Choi's Travel Blog: Bangkok

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Bangkok 7 Dec to 12 Dec 2012

Here's a brief programme of my 5-day Dec 7 to Dec 12 2012 vacation trip to Bangkok with MS and Harold

Travelled by Air Asia.

Stay in Cutin Pratunam. Good hotel and happy with their service.

Day 1
Reached Bangkok 6pm at Don Mueang International Airport.
A long queue for taxi awaited us.

Taxi fare to hotel TB 170+50 surcharge+60 toll. Total = TB 280

Citin Pratunam Bangkok Hotel is situated in the heart of Pratunam, one of Bangkok's most popular shopping and business districts and an especially colourful and vibrant neighbourhood, set against the backdrop of Baiyoke Sky. Fabulous shopping opportunities with the Pratunam Market, a renowned trading center, and Pratunam Plaza at your fee, Platinum Mall and Pantip Plaza to name a few are all within 15 minutes walk of the hotel.

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Pictures of Citin Pratunam Hotel - Hotel Photos

This photo of Citin Pratunam Hotel is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This is the kind of narrow lanes that lead to the hotel which is tucked in the midst of food vendours, small shops and retail outlets. Very convenient with plenty of food and convenient stalls in the vicinity.

This photo of Citin Pratunam Hotel is courtesy of TripAdvisor

It was rather challenging even for the taxi driver to bring us to the hotel. It is situated in one of those tiny small lanes of Pratunam. But once you are there you'll love the location. We realised it was darn easy to get around the Pratunam area. Yes you may need to walk a little bit but it takes only 5-7 minutes TOPS to get from Citin to Platinum Mall.

The rooms look new, and are well-furnished considering it's a boutique hotel. Great beds which made sleeping very easy -- especially after a long day of walking.

Will go back there again. Location may be a challenge to find but once you get there, it's a piece of cake getting around!

We took one of these 3 single bed rooms.

This photo of Citin Pratunam Hotel is courtesy of TripAdvisor

We walked to Central Plaza for dinner, we had Thai food.

Day 2
Chaktucha weekend market. Spent the whole morning there, had lunch there as well. Plenty to see and eat. See here for survival guide.

Afternoon we rested at hotel.

Evening, had dinner at Ramen Express. It is next to Grand Diamond Plaza.

Walked around the Pratunam area.

Day 3
Breakfast was street food pork porridge.

Next went to Pratunam market to shop.

Lunch at food court in Pratunam complex. Good value.
MS and Harold went for massage.

Dinner at local smelly restaurant opp Indra Regent. Food not good.

Bought sports shoes for Harold.

Day 4
7am tour to Kanchanaburi - War Cemetery, JEATH and Death Railway

Also went for long tail boat ride followed by Elephant ride.
Lunch was included.

Dinner was roast duck at restaurant near Citin Pratunam Hotel.

Supplement dinner with more local food at seafood restaurant opposite Grand Diamond Plaza. Food was Good.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Bangkok Day 2 - Chatuchak Weekend Market

Day 2 (7 Dec 2012). See here for Bangkok 4 Day itinerary.

Chatuchak Weekend Market ... yes, don't miss this when you are in Bangkok! We spent the whole morning there, a good 4 hours!

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Originally starting life as a wholesale market for traders and locals, Chatuchak Weekend Market is now famous amongst tourists visiting Bangkok, and is definitely a ‘must-do’ for any shopper coming to the city. The 35 acre market has over 8000 stalls (yes 8000!), with more than 200,000 visitors on a typical weekend, it can be a bit daunting.

How to get there: Take the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, take exit no. 1, then walk towards the nearby markets. Or use the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station (exit no.1), then walk to the nearby markets. We took a cab from our hotel since there were 3 of us. Since it was the week-end, there would not be much of traffic jams on the way there.

Open: The Chatuchak Weekend Market is opened on Saturdays and Sundays 09:00 - 18:00, and Fridays 18:00 - 24:00.

Maps are available from the information kiosks; it’s a good idea to pick up one before you head off shopping, or check out the Chatuchak Market map below right, it lists all of the main sections and gives you a good idea of the layout.

Some tips to help you when you visit Chatuchak Weekend Market:

Get there early – the morning, when there are fewer people around, is the best time to visit the market.
Clothing – wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing. We recommend using sun-cream, sunglasses and a hat or cap too.
Look after your bag, wallet or purse – stalls only accept cash and there are ATMs in Chatuchak market. Watch out for pickpockets though, as the crowded conditions make it fairly easy for them to operate. Useful tip: set a budget and only take that amount with you (along with a photocopy of your ID).
Drink plenty – the market is big and it often gets very hot and humid with temperatures of around 28-33°C (82-91°F), why risk being ill?
Get a map of the market - or go without one, have fun and get lost in the market
Haggle – the art of haggling is part of the Thai culture. If you’re not used to bargaining, Chatuchak is an ideal training ground!
If you see something you like, buy it! – the market is so big it’ll be difficult to find your way back to the stall later.
Stop for something to eat at the market – with the numerous bars and restaurants in Chatuchak market, you’ll never run out of things to eat. If you manage to find it, the coconut ice-cream mixed with fresh coconut flesh and served in a half coconut shell is worth trying.
Find the toilets – public toilets are located at the entrances and along the main roads that circle the market. Don’t expect anything too clean, but they’re better than nothing. You have to pay 2 baht to use the toilets and 5 baht for toilet paper.
Stay to watch the market close – sit down, have a cool drink and watch the Thais at work. Fascinating.

We went rather early, reached there about 9.30am, and was there before the crowd comes. Also it is much cooler to go in the morning. We had breakfast there, just a little to fill our stomachs. There's a lot of food there, so many varieties too, so don't eat too much from one stall. Sample the different food from different stalls.

We were there early and stalls were just starting to set up for business

Very soon, the crowd arrives

Chatuchak market is full of such a variety of goods that that list is almost endless, however here is a sample of some of the items that you can find there:

There's plenty of food for you to sample. Go in the morning, we tried their different kinds of snacks and have lunch there. Be adventurous! Be bold!

Kebab chicken for breakfast?

And do sample the wide variety of food

Potatoes chips Thai style

Drink plenty of water to hydrate yourselves

Game to try some local Thai food?

Chicken feet - try it, very delicious and soft

More ...

Most of the people who go there are tourists. You will not be alone definitely. People of all colours, shapes and sizes!!

Wear light clothing as it can be very hot and humid

Indeed, the body heat of so many people can be challenging

Antiques and collectibles, arts, books, ceramics, clothing & accessories, food and beverage, furniture and home decoration, handicrafts, miscellaneous and used clothing, pets and accessories, plants and gardening tools.

There are some very beautiful crafts in some of the covered shops

Spoilt for choice

And more arts and crafts shops

You name it, its there in Chatuchak Market

Why not have a shot for the memory ..

Chatuchak Weekend Market can be a bargain hunter’s paradise if you use your negotiating skills well, just remember to keep a cool head and don’t haggle too much, and be prepared to walk away if the price is not right, as there will probably be another stall just around the corner selling the same item for less.