Treasure It

Am back to the company which I have just left for a final handover now. Suddenly I just miss coming back to this place. Don't ask me why I feel this way, it's just a sudden feeling that I have.

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Human is just a funny being. When you have it, you don't treasure it. When you no longer have it, how you long to have it back. What an irony ...

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Well, nevertheless, am very sure that there would be lots of challenges awaiting me at my new workplace. Already had a day full of meetings and phone conferences on my second day there, which was yesterday, unfortunately. But I am pretty sure that I can make it (well, need to give myself the confidence to move on, right?)

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My friend, do treasure what you have presently and not forgetting to lay the path for your future days :)

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Till next post ...

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Bangkok - Random Shots

Did take quite a number of shots "along the way" or "on the way" ... here are a handful to share ...

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Sawadee-kha from Khun Ronald McDonald's :)

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Took the following shots at a market, which I passed by along the way to the Grand Palace. Variety of goods and foodstuffs sold here ... perhaps the more "authentic" side of Thailand, not the "typical tourist spot" ... although you can still find "something" for tourists here :)

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* Memento *

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* Food *

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The following shot is taken at a car park near Chatuchak Weekend Market ...

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Japan or Bangkok ... nevertheless, the following shot is taken near Sala Daeng Station ...

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Bangkok - The Proceeds

Buy, buy, buy and these are what I've gotten from this trip to Bangkok ...

Always think that fridge magnet is a good souvenir to get when visiting a place

* tink ... a hint to those who do not know what to get me for a souvenir, hmm, now you what to get :p



Simple tees with beads and sequins at very low price

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Hello Kitty pack is for a good friend who is a Hello Kitty lover

Pooh and gang are for myself :p
Hmm, wonder when we would have such cute packs in MY

This is especially for a PIG lover (*oink oink)

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Something from Hard Rock Café

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Bags & pouches



More souvenir items :)



Not forgetting food ...

Thailand mangoes & Lay's Nori Seaweed flavour

Hmm, wonder when they will have this flavour sold in MY ... it's nice!

Well, not all for myself though ...

Mostly are for family members, close friends and colleagues.

For those who have received their bit of the memento, hope you do like it :)

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Bangkok - All About Shopping

For those who wish to have their retail therapy (i.e. shopping) sessions in Bangkok, besides Chatuchak and night markets, there are a few shopping malls for you to choose from.
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Although I don't really shop when I travel (as I prefer sightseeing), somehow I still manage to slot in some sessions in between to pay a visit to a few of the shopping malls in Bangkok ... more for some quick window shopping :p

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Centralworld

Currently the largest shopping mall in Southeast Asia, you can find the finest fashion stores, global brands, specialty stores and all kinds of luxury designer lifestyle goods here.

Equivalent standard to KLCC and Pavilion KL.

Getting there :

If you are travelling on Sukhumvit Line, alight at either the Chit Lom or Siam BTS Station.
If you are travelling on Silom Line, alight at Siam BTS Station.

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Neon lights in front of Centralworld

"Looking up" shot

BIG BIG crab spotted in the mall :p

Siam Paragon

Another trendy shopping mall, which showcases a good selection of shops, restaurants and designer fashion outlets. Expect to find quite a number of global brands here.

Equivalent standard to KLCC and Pavilion KL.

Getting there :
Nearest station is the Siam BTS Station.

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One of the global brands found here :)
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Fountain in front of the shopping mall

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Platinum Fashion Mall

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Caters especially to wholesale clothing, this mall has six floors which are filled with small outlets - most of them specialising in women's clothing and fashion accessories.

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Since this is a wholesale mall, you can get items at very reasonable prices - provided you buy larger quantities, usually three items and up. Some outlets allow mix and match.

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No fitting rooms are available for you to try the clothes though.

