“A family that travels together stays together.”
Bangkok - no need any introduction as 90% of Singaporean had visited this wonderful city but perhaps you might not know, Bangkok is officially known as "Krung Thep" in Thai.
Personally, I have visited this lovely city numerous times, it is good to come back to a place you are familiar with. Though I am very familiar with this city. every time I come back here, there is always something new popping out to delight me.
Scroll further and see what we have been doing here.
The Berkeley Hotel
Address: 559 Ratchaprarop Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Finally, the 7 of us gathered. Room is big and comfortable; my toilet comes with standing shower and a bathtub.
The hotel is prominently located in the famous Pratunam area.
Though the nearest BTS station Ratchatewi is 15 minutes' walk away, but it is very accessible to whatever you want, specially to shopping and local food.
Beautiful, spacious, clean and friendly service. The location is superb, and breakfast is amazing and love the fact that the fashion mall is connected to the hotel. The nightlife is right outside your door and the other fashion malls are within walking distance. Be prepared, this is another hotel full of Singaporeans!
The first stop after checking in is to feed our hungry stomachs.
Bangkok is not only a place for shopping or clubbing. It is also a paradise for EATING!!
This round, we have 7 wolfish stomachs here so we can try more food.
Kuang Heng Chicken Rice
Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
We are heading for our first meal located opposite of the hotel.
A.K.A "Khao Mai Gai" in Thai, this forever love food was brought over by Chinese immigrants during great-grandfathers' days. It became well adorned by Thais and this dish became a common dish in the whole country.
We choose Kuang Heng is because it is located opposite of the hotel, and it is on our way to Four Face Buddha.
The rice and chili sauce are very tasty and flavorful, whereas the chicken, satay and noodles are average at reasonable price.
Every Singaporean practically grew up with Singapore's Hainanese Chicken Rice, so this dish is rather "sensitive" to us since we are too familiar with this dish.
4 Face Buddha Erawan Shrine
Address: 494 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
The correct name of 4 Face Buddha is Phra Phrom, is a Hindu Deity which coexist alongside Buddhist practices.
He is regarded as the deity of good fortune and protection; it is believed that each face of Phra Phrom represents different blessings.
Phra Phrom is also known to adorn Thai classical music, accompanied by dancers.
Items like incense, candles, jasmine garlands, dancers, elephant ornaments which you might need for prayers are available in the premises of the shrine.
When the then Erawan Hotel was in the process of building, the project was clouded with bad lucks like delays, cost over-run and mishaps. Thus, this shrine is built right next to today's Grand Hyatt Erawan to ward off bad luck. Strangely, the construction project went smoothly after the shrine was built.
Personally, this shrine is a must visit for me every time I come to Bangkok.
Yi De Tang - aka Donate Coffin Temple
Address: Lang Wat Hua Lumphong Alley, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
This temple is best known as where to make merits by "donating" coffins for unclaimed bodies. After registration and cash donation (usually 500 THB) are done, a pink slip will be given to the donor where the donor to paste the slip on any sample coffins they like.
Step 1 : fill up your name and sign on the pink paper at the corner of the foundation.
Step 2 : queue up for payment and get the receipt
Step 3 : go to inner hall and apply glue on the back of the pink paper. Then stick it on the sample coffins and say a little prayer.
Whether you are doing it out of merits or compassion, you are doing a good deed. Tourists are definitely welcome but taking photos of coffins is considered a taboo. A few of my friends tried taking photo: one told me she is feeling unlucky, another one told me, no matter how he tried to focus on the camera, the photo came out is blurred. Believe it or not? Up to you.
Our breakfast at the hotel - spoilt by choices
it has such a super wide spread of international food, desserts and attractive fruits.
Mae Nak Shrine
Address: Khwaeng Suan Luang, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand - as this temple is located behind Wat Mahabut, usually I gave taxi drivers the address of Wat Mahabut which is 747 On Nut 7 Alley, แขวง อ่อนนุช Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand)
Been visiting Mae Nak for many many years.
I am sure most people heard the story or seen the movie Nang Nak.
This is a real story, and I am amazed and deeply touched by the strength Mae Nak has for her family that I make it an effort to pay my respect whenever I visit Bangkok.
In the past, the devotees were usually ladies who came here to pray for blessings for her family, her husband and her children. These days, even male devotees came to ask for blessing for good marriages as well.
Do note that the number of joss sticks offered is 2 but not the usual 3 sticks, it is because she is a ghost but not to fear, as the crowds of devotees here tells you all.
Incense, candles, jasmine garlands and gold foil are available here.
There was a canal within a minute walk from the temple, this is the canal where her house was.
Dog in Town Cafe
Address: Ekkamai Address: 16, 1 Ekkamai 6 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok10110, Thailand Open from 1100-2000.
