Bangkok - 21st to 24th April 2004

21st April 2004

This is my 4th trip to Bangkok in last 3 years, but the city never cease to amaze me with new adventures nor repeat indulgences in great shopping and wonderful massages. This time round, we stayed in the Eastin Hotel, north of the whole shopping district.

Landed at about 10 a.m. Thai hour, we made our way down to the World Trade area. We were shocked withthis new shopping center - Big C. which was also a cineplex. We had our lunch there and man, the food court serve very reasonablely priced food, even in Thai's context. Gyoza (plate of 5 big ones) cost only 20 Baht. Alas, that is leass than a Singapore Dollar.

Actually, that spoilt my plan for my usual favourite MacDonald's Samurai Burger. Sorry, this one has pork fillings, so a definite NO for our Muslim friend. Anyway a regular set of Samurai Burger, complete with drink and fries, cost 79 Baht or slightly more than S$3. Anyway, I had round of it for dinner in Mao Boon Krung (MBK).

We actually bought the tidbits on the first day at MBK, which also include ladies' favourite of fashion apparel and under garments.

Evening, we (me and wife) made our way to May's Massage, in the Thesevit district, near Emporium Shopping Center, for our "happy hour". This is our usual haunt, as there is no "special service" to worry you and the gers were well trained and with firm powerful arms.

We sure slept well that night. This time round, I realised that I actually watched quiet a bit of the Discovery Channel, on the Hotel's Cable.

22nd April 2004

The second day started with late breakfast and we wanted to do everything slowly. At around 11 a.m. we took a "Tuk-Tuk" (3-wheeled converted vehicle) to Sampeng. This place is famous for its wide varities of toys and little ornaments for distribution. You can buy in small quantity but with distribution price on offer, you will be caught fighting (yourself) the buying impluses. Haa... BEWARE!

Some pictures to entice you. I know many had came to this place to buy in stocks, and have them imported back to Singapore for sale. In fact, too many are doing that. You may never want to those little cute stuff locally, ever again.

We had our lunch in nearby Chinatown. You can go ahead with trying the birdnest and sharkfin soup on on offer. Relatively cheap but somehow I do not fancy that. I would suggest hotplate ommelette with oyster. Try this Chinese Restaurant - "Heaven Beyond the Sea".

We returned to the hotel to place our things and a brief rest before having some authentic Thai food at Amari Thai Restaurant near Chit Lom Transit Station. After which, is a little trip to Patpong, the favourite night spot in Thailand. We didn't went for any show nor visited any pub, just walking and enjoying the view and breeze.

23rd April 2004

3rd day and there is still so much things that we wanted to do. Okie sure, we took our time for the breakfast and head for the shopping centers again. We wish to complete the shopping list without any rush.

We repeated a few things that we really enjoy, which includes visit to ice-cream places, like Swensen and Baskin Robbins. Of couse, I had my 4th Samurai Pork Burger. I really love it.

We did felt the impluse to go for a movie. The cinema was really grand and huge. Err.. movie is like S$6 for normal tickets and Gold Class is close to S$20 that include lover sofa seats with tabel, blankets and some other stuff, if only I can understand what the ticketing guy is saying.

We bought a few wonderfully design T-shirts at only 99 Baht each. No way you can get it this price at this end of Asia. I bought quite a few shirts, and will never miss picking a few Addidas everytime. Great deal.

Night, we went back to May Massage. We asked for the same girl for we did enjoy the service 2 nights ago. The charge was 250 Baht per hour session for Oil Massage and usually we tip 100 Baht per person. It is rather cheap as compared to 400 Baht for other locations.

24th April 2004

On the final day, we start having a reluctance to leave this wonderful place already. Despite it being only half a day, we went to a nearby Patunum Shopping Complex. All was well but we have to return to Big C just down the road. We tried a few other things.

I was at the cineplex to pick up the collector popcorn set for Hellboy. I think they call him Super Sapien there as in like KL. Love the key chain and the little bottle with a Hellboy figurine over the cup as a lid.

TIme passed fast enough and we soon return to the hotel at 3 p.m. for a ride to the airport.

With the recent price war on budget airline services, I know, I will be returning to this wonderful place real soon.