Holidays in Thailand 2016
Dec 22nd, 2015, 05:28 PM
#41
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Yikes. What a hassle.
Oh, by the way, what's the name of the exchange place that you use? I know that I have it written down somewhere. I sometimes go to the one inside of Siam station.
I know there are places inside of Central World, but I think there's one outside of Central World in the area of the front of the mall. I can't think of the name of it.
Happy Travels!
Oh, by the way, what's the name of the exchange place that you use? I know that I have it written down somewhere. I sometimes go to the one inside of Siam station.
I know there are places inside of Central World, but I think there's one outside of Central World in the area of the front of the mall. I can't think of the name of it.
Happy Travels!
Dec 22nd, 2015, 07:50 PM
#42
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Vasu Exchange on the corner of Sukhumvit and soi 7/1. It is just below Nana sky train station. You will get the best rate there. Bring your passport. Rates right now are about 36.
Today I must find out why my phone isn't working here with dtac. I had no problems in Europe with Swisscom. It's not the phone.
Today I must find out why my phone isn't working here with dtac. I had no problems in Europe with Swisscom. It's not the phone.
Dec 24th, 2015, 05:47 PM
#44
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We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner on our large terrace. Too much food! J W Marriott prepared turkey and all the trimmings. We also had fresh green salad, fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate, cold cuts, cheeses, wine and then an ice cream cake for dessert. The evening air on our 37th floor terrace was so nice and fresh. Our Bangkok "family" makes the holiday warm and special. Pictures on FB.
MERRY christmas!
MERRY christmas!
Dec 25th, 2015, 06:33 PM
#45
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It's the day after Christmas here in Bangkok. We are slowly waking and eating leftovers �� and thinking about the plan for today.
We will visit Asiatique tonight. It is a night bazaar along the river. There are many small shops and restaurants. I don't really need to shop anymore, as I found a number of things yesterday, ChristMas day, at Siam Square and MBK. I was looking for some handmade backpacks...found 'em!
Have a pleasant and relaxing day.
We will visit Asiatique tonight. It is a night bazaar along the river. There are many small shops and restaurants. I don't really need to shop anymore, as I found a number of things yesterday, ChristMas day, at Siam Square and MBK. I was looking for some handmade backpacks...found 'em!
Have a pleasant and relaxing day.
Dec 26th, 2015, 05:29 PM
#46
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We had Italian food at Capri restaurant at Asiatique night bazaar. The pizza was OK (too much crust) but DS said his ahi tuna was great, as was his girlfriend's seafood pasta. We did a short walk around some of the shops. Needs more time!
Today we are trying the Sunday brunch at Kempinski. It seems to get rave reviews so we'll see. Our friend Lars and his wife and daughter will join us. Lars is the food expert. I await his opinion. ��
We have had our large terrace to ourselves for more than a week, but now we have neighbors. Two large apartments share this terrace. We enjoyed our privacy while it lasted!! Including our fantastic Christmas Eve catered dinner on the terrace. Wonder how long the new neighbors will stay. We leave for Phuket (driving this time) on Tuesday morning, staying in Chumpon at Novotel on the way down.
Today we are trying the Sunday brunch at Kempinski. It seems to get rave reviews so we'll see. Our friend Lars and his wife and daughter will join us. Lars is the food expert. I await his opinion. ��
We have had our large terrace to ourselves for more than a week, but now we have neighbors. Two large apartments share this terrace. We enjoyed our privacy while it lasted!! Including our fantastic Christmas Eve catered dinner on the terrace. Wonder how long the new neighbors will stay. We leave for Phuket (driving this time) on Tuesday morning, staying in Chumpon at Novotel on the way down.
