BillT's BKK Trip Report
Jan 20th, 2010 | 01:36 PM
#25
Joined: Jan 2003
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Bill, just following along here. We visited Wat Arun on our first trip to Bangkok. It is a really amazing temple. We really still haven't figured out the river taxis but still manage to get around. Say "Hi" to Ken for Jeane and I. Glad the PA is working out for you. Also that you and Olive had a good time with Pook and his daughter (hard not to).
Jan 20th, 2010 | 03:52 PM
#28
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Yes I found the baby clothes at Pratunum market- not the building but the stalls across the street from the building. There is a shop along the street stalls there that has baby clothes. Bargain- especially if you buy more than one- go at least 30-40 % off the asking price. They are friendly and will work with yo. Now don't say the price use your calculator or take their calculator and punch in your price- you will get a better deal that way. The shop owners don't want others to hear what price you are paying. Don't be shy -but keep a smile on your face at all times. What do is ask what the price is for one, then I ask for the price for say 5 or 6 items of the same thing- then the bargaining begins. The price that they give you for six should be discounted already and you just go from there and get the best deal you can.
If its a cloudy day this is a great time to take the boats out to the temples- yes the water taxis can be a bit confusing but there are people there to explain how it all works. I was able to download the water taxis routes and ifo off the internet but I must say you don't get a clear picture of how it all works- just be sure you get on the right boat- the flags indicate where its a local boat that stops all along the route or an express boat- and there are several express boats- that make on some stops. We topok the orange flag boat as it stops at Temple of Dawn. No queing up its just a mass of humanity herding on to the boat - every man for himself to get a seat- you have to be a bit assertive- but not overly. It was a mystery what the fare would be but just get on the boat and the ticket lady will wander thru clanging here thigamig and you just hand her a 20 baht bill and she will make change for you.
Day 6 - Thursday
We will have our usual buffet breakfast - this is our big meal of the day and we graze here for at least an hour or longer. We give the staff at the restaurant candy canes and chocolate bars- and the cooks as well- they are all very happy to receive these tokens of appreciation. After breakfast Olive will have her massage from Sunum from 11 am to 1 pm. Sunum is a master at her craft after taking many courses and practicing for 20 plus years. She is able to resolve many aches and pain issues that Olive has. Olive prefers to have her massage at the hotel as she can shower afterwards and put her makeup on , etc- its far more relaxing than going out to some spa.
After the massage we have absolutely nothing planned- hey we are on vacation and its nice to just kick back and do nothing if we want. I suspect we will find somthing to do or some place to explore but for now its come what may!
If its a cloudy day this is a great time to take the boats out to the temples- yes the water taxis can be a bit confusing but there are people there to explain how it all works. I was able to download the water taxis routes and ifo off the internet but I must say you don't get a clear picture of how it all works- just be sure you get on the right boat- the flags indicate where its a local boat that stops all along the route or an express boat- and there are several express boats- that make on some stops. We topok the orange flag boat as it stops at Temple of Dawn. No queing up its just a mass of humanity herding on to the boat - every man for himself to get a seat- you have to be a bit assertive- but not overly. It was a mystery what the fare would be but just get on the boat and the ticket lady will wander thru clanging here thigamig and you just hand her a 20 baht bill and she will make change for you.
Day 6 - Thursday
We will have our usual buffet breakfast - this is our big meal of the day and we graze here for at least an hour or longer. We give the staff at the restaurant candy canes and chocolate bars- and the cooks as well- they are all very happy to receive these tokens of appreciation. After breakfast Olive will have her massage from Sunum from 11 am to 1 pm. Sunum is a master at her craft after taking many courses and practicing for 20 plus years. She is able to resolve many aches and pain issues that Olive has. Olive prefers to have her massage at the hotel as she can shower afterwards and put her makeup on , etc- its far more relaxing than going out to some spa.
After the massage we have absolutely nothing planned- hey we are on vacation and its nice to just kick back and do nothing if we want. I suspect we will find somthing to do or some place to explore but for now its come what may!
