Bangkok Eat | Shop | Repeat Guide
Will be blogging about my short getaway to Bangkok from 4 May to 7 May 2016 with my Uni peeps before internship starts!
This trip is jam packed with lots of café hopping and shopping, hence it’s gonna be
eat, shop, and repeat!
We took Jetstar and our flight was at 10.45am. Since we have to check in 2 hours earlier, I was the first to reach Changi Airport at 845am.
So bored while waiting, so took selfies to entertain myself.
Claudia reached a little later after me and we decided to do the self-check in first.
On board, we were seated together, and accidentally taking the seat of a Vietnam guy who have to suffer Claudia's loud voice and our gossipy conversations throughout the entire journey.
This was the first time I stayed awake throughout the entire flight and talk for so long thanks to this girl.
We reached Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 12 plus (Thai time which is one hour earlier than Singapore). First thing to do once we reached is to buy a SIM card for communication.
Even though we are going to be in Bangkok for just 4D3N, I got their basic DTAC Happy Tourist SIM card which has free unlimited data for 7 days and 100 baht call credit.
The SIM card booth is normally located outside the arrival hall in the airport. It is more convenient to buy the SIM card from the airport as they will help with the changing.
After that, we proceeded to check in to our hotel via cab from the airport taxi stand.
For our trip, we will be staying at FuramaXclusive @ Asoke
A boutique hotel under the Furama brand and it is only a stone throw away from Terminal 21 shopping mall and also an accessible location from Asok BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT station. We were given a warm welcome once we arrived, with the bellboy helping us with our luggage and were served with a cup of juice. I really did not expect that level of service for a boutique hotel, but I simply enjoy it.
We checked into our deluxe room which is relatively spacious with two single beds.
A shot to celebrate our checking in.
Day 1: Exploring SIAM
After we settled ourselves down by unpacking a little, we headed to Siam via Asok BTS station by buying the ticket for 28 baht
We decided to have lunch at Greyhound Café which is located at Siam Centre, Level 2.
I dined at this outlet during my graduation trip to Bangkok last year, and I fell in love with their ice lemon tea so I have to come back for more!
Greyhound café has a lot of outlets all over Bangkok and the Siam Centre outlet is more of a hipsterish theme, very photo-worthy for avid instagrammers.
Lovin' their cushions which is so me 'Life is short, more dessert anyone?'.
If you look close enough, the sofa that we are sitting on is made of belts.
Their hipsterish menu which features interesting dishes and creative desserts
Jenson and Hazel in deep thought, thinking what to order
Ordered the Iced Lemon Tea which I have been looking forward the most to, they froze the lemon into ice cubes before pouring tea in it so it will not taste diluted when the ice melts. How smart!
For my main, I ordered the Spaghetti Vongole as I love clams a lot! The spaghetti is cooked al dente and the pairing with salted fish gives the entire dish more flavor and also hints of thai cusine with the strong basil leaf taste.
After the hearty lunch, we replenished our energy and it’s time to shop! We headed over to Siam Square One as Siam Centre and Siam Paragon sells more upmarket and branded items which we are unable to afford… Siam Square One currently has a Japanese fair where I got an alpaca iPhone case to replace my old and worn out one. It is only 200 baht and of great quality!
A large statue of the SIAM cat mascot
Bangkok is also a food heaven with lots of cool cafes of different themes
The famous After You Cafe which I had tried before last year.
#throwback to last year where we tried their Signature shibuya thick toast. Once I tried it, I felt that all the thick toasts in Singapore was meh. This toast may not look as fancy but inside its soft and fluffy and when paired with the vanilla ice cream, it is just so satisfying! Compared to last year where the toast is still in trend, the shop do not have long queues now. But it was worth the try for at least once!
At Siam, there is a small street called Little Siam which sells many fashion. My favorite store is a shoe shop which sells all shoes at 150 baht. One thing about the shop is that it only have one size for each design! Hence, it is quite heng/suay for the shop to have your size. Last year, I got a pair of black platforms which I adored a lot until its glue gave way. But just for 150 baht, it lasted me quite a while! Hence, I got another pair of scandals which is really comfy and immediately wore it for the rest of the day.