Dec 27th, 2015, 05:34 PM
#49
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The brunch was great! We actually stayed all afternoon! We ate slowly, enjoyed the champagne and had great relaxing conversation for hours. Lars said that the food selection on the buffet is better at Four Seasons, but that FS doesn't serve actual champagne. It's only a sparkling wine. He also said that the quality of the items at Kempinski is better. The service was not great though. You can order some items off of a special menu (very small plates, specialty items) but we had to remind the staff several times that we had ordered something and were still waiting after 15 minutes or more. The price is reasonable. Free flowing champagne, beer, cocktails, beverages along with buffet for 3150 baht. A lower price for buffet without champagne and cocktails but I don't recall what it was. Then there is a lower price for children. Lars and Pong's 7 year old daughter was with us. She was allowed use of the swimming pool all afternoon which was a nice bonus.
Would we return? Yes!
Would we return? Yes!
Dec 27th, 2015, 09:35 PM
#51
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I really like that they let us stay put. No one ever hinted that they might need our table for another party of 7-8 people.
I'm missing the great selection of fresh seafood today! I had plate after plate of crab, shrimp, smoked salmon, etc. and of course several dessert selections. I could go back there today...
We are starting to pack for the drive to Phuket. We will leave a couple of suitcases here at Column and will try to consolidate into fewer bags to try to pack into the CRV. We will have another washing machine, so I can keep up with laundry regularly, allowing us to pack light.
Looking forward to the drive to Phuket! We stop in Chumpon over night on the way down. Lars says we will be able to eat some very good fresh seafood there. He recommended Novotel, and that is where we will stay. No decision yet on where to stay on the way back to Bangkok Sunday night. Maybe Chumpon again? Maybe Hua Hin? Depends how far we get that day, preferring to stop before dark.
We will spend our list night of vacation, upon returning from Phuket, at the J W Marriott, using points. It's very nice. Rooms aren't large, but we LOVE the executive lounge!! We will make full use of it on our short stay at J W.
I'm missing the great selection of fresh seafood today! I had plate after plate of crab, shrimp, smoked salmon, etc. and of course several dessert selections. I could go back there today...
We are starting to pack for the drive to Phuket. We will leave a couple of suitcases here at Column and will try to consolidate into fewer bags to try to pack into the CRV. We will have another washing machine, so I can keep up with laundry regularly, allowing us to pack light.
Looking forward to the drive to Phuket! We stop in Chumpon over night on the way down. Lars says we will be able to eat some very good fresh seafood there. He recommended Novotel, and that is where we will stay. No decision yet on where to stay on the way back to Bangkok Sunday night. Maybe Chumpon again? Maybe Hua Hin? Depends how far we get that day, preferring to stop before dark.
We will spend our list night of vacation, upon returning from Phuket, at the J W Marriott, using points. It's very nice. Rooms aren't large, but we LOVE the executive lounge!! We will make full use of it on our short stay at J W.
Dec 28th, 2015, 01:35 AM
#52
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Nice info about the brunch. Now I don't know if it will be the Kempenski or the Siam Anantara (formerly Four Seasons). It was so strange not seeing the Four Seasons's sign on the street corner anymore.
So, I arrived to the apartment today around 1PM, but need some sleep now although it's only 5:40PM. I'm watching the Michael Jackson's special, This Is It, on True Visions TV, and after it's over will try to get a little sleep.
Traffic into Bangkok today was horrendous. Thank goodness the immigration line at the airport wasn't long. I just beat the rush as after I had gone through it, it looked like Disneyland on a summer day. This time last year, it was super crowded.
Have fun in Phuket.
Happy Travels!
So, I arrived to the apartment today around 1PM, but need some sleep now although it's only 5:40PM. I'm watching the Michael Jackson's special, This Is It, on True Visions TV, and after it's over will try to get a little sleep.
Traffic into Bangkok today was horrendous. Thank goodness the immigration line at the airport wasn't long. I just beat the rush as after I had gone through it, it looked like Disneyland on a summer day. This time last year, it was super crowded.
Have fun in Phuket.
Happy Travels!
Dec 28th, 2015, 02:17 AM
#53
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Welcome to Bangkok, Guenmai. So sorry I am leaving for Phuket in the morning, but hopefully we can have lunch on the 5th of January.