Jan 21st, 2010 | 02:50 AM
#32
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Flashback to Day 2-
Ok Olive says I did not give much detail to our dinner on day 2 and she is right- I was jet lagged- yeah thats a good excuse- so here goes:
Before our trip we had asked Pook that while we are in Bangkok we would like to meet Pook and his family. Pook being a very busy business man indicated that if he had some time in his busy schedule we could meet for dinner- we were flexible as to which day. It turned out that he and his daughter were available on the 17th. We indicated that Chinese would be good and could he suggest a place- nothing fancy just good food and of course good company.
He suggested Banyon Tree- their Chinese restaurant. Ok 7 pm was set. We took a cab there- it was a short ride and we arrived at 6:45. A bit early and we went to Pier 59 ( It seems the Chinese restaurant was being renovated or something like that so the venue was Pier 59. The hostess showed us to a private room with a great view of the city (59th floor). Very nice. Pook and his daughter arrived and we exchanged introductions and sat down. We had champaigne to toast our event- it was very good! Then we started off with an crab/cavier appetizer and some delicious small round bread- very different. Then the menus were presented - there were two actually, one - a book like affair with many pages of Chinese items and the other menu a glass tablet- perhaps left over from Moses? but I digress-. We allowed Pook to choose for us. Pook choose a chicken in black bean sauce, some vegatables, crab fried rice , and a beef dish- all were very good.
After some stimutlating reparte ( I believe thats french for good conversation) we thought the evening was about to come to a close but nooooooo Pook suggests we retire to the Moon bar for cocktails. Pook graciously retrieved the check as it was presented. Now we did after all ask to meet him for dinner so protocol requires that I pay for this meal, and as I reached for the bill I was too late as Pook snatched it and paid the bill - - I suddenly realized that I did not bring my American Express card this evening and to cover this tab I'd have to call the bank and get a bridge loan- so I sort of froze-at least thats what I recall and thats my story and I'm sticking to it
Now our group ascends to the Moon Bar- I say ascend because thats what you do -we are lead by the Sherpas- er I mean the hostess to the first set of stairs as I climb up these steep stairs I'm thinking - this is not so bad- then we move on to another set of stairs- I'm now thinking when do we get to base camp? Up we go more stairs they are getting narrow and steep- then we go down and then up- already I'm looking for the oxyegen bottles. Finally we reach the summit- er I mean the Moon Bar- its open air- we are on top of the world- or at least the top of Bangkok. Its crowded and very comfortable- will there be altitude sickness - I think not. We are seated and we order our drinks. (It turns out the drinks were complimentary as Pook is well known at this place).
Now I'm thinking where are those blinking red lights- you know the ones to signal to airplanes not to fly into this place. We finished our drinks and now make our descent- go slow so as not to get the bends (does that happen at altitude?).
At the lobby we bid our hosts farewell as we jump into a cab.
It was without saying a night to remember and we again thank our gracious and most generous hosts Pook and his daughter Mony.
Ok Olive says I did not give much detail to our dinner on day 2 and she is right- I was jet lagged- yeah thats a good excuse- so here goes:
Before our trip we had asked Pook that while we are in Bangkok we would like to meet Pook and his family. Pook being a very busy business man indicated that if he had some time in his busy schedule we could meet for dinner- we were flexible as to which day. It turned out that he and his daughter were available on the 17th. We indicated that Chinese would be good and could he suggest a place- nothing fancy just good food and of course good company.
He suggested Banyon Tree- their Chinese restaurant. Ok 7 pm was set. We took a cab there- it was a short ride and we arrived at 6:45. A bit early and we went to Pier 59 ( It seems the Chinese restaurant was being renovated or something like that so the venue was Pier 59. The hostess showed us to a private room with a great view of the city (59th floor). Very nice. Pook and his daughter arrived and we exchanged introductions and sat down. We had champaigne to toast our event- it was very good! Then we started off with an crab/cavier appetizer and some delicious small round bread- very different. Then the menus were presented - there were two actually, one - a book like affair with many pages of Chinese items and the other menu a glass tablet- perhaps left over from Moses? but I digress-. We allowed Pook to choose for us. Pook choose a chicken in black bean sauce, some vegatables, crab fried rice , and a beef dish- all were very good.
