Posting Live from Bangkok!
 

Good morning one and all. I'm back in my favorite city for a week+ of shopping and dining and seeing my many friends. It is a lovely (although cloudy) morning in Bangkok.

For those of you who had wondered about staying at Somerset Suwan Park View, don't have any second thoughts about it. The place is really lovely. I'll be putting some photos of my one-bedroom apartment on my web site soon. Will let everyone know when they are ready for viewing.

In the meantime, I'm off to get a SIM card for my BKK phone. More later...

Hope everyone has a great day.

Carol

Hi, Carol! Glad to hear you like your apartment. Have some wonderful Thai food for me!

Carol,

Lucky you!! We are jealous. Have fun shopping and let us know about everything :)

Aloha!

wow! you're back already. say hi to ming for me.

hows the baht rate?

thanks for the e mail....tong must love the bag that guen designed...

have fun and let us know what is happening...

Thanks, Carol

Looks like we'll be at the SSPV for a month starting Dec. 27.

A little over 5 months and counting.

Sandra

BTW where is the "robot" building shown on your website. I don't think we have ever seen it, and will make a special trip to see it this visit.

We are also looking forward to spending time with Tong and to introducing her and our daughter and son-in-law. They will be with us for about 10 days and I was able to book Tong a couple of days during their time in BKK.

Sandra

Hi Carol-
Looking forward to heairng more about your trip!

Good Morning from Texas:

Our reservations are confirmed for the end of Dec. at the SSPV and wait-listed for January. (The rates aren't available yet.)

Can't wait.

Thanks Carol for letting us know about SSPV.

Sandra

simpsonc510. You're lucky. I've got 21 weeks and one day but who's counting?


kuranosuke. For foreign currencies, try :

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Hello again everyone. It is nearly 11 at night now, and I'm wide awake. I should be out partying instead of posting on fodors... hahaha.

The baht today was 33.20 at a place called Siam Exchange, near MBK and Siam Discovery. I have found it to be the best exchange rate.

Shopping was good today. I met up khun Ming around 11:30 and we went first to Pratunam market. We had a nice lunch at Central World Plaza and then came back to my apartment for a visit in peace and quiet!

BTW, the photos of my apartment are now on my web site. If you go to cjscollection, select "photo gallery" on the left, and then choose the miscellaneous album, you will find them. This is a nice apartment. I have not yet looked at the pool. I shall have to have a look (for rhkkmk, you know) and post a picture or two.

There is a laundry room somewhere in the building. I don't know the price but you can get tokens at the front desk. There is also a mini-mart that is open from 9 to 9. I bought water, yogurt, instant rice soups, and some Singha beer for my fridge.

We had rain today. Ming tells me that it is now rainy just about everyday, but not for long. We did not get wet as we were inside shopping at the time. Of course, the temperature is in the 90's... what do you expect... it's BANGKOK. lol

No new market discoveries yet, but I did find some really nice new products at Pratunam. Tomorrow I go to the "secret" market with Ming to see what I can find there.

Tomorrow night we will go to Tawandang for food and entertainment. Should be fun. I always enjoy Tawandang Brewery.

Let me know if I can answer anymore questions about SSPV, etc.

Wish you were all here...

Carol

Sandra
I just went back over this thread and saw your question about the robot building. It is located very close to the skytrain route, on the way from National Stadium (MBK stop) to the river. I think it might be around Sala Daeng/Chong Nonsi. If I remember correctly, the photo is taken from the skytrain station platform at Chong Nonsi. It is really a cool building!

Carol

Carol, would you mind posting the link to your website?

<font color="green">Cyn</font>

cyn

It's www.cjscollection.com. I set it up as a vehicle for selling some items i buy in BKK, but then that didn't work out. I do have a photo gallery on it, and I send people there all the time to check out various hotels and such. I hope you find it interesting.
Carol

The pool area is nice...very functional...not huge...but one that one could swim laps/exercise in. It's not what I call a &quot;cute&quot; pool. As for the laundry room,I was shown a laundry room when I was there. I assume there is only one. From what I remember, I think there were about 4 washing machine and they took tokens. I don't remember if there were dryers. As I've said before, the location of Somerset Suwan Park View apartments is excellent, it's a very decent building and the staff was very nice. The only gripe Hobbes and I both had was that the apartments looked a bit dated and she mentioned to them that they need to renovate. I would agree with her on that point. She's had friends who've lived in that building long term. It was a building that was first on my top-5 list about 3 years ago. Happy Travels!