Bob, I ventured down to Em Quartier (new complex across from Emporium Mall) to see the helix food court. It is awesome! You are so right. What a great selection of restaurants. I took the elevator to the 9th floor, and then worked my way down the helix to the 6th floor, passing MANY restaurants that looked tempting. Hope we can go there when we come back from Phuket. No chance to get there tonight. ��
Em Quartier/Emporium was busy! Central Embassy, on the other hand, was very quiet. There are sales everywhere, although I bought nothing today, nothing! Maybe I was not in a shopping frame of mind. ��
Bob, I ventured down to Em Quartier (new complex across from Emporium Mall) to see the helix food court. It is awesome! You are so right. What a great selection of restaurants. I took the elevator to the 9th floor, and then worked my way down the helix to the 6th floor, passing MANY restaurants that looked tempting. Hope we can go there when we come back from Phuket. No chance to get there tonight. ��
Em Quartier/Emporium was busy! Central Embassy, on the other hand, was very quiet. There are sales everywhere, although I bought nothing today, nothing! Maybe I was not in a shopping frame of mind. ��
Dec 28th, 2015, 05:04 AM
#54
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Speaking of that Emporium Quartier, my Thai friend just called and mentioned that there was a new mall in Bangkok since I was here last year. Yikes! This city is going to sink if another mall is built. So, she's dropping by on Thursday and we're going to that mall to hang out for a while and then I can go to Emporium Mall and Emporium grocery store, my two, long time hang outs.
My Thai friend also mentioned that the Siam Mall is closed due to renovation and is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2016.
Happy Travels!
My Thai friend also mentioned that the Siam Mall is closed due to renovation and is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2016.
Happy Travels!
Dec 28th, 2015, 05:16 AM
#55
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Siam Discovery is undergoing renovations. Siam Center is open, as is Siam Square. Siam Center is next to Paragon. Discovery is next to Siam Center and catty-corner from MBK and across from the modern art museum. Siam Square is across the street from Paragon and shares ramps from Siam BTS station. Not sure how many of these you have visited!
Do go to Em Quartier, in any case!
The market at Emporium is the best one, IMO, of all the gourmet markets. Paragon is the largest, but I think Emporium is more enjoyable shopping. I did not visit the market in the Em Quartier so have no opinion. I believe it is basement level.
Do go to Em Quartier, in any case!
The market at Emporium is the best one, IMO, of all the gourmet markets. Paragon is the largest, but I think Emporium is more enjoyable shopping. I did not visit the market in the Em Quartier so have no opinion. I believe it is basement level.
Dec 28th, 2015, 11:52 AM
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simpsonc510 on Dec 28, 15 at 9:16pm
Siam Discovery is undergoing renovations. Siam Center is open, as is Siam Square. Siam Center is next to Paragon. Discovery is next to Siam Center and catty-corner from MBK and across from the modern art museum. Siam Square is across the street from Paragon and shares ramps from Siam BTS station. Not sure how many of these you have visited!"
I meant to type, Siam-Discovery Mall, but due to jet lag forgot. I've been to the Siam-named malls many times as I regularly stayed at the Siam Intercontinental Hotel for years, starting back in the 1990s, before being torn down to build Paragon Mall on that big plot of land. I still miss that hotel.
Happy Travels!
Siam Discovery is undergoing renovations. Siam Center is open, as is Siam Square. Siam Center is next to Paragon. Discovery is next to Siam Center and catty-corner from MBK and across from the modern art museum. Siam Square is across the street from Paragon and shares ramps from Siam BTS station. Not sure how many of these you have visited!"
I meant to type, Siam-Discovery Mall, but due to jet lag forgot. I've been to the Siam-named malls many times as I regularly stayed at the Siam Intercontinental Hotel for years, starting back in the 1990s, before being torn down to build Paragon Mall on that big plot of land. I still miss that hotel.
Happy Travels!