One of the most delightful places in town! Entry fee is THB350, and it comes with a drink.
You can get a pack of dog treats for THB100.
The dogs are well trained with love; the keepers gave them a lot of attention.
They are free to roam around and are trained to pose photos with customers.
Health Land Massage
Address:96 1 Ekkamai Rd, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Just 7 minutes' walk away from Dog in Town. THB650 for 2hours massage at such a comfortable place with cozy ambience is well spent.
Lim Lao Hgao Fishball Noodles
Address:299, 301 Song Sawat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Hidden away from the main road (less than 10 minutes' walk), and close early so we make this the first stop.
Helmed by 3rd generation now, with 80 years of recipe for handmade fishballs and wanton.
Similar like Singapore's version one, the base is made up of chilli, black vinegar, fish sauce etc.
The fish balls are very bouncy and soft, can really eat the fish meat. Price range THB40 to THB60, worth to visit.
They well deserved an award of Bib Gourmand distinction by Michelin. You can also find this shop at MBK and other malls too.
Must try
T & K Seafood
Address: 49, 51 Phadung Dao Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Forever crowded, even on Monday. We queued for 20 minutes before we can get a table.
Palladium Night Market
Located opposite of Pratunam night market and at the corner of the ground level of The Berkeley Hotel.
This night market is a much smaller scale, compared to Pratunam night market.
Every night, stalls will set up at the area of Palladium mall once the sun went down.
Big C Supercenter
Hyper supermaket in Thailand. This place is a must come place for us to sweep local snacks and yummies.
Lung Pratunam Boat Noodle
Address: 960/14 Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.
Kuay Tiew Rue A.K.A. Boat Noodle
Why does it call "Boat Noodles"? It is because long ago, this dish was served from mobile boat stalls along the canals.
As there is really very limited space on the boat, thus the noodles are served in very small portions to prevent over-spills. Until today, the boat noodles selling everywhere is still in small portions.
Lung Pratunam Boat Noodles has been well hidden here in an alley for the past 40 years that opens daily from 8am to 5pm.
Owned by the Lung's family, today the business is managed by the 3rd generation (Ms Eye) of the family.
After You Cafe
Address: Central World Level 7
A well-loved cafe by locals and tourists that grows rapidly into several outlets throughout the years.
The first time I visited was the first outlet I think - in Terminal 21.
Most famous for: Shibuya Honey Toast which I like it very much. The outside is crispy and fragrant, and the inside of the toast is soft and fluffy that is full of melted butter.
It is great place to stop for a break after shopping in the hot weather.
Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
Address: Phetchaburi Road, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
Done a brief look at the English menu, this restaurant serves near 30 types of Tom Yum soup related dishes and other snacks. We ordered the Giant Lobster Tom Yum Kung noodles that is good for 3 - 6 pax at THB1500. It consists of a big lobster, eggs, mussels, crab meats, salmon, prawn and more
Avoid peak hours unless you want to queue for at least one hour. The aromatic and creamy soup that taste sweet, spicy and sourish taste, the seafood serves are very fresh and good. I think it is value for money.
The staff here are friendly and full of smiles, the interior of the shop is simple modern and clean.
Khao Kha Moo Trok Sung
Address: 23 ซอย ราชดำริ1 Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Khao Kha Moo A.K.A Braised Pork Trotter Rice.
Personally, this is a must eat dish for me in Bangkok.
So, calling all pork trotter fans, if you are in here, do make a trip over.
So, calling all pork trotter fans, if you are in here, do make a trip over.
Traditional mouth-eatering Thai dish that is braised over fire for hours.
This little restaurant is located just 4 minutes' walk to Platinum Mall, we use google map to get our way as there are many little lanes around here. Owned by a Chinese owner for over 2 decades that open daily from 8am to 5pm.
The staff here are friendly and the waiting time for our food is quite prompt.
Oh my god, this is so sinful, you see the fats and the meat they are so tender and flavorful that goes well with the chilli sauce.
The bitter gourd soup is good for this humid weather that refresh us thoroughly for another round of shopping.
Shopping around and having maximum fun
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Time to go home.
Nobody needs introduction on this first and last place for all tourists.
Today, it is still so big, still so crowded.
We have come to the end of this blog, before coming to Bangkok, the 3 of us had a great 2 nights vacation in Ban Rak Thai in Mae Hong Son. Sound very distant? Please look up: Ban Ran Thai @ Mae Hong Son Thailand
Coming next will be the blog on Penang & Ipoh where we will be going around for local food.
Coming next next will be the blog on Belgium, air ticket to Europe already booked.
Stay tuned.
Feel free, you are most welcome to browse through my other blogs to France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and cruises etc. I will be deeply blessed if you can like my Facebook page: followblueginger
Cheers & Good Luck! 😍