Thanks for the pictures, Carol. We have our confirmed reservations for December and are waiting for confirmation for January. I am sure it will be fine.

Also, we are looking forward to seeing the robot building. I hope I can find it.

Waiting to hear more about your trip.

Enjoy!!!!!!

Sandra

your apartment looks decent...enjoy it..

I've just added a couple of pictures of the pool area. Take a look. It is larger than Majestic Grande, Grand President, and Omni Tower pool areas. There is also a large well equipped gym and a small playroom for children. Families are staying here, so must be family-friendly.

Carol

pool looks decent...thanks

Thanks for the link Carol - looks great!

It is another hot sticky day in Bangkok. I can't believe I've not been caught in a heavy shower yet, but to my knowledge, we have not had much rain since I arrived here. It is the rainy season, after all.

The &quot;secret market&quot; that I visited with my Thai friend back in February was such a great find then, but a bit of a disappointment yesterday. I think Pratunam and Platinum are my best bets as far as items to bring home. Unique, inexpensive, always something new.

I went to Tawandang last night with both Thai and American friends. We had a great meal, Thai style, and enjoyed the German beer and the live stage show. The place was not as packed as usual, but then, it was a Thursday night. I think our table had the only falongs in the whole place.

I hope you are all sitting down. I'm in BKK for my 11th trip, and will finally visit the Grand Palace today! lol It has been a secret joke of mine that I've never been there, even though I've been in the city so many times. I know that everyone else in the world makes the Grand Palace their first destination when in Bangkok. It just took me a lot longer to get there... ha ha

A Danish friend who lives in Bangkok and has a Thai wife is cooking dinner tonight for a small group so I'll not have a new restaurant experience to report. I know it will be a fun evening just the same.

I read with interest the thread on semi precious stone jewelry, and will be taking my American friend to a couple of the places suggested there. I don't want to personally get addicted to jewelry shopping... could get expensive. My friend is wanting to take some pieces home, so I will show her the places to shop. Who knows, I might buy something. I will vouch for guenmai's story about seeing the jewelry piece at Saks in Boston, priced waaaaayyyy above what it is here in BKK.

Do enjoy your day, where ever you are spending it.

Carol

Hope your visit to the GP was wonderful, Carol. Enjoying your report as always. Keep it coming.

Did they seat you at Brad's special table at the Brewery? I know your photos will be super. have fun. See you in October.

The Grand Palace is probably the hottest place in BKK. Hope you went early! Was the construction finished yet around the Emerald Buddha?

There is lots of renovation going on at the GP right now, so a lot of the exhibits are closed to the public. I'm afraid I didn't see a whole lot of the place... but what I did see was extremely impressive!

Had dinner with Danish friend and his Thai wife (the wedding party I attended with DH and DS in BKK back in Jan of 06). Lars is a terrific cook. Some day I'll &quot;advertise&quot; his line of barware and dinnerware, etc. Nice stuff!!! Neat Danish designs. Modern, sleek.

Jet lag may be just about done as it is 11pm and I'm really sleepy. I think I may sleep very well through the night tonight. Yippeeee!!! Gotta' be ready for the weekend market tomorrow. I think we are taking the subway there. First time on the subway.

Enjoy your day.

Carol

Hello to you all, I am a new member to this site and find all the postings very interesting. I have been to BKK 4 times before and am planning to visit for one day only next March. I am looking for help from anyone of you out there who might find a little time to do some research for me. The reason is this: I am arriving in Thailand on a ship which is docking at Laem Chabang which is about 2 hours south of BKK near Pattaya. I want to arrange for a hire car, complete with driver to meet us off the ship, drive us up to BKK and take us around some sites ie Grand Palace, river boat trip maybe shopping centre and maybe other places of interest. I want the car and driver to stay with us, where possible, and then drive us back to the ship by about 6.00pm. I would be so greatful if someone out there could find the time between all the fun that you are having and get me details of reputable companies ie their main details, tariffs, phone numbers, email addresses etc. and post it to me on this site or send direct to my email addres which is [email protected] Thank you all very much and carry on having a wonderful time in that beautiful city.

Hi Carol! sounds like a nice trip so far.