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Equivalent standard to Sungei Wang (although Sungei Wang not really of wholesale in nature, the crowd is that of Sungei Wang)

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Getting there :

It's actually located near Centralworld. Walk pass Centralworld, cross the canal, turn left and walk a few metres up. Platinum Fashion Mall is on your left.
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Bangkok - Chatuchak Market

Day 4 AM

A flea market with more than 10,000 stalls on a 35-acres land ... that's Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, the world's biggest weekend market. Once inside the market, you would be caught up in a world of bursting crowds and stalls stretching as far as the eye can see.

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Let's head to Chatuchak Market :p

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The "published" opening hours for the market are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Having said that, we still see some stalls setting up and arranging their goods by the time we reached there at around 9:30 am. Apparently, it's also open on Friday, however as a market for wholesalers.

Chatuchak Market usually gets very warm and hot by noon, so it is recommended to go early when it is a bit cooler. Was pretty lucky on the day we visited Chatuchak Market ... it wasn't a sunny day, yet it didn't rain, the weather (and thus temperature) is just perfect for one to spend a day there :)

The market offers an endless selection of antiques, intricate wood carvings and handicrafts, decorative ornaments, soft fluffy toys, bags, household wares, clothes and accessories ... just to name a few. You would definitely be spoilt with such various choices :p

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Hats ~ Varieties of them

Colourful (and cute) towels for one to choose from

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Intricate wood carvings and handicrafts

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You can get such handicrafts at reasonably good price ~ remember to bargain :p

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Souvenirs :)

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Fashionable accessories

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Another real fun part when you shop in Chatuchak Market, besides the various choices available, is the fact that you can bargain with each stall you are interested in. Although the prices here are generally lower than the street stalls and night market, you can still bargain here. I did some bargaining and managed to get those stuffs which I want at a reasonably low price :)

Don't worry, the quality is still up to expected standard, despite the low prices :)

If you need to fill up your stomach or to quench your thirst, Chatuchak Market has an endless selection of food and drinks ~ rice, noodles, Thai-style fast food, iced refreshments ...

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Thirst quencher :p
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The choir food stall ~ staffs singing while cooking and serving your food ... interesting !!!

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Was told that if you have set an eye on something which you like and managed to bargain at a good price, don't think twice but to get it. With so many stalls around, it would be quite difficult for you to return to the same shop to get what you want. Having said that, I actually managed to track and return to a stall to get something which I did not get earlier :p

If you are lost, not to worry, as maps of the market are available. A helpful and informative personnel (I suppose it's one, as I only saw one) is there to help out :)

To sum it up ... it's a shopper paradise not to be missed when you are in Bangkok.

Getting there :

Easiest is to take BTS or MRT.
If you take the BTS, alight at Mo Chit Station and follow the signboard to Chatuchak Market. The walk to the market takes about 5 minutes.

If you take the MRT, alight at Kampheng Phet Station, which is directly in front of Chatuchak Market.

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Next ~ Shopping in Bangkok :p

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Bangkok - Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum

Day 3 PM

Another must visit spot for me would be the Philatelic Museum or Centre, if there is one in the city or town I visit. Being a philatelic lover and collector, I would feel that the trip would be incomplete for not dropping by :)

Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum

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Yes ~ I was there !!!

Huge postal letter box at the staircase to the museum

The Philatelic Museum shows how the postal service developed in Thailand. A collection of Thai and foreign stamps are also available for viewing there. Miniature postal letter box of a number of countries are on display as well.

Have gotten myself a few first day covers as memento ...

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International Letter Writing Week 2000 Commemorative Stamps

7 October 2000

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Zodiac Postage Stamp (Year of the Ox)

2 January 2009

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120th Anniversary of the Postal School Commemorative Stamp

22 Feb 2009

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The Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum is located at :

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Between Soi 3 and 5

Pathon Yothin Road

Saphan Khwai

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Open on Tuesday to Sunday, 0900 to 1600

(Free admission)

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Next ~ Chatuchak Market ...
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Bangkok - Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market

Day 3 AM

Woke up early on Day 3 as the itinerary for the first half of the day is to visit Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is located in the Ratchaburi Province, about 105 km away from Bangkok. Since this Floating Market closes about mid-day, coupled with the long distance, you just need to start your journey early.