As night falls, Shopaholics will flock to the night market. It's my first time shopping at Siam Night Market but it's like a paradise for me. Was quite worried if I will have enough money for the rest of the days as I have been buying a lot for myself.
For dinner, we headed to Somboon Seafood as recommended by Hazel and Jenson which is located at the 4th floor of Siam Square One.
As what their brand logo illustrates, they are well known for their crabs!
Ordered their fried deshelled curry crab as we are too lazy to deshell their crabs.
It is so good that I can simply eat rice and this dish on its own. Flavorful curry sauce and soft crab meat go so well together. Can see why most tables ordered their crabs.
Their lime juice is also the 'bomb' as it is made from purely squeezed lime and so sour that it hits you in the mouth when you drink it. But it is quite good after the ice melts a little. Lime juice always go well with seafood and especially after we ate the crab curry sauce which is more on the oily side.
We also ordered the Stir fried morning glory with garlic and chilli which is a favorite of Hazel. Since Claudia do not eat crab, we also ordered a chicken dish, but it was quite disappointing as it is very hard to chew.
But overall, it was a good dinner after all the shopping that we have done.
One last wefie of the day outside the hotel before we each go back to our room for a good night's rest!
Mirror selfie with our proud buys of the day. Got my mermaid flare denim skirt (250baht) from Siam Night Market, blouse (200 baht) and scandals (200baht) from Little Siam and iPhone casing 5 (200baht) from Siam Square One.
Day 2: Braving Heat at Pratunam
Rise and shine for day 2! Mirror selfie again to start the day
Decided to dress down with flip flops since it will be blazing hot at Pratunam area. I knew that as I had stayed there last year and there are not much shelter except for the malls.
We decided to cab down to Pratunam as is relatively far away from the BTS station. We then went to Platinum Fashion Mall food court for brunch. To dine at Bangkok's foodcourts, one will have to purchase/top up their card to use as a mode of payment. Any remaining balance can then be refunded afterwards. This method is rather useful as I feel it is more hygienic as the food sellers will not have to get into contact with money.
I had this boiled fish cake noodle soup which cost 55 baht, it is relatively small bowl but just enough to make my first meal of the day.
After the simple brunch, we decided to head over to Pratunam Morning Market which is known for cheaper buys before coming back to Platinum Fashion Mall for the aircon. A wefie outside the mall before we get sweaty after shopping under the hot sun.
We had to cross over an overhead bridge to get to the market, we were greeted by a scenic view of the busy streets of Bangkok.
An attempt to take a typical tourist shot at the bridge, but failed...
Pratunam Morning Market as compared to my experience there last year is quite disappointing. Even though they are known for wholesale prices for a minimum of 3 pieces, I did not manage to find anything suitable as the styles are quite auntie-ish... Last year when I came, I still managed to get some clothes, or maybe its cos I did not come as earlier this time round...
\Before going back to Platinum Fashion Mall to escape from the hot weather to seek solace from the cool weather. we went to the customization stall located outside Grand Diamond Hotel to customize name card holders and wallets. The sun had to shine so brightly and we were holding umbrellas while choosing our designs... We spend close to an hour to get all the customization done and quickly rushed back to the mall for aircon!
Platinum Fashion Mall had more clothes that suit my taste and I managed to buy stuff there.
100 baht Rule top and a 3 for 200 baht grey top that I got for my sis. I saw the RULE top on a mannequin as we were riding the escalator down and it looked good, somemore it has a big 100 baht sign for the clothes at the store- so I had to get it at the RULE store.
Couple shirts for 200 baht each at Yatta!- A unisex clothing store
T-shirts that I got at mad for Pigg at 200 baht each.
Did not really like the attitude of the staff there as it seems to turn them off that I took my time to make my pick, but oh well.
