Bangkok, Thailand (2012) Day 5: Goodbye Bangkok

Date of Travel: 21st October 2012

Everytime when comes to travelling, I felt the time passed freaking fast. Don't you think so? From the day we arrived, now it's the time to pack our bag and leave. And the thing was we haven't got enough of shopping. Luckily our flight was around 4pm, hence we still have more spare time to satisfy our shopping craze before leaving this shopping haven.

#1: Last day of having breakfast in the hotel we stayed, The Period Pratunam Hotel

#2: The massage parlour we patronised which just few steps away from our hotel. Oh boy! It's dirt cheap. A body massage for 60 minutes only cost 200 baht (approx. to RM20).

Not matter how crazy both my friend and I toward shopping, we always allocate sufficient of time to travel from hotel to airport cause Bangkok is well-known to be one of the world's most traffic congested cities. A group friends of mine experienced Bangkok's worst ever traffic congestion and consequently, they missed their flight. Hence, it is advisable to leave your lodging at least four hour earlier - spare two hours for travel time and one hour for counter check-in. I rather wait in the airport instead of missing my flight.

We requested the hotel staff to book a taxi for us. We met a group of Malaysian travellers who willing to share a taxi with us but unfortunately the taxi can only fit up to 6 people, when there were 7 of us. A taxi fare from our hotel to airport cost a standard rate of 350 baht (approx. to RM36) and of course, it would be more cheaper if sharing among 4 people.

#3: Less than half hour, we reached Don Mueang International Airport

Surprisingly, the road condition was smooth and steady. And most importantly, we didn't encounter any traffic congestion and within half an hour, we reached one of the world’s oldest international airports and Asia's oldest operating airport.

#4: I arrived Bangkok with my luggage weighted 7 kg and by the time of leaving, it's double up.

Actually, I had pre-booked 20 luggage allowance but turned out, my luggage only weighted less than 15 kg. Such a waste of 5 kg. If I knew, I should brought along 24 inch of luggage bag instead of the 20 inch one. As both my friend and I didn't pre-book any in-flight meal, we decided to have our lunch in the airport before boarding and our final pick was Fuji Japanese Restaurant, which serves a good quality and delicious Japanese cuisines and yet, the price is affordable and reasonable.

#5: Both of us shared a set of Fuji Bento Tempura that comes with Chawanmushi which cost 310 baht only (approx. to RM32)

#6: I also bought Corn Pie from McD not just because curiosity of the taste, worry in case of hungry inside the plane.

#7: And so, goodbye Bangkok till we see again... Oppps, I went back Bangkok four months later after this first trip of mine.

#8: All my loots from Bangkok and wondering what I bought? Stay for my next upcoming post.

The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok

Bangkok has numbers of shopping malls to cater all type of lifestyle and budgets shopaholic. Whether you are looking for global brands, finest fashion stores, speciality stores, accessories stands, bookstores and all kinds of luxury designer goods, Bangkok is definitely offers the best shopping experiences and exposure. From the legendary MBK Center, to trendy Siam Discovery and Central World Plaza, or unashamedly upscale Siam Paragon and even innovative Terminal 21, Bangkok's accommodate every taste, pocket and style. Not just that you will be spoiled by thousand of choices, most of these shopping malls are easily accessible via the efficient and convenient Skytrain (BTS) system. So put on your comfortable shoes and shop till you drop!

I did research beforehand and went most of the shopping malls listed under Top 10 Bangkok Shopping Malls and the list below are from the least favourite to most favourite one:

MBK Center

Nearest BTS: National Stadium

Divided into 8 storey high and consists around 2,000 shops, MBK Center is popular among tourists, particularly the Western tourists  as most of the goods and items are selling at the affordable price. Therefore, this mall is claimed as an "Indoor Chatuchak Market" where you can find diversity of products, ranging from mobile phones, video games, luggage, street wear, cheap clothing and gold ornaments. It even has a large food court and cinema multiplex to complete the lifestyle experience. MBK Center is connected to the Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon shopping mall by skywalk footbridge systems, both of which are more upscale and have only authentic goods. Unfortunately for me, I found nothing special here eventhough I came across most of the goods here are pretty cheap.

Siam Discovery

Nearest BTS: Siam 

Standing opposite of MBK Center is Siam Discovery caters to a slightly more mature market, mainly for teenagers. This medium size shopping complex houses many popular local fashion designers and global brand names such as Guess, DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Diesel. North Face and more. But somehow, I found this place was generally more quiet than MBK Center and the reason I visited this modern shopping complex was mainly for Naraya.