As Bangkok was once called the "Venice of the East", it is worth to pay a visit to at least one of the floating markets while you are in Bangkok. You get to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying from small boats.

Being a free and easy trip, instead of joining a local tour, we took a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market. It took us about 2.5 hours to reach the so-called jetty near the Floating Market.

Take Bus No. 78 to Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market

Once we reached there, we were being approached by a boat tour operator asking us whether we want to hire a boat. The price offered by her is definitely a "cut-throat" tourist rate ~ 800 Baht per person for a 1-hour ride. She kept on pestering us to hire the boat and promoting to us what we would get to experience and see from the boat ride (blah blah blah~). Knowing that this is definitely not a fair and reasonable price to pay for, we did not agree to hire the boat but tried to bargain for a better rate. Yet, we still find it expensive even after some so-called price off given.

We then decided to walk to the Floating Market instead, when at this point of time, she was willing to reduce the rate to 500 Baht per boat. Imagine if there are 2 of us, it's only 250 Baht per person. If there are 3 of us, it's 167 Baht per person. Now, that's a huge difference from the initial rate offered !!! Also, remember to settle the fees before settling off :)

The boat ride covers a few canals ~ the boatman calls it the "Big Market" and the "Small Market" ...

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Routes covered by the boat ride

Long tail motor-operated boat which we hired :)

The sight of the Floating Market is something which you rarely get to see. Opened daily, it is routinely crowded with hundreds of vendors and purchasers floating in their boats selling and buying goods. Goods sold include food, fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, paintings and souvenirs, to name a handful.

Price wise, of course, don't expect very good bargain here as it is a tourist spot, and thus you should expect at least a tourist "rate" being charged.

Sightseeing and photo-taking are what I look forward to this visit here. Here are a handful of shots to share ...

Houses along the canals



Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market ~ I was there :p

Cooking on the boat

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What to eat and drink?

Fruits ... coconuts ... etc

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Paintings

Handicrafts


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Handicrafts and souvenirs

Handicrafts in a souvenir shop, the last destination of the boat ride

Bags :p

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Spicy ... or spices ... or spicy spices?
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Getting there by bus :
Take Bus No. 78 from the Southern Bus Terminal ~ air-conditioned bus, more comfortable :p
Each trip costs 64 Baht.

Note :
Bus driver drops you at the jetty (where the tour boat operator is) on the trip to the Floating Market. However, to catch the bus back to Bangkok, you would need to walk to the bus "terminal" instead.

From the jetty, walk to the main road (take the left turn at the juncture adjoining the main road). Go straight until you cross the flyover, of which head or "turn" right. The bus "terminal" is in front of the shops there.

You would pass by a police tourist information centre, so if you are lost or unsure on the direction, feel free to drop by and ask for direction :)

Another option ...

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For those who prefer to join a local tour to the Floating Market, the tour will probably include another stop to places such as the Rose Garden (where you can see Thai dancing, Thai boxing and a demonstration of a Thai wedding) and Samphan Elephant Farm.

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Next ~ Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum ...

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Bangkok - Hard Rock Café

Day 2 PM

Another place which I would make an effort to go whenever I visit a country is none other but the Hard Rock Café. Being an international chain, having at least an outlet in quite a number of countries, why not pay a visit here, either for a dinner or just to get a memento :)

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Hard Rock Café Bangkok ~ I was there :)

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Hard Rock Café Bangkok is located at :

424/3-6 Siam Square SOI 11
Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330

Thailand

(Nearest BTS station is the Siam Station)

Next ~ Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market ...
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Bangkok - Wat Arun

Day 2 PM

It's almost 5 p.m. by the time I reached Wat Arun. Sunset is around 6 to 7 p.m. in Bangkok, thus am at the right time to catch the "golden" moment :p

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmark in Bangkok. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, the easiest and common way to get to Wat Arun is via the ferry or boat.