After some stimutlating reparte ( I believe thats french for good conversation) we thought the evening was about to come to a close but nooooooo Pook suggests we retire to the Moon bar for cocktails. Pook graciously retrieved the check as it was presented. Now we did after all ask to meet him for dinner so protocol requires that I pay for this meal, and as I reached for the bill I was too late as Pook snatched it and paid the bill - - I suddenly realized that I did not bring my American Express card this evening and to cover this tab I'd have to call the bank and get a bridge loan- so I sort of froze-at least thats what I recall and thats my story and I'm sticking to it
Now our group ascends to the Moon Bar- I say ascend because thats what you do -we are lead by the Sherpas- er I mean the hostess to the first set of stairs as I climb up these steep stairs I'm thinking - this is not so bad- then we move on to another set of stairs- I'm now thinking when do we get to base camp? Up we go more stairs they are getting narrow and steep- then we go down and then up- already I'm looking for the oxyegen bottles. Finally we reach the summit- er I mean the Moon Bar- its open air- we are on top of the world- or at least the top of Bangkok. Its crowded and very comfortable- will there be altitude sickness - I think not. We are seated and we order our drinks. (It turns out the drinks were complimentary as Pook is well known at this place).
Now I'm thinking where are those blinking red lights- you know the ones to signal to airplanes not to fly into this place. We finished our drinks and now make our descent- go slow so as not to get the bends (does that happen at altitude?).
At the lobby we bid our hosts farewell as we jump into a cab.
It was without saying a night to remember and we again thank our gracious and most generous hosts Pook and his daughter Mony.
Jan 21st, 2010 | 04:25 AM
#33
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
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Bill
Sounds like a lovely dinner w/Pook. He and his family are great representatives of/for Bangkok!
Have you checked out Platinum Mall yet? It is across the street from the Pratunam Market area. Olive would enjoy the 5th floor, I think.
Sounds like a lovely dinner w/Pook. He and his family are great representatives of/for Bangkok!
Have you checked out Platinum Mall yet? It is across the street from the Pratunam Market area. Olive would enjoy the 5th floor, I think.
Jan 21st, 2010 | 07:01 AM
#34
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
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yes, don't miss platinum fashion mall....we much prefer it to MBK.... K gets tons of cheap shoes there and also fabulous cheap necklaces from the place in the front corner of floor 5...next to the ATM machines....
how about those stairs at banyon tree....but it is all worth it when you are out in the fresh air.... pook and dang are just simply natural hosts...
how about those stairs at banyon tree....but it is all worth it when you are out in the fresh air.... pook and dang are just simply natural hosts...
Jan 21st, 2010 | 08:51 AM
#35
Joined: Mar 2003
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We are not surprised that you ducked the check. Pook is quick. He and his daughter are charming. I have no idea why they continue to meet Fodorites. I would have thought that dinner with Bob and me would have cured him. Perhaps he figured that it could only get better.
Jan 21st, 2010 | 04:08 PM
#36
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Day 6 - Thursday Jan 21
Today after breakfast I will strike out on my own Olive will have her massage from 11 to 1 pm. Already Olive has been lining up more business for Sunum as we meet people at breakfast and the subject turns to massage. Where to go today as I break out my trusty Nancy Chandler map- which I had to tape all the creases as they were beginning to tear. Across from the Siam station and on the other side of Siam Paragon the map indicates an area of shops - the purple area for those following along on your map- so I'm thinking yes we have not explored this area as yet. So I head out to the skytrain. he weather is nice - they called for rain but the sky appears to be clear- neither rain nor snow (well at least rain) will stop me on my mission.
ATTENTION- we interupt this trip report to bring you this breaking news.... a woman was spoted coming out of Siam Paragon wearing a 3/4 length white down coat- repeat a 3/4 length white down coat. Witnesses decribe her as Asian, petite, attractive, about 5 foot tall with black hair. ( hey come to think of it I have seen someone that fits that description and I have been married to her for 23 years- but I digress). Authorities advise if you see this woman do not approach, this is not a wardrobe malfunction. We return you now to this regularly scheduled trip report....