A cotton v-neck tee and customized pouch which I got for my Dad and Mum cost 100 baht each
After much shopping, we decided that we had spend enough and headed to CentralWorld to meet up with Jenson and Hazel.
On our way there, we made a quick stop at Annette, a cute gelato tuk tuk stall to buy an ice cream to beat the sweltering heat.
I had the coconut flavored one while Claudia called for the strawberry cheesecake. Cute gelatos that we could not get in Singapore for just 80 baht!
After meeting up with them, we decided to go back to the hotel for a short rest before heading out to Neon Fest at night.
Back at Terminal 21, we bought some snacks to munch on before heading back to our hotel to rest and eat. At around 7pm, we left for Lumphini station where the neon fest will be at.
To our disappointment, when we arrived, the Neon Fest is currently replaced by another carnival. Hence, we decided to head to another night market so as to not waste our night away.
Bangkok's MRT station do not have a lot of chairs, hence, we sat down at the stairs while waiting for
the train to come.
We headed to Thai Cultural Center MRT station where the Train Market Ratchada is at. On our way there, we passed by Esplanade Mall where we can feed baby sheeps and goats for just 20 baht!
I could not resist buying a bottle to feed them and in the process, I managed to pet them a little bit, They are really cute but strong when it comes to drinking the milk.
To get to the night market, we can pass through Esplanade Mall exit just by following the crowds. Train market Ratchada is quite a big market with rows of shops selling food and fashion! Was attracted to this watermelon ice blended! So good for just 60baht! Makes a perfect thirst quencher on a warm night!
We sat down at one of the street stalls to eat, had this thick kway teow which was really disappointing... Dry and oily, lucky I have my watermelon juice
There was a lot to buy at the night market at great bargains and we shopped till 11 plus before heading back to our hotel for a good night's rest!
Day 3: Eat and Relax at Phrom Phong
The restaurant was not that busy at the time when we reached, hence, we are able to choose our own seating. We chose the seats near this photoworthy little vintage garden where we can take some nice photos!
The main menu which suits the theme of the cafe
Flipping through the exclusive menu which is only available at Audrey Cafe des Fleurs outlet.
Loving the pastel colors and the flower decors!
Wished my pigg was here with me, such a sweet and romantic environment
Ordered their Baby Crusty Ham and Cheese Pizza, their recommended Baby Crusty Tom Yum Pizza is also very nice! Initially I did not dare to order it as I scared it will be very spicy and I kinda regretted not doing so.
I also ordered their Sakura Glazier which is made of rose syrup and also lychee bits which is the outlet exclusive beverage.
Jenson and Hazel ordered this highly raved Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake. The day we went to the cafe was just nice Audrey's 5th anniversary and they were having loads of promotions and this cake was also going for 1-for-1.
A group wefie before we tuck in!
After our meals, me and Claudia called for the dessert menu.
How could we resist ordering all these beautiful flowers!
And so, Claudia got the Rose Flower Pot Cake while I got the Pink and Purple Hydrangea Flower Pot Cake. So pretty!
My flower pot cake is made of buttercream icing and filled with vanilla and caramel cake. However, as pretty as it seems, it tasted quite dry inside and the buttercream icing on top is a little too thick for me.
After the high sugar level meal, we walked it off by braving the hot sun and headed to KVillage by foot.
It was a 15-20 minutes walk and we finally reached the ulu KVillage which is located kinda out of nowhere. It's quite a peaceful place but I feel it's more for kids and families since there are a lot of home and maternity stores. Oh! pets are also welcomed here!
Group wefie while we wait for a cab to go to our massage place as recommended by Jenson.
It was a 20 minute journey from KVillage to our destination- Body Tune massage parlour at Sala Daeng station.
Dim lighting accompanied with cushions and blankets makes a relaxing ambience for us to have a good rest while getting a foot massage.
I opted for the 1 hour foot massage which costs 380 baht.
I felt really pampered and relaxed after the massage since we have been doing a lot of walking and shopping for the past two days. The masseur really know her stuff and the amount of pressure to apply as I do not feel any unnecessary pain and instead felt so relaxed that I napped a little.
