For the most recent Bangkok trip over the Jubilee Weekend, we took up the courage to try something different. Yes, Bangkok again!
Our hotel for the first three nights was Holiday Inn along Soi 11. There's a boat stop behind the hotel and I did not realise what a popular mode of transport this is for the locals and tourists until I arrived at the rundown quay.
For about 11 Baht each we got from our hotel at Nana Chard to Pratunam. We didn't know how to get on the boat and watched with our mouths gaping as people scrambled up and down in a few swift steps. The second time the boat came, we were ready. In we go!
There are little pulleys at the side to hold up a long plastic sheet. If you are lucky and the chap sitting at the end of the bench holds on to those pulleys throughout the trip, you will be safe and not get splashed with murky water. God knows what people threw inside the longkang.
2. Bobae Market
We got off the boat at the Bobae Market stop. Weren't sure where the outdoor market is located, maybe we went at the wrong time, but we ventured inside Bobae Tower. The merchandise reminded me of the 90s. Nonetheless, I bought two knitted tops and a pair of shorts at 300 Baht. Around 100 Baht each. Not too bad.
3. New Restaurants
First things first. Hello Kitty House at Siam Square One! Thank you Mr. Jang for including this in the itinerary. The whole place oozes sweetish girly charm. Cuteness overload.
This trip, we also made sure not to repeat Sortrel or Banrie as much as we love them. We hit the jackpot when we chanced upon Clik. We were in fact lost trying to find Kuppa Cafe at Soi 16. We saw the signage for Clik which serves fusion food and made the detour into a small lane. What a great choice.
The food is absolutely fresh and the ambience is perfect. The place is clean and spacious, and we discovered that it is newly opened in April. The owner is a fellow Singaporean, Chef Clement Ng, and ended up making friends with this multi-talented man. You can tell he put a lot of heart into making his dishes, from the way he describes his work and his philosophy about food. He also showed us the work-in-progress Level 2, which will host private groups and classes.
We will definitely recommend this gem for its food and service. No regrets patronising Clement's restaurant!
(On a separate note, we followed another blog to try out Kalapapruek at Central World. Food was average and service was terrible - made us pay double even though the kitchen cooked the wrong order. We are never going back there again.)
We also went to a place which apparently sells the BEST pad thai. The restaurant opens at 5pm; by then, a long queue has formed. We were 2nd in queue having arrived slightly after 4.30pm. There really isn't anything else on the menu other than pad thai. It wasn't as fantastic as I thought, but at least I can say I've tried it!
There is also a popular chicken rice place located diagonally opposite Platinum Mall. We sat across two Japanese tourists who kept taking photos of the food. I could vaguely make out that they said chicken rice originates from Singapore. I just didn't know how to tell them, the sauce here is different, dude!
Other than that, I took up the courage to try street food finally. My tummy is weak, thus the great fear of running to the toilet immediately. Luckily, Mr Tummy was quite cooperative this time. I especially love the fried chicken outside our hotel!
4. New night markets
At Clement's recommendation, we checked out JJ Green Market - a place where you can find loads of vintage loves. Unfortunately, we went on a Thursday night and the vendors weren't out at full force. Nonetheless, I had a good stroll amongst the few stalls which were open. I bought two cutest toy cars - Beetle and Chevolet, and some wood crafts. I would have bought more if not for Panda's watchful eyes!
The next night, we went to Art Box, which had become popular recently. I adore the buzz and the hipster atmosphere. My guess is that most of the vendors are tertiary students - they are young, innovative and modern. The products are different from what you would find at Chatuchak; prices are reasonable. It is accessible too - Phetchaburi MRT station is just one MRT stop away from Sukhumvit.
Art Box is not held regularly and its venue changes (I think), but if it fits your schedule, it is highly recommended that you check it out!
Our Bangkok trip is once again a success (thanks, Mr Jang, for the planning this time round). We are still thinking of making one more trip before the year ends. Hope to discover more places the next round.
2. Bobae Market
We got off the boat at the Bobae Market stop. Weren't sure where the outdoor market is located, maybe we went at the wrong time, but we ventured inside Bobae Tower. The merchandise reminded me of the 90s. Nonetheless, I bought two knitted tops and a pair of shorts at 300 Baht. Around 100 Baht each. Not too bad.
3. New Restaurants
First things first. Hello Kitty House at Siam Square One! Thank you Mr. Jang for including this in the itinerary. The whole place oozes sweetish girly charm. Cuteness overload.
This trip, we also made sure not to repeat Sortrel or Banrie as much as we love them. We hit the jackpot when we chanced upon Clik. We were in fact lost trying to find Kuppa Cafe at Soi 16. We saw the signage for Clik which serves fusion food and made the detour into a small lane. What a great choice.
The food is absolutely fresh and the ambience is perfect. The place is clean and spacious, and we discovered that it is newly opened in April. The owner is a fellow Singaporean, Chef Clement Ng, and ended up making friends with this multi-talented man. You can tell he put a lot of heart into making his dishes, from the way he describes his work and his philosophy about food. He also showed us the work-in-progress Level 2, which will host private groups and classes.
We will definitely recommend this gem for its food and service. No regrets patronising Clement's restaurant!
(On a separate note, we followed another blog to try out Kalapapruek at Central World. Food was average and service was terrible - made us pay double even though the kitchen cooked the wrong order. We are never going back there again.)
We also went to a place which apparently sells the BEST pad thai. The restaurant opens at 5pm; by then, a long queue has formed. We were 2nd in queue having arrived slightly after 4.30pm. There really isn't anything else on the menu other than pad thai. It wasn't as fantastic as I thought, but at least I can say I've tried it!
There is also a popular chicken rice place located diagonally opposite Platinum Mall. We sat across two Japanese tourists who kept taking photos of the food. I could vaguely make out that they said chicken rice originates from Singapore. I just didn't know how to tell them, the sauce here is different, dude!
Other than that, I took up the courage to try street food finally. My tummy is weak, thus the great fear of running to the toilet immediately. Luckily, Mr Tummy was quite cooperative this time. I especially love the fried chicken outside our hotel!
4. New night markets
At Clement's recommendation, we checked out JJ Green Market - a place where you can find loads of vintage loves. Unfortunately, we went on a Thursday night and the vendors weren't out at full force. Nonetheless, I had a good stroll amongst the few stalls which were open. I bought two cutest toy cars - Beetle and Chevolet, and some wood crafts. I would have bought more if not for Panda's watchful eyes!
The next night, we went to Art Box, which had become popular recently. I adore the buzz and the hipster atmosphere. My guess is that most of the vendors are tertiary students - they are young, innovative and modern. The products are different from what you would find at Chatuchak; prices are reasonable. It is accessible too - Phetchaburi MRT station is just one MRT stop away from Sukhumvit.
Art Box is not held regularly and its venue changes (I think), but if it fits your schedule, it is highly recommended that you check it out!
Our Bangkok trip is once again a success (thanks, Mr Jang, for the planning this time round). We are still thinking of making one more trip before the year ends. Hope to discover more places the next round.
