*Updated this post with transport tips!
Bangkok
where one experiences
the city of angels
&
the city of smiles
View from Novotel, Platinum Mall
From Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Airport Rail Link connects one to the city in less than 30 minutes and allows you to beat the massive jams across the city. There are two lines; the Express and City Line. The Express route costing a flat fee of 150baht takes one to Makkasan Station in 15 mins. The City Line stops at 6 stations and ends at Phaya Thai station.
I paid 40baht for the City Line. The journey took about 20min from the airport to my stop, Ratchaprarop station. The walk from the train station to the newly built hotel Novotel @ Platinum Mall took us about 15 minutes. All in, it was still faster than taking the cab.
The hotel room with the see through toilet. Ok just kidding, you can actually pull down the blinds for more privacy :D
Shopping - Yes, most of the time was spent shopping!
Wed,Sat,Sun: 08:00 - 20:00
Mon,Tue,Thur, Fri: 09:00 - 20:00
Bought most of my loot from here. Most of the stalls sold clothes and accessories for girls. I bought my work and party dresses ranging from 250-400baht (SGD $10 to $16). The mall gave me the feeling that some blogshops got their stocks from here as the designs were similar to those sold online. There are even ATMs and moneychangers just outside the mall in case you run out of money.
Tourist Tip: It's cheaper if you buy more than 1 item at each shop. The shop lady will quote you a cheaper price if you buy 2 or more. Best to buy in 3s.
The top floor has a foodcourt where a variety of food awaits the hungry tourist. A great place to take a break after a long day of shopping. The foodcourt works on a coupon system. One will have to exchange cash for coupons before ordering their food. Left over coupons can be returned to get your cash back. There's also KFC and a 24hour MacDonalds for those who are in need of fastfood.
Other shopping places
#2 Union Mall
Sells clothing similar to Platinum Mall. There's also a plentiful amount of food choices here. I still kinda prefer Platinum Mall though but this mall is worth a visit. There's A&W here for those craving the curly fries. Best to go after touring Chatuchak as it is one BTS train station away.
#3 Chatuchak or Jatujak or JJ Market (They all refer to the same thing)
This is a weekend market that is the largest in Thailand. This sprawling market sells everything from clothes, furniture, paintings and even to exotic animals. Prices are slightly cheaper than the malls but surprisingly I couldnt find anything trendy to buy. Most of my money spent here was on street food and drinks.
#4 MBK or Mah Boon Krong
Lots of cheap phone accessories, DVDs and games (Wii/playstation etc). I checked out the prices for Canon cameras and they were cheaper than Singapore's (Tourist can claim the 7% GST). The authorized stalls have worldwide guarantee too!
I did my nails here and the service was awesome. 200baht ($8 SGD) for a classic pedicure session. This 200baht included a full foot scrub while sitting on a massage chair! Really worth one's money considering my nails were also cleaned, filed and painted.
#5 Siam Square
Lots of small stores selling VERY trendy clothes. Despite the higher prices, I must say the clothes here are a better investment due to their design. Please remember to bargain! I bought a top for about 300baht ($12 SGD) here.
#6 Patpong night market
If you're thinking of what to do at night when the shops are closed, do check out Bangkok's night markets. I went to the one at Patpong and there were lots to look at. Most stalls sold clothes, decorative items (like pretty lights) and lots of bags/watches/belts.
Food glorious food
ok now onto the food section ....
Lek Seafood
for affordable Thai seafood cuisine
I enjoyed the garlic and pepper soft shell crab loads! (Top left pic)
Restaurant is next to BTS Chong Nonsi
Tripadvisor review: http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g293916-d911575-Reviews-Lek_Seafood-Bangkok.html
Provence Cafe
Voted CNNGo Bangkok's best Thai noodles
Top right: Boat noodles which won the best Thai noodle award
Peninsula Plaza, 153 Rajdamri Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 652 1399. Open daily, 10 a.m.-9p.m.
Pizzeria Limoncello
for awesome pizzas and Limoncello
17 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Rd,, Bangkok 10110, Thailand (Bang Rak, Wattana)
Tripadvisor review: http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g293916-d885688-Reviews-Pizzeria_Limoncello-Bangkok.html
Papaya salad restaurant
Lan Som Tam Nua
Siam Square, Soi 5
Side lane after Novotel hotel
Nam Sing Restaurant at Chinatown
for birds nest and shark's fins
Birds nest 4th grade: 200baht
Shark's fins: 300baht
39-47 Soi Texas, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Trip advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g293916-d1140891-Reviews-Nam_Sing-Bangkok.html
Hoon Kuang
381 Yaowarat Rd
near the intersection with Soi 4
As seen in the above, this restaurant has garnered itself a handful of media features and reviews.
Great Thai Chinese food at affordable prices
Chokchai steakhouse
for affordable premium steak
1st floor, Prasarnmit Plaza Building, 45 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Sukhumvit Rd
So this sums up the food I ate during my stay in BKK :)
Can't wait to be back again
Transport tip for tourist
#1 - Always bargain with the tuktuk driver and ask if it is a "direct" trip. Sometimes they charge surprisingly low like 50baht because they have the intention of dropping you off at a restaurant or shop where they can collect commission. Tell the driver you would like a direct trip, usually they will increase the price. If the price is too high, walk away and try another tuktuk.
#2 - Metered cabs somehow usually turn out to be cheaper than the tuktuks. It is distanced based and not time based. You don't pay for the time spent stuck in jams.
#3 - Take the trains to avoid the jams
Till then, I'll leave you with once last picture of the city of angels
Try the ubiquitous tuk tuks, you'll be in for an enjoyable ride :)