Bangkok (8-12 Aug 2013)

T and I celebrated our first year anniversary at Bangkok. I am thankful for the year of marriage. It has its share of ups and downs but I love every moment of it.

Day 1

After clearing the immigration at the airport, we took a train from Suvarnabhumi airport to Phaya Thai station. From Phaya Thai, we transferred to the BTS line to go to Ratchathewi station. The whole journey took about 30-45 minutes. It was a breeze. I strongly recommend this mode of travel as it saves  time from being caught in the Bangkok jam. The spacious interiors in the trains has ample room for luggage.

Airport train

Airport train

Through Booking.com, we made reservations for our accommodation at Siam Swana Hotel. The location of the hotel is one of the best - just a 5 minutes walk to Ratchathewi BTS station. One of the disadvantage was that the 3 storey hotel does not have elevators. We were assigned to a room on the 2nd floor. The porters helped us with our luggage. The room was decent, clean and fully-equipped, but the television cable only offers 1 English channel. (CNN) It didn't concern us that much since we were out most of the time.

Siam Swana

Siam Swana

Siam Swana

At nightfall, we settled for dinner at Central World, and did some shopping at Big C and retired for the night.

Day 2

The 2nd day started early as we head to Yaowarat (Chinatown) for breakfast at our favourite HK noodle stall. Being a weekday, we were the only 2 customers. We ordered some delectable dim sum as well. I love Yaowarat for its strong cultural influence and traditional fare and street food.

Dim Sum menu

HK noodle menu

Shrimp dumpling soup

Interior of the HK noodle house

After breakfast, we took a walk along the many lanes in Yaowarat before we head for Sampeng market. One of our 'missions' for the trip was to purchase canvas cloth for T's sister. It took us close to 30 minutes to get to Sampeng to a wholesale cloth centre - China World. It' is a crafter's paradise. Every shop in the building offers myraid of cloths, silk and lace. I was tempted to purchase some for myself!

Cloth aplenty!

and more cloth...

After our shopping spree, we headed back to Yaowarat for lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening was spent at Pratunum market and having a well-deserved massage near our hotel.

Day 3

Half the day was spent at Chatuchak market. From Ratchathewi BTS station we took a train to Mo Chit station where the market was located at. It drizzled alittle when we arrived. Shortly after the rain stopped, the crowd started pouring in. It sure was a busy day!

It is a yearly affair for us to visit a e particular slipper shop at Chatuchak to replentish our footware. The rubber slippers are very comfortable. This year, they start making birkenstock-like sandals too. For lunch, we headed to a small bar tucked in a corner that serves seafood paella and ice cold beer - perfect for the humid weather. The chef dances to the music as he cooks the paella. The jazzy music and cooking show draws ample crowd.

Map of Chatuchak market

Dancing chef cooking paella

Tasty paella

Lovely alfresco seating at the Paella bar

Rubbit slippers

Day 4

As our favourite hangout, we returned to Yaowarat for breakfast and shopping on the 4th day. Breakfast was freshly steamed dim sum and traditonally brewed tea. Yums! We spent the rest of the morning/afternoon shopping for local dried food, fresh produce, street food (my favourite roasted chestnuts) and souvenirs.

Mushroom wanton

Shrimp siew mai

Har gow

Dried seafood

Charcoal grilled cupcakes

Apart from its prime location, Siam Swana Hotel is also famed for its sushi bar - Sushi Masa. We had lunch there.They serve a wide array of fresh sushi and is very popular with the locals. We didn't like it that much, but it sure was popular! The restaurant/bar is full-house throughout day and night! One of the most premium ingredients they served was horsemeat. Their signature dish was the flame-grilled salmon belly sushi. Almost every dinner ordered a plate of that (including us).

Sushi Masa menu

Sushi Masa menu

Salmon sashimi

Unagi & grilled scallop sushi

Grilled salmon belly sushi

We spent the evening shopping at Tesco and getting a really good foot massage at Lek House. Lek is highly recommended! Located just beside Holiday Inn Express (National Stadium), it provides superb massage services. The ambience is clean, relaxing and safe. Dinner was at 8-Ramen - T's favourite ramen joint.

Day 5

We took a metered taxi from Siam Swana to Suvarnabhumi airport on the last day. It cost approximately 300B. We enjoyed our stay very much (as usual) and perhaps we will return at the same time in Aug next year :)