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Wat Arun from the opposite bank of the river

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Wat Arun taken from a nearer distance

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The temple consists of a massive elongated prang (Khmer-style tower) and is surrounded by four smaller prangs, which are decorated by bits of porcelain.

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The main, also central prang

Bits of porcelain arranged into intricate patterns on the prangs

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It is possible to walk a limited way up the very steep stairs of the main prang, which gives you a reasonable view of the Chao Phraya River. Being an acrophobic, I only walked up not even mi-way, merely had a little view of the Chao Phraya River.

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The staircase of the main prang

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Figures of demons "carrying" the prang

Exquisite decoration on the chedi
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Looking up the main prang

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Buildings in the compound of Wat Arun.

Some of them are used as small museum and library.

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Wat Arun is said best seen from the opposite bank of the river. Well, this is pretty true, especially if you want to get a good shot of sunset. Unfortunately, did not thought of this when I was there ... and thus miss the good shot :p

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Sunset shot taken at Wat Arun "side"

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Getting there :

Due to its location, the best, easiest and most common way is to take the ferry / boat to get to Wat Arun. From the Tha Tien Pier, take a boat to cross the river to the other side of the river where Wat Arun is located. Per boat ride only costs 3 Baht.

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Entrance fee :

50 Baht

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Next ~ Hard Rock Café Bangkok :)

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Bangkok - Chinatown

Day 2 PM

For me, whenever I go to a country, Chinatown is a place not to be missed. Nearly there is one in each country, so it is a good experience to visit each to have a look at the similarity as well as compare on the differences.

After visiting the Grand Palace, took a ferry and disembarked at Rachavongse Pier to get to Chinatown.

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Rachavongse (Ratchawong) Pier



Map of Chinatown area
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Chinatown district is one of the oldest areas of Bangkok. The Chinese merchants were originally moved to this area when Bangkok was founded on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. This area has a somewhat seedy historical reputation for large numbers of opium dens, brothels (namely the Green Light district), pawnshops and a fondness for gambling.

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Unmistakeably it's Chinatown, with all the Chinese signage around :)



Quite a busy place

Today, gold shops and pawnshops are still very popular in Chinatown. The busy Yaowarat Road, Chinatown's main street, has great concentrations of gold shops anywhere. Was told that you can get quite good prices on gold here, however, not having the intention to shop, did not step into any of the gold shops.

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Stalls selling fruits and foodstuffs in Chinatown


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Food stall

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It's not only all about gold in Chinatown. For gastronomic lovers, there are plenty of restaurants here, where you can get bird nest soup, dim sum, shark fin soup and other traditional Chinese delicacies at good reasonable price. As for me, wanted to have something light, I went for the bird nest soup only :)

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Bird nest soup :p~



Condiments to come with the bird nest

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There are actually some other attractions at Chinatown area, such as Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which is located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Railway Station. Didn't have much time left, thus have opted this out.

Getting there :

Easiest way of getting there is via ferry. Alight at the Rachavongse (Ratchawong) Pier and walk up Ratchawong Road to Sampaeng Lane or Yaowarat Road, which is just a few hundred metres away.

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Next ~ Wat Arun ...

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Bangkok - The Grand Palace

Day 2 - PM

The Grand Palace, the former residence of the Thai monarchy for about 150 years, is located within the same compound as Wat Phra Kaew.

Although it is a grand old dame, people still flock to the Grand Palace to see the beautiful and intricate-detailed architecture. It has several ceremonial halls with exquisite Thai and European architecture that are worth the time to see and enjoy.

The palace is divided into three quarters - the outer quarters, the middle quarters and the inner quarters. Not all halls and areas of the Grand Palace are open to the public. Also, photo-taking is restricted at certain sections and areas in the Grand Palace.

Although the King no longer resides here, the Grand Palace is still very much in use as many royal rituals are performed here by the King every year.

