Travel: Thailand Part 1 - 48 Hours in Bangkok
I've been excited for this trip to happen since after our trip last 2012 together, I haven't been able to join the succeeding trips because I've been busy with work. I missed the Cambodia trip last 2013 and Vietnam trip 2014 so I was excited to go on a vacation with my so called "travel buddies".
1st stop on our trip is Bangkok. We didn't really know how to use the public transportation that's why we decided to get the airport taxi. The advantage of traveling with a group is that you can split the cost. The taxi costs around 1500 Baht to bring us to our hotel, Oaks Sathorn (booked through Agoda.com).
Accommodations in Bangkok is fairly affordable and since I'm splitting the room with another person, makes it even better. I like our hotel, its centrally located (its a short walk from the main road) and there's a Family Mart nearby, ATM machine as well as a massage place.
Since it was almost lunch when we got to our hotel (the trip from the airport should be around an hour but Thailand also has its traffic so it took us more time), what else to do but eat! It was early for us to check-in anyway so we left our bags at with the reception area and just brought our valuables.
Near our hotel we saw this modest eatery that serves Thai food so we were excited. There was some language barrier issue but both sides managed to communicate somehow.
I got their soup with some noodles but didn't really know what it was.
The next thing I got was their Pad Thai which was yummy!
Its was a definite food trip, Bangkok style.
After lunch, we got back just in time to check in. We got a studio room and its more than enough space for 2 people. The room had a small sitting area which was enough for one person to sleep in as well. Our room also has a balcony so you can see the view of Bangkok from your room.
There's a pool if you want to cool off on hot days and best thing is
that there's free wifi service so you can keep everyone updated on your
whereabouts and keep connected in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Since some of us had to work the night before, some fell asleep so we kinda was off track with our itinerary a little. We were supposed to go and visit the temples however since it was already late in the afternoon and these temples will be closing soon, we asked the hotel staff what activity can we do. We had a choice of shopping at Siam Paragon or going on a river cruise at the Chao Praya river.
Well we thought that there was nothing exciting about shopping since we thought we didn't come all this was to go to a mall so we chose the latter.
The bell hop called a cab for us and told the cab driver where to go (we didn't understand anything they said). The cab took us to this alley way and I felt a little uncomfortable. When we got to the end, there's this dock where you'll ride your boat. Again, I felt a little uncomfortable because it was kinda expected that we'll take the tour and that there's no backing out. Initial price was 3500 Baht which I thought was outrageous but we managed to bring it down to 3000 Baht.
The ride was a little bumpy and I had my hanky covering my mouth the entire time (unless if we'll take pictures) because water kept splashing in.
The tour we took will take us around the river and drop us off at Asiatique. We passed by Wat Arun and we asked if we can go down but our boat driver said no (we were joking that because we haggled for the price that's the reason why we can't go to Wat Arun).
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| Wat Arun behind me |
After going traversing the main river, now we went to the "canals" to go around Bangkok. There's nothing really special about it because all you'll see is dirty water and sewage being dumped to the river. On the side you'll see houses and like people taking a bath, its like a typical day at the river side. I was actually confused on why we were there and for the most part I was wishing for the tour will end already. The boat will stop a little for a "floating market" where an old lady in a boat will offer souvenirs and drinks, I felt a little bad that we didn't get anything but the stuff was over priced.
One of the most unexpected happened was when we switched boats. We were on our way back to the main river when our new boat collided with another boat. The impact was strong but good thing we didn't have any injuries and the boat didn't get any damage whatsoever. I mean I was scared because 1. our new boat didn't have life vests and 2. what a very unglamorous way to go, drowning in dirty river.
After all has settled down, I was glad that we were about to go down in a few minutes.
We were relieved to reach Asiatique already before the sun set.
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| Sunset over the Chao Praya river |
Asiatique Riverfront is an attraction in Bangkok that combines shopping, food and activities. Going around, visitors are a mix of tourist and locals alike so its seems like a very popular place. Here you can get lost in a lot of stalls offering different types of goods and souvenirs. Good thing there's a slew of ATM's and there are also money changers so you'll have that extra cash available.
My friends did some major shopping and I was modest and got a tank top that I bargained from 250 to 220 Baht. I got this nice floral shirt as well for no discount but was already on sale for 180 Baht so I thought it was a good deal already.
After some serious shopping (literally my feet hurt from all that walking and standing) it was time to eat. Again, Thai food for dinner ofcourse! This time I got chicken satay and some crispy noodles.
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| Major shopping with all our bags at the table |
The following day was a busy day for us because 1. we'll be going to the bus terminal to buy tickets going to Phuket and 2. we'll be going around to see the temples. Per advise of the hotel staff, since we're 6 people, we can rent a big taxi for 6 hours for 1500 Baht to bring us around. Again divided by 6 people, it was affordable.
After getting out bus tickets going to Phuket, 1st stop was Wat Arun. The temple is being repaired that's why there are scaffolding but the temple was still impressive. Fee costs 50 Baht and be reminded that there's a dress code. It was a seriously hot day and wearing jeans and shoes didn't really help with the humidity.
Karlo took the chance to light some incense as well as go inside the temple. There are souvenirs available for purchase as well.
Next stop was another Wat (I forgot the name) but we didn't stay for long and just took pictures.
The last temple that we visited and made us all excited was ofcourse, Wat Pho were the famous reclining Buddha is housed. Fee is 100 Baht and there's free water in the ticket.
There is a lot to see inside. Also be prepared to remove your shoe when going inside the temples.
Its a hot and tiring day but seeing the reclining Buddha was worth it. Its magnificent and despite the crowd, I managed to take nice pictures.
After a long and hot day, it was time to relax back in our room to get ready for our trip to Phuket. before we went out, we checked out 2 of the rooms already and left 1 room and paid an extended check-out so we can keep our stuff and have a place to freshen up.
Our bus leaves at 8PM so before 6 we already left, making sure we have enough time to go through Bangkok's Friday traffic.
We made it in time with an hour to spare which was a relief. We booked a VIP bus which was very spacious and comfortable.
Though we only stayed in Bangkok for 48 hours, I feel we did a lot already. I wouldn't mind going here again to still go around the city and explore what it still has to offer. For now, off to Phuket for part 2 of our trip.
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