Siam Paragon

Nearest BTS: Siam

This glass-and-steel luxury megamall is listed as one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. It houses wide range of specialty stores and restaurants as well as multiplex movie theater. If you are the type that looking for high street fashion to high-tech gadgets, home decor and exotic sports car, this is the place you are ideally looking for. Almost half of the stores here are devoted to luxury brand apparent which include Gucci, Channel, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vutton, Hugo Boss, Prada and more upmarket brands to name on. Not just that, I even saw numbers of car showrooms like BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Lamborghini and more. Another highlights include Kinokuniya bookstore and Siam Ocean World Aquarium. 

By the way, do you know that Siam Paragon is the No. 1 world's most Instagrammed Place last year?

Siam Center

Nearest BTS: Siam 

Tucked in between Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon, this mall is mainly aiming for the young and hip one. Although most of the boutiques here are high-end articles which basically not my choice when comes to shopping, but I instantly fall in love with the fresh ideology of their interior design right at the first moment I stepped into Siam Center.

Central World

Nearest BTS: Chidlom

Central World is known as Thailand's first lifestyle shopping complex and it is the sixth largest shopping complex in the world. This mall is marketed for the medium type and houses well-known brands such as Uniqlo, Timberland, Zara, MNG, H&M, Topshop and more. But one thing for sure I found out most tourists visit Central World was for Naraya.

Terminal 21

Nearest BTS: Asoke

Terminal 21 is a mixed-use complex which consists of two parts - shopping mall and hotel & residence. But what attract most travellers and tourists to visit Terminal 21 was for its uniqueness and mesmerising interior design, even for the restrooms as well. Terminal 21 is divided into 9 floors with 9 different interesting travel concepts and themes decorated based on well-known and popular streets in cities under one roof such as London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Istabul, etc. This mall even has the longest escalators in Thailand, up to 36 metres. I blogged about this mall before and if you wanna know more about Terminal 21 - click here.

Platinum Fashion Mall

Nearest BTS: Chidlom 
When talking about shopping in Bangkok, the best shopping experience would be definitely Platinum Fashion Mall. It's Thailand largest fashion mall and one stop wholesale shopping. Divided into 3 different zones and 6 floors are completely specialises in wholesale fashion clothing and accessories. I never missed my day by visiting this mall and because of that, this is another spot where my purse almost bleed badly. Some people prefer to shop here rather than Chatuchak Market as it is more comfortable in an air-conditioned complex. Bargaining is only allowed when you purchase at least two and above.

So, how many of the above shopping mall have you been to? Which is your favourite one and which you dislike? Or you been to any shopping malls which I never been to? Don't be shy and feel free to share with us.

[Credit To: Bangkok.com,]

Weekend Staycation in Grandis Hotels & Resorts, Kota Kinabalu

UPDATED: Soft Opening Room Promotion from as low as RM238 nett which the price inclusive of breakfast for 2 and government tax. This promo rate only applicable to Sabah and Sarawak residents only. Other terms and conditions apply. 

Lately, I noticed there are numbers of new hotels are springing up like mushroom after rain in Kota Kinabalu city in order to meet the demand of increasing tourists. And among all of them, one eventually caught my attention, Grandis Hotels and Resorts and I personally thought this is the hidden gem one that I would highly recommend to those who plan their trip to Kota Kinabalu soon.

Located right in the heart of bustling and colourful city centre of Kota Kinabalu, Grandis Hotels & Resorts is the latest well-designed and luxurious hotel adjacent to Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, the award-wining premier leisure mall. Named after Ascidieria Grandis (Eria Grandis), an endemic orchid found on Mount Kinabalu, this hotel is perfectly sits in the shopping, business and entertainment area. And recently I was sponsored for a two days and one night stay inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons.

#1: Grandis Hotels & Resorts located right at the corner of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, just besides Starbucks Coffee

#2: Classic and graceful looking lobby area

Once I stepped into the hotel, I was greeted with a big and sweet smile by all the friendly and attentive staffs; whether from the front desk, customer service and even the hotel concierge. Not just that, throughout my stay there, all the hotel staffs never failed to smile and greet me as well as the rest of the hotel guests. What an incredible and warm hospitality!  

#3: I was given a night stay in their Superior Bay View

Consists of 188 rooms, each and every room are thoughtfully designed to offer comfortable atmosphere and cozy ambiance and it perfectly suits for any kind of travellers; whether for leisure or business purposes. All the modern and elegant rooms are well-equipped and furnished with the up-to-date facilities for entertainment and connectivity which include flat screen LED TV, minibar fridge, complimentary drinking waters, in room locker, iron and ironing board, emergency torchlight, hairdryer. The best part, free WiFi connection is provided inside the room.

#4: Not just the room is so spacious, even the bathroom is also so large in terms of size.

#5: Daily bathroom amenities, hand towers and bath towels are provided for all the valuable guests.

#6: Coffee and tea making facilities. They even help to promote Sabah local product - Sabah Tea.

