance of the airport. No hassle to change bus or any form of transportation media. Seriously, I have been all practically all the public transport in order to get to the airport. So yes, enough is enough.

We were practically very much early. We arrive way before our check in time. Since there isn’t much thing we could do in the airport, we decided to just sit down and Coffee Bean and have a cup of coffee. Yeah… Both of us ordered a small Iced Caramel Latte (RM11.00) and a slice of Tiramisu (RM11.00) to share. I must say, I still prefer Starbuck’s Iced Caramel Latte. It somehow taste richer. As for the tiramisu, it was alright but surely not the best I ever tasted in my life. Well, the normal tradition before the eating and drinking begins would be the picture snapping session. Of course a little self portrait wouldn’t hurt… in fact, it would seems weird if there aren’t any self portraits.

When we finish, we headed to the check in counter to check in our luggage. We still have lots of time to walk around. Hence, we walk around the stores… tried god knows how many type of perfume… looking at chocolates but end up buying nothing.

We have to go through a few rounds of checking. Nicole was pretty much pissed of when the security wants her to put her lip gloss in a bag. Which labels and treats her lip gloss as a dangerous item. Yes… chill my cuz… chill. Well, what can I say… you should be thankful they didn’t confiscate your lip gloss man.

And we finally get to board the plane at 6.15pm. Woo… it’s one of those new planes. I can smell it! The strong leather smell…  the strong air-con, it manages to confirms it all. I guess it was a late evening flight. There weren’t much other passenger on board. I am glad though. Yes, that means less people pushing me while queuing up, nobody to kick my chair from behind, less auntie to talk out loud and yes, less people to actually fight nasi lemak with.

Ah… my holiday finally began. Our flight reach much earlier than expected.  The airport seems a little different from the other time I came. Which reminds me, the previous time I came, we stopped over at the old airport. When reach, we saw many people at the visa section and it got me and Nicole panic for a moment. As far as we remember, we do not need any visa. But well, who knows what have change.
We then walk to the nearest information counter to clarify matters. Phew… lucky to know, we do not need any visa. We then carry on to the arrival area to get a cab to our hotel. Wooohooo…. We took the airport cab to our hotel. It was slightly costly, but well… I just wanna get to the hotel as soon as possible and eat tom yam. No kidding, tom yam can’t wait any longer.

Nicole and me decided to stay back at the hotel I previously stayed. Why? Well, supposingly we have other options but I am very much happy with Khao San area and wanted to shop more around there. Must I say that it is a very friendly and happening place. Yes, really really happening. It’s like a town that never sleeps.

The street looks just so different. I still remember the last time I came, it was somewhere in the afternoon. Must I say the night view is really different. But guess what, I pretty much still remember my way around. Especially the few routes nearby Khao San.

We then arrive at our hotel, Viengtai Hotel. We checked in, and I must say the people are so friendly. They chit chat with us, give us some small tips. It’s really amazing, they even told us to not trust the tuktuk who offer us trip to the Grand Palace or the ones going to the Lucky Buddha. One of the guy even told us to just walk around as places to visit is quite nearby.

It’s amazing, most of them thought of us as Japanese or Korean. Hehe… Nicole is very much happy when she heard that comment. However to our surprise, when we said we are Malaysian Chinese, they talk to us in Mandarin. Their Mandarin is quite accurate. At least I could catch what they are trying to tell to me.

We then throw our luggage and happily roll on the bed. We rested, watch some Thai series and plan on our outing tomorrow. Yes, you have no idea how important planning is. I don’t really want to waste my holiday getting lost here, there and everywhere.

Address:
Viengtai Hotel
42 Tanee Road, Banglampu,
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Telephone Number: (662) 280 5434 45
Fax: (662) 281 8153
Website: http://www.viengtai.co.th/

After we have rested enough, we decided to venture around Khao San since it’s quite late. This is what I label as “The Look, See… Look, See” night. So what exactly I do? Look around and see what is interesting, sold and things I could get here. It’s really interesting and cool, coz I know I can afford to do last minute shopping if I waste too much time at any other place.

We decided to fill up our tummy with some local dishes before we look around. For me and nicole, searching for food and place to drink at night is really not any problem at all. There were loads of stalls we can choose from, pubs is everywhere… spas, tattoo places even discos.

We decided to just hop on at one of the roadside stalls nearby our hotel. Why? Er… coz I see quite a number of locals dine there. Khao San really is the centre of backpacker’s place. Believe it or not, even the roadside stall’s menu comes in English version :). So yes, it isn’t much drama ordering food. Then again, one can always pick and point.

If you ask me, I would say food is SUPER cheap. Seriously, me and Nicole decided to pamper ourselves and go on ordering  Seafood Tom Yam Soup(30 baht), Fried Garlic Pepper Shrimp(50 baht) and Fried Crispy Pork(40 baht) plus coke (10 baht) and plain rice (5 baht). So yes, dinner for two for 150 baht… and I already felt like burping out loud.

And… Khao San is really backpacker’s place. People from all around gather and one can really meet many new people. We met a group of backpackers from Austria and they were so friendly. They offered share their IQ toy and even offer to help us take pictures.

We have to walk the extra food off at Khao Shan road. It’s really a paradise. Stalls selling cloths, keychains, dolls, lamps, decorations, food, alcohol and etc. Seriously, it’s really a lot to see and buy. It’s really a busy street with many friendly people. Everyone busy with their own agenda… either busy partying, bargining… eating or even just sightseeing.

After walking around and looking at things, we decided to just drop by a bar opposite our hotel before going back and have a nice shower and then jumping to our beds. Yes, me and Nicole have make a deal that we will go and drink together when we are in Thailand.

So this is it! We stopped by at 100 Pipers. I ordered my favourite Kahlua Milk (50 baht) and Nicole ordered Pink Lady (50 baht). It’s really a different feel, drinking by the roadside. Best of all, the bar counter is outside by the roadside.

I espcially love the writing on the glass whereby they serve the alcohol. I think it’s really thoughtful, simple but neat. The bartender is a friendly guy and I guess he really loves the camera. Whenever me and Nicole is trying out our camera, he would try his best to make himself appear in our pictures.

Haha… I guess the cool part of this whole experience of drinking by the roadside is… they serve us fruit platter.