Shutter lovers, not to worry, as there are still great photo opportunities here despite the restriction on photo-taking ...

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Chakri Mahaprasad Hall

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Chakri Mahaprasad Hall - Front view

A combination of Thai and European architecture
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European inspired design


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Beautiful and intricate-detailed architecture

Thai architecture

Sanamchand Hall
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Officer on duty

Marching troop in the Grand Palace
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Bonsai plants in the Grand Palace compound

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Lotus

Cannon on display
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Overall, one simple word to describe the architecture of the Grand Palace ~ Awesome !!!

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For the benefits of those who have not read the earlier post on Wat Phra Kaew ...

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Getting there :

Alight at either Ta Chang Pier (should be nearer) or Maharaj Pier.

Or to walk from Wat Pho.
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Entrance fee :

350 Baht, which entitles you to an entrance into Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace, The Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion (same compound) and Vinmanmek Mansion Museum (located at Ratchawithi Road).
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Dress code :

Thai temples are sacred places so you must dress appropriately (shorts, tights, mini, short skirts, revealing clothes, sleeveless shirts, sandals, pajamas are not allowed), else you would be denied access.
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Next ~ Chinatown ...

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Bangkok - Wat Phra Kaew

Day 2 PM

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace.

From Maharaj Pier, you would need to walk a bit to get to Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. Apparently, it should be nearer to alight at Tha Chang Pier, which we did not do. Else, you can choose to walk from Wat Pho, as they are next to each other.

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Maharaj Pier

Plain white tall wall surrounds the temple and Grand Palace compound, so you should not miss it.

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Sitting within the temple is the highly revered Emerald Buddha, which is meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The Emerald Buddha sits atop a huge gold altar in the center of the temple. It is a rather small, dark statue, just over 2 feet tall.

Guide route

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Unlike Wat Pho, there are restrictions here when it comes to photo-taking. You are forbidden to take photos and videos inside the temple itself. Exterior photo-taking is fine.

Just like Wat Pho, the architecture of the temple is elaborate and stunningly beautiful and amazing.

100 shots ... and here are some to share ...

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Majestic guardian figures
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Golden chedis

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Mythological creatures figures
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Ramakien

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There is a model of Angkor Wat within the ground of the temple.

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Besides that, murals can be found within the temple area, which depicts scenes from Ramakien, the Thai version of the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana.

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Getting there :
Alight at either Ta Chang Pier (should be nearer) or Maharaj Pier.
Or to walk from Wat Pho.

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Entrance fee :
350 Baht, which entitles you to an entrance into Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace, The Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion (same compound) and Vinmanmek Mansion Museum (located at Ratchawithi Road).

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Dress code :
Thai temples are sacred places so you must dress appropriately (shorts, tights, mini, short skirts, revealing clothes, sleeveless shirts, sandals, pajamas are not allowed), else you would be denied access.

"Proper" clothing to cover up the necessary are available for rental there.

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Next ~ Grand Palace ...

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Bangkok - Tha Tien Market

Day 2 AM

Another spot within reach from Tha Tien Pier ~ Tha Tien Market.

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Despite being marked as an attraction on the map at the pier, guess that most tourists would still ignore it, as the main attraction would be Wat Pho.

Being on a riverside location, seafood seems to be its dominant product, both fresh and dried, salted varieties. Other products that you can find include fruits, vegetables, food, beverage and not forgetting trinkets and souvenirs :)

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Salted fish on sale :p

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Vegetables on sale

Pork sausage (*oink oink) :p

Souvenirs

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Stalls along the street

Massage services can be found here as well ... some claiming by experts from Wat Pho, some claiming that they are Wat Pho certified or graduate. Well, these might be true since Wat Pho is just next door :)

Massage ~ body, foot & oil

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For those who want a bike ride along here, bikes are available for rent as well ... green in colour, hmm ... a colour which resembles an environmentally act :p

For a so-called good cause ... and health :p

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For those shutter lovers who are looking for photo opportunities, there's definitely nothing to be missed here :)

Next ~ Wat Phra Kaew ...