#7: Ironing board, emergency torchlight, iron and in-room locker. Oh wait! Sarong is provided so that the foreign guests can enjoy the beauty of our Malaysia product. 

 

#8: Deluxe Sea View - I was given an opportunity to view the other type of plush room as well.

#9: Bath tub - just when you need it to soak the tired legs after spending whole day outside

There are slightly differences between the superior room and deluxe room which beside in terms of the size of the room, a bath tub is available in the latter one. And perhaps, if case you want make this stay another remarkable and unforgettable one, opt for Deluxe Sea View for a splendid view of the blue sea, breathtaking sunsets and the picturesque Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands.

 

#10: A stunning view that everyone wish for whenever they woke up from the bed

Done with the rooms viewing, now let us move to the restaurant and lounge instead. Shall we? Both restaurant and lounge located on the first floor, along with the business centre, two functions rooms and one boardroom. 

#11: Business Centre for the business travellers to catch up their work even on the go.

#12: Piano Lounge

#13: Electronic piano to entertain the guests

#14: Grab a drink or a plate of sweetylicious cake while enjoying the music.
From 7pm - 9pm, all the cakes are selling at 50% - what a great deal!

 

#15: Rosea Cafe - Chic and colourful restaurant that serve á la carte menus or specially prepared buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as Hi - tea buffets over weekends and public holidays.

#16:

#17: Always my favourite corner - delectable bakery (breads, cakes, muffins, danish, croissant)

#18: As for their breakfast buffet spread, although it features both western and local delights but the choices were pretty limited somewhere.

#19: But then this is the main highlight - enjoying breakfast with this kind of stunning view. Don't you wish for this every single day?

 

#20: Jesselton Point and Gaya Street Weekend Market

Talking about places of interests nearby the hotel, it's just 2-3 minutes walk to Jesselton Point (getaway to Tunku Abdul Rahman islands), Gaya Street Weekend Market, Atkinson Clock Tower, Sabah Tourism Board Building and also surrounding by countless of restaurants and cafes. What else can you ask for more?

As for room rate wise, it depends on the occupancy rate at the time of booking.

NOTE: Currently, the hotel is still under construction, hence only three rooms are available for booking at this moment - Superior Bay View, Deluxe City View and Deluxe Sea View. As for the swimming pool and gymnasium, it is not available yet and the whole hotel is expecting to fully complete somewhere around July.

#21: Thanks to Grandis Hotels and Resorts for generously hosted and sponsored for my first ever weekend staycation. It was indeed such a pleasant and wonderful stay!

How To Get To Grandis Hotels & Resorts From Airport
The best way to reach the hotel directly from airport is by taking taxi which charge at the standard rate of RM35 per cab (fit up to 4 people). The other option is by taking airport bus which costs RM5 per person and it will stop in front of Padang Merdeka (Merdeka Field) and from there, walk to Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. However, the latter option is only available from 7:30am until 7:00 pm only.

This post is sponsored by Grandis Hotels and Resorts.

Chatuchak Weekend Market of Bangkok, Thailand

Date Visited: 20th October 2012

16th February 2013 

Besides few numbers of shopping malls around Bangkok which I went couple of times throughout my two visits, eventually there are three famous spots which I visited twice - Terminal 21 (a shopping mall with 9 different interesting travel concepts and themes), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (largest floating market) and last but not least, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which I don't mind of going back again and again in case I wanna visit Bangkok again in future.

#1: Chatuchak Weekend Market is grouped into 27 sections and roughly divided into 11 categories which selling all kind of items.

As the largest market in Thailand, Chatuchak Weekend Market or the right way to pronounce will be "Jatujak" is only open on every Saturday and Sunday and most stalls here operate from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. If possible, plan your trip wisely and try to squeeze at least half of your day to visit this weekend market and trust me, you won't be disappointed and who knows, you might wanna go back again just like me. 

#2: For home decoration purposes

Chatuchak Weekend Market offers wide selection of products; ranging from foods, clothing, accessories, household items, furnitures, Thai handicrafts, artifacts, and even exotic animals such as python. This place is absolutely an ideal place to choose one or two souvenirs for your family and friends back home and you will completely be spoilt for thousand of choices being offered here. Beware - as this is one of the places where my purse almost bleed badly, besides Platinum Mall and Naraya outlets.

#3: Religious artifacts

#4: Household items

Interested to buy those unique and beautiful furnitures, antiques, household items, ceramics and pottery but found difficulties in bringing back home especially when the items were heavy and huge and your luggage allowance is limited, no worry as there is this shipping and cargo services provided within the market area. The one that we came across was Cargo Point Logistics which they have 4 different branches located with this weekend market.

#5: For me, I'm more interested on the clothing, accessories and Thai handicraft section

#6: Most of the T-shirts here were designed by the local Thai themselves. Such innovative and creative talents they had. 