But now you need a new reason to go back so often. AS in, &quot;I'm sorry I MUST go back to Bangkok. I haven't seen the Grand Palace yet...&quot;

Oh that's right... you have a son to visit. Well that's an acceptable MUST!! &lt;):)

Love to hear your tales. You make me want to do an extended trip one day too.

See you at the HNL September GTG?

Lucy

Ojunet-It might be better if you started a new thread. However, you can try Ratt, a driver used by many on this forum. If she is unavailable, I'm sure she can provide someone for you. If you do a search on this forum for Ratt, you can find her Email.

i have sent you a mail about possibilites....

carol...YEA!!!!!!!!!!! finally!!!!!!!!!

Carol - if you do visit Amour or January - would be interested in your thoughts and the selections you saw there. I am just about to leave for BKK in a few weeks and plan to make those places my stops. Thx! Jane

Bob, I don't have any email from you. I just looked at my hotmail. Nothing there.

Today I'm heading to the weekend market. Have not been for a couple of years, so I'm anxious to try it again. Most of the things I'm buying are from Pratunam area. We shall see what is available now. I've been by Suan Lum night bazaar but have not been inside. It is still running, in any case. My friend says that the courts are still fight it out, about closing and when and what to do with the current vendors who have stands there.

I have to say that I was really not happy with the crazy agressive touts by the Grand Palace. I said &quot;NO&quot; very sternly to keep them at bay. I hate to do that... I was happy to leave that area after touring. Sukhumvit area is more pleasant IMO. Met one of DS's friends here, an expat, retired doctor, with a small pool bar. Interesting character...

It is the rainy season, but so far I have not seen any heavy downpours. Maybe today? Looks a lot more overcast this morning.

I'm going to try the subway to the weekend market. I have never ridden on it yet.

I'm putting January store on my list of mudt-do's, if I can possibly work it into the schedule.

Time to head out the door.

Have a great day.

Carol

Carol - will be interested in hearing about the subway - I looked at it for going to the weekend market on our last trip but the skytrain just seemed easier (and it was very easy).

craig, i took the subway from asoke to the weekend market. to me, its the best way to get there. the exist is right in the market, close to the restaurants and a few cold ones.

one advantage of the subway is that the staions are air conditioned....and i have read as ken says that the station is right inside the market...

carol--not sure what happened to the msg...i will see if i can find it...

my computer is at the doctors so i am using karen's...

Carol-I just ignore the touts. They never bother me. Big surprise, the computer that Bob smacks with his grubby fingers is sick.

Carol,

Just for you it rain today!

Sawasdee Krub,

Hanuman, the rain came as we were in the taxi riding back from the weekend market. Had waaaaayyy too many bags for the subway. I'm glad we did not get caught in the downpour (which did not last very long anyway).

Craig, The subway is extremely handy. Much better than skytrain!!! But make sure you get off at the right station. There are really two for Chatuchak. You don't get off at the first one. I need a subway map so I can tell you the name of the one that is right inside the market!!! The subway is very nice and clean, just like the skytrain. I would use it again, in a heartbeat. OK, just looked on my map. The station is called Kampaeng Road. The one before it is called Chatuchak Park. Don't let that confuse you. Lots of people got off at Chatuchak Park station, but it is NOT as handy as the next stop, Kampaeng Road. There is only one more stop on the subway line after Kampaeng Road, so if you would forget the name, just remember it is the next to last stop.

I found some wonderful handmade things at the new JJ Mall, across from the weekend market. Prices are good. The place is 3 floors and air conditioned. It is supposedly open everyday, but I think maybe the best time to go is when you go to Chatuchak on the weekend. I would not make a special trip out to just JJ Mall.

Ming (who makes the best chili I have talked about before) took me to a Thia noodle place for lunch. (I was the only falong) My bowl was like a pork soup with skinny noodles. It had pork balls, pork liver, some very thin slices of pork, and also some pork intestine or something like that. I didn't eat the intestine, but everything else was really delicious, and I of course had it &quot;mai pet&quot; (not spicy). We each had noodle soup and a bottle of water. The total was 80 baht for the two of us. So cheap, and so delicious.

Ming took me to the fruit market across from Chatuchak. Very interesting. I took a number of food pictures. They have fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and a variety of foods. This market is very expensive for most Thai people because it is the best hand-picked quality items. The mangoes and other fruit were the biggest I've ever seen!! Absolutely gorgeous items!!