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Bangkok - Wat Pho

Day 2 AM

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Bangkok's temples are a unique part of the capital's heart and soul. A visit to Bangkok would be incomplete without paying a visit to these temples. There are quite a number of temples in Bangkok, thus it would be quite daunting to visit all of them.

Have chosen to visit a few of the famous ones, all situated along Chao Phraya River. Besides these temples, have also devoted Day 2 to places within reach from Chao Phraya River.

For only 120 baht, you can get the One Day River Pass, which entitles you to a day of unlimited ferry rides along the river. It also comes with a printable guide which highlights places to visit along the river, as well as the relevant pier to alight. And it also comes with a tour guide in the ferry :)

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One Day River Pass

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First stop was at Tha Tien Pier ...

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Tha Tien Pier
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Places of interest within reach from Tha Tien Pier ~ Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Tha Tien Market, Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Wat Pho is the largest temple in Bangkok and is famous for its huge and majestic gold plated reclining Buddha measured at 46 metres long and 5 metres high. The temple is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

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Temple of the Reclining Buddha
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The Reclining Buddha

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Full view of the Reclining Buddha
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The Reclining Buddha's mother-of-pearl feet, displaying 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles
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Alms placed in the temple for one to place donation

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Took about 160 photos just in Wat Pho alone! I personally find it a nice place, a must visit. Coupled with there is no restriction on photo taking here, there's even more reason not to miss it :)

Here comes Wat Pho Photo Gallery ...

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One of the entrances ...

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Beautiful and elaborate architecture ...

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Beautiful images can be found on the wall in the temple.

Very awesome pieces of art ...

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Images on wall showing the different massage point, once served as "textbooks" for students in the massage school ...
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Getting there :

To get to the ferry pier, take the BTS and alight at Saphan Taksin Station.

Along the ferry route, get down at Tha Tien Pier.

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Entrance fee :

50 Baht

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Dress code :

Thai temples are sacred places so you must dress appropriately. No shorts or revealing tops, else you won't be allowed in.

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Tips :

Beware of people telling you that the temple is closed due to "Buddhist Holiday", cleaning in progress or closed for a particular ceremony, and asking if you would wish to see the "Lucky Buddha" instead, as these are all part of some sophisticated gem scam. Instead, the temple is open every day :)

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Next ~ Tha Tien Market ...

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Bangkok - Suan Lum Night Bazaar

Day 1 PM

Left only a few hours for the day after settling down at friend's place. It's dinner, so there we head to Suan Lum Night Bazaar.

Although there were news few years back that this night bazaar would be closed down in 2007 to make way for new commercial development, this however has not transpired yet.

Open daily from 5pm onwards, the bazaar is not just a place to shop, but also a place to head for a tasty meal.

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Suan Lum Night Bazaar

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Shops in the night bazaar

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Was told that you would need to do more bargaining to reach a reasonable price point, thus have opted not to shop at Suan Lum.

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Nevertheless, had our first authentic Thai meal here, at this hangout place called Mehang.

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Since none of us can speak Thai, my friend called his staff (who is a Thai) to help us to order food through the phone. Hmm, what an "unusual" way of ordering food :p

Ordered the following 4 dishes (don't really remember the exact name) ...

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Pork in sweet and sour sauce

Chicken dish

Tempura with cuttlefish in spicy sauce

Tom yam kung

I specifically like the tom yam kung. With coconut milk added, it gives the soup a bit of "milky" taste. Not too spicy ... yet it still gives you the "umph" of having tom yam.

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While enjoying the meal, guests are being entertained by live band performance. Quite enjoy it, though I don't really enjoy the language ... well, music is a universal language, isn't it?

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Getting there :

o Easiest is via taxi
o Or to take the MRT and alight at Lumphini Station
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