Ok I arrive at Siam and begin to explore this area. After a bit of searching I do see what the map is referring to but it seems that most of the stalls are not yet open - its almost 11 am and its a weekday so what gives? Ok this is a bit of a bust so we go to Plan B- everyone should have a plan B. After perusing my trusty map I spring into action. back on the train and I ride to the end of the line - On Nut. I descend and hop into the cab that is waiting at the foot of the stairs. I hand the driver a note that has the address. My man take me to the promised land, the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, to ShangriLa (no not the hotel), in other words take me to.... The Jim Thompson Factory Outlet. Ok he looks puzzeled- does he not know the father of the Thai silk industry? Any way we set off and I'm watching the streets and soon we get to Soi 93 and we make the turn and go up the street for about 3-4 blocks in what appears to be a somewhat ramshackle neighborhood- good that means low overhead and cheap prices on things. Then he stops at this very modern building- I am there. I enter and they tag and take my bag. I go the to the fourth floor and I'm sensing that bargains are going to be a rare find. This does not have the appearance of any true outlets that I am familiar with. Ok I made this treck I'm not leaving with out a few baubles- so I make a few select purchases- nothing in the store is less that 160 Baht. I leave and hail a cab out front. Now the cab ride over was fast and 40 baht with tip. This return ride was anything but. This guy takes me all thru the back streets ( now I'm in the REAL Thailand). We swerve thru narrow streets narrowly avoiding scooters rounding each bend and then after a winding route we are back on Sukhumvit and then after about 5 minutes we arrive at the BTS. Cost - 55 baht - with a little tip. Train ride back to the hotel.
Dinner that evening was at Fugi Japanese restaurant in Siam Paragon- good tempura - we ordered 3 orders with drinks and steamed rice. Came to about 720 baht. The we shopped the Gourmet market at Paragon- this place has a lot of really interesting food items which we purchased some for the trip home. The we walked around the food court and found a lot of good ideas for future meals- many samples to try as well.
Then we headed home another day in the books!
Today after breakfast I will strike out on my own Olive will have her massage from 11 to 1 pm. Already Olive has been lining up more business for Sunum as we meet people at breakfast and the subject turns to massage. Where to go today as I break out my trusty Nancy Chandler map- which I had to tape all the creases as they were beginning to tear. Across from the Siam station and on the other side of Siam Paragon the map indicates an area of shops - the purple area for those following along on your map- so I'm thinking yes we have not explored this area as yet. So I head out to the skytrain. he weather is nice - they called for rain but the sky appears to be clear- neither rain nor snow (well at least rain) will stop me on my mission.
ATTENTION- we interupt this trip report to bring you this breaking news.... a woman was spoted coming out of Siam Paragon wearing a 3/4 length white down coat- repeat a 3/4 length white down coat. Witnesses decribe her as Asian, petite, attractive, about 5 foot tall with black hair. ( hey come to think of it I have seen someone that fits that description and I have been married to her for 23 years- but I digress). Authorities advise if you see this woman do not approach, this is not a wardrobe malfunction. We return you now to this regularly scheduled trip report....
Ok I arrive at Siam and begin to explore this area. After a bit of searching I do see what the map is referring to but it seems that most of the stalls are not yet open - its almost 11 am and its a weekday so what gives? Ok this is a bit of a bust so we go to Plan B- everyone should have a plan B. After perusing my trusty map I spring into action. back on the train and I ride to the end of the line - On Nut. I descend and hop into the cab that is waiting at the foot of the stairs. I hand the driver a note that has the address. My man take me to the promised land, the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, to ShangriLa (no not the hotel), in other words take me to.... The Jim Thompson Factory Outlet. Ok he looks puzzeled- does he not know the father of the Thai silk industry? Any way we set off and I'm watching the streets and soon we get to Soi 93 and we make the turn and go up the street for about 3-4 blocks in what appears to be a somewhat ramshackle neighborhood- good that means low overhead and cheap prices on things. Then he stops at this very modern building- I am there. I enter and they tag and take my bag. I go the to the fourth floor and I'm sensing that bargains are going to be a rare find. This does not have the appearance of any true outlets that I am familiar with. Ok I made this treck I'm not leaving with out a few baubles- so I make a few select purchases- nothing in the store is less that 160 Baht. I leave and hail a cab out front. Now the cab ride over was fast and 40 baht with tip. This return ride was anything but. This guy takes me all thru the back streets ( now I'm in the REAL Thailand). We swerve thru narrow streets narrowly avoiding scooters rounding each bend and then after a winding route we are back on Sukhumvit and then after about 5 minutes we arrive at the BTS. Cost - 55 baht - with a little tip. Train ride back to the hotel.