Tonight we go with American friends to Sky Bar for one drink and then to the Huntsman for dinner/music. Should be fun. The Huntsman is in the basement of one of the hotels on Sukhumvit... the name escapes me right now.... maybe Landmark? It's near Nana station. I've been before. The live music is really great.

This trip I will be shipping some things home, UPS. I will let you know how it goes. We have a UPS account back at home, so I will save a little bit on the price just because we already do a lot of business with them, so we get a discount. I hope it doesn't take too long for all my goodies to make it to the US.

Monday will be a day trip to Chiang Mai. Ming has not been before, so we will go to Doi Sutep. DS (Brad) says that it is important to the Thais to visit the different temples. Ming has not flown before either... should be fun.

Gotta run. Almost time to go to Sky Bar. I hope it doesn't rain on us this evening! 64 floors up is not the best place to be in a downpour.

Enjoy your day, where ever you are spending it.

Carol

Mom,
Don't forget to try the Lebanese restaurant in the basement of Phloen Chit Center. The name is &quot;Beirut&quot; (Sounds inviting doesn't it?) Lars or Randy would be happy to take you there.

Tell Maeng her naughty brother says HI.

Well we managed to take in Sky Bar last night and not get wet. There were occasional showers. You could see lightning in the distance from 64 floors up. Rather awesome, but I'm glad we did not get caught in a mad rush to get inside and into the elevators and down to the street...lol

A glass (not a bottle) of chianti cost me about $40!!! Unbelieveable! I gotta say, the view is incredible, but maybe I'll drink beer next time...lol

There are two outside bars at the top of State Tower now. When we arrived, they first asked us if we were diners or just drinks. Then they asked if we wanted inside or outside. We said outside, of course. Then we were escorted to a very small, more &quot;private&quot; bar on the &quot;other side&quot; of the gold dome. You actually could not see the dome from there. I wondered if they had changed the arrangements up there, and were only allowing diners on the dome side... Anyway, on this &quot;other&quot; side, there were places to sit (lie down) very similar to the Bed. It was full so we had to stand at a small round table. That was OK... we enjoyed the more limited but beautiful view for about 15 minutes, while waiting for our drink order to arrive.

I asked the waiter if we could go to the side with the dome. We said we really wanted to go to Sky Bar, and asked if it was still open? He said we could pay for our bar bill and then go over there to the other side, which we did. Of course the view is much better from Sky Bar than from this &quot;other&quot; bar (which was still very busy).

3000 baht (incl tip) for four drinks... YIKES! But oh, that view! My friend Ming had never been up there before (she is just a typical hard working Thai, after all). It almost made me well up when she said she did not have any idea just how beautiful her city and country are! How lovely to hear that from her. Ken, you know Ming... she is such a lovely person! I was really happy to be able to take her up to Sky Bar for this moving experience for her.

If you like live music, you would really enjoy the Philippino band at the Huntsman... basement level of the Landmark Hotel on Sukhumvit. There were three female singers and some of the musicians (male) did backup. They did everything from Queen to Beatles, Andrea Bocelli (Conte par tiro sp) and Phantom of the Opera! Awesome!! Oh wow, could those gals belt out a song! I could have listened for hours.

We also ate at Huntsman, after drinks at Sky Bar. I had nachos... very different from the nachos I eat back in Podunk Junction (no-where, Illinois). Tasty, but unique. Ming and a female American friend had Thai food, Thai style. Ming said it was OK... but she herself is one of the best cooks in BKK, so maybe she's just a little hard to please when it comes to Thai food. The only male in our group also had nachos, but I understand the sandwiches and other dishes are pretty good. The Huntsman is, I guess, sort of a British Pub type of place. Lots of falongs, but a number of Thais also go there. You couldn't help but love the music, no matter what your culture.

Time for some R &amp; R today. I'm taking it a little easier. Maybe just Central, Paragon, Discovery, etc. No markets, no heavy duty shopping... just fun &quot;looking&quot;... and maybe getting a shampoo. I enjoy seeing Odd at Central Chitlom dept store. He does a great job with my difficult hair.

Enjoy your evening. I know that it is 8pm back in Illinois, and I am just starting my day (8 am) in BKK Sunday.

Carol

Carol, Seems like State Tower/the Dome/Sky Bar just gets more difficult to deal with and expensive with time. The views are awesome but it gets to a point where the hassle and expense are not worth it. We were really turned off by their picture-taking policies (no tripods allowed) the last time we visited. I wonder if one would receive better treatment as a temporary resident.