Warm cup of tea after the relaxing massage! It is also recommended to give some tips to the masseur after the session to thank them for their hard work in relaxing our tight muscles!
With Claudia who finished her 1 hour full body massage which she totally enjoyed.
After Jenson and Hazel were done with their 1 and a half hours foot massage session, we headed to National Stadium station MBK Centre to try out the toast that Hazel have been craving for. According to them, it is their must visit place for this trip.
And here we are at Mont Nom Sod which sells toasts!
Condensed Milk and Kaya toasts which is really soft and fluffy! After I tried this, I felt that all the other toasts that I have eaten before was just meh!
After the short snack, we decided to head back to Siam area to do more shopping at their night markets. On our way there, we noticed this Starback Cafe which is located next to Starbucks Coffee.
The night gets more lively as the sky darkens! Stalls are set up along the roads and we are back at the Siam Night Market to do more shopping!
Managed to get some clothes and scandals which I have been eyeing since day one!
After we finished shopping, we headed to our dinner place at Central World. Shopping and sweating while squeezing through the crowds completes the shopping experience in Bangkok!
We had our dinner at Nara Thai
Nara Thai is voted the best Thai restaurant in Thailand since 2006.
Again, we ordered dishes to share- we ordered
Phunim Phad Pong Karee- Stir fried soft shell crab in yellow curry
Phad Pak Boong- Stir fried morning glory
Gai Tord Kapi-Deep fried chicken in traditional thai shrimp paste
The yummy soft shell crab that we came here for, too bad the sauce is a little too dry, as I prefer the sauce that we had the first day.
After dinner, we decide to head back to the hotel for a earlier rest so we can head to Chatuchak Market earlier the next morning! To more last minute shopping at Chatuchak!
Day 4: Last Minute Shopping at Chatuchak!
Last day of our Bangkok trip! Matchy with Claud with the top that we bought at Platinum Fashion Mall on Day 2! Gonna dress light and comfortable as its gonna be scorching hot!
A group wefie in the hotel lobby before we set off for Chatuchak!
On the way to Chatuchak Weekend Market which is also known as JJ Market to the locals.
Sure it was sizzling hot, I felt like a strip of bacon being grilled under the hot sun. Chatuchak weekend market had a lot to offer and one can find anything as long as they seek it.
We slowly separated into two groups while catching up with our shopping and I also got separated with Claud while I was making payment in a shop. The sois of the market is like a black hole, once you disappear into the crowds, it's hard to locate.
Luckily, we established the meeting place and time beforehand. At around 1pm, I decided that I had enough of shopping as all the stuff I bought was more of work clothes and I had to save some money for the remaining lunch and cab fare. Hence, I went to find hazel and Jenson who was resting inside the air conditioned station.
At almost 2pm, we came out to meet Claud hoping that she would not be lost.
I also bought a coconut ice cream with a refreshing cup of coconut juice to beat the heat- a must eat dessert when one comes to Chatuchak!
Time soon passed and it was 5 minutes after 2pm, it was damn hot and I was worried as she do not have a Thai SIM card, so I went out to the nearby area to search for her. Luckily, we were reunited not too long as I spot her entering a shop.
On the way back to our station- Sukhumvit to escape the crazy heat of Chatuchak!
Picture after reunion!
This girl made me shop alone for 2 hours and I was damn worried after being separated from her. Crazy girl who did not purchase a SIM card and first time coming to Bangkok actually dared to walk alone by herself for 2 hours.
Our last meal at Fuji Restaurant at Terminal 21- ordered rice to have a more filling meal as we would not have time to have dinner before our flight at 7pm. Fuji Restaurant sells affordable Japanese cuisine and the food is not bad!
After that, we headed back to our hotel to do our last packing and left for the airport by splitting into two cabs since our luggage could not be stored. Hahas, the taxi driver said I look like a Thai, maybe that's why our cab fare to the airport is cheaper than us going to the hotel.
Approaching the airport, oh well, it was a good relaxing trip before internship starts!
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