Monday, March 21, 2005
LAND OF SMILES & NEVER-ENDING SHOPPING!My first time in Bangkok couldn't be better! (actually, it would be...if there is an additional person to carry an extra luggage :p)
18th March (Fri)
Arrived @ Bangkok at 1.30pm with Lena and Thuan (Lena's Vietnamese colleague, who didnt join us for any shopping spree cos she was there for other matters).
The weather was not as warm as I thought it would be. I think cos the hot weather in Singapore lately has trained me well. Hehe...
After unpacking our bags and relaxing for an hour, Lena and I headed for Bobae Market. We took the boat ride on the Khlong (canal) to Bobae Market. Not much things to see though cos it was just a market. I just wanted to experience taking the boat ride, which is one of their mode of transportation. One needs to tolerate the longkang smell though and having the longkang water gently splashing on you. To avoid that, the boat has its sides covered with canvas, tied with strings and a simple pulley system. If you feel that the boat ride was too rough, just pull the string and up goes the canvas as a shield against having the chalky water on your face.
We took the boat ride down to Pratunam, the shopping paradise. The permanent stalls closed at 6pm. Immediately, after 6pm, you will see other stalls springing up rapidly. Pratunam looks so different at night! Stalls that you only get to see at night. In the late afternoon, I managed to close my first deal successfully :) Bought cushion covers for the house. Perfect! (and my mum loves it) We walked till our legs were aching.
19th March (Sat)
We made our way to the tailor. Lena did 2 jackets, a dress and pants. I just did one white collared shirt. I collected mine on the same day, in the evening. Lena's were ready by Sunday evening.
Anyway, we wanted to start our day at Pratunam, cos we missed quite a number of "day" shops on Friday. But, our tut tut driver insisted that he brought us to the floating market. He arranged our itinerary: Floating Market, Siam Export Centre, Jewellery store and Pratunam. For 50 baht, how can we resist the offer?!
First stop: Floating Market. Took a boat ride (again?) This time, it's on the Chao Praya River. From the river, you could see Bangkok's new, majestic Rama Bridge. We passed by the locals residential area. Interesting how they live...each of the household, owns a boat (sampan) or a motorised boat. Most are run-down huts, while a few are obviously richer, with huge bungalows.
Occasionally, sellers on their boats, will approach our boat to sell things, either food or souvenirs. It would be busier in the morning. In the afternoon, it's too quiet. After the one-hr ride, which costs us 500 baht (can buy me 3 bags!), our tut tut driver brought us to the Siam Export Centre and another place where they sell jewellery too. Nay, too old-fashioned for the both of us and no intention to buy any. Too bad, the driver didn't get his free gasoline coupon (if we purchase anything). That's how they save their costs...by bringing tourists to places of interest.
Next stop, Pratunam. Despite the so confusing layout, we figured out where we stopped on Friday, and continued from there. Of course, we bought tons of things.
From Pratunam, we went to Suan Lum Night Bazaar, via their BTS and MRT. Bad move! Long flight of staircase and escalator, till both of us were sitting on the steps while waiting to reach the top. Lucky thing all those walking leads us to a fruitful shopping trip at Suan Lum. It ends at midnight. So, that's what we did...walking in every single lane.
20th March (Sun)
Another day to look forward to - Chatuchak Market or JJ Market is more organised than Pratunam - divided based on their items: clothings and accessories, art gallery, household items, food, pets, etc. We spend and spend and spend!
Lunch @ A&W - my first proper meal since my stay, other than my Bonjour Choc Chips bread and Campbell soup. Couldn't be bothered to go to Baiyoke Sky for meals. What the heck? I'm there to shop!
After putting our stuff back at the hotel, we went to Suan Lum market again to buy more of the 150 baht straw bag! And on top of that, I bought more stuff. Hehe....
With so many additional stuff, I had to buy a luggage. My haversack, my luggage and my newly bought Adidas bag. :p That's me when I got home today!
21st March (Mon)
10.30am the agency rep picked me up from the hotel. Went home alone on Monday cos Lena and Thuan had to stay another day to visit their clients. My flight was scheduled to be at 1.20pm BKK time. Got delayed...and felt so sleepy waiting at the airport from 11.30am to 1.45pm. The plane finally took off at 2.15pm, and landed at 5.30pm. Finally!!! Home sweet home!
naniz @ 9:44:00 PM