#7: T-shirt with famous cartoon characters. Can you name all of them?

To be frank, I found most of the T-shirts designed by the local Thai were ain't cheap and some even cost 250 baht and above for just a white T-shirt with only a single design. But then, what make them special and unique was you can't found most of these designs in elsewhere. So in case you stumbled into the one you like, try to bargain and instantly buy it without thinking twice cause you wouldn't found the same shop selling the same item. Plus, as this market is so huge and large like I mentioned above, I doubt you might able to find back the shop you were interested earlier cause I experienced it twice. 

Bargaining wise, I noticed most of the stall vendors only allowed to lower few bahts when you bought two or more items from them. Perhaps, try to be friendly and give a big smile to the vendors in order to get the best deals.

#8: What a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market will be without visiting the foods section? This is one best way to experience and enjoy the local foods - especially the fruit juices which being peeled freshly into a bottle. They were indeed so refreshing and juicier. As for non-halal, don't forget to try at least a bite of the roasted pork cause they were simply delicious and scrumptious, man!

#9: Don't ever leave this weekend market without having the famous and creamy fresh coconut ice-cream. It tastes so heavily especially under the hot heat and made me craving for second bowl.

Few Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing (light T-shirts and shorts) and shoes and if possible, bring along hat, sunglasses and apply sunblock cause the weather will getting hotter especially during the noon time.
• Wear your bag in front rather on your back to avoid pickpockets
• Bring sufficient of baht cause I didn't spot any money chargers nearby. And also, most vendors do not accept credit cards, and it can be a long walk to the next ATM
• Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market as early as you can in order to avoid the heat as well as the crowd.

How To Get To Chatuchak Weekend Market

BTS Station: Mo Chit (Exit 1) and follow the crowd until see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and accessories.

MRT Station: Chatuchak Park (Exit 1) and follow the crowd as well.
Open on every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Date Visited: 20th October 2012

14th February 2013

For sightseeing purpose, besides temples which commonly known as "Wat" by the local, there are numerous floating markets throughout the country, with many of them are situated just few couple of hours from the capital city. One of the most well-known and largest floating markets among the tourists is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Located in Ratchaburi Province, 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok (which took more than 2 hours car ride), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a very fascinating spot for the foreign tourists especially to see and experience the traditional way of selling and buying goods from countless of sellers paddled along the congested canals while enjoying the ride inside a paddle or longtail boat.

Besides tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and snacks, there are even vast of typical souvenirs, handicraft and even clothes selling along the canal. Bargaining among buyers and sellers is common here but I noticed the price of souvenirs here are higher compare the one I saw in town - mainly because this is the famous tourist spot. Hence, I advise don't be silly to purchase from here but try to scout around the town instead.

One thing I found annoying was our boat paddler purposely bring us closer to certain shops which we're interested at all in return hoping for us to purchase something from the vendors - probably they might get commission perhaps, I'm just guessing but the best we could do was smiled to them and politely said "Khob kun kap" to the guy and "Khob kun ka" if the vendor was a lady.

I went this floating market twice within less than half year - first time with my friend as it was my maiden trip to Bangkok, hence this famous and popular tourist spot shouldn't be missed out and the reason why I went for the second time was because of family trip which was their first time experience of visiting Bangkok. But honestly to say, after this there will be no more third visit cause one time is eventually pretty enough for an eye-opening. 

Compare to my second visit, I had more spare of time to wander along the bank after got off from the paddler boat and thus, my friend and I scouted for more food especially. We had coconut ice-cream, some flat noodle with beancurd, sweet mangoes (why most of Thai mangoes were so sweet and delicious compare to Malaysia one) and noodle served with pork and fish cakes. The price of the foods were incredibly cheap, ranging from 25 baht to 50 baht. 

How To Get To Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

As the journey from Bangkok town to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market takes more than 2 hours, hence it is not advisable to rent a taxi if you are travel in 1-2 pax as the taxi driver will basically charge higher and maybe, they will also try to arrange you for a private boat that will cost 5,000 baht for a boat. 

For my case, twice I booked this tour from Mama Travel & Tour, a local travel agent located in Khaosan Road that charge 400 baht for a pax (approximately RM41). This tour fee including pick-up from your lodging, the shuttle service and most importantly, the paddle boat ride. Just that by the end of the tour, the bus driver dropped us at Khao San Road and we had to make our own way back to our hotel.

Address: 144 Khaosan Road, Bangkok Thailand 10200

Tel No: +66 2 629 1163

You can even send direct message on their facebook page -Mama Travel & Tour. But in case they didn't reply you after certain period, then you have to go Khaosan road to look for them. This is what I did when I went Bangkok for the very first time. Thanks to my Japan travelmate, Nicole for sharing this local tour agent with me.