Dinner that evening was at Fugi Japanese restaurant in Siam Paragon- good tempura - we ordered 3 orders with drinks and steamed rice. Came to about 720 baht. The we shopped the Gourmet market at Paragon- this place has a lot of really interesting food items which we purchased some for the trip home. The we walked around the food court and found a lot of good ideas for future meals- many samples to try as well.
Then we headed home another day in the books!
Jan 21st, 2010 | 04:51 PM
#37
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 73
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Thank you for the trip report and all the fun comments, the bantering back and forth is so refreshing. I'm going to be in Bangkok for two whole full days, yes I know pretty dumb to be only two days but had no choice.
I arrive at midnight and questions for all you experts, I want to take a day trip to see the top sights the first day and the River Kwai the next day is this doable for a senior or am I like a little kid in a candy store wanting everything what would you suggest. I also would like to go shopping at some of the places you have recommended will it be a crazy maker for me. I've looked at some of the various day trips around Bangkok and don't have a clue as which one would be the best for interest and a very jet lagged lady after a 20 hour flight, by the way it's on NW. Yikes I could spend the two days shopping but no I need to see Bangkok.
I arrive at midnight and questions for all you experts, I want to take a day trip to see the top sights the first day and the River Kwai the next day is this doable for a senior or am I like a little kid in a candy store wanting everything what would you suggest. I also would like to go shopping at some of the places you have recommended will it be a crazy maker for me. I've looked at some of the various day trips around Bangkok and don't have a clue as which one would be the best for interest and a very jet lagged lady after a 20 hour flight, by the way it's on NW. Yikes I could spend the two days shopping but no I need to see Bangkok.
Jan 21st, 2010 | 05:01 PM
#38
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
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JT outlet isn't cheap. No JT items are cheap... anywhere! But they are so well made, and the fabrics are so stunning, I usually cannot resist at least a few "baubles" as you call them.
The Siam Square area across from Paragon (sort of)... (I think that's where you went) has some smaller shops, with some new Thai designers who show their stuff here. This is a place where the young Thais shop.
Curious.... does Olive like the "real" (rough) Thai massage, or something more soothing? I'm not a massage person at all, other than foot massage once in a while.
Carol
The Siam Square area across from Paragon (sort of)... (I think that's where you went) has some smaller shops, with some new Thai designers who show their stuff here. This is a place where the young Thais shop.
Curious.... does Olive like the "real" (rough) Thai massage, or something more soothing? I'm not a massage person at all, other than foot massage once in a while.
Carol
Jan 21st, 2010 | 11:29 PM
#40
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi Carol,
I always tell Sunum to give me a gentle massage each time. She thinks it's a waste of money but I don't care. I always tell her do it "gently" no "hard grasp of my muscles" and "no cracking of knuckles" and I asked the lady here at the Club Lounge to write these phrases in Thai. Told Sunum that any strong Thai massage, she's out. Gosh! I want a massage and not someone beating me up.
Nice to hear from you, Carol. Hope to catch you someday here or in the U.S.
Olive
I always tell Sunum to give me a gentle massage each time. She thinks it's a waste of money but I don't care. I always tell her do it "gently" no "hard grasp of my muscles" and "no cracking of knuckles" and I asked the lady here at the Club Lounge to write these phrases in Thai. Told Sunum that any strong Thai massage, she's out. Gosh! I want a massage and not someone beating me up.
Nice to hear from you, Carol. Hope to catch you someday here or in the U.S.
Olive
