Khao San Road, The Backpacker's Paradise

Date Visited: 19th & 20th October 2012

14th February 2013

One of the main reason I went Khao San Road was mainly to book the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour and also this was the drop-off spot after back from the eye-opening and exciting tour. Here in Khao San Road, there are many relatively inexpensive travel agents which not only offer tour around Bangkok city, but they also arrange visas as well as transportation to the neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia.

#1: Mama Tours & Travel, one of the local travel agent I would recommend. Click here for more info

For backpackers and budget travellers, Khao San Road is known as "the backpacker's paradise" in their dictionary as there are countless of budget guesthouses to reasonably priced of mid-range hotels. This is the place that draw backpackers from every corner of the world, as it has by far the cheapest place to search for accommodation in all of Bangkok. But bear in mind, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Although most of the accommodations here are dirt cheap, but literately they are dark, unclean and poorly lit, and if you are unlucky, you might spend your night with bedbugs.

#2: Khao San Road - Backpacker's Paradise Spot

Besides the cheap accommodation, this 1km long road is packed with plenty of bars and clubs, restaurants, internet cafes, cheap massage parlours, travel agents (like I mentioned earlier), bookstores, convenience stores, pharmacies, tattoo shops and much more. Even the global chain of fast foods restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Subway and even Starbucks can also be found in the area.

#3: Khao San Road during the day time

#4: Lunch break in McDonald's - Pork Burger which not available in Malaysia #nonhalal

In case you are not planning to stay in this area, why not come and visit Khao San Road during the night time as the road becomes alive and filled with vibrant atmosphere. The streets are lighten up with sprawling neon signboards, hundreds of street vendors appeared along both sides of the road selling almost everything including fried inserts as well as numerous of crowded pubs and bars serving drinks at cheap price.

#5: Khao San Road during the night time

#6: Good place for street shopping as well

Although Khao San Road doesn't have any huge shopping complexes like those other areas, but it is a good place to bargain for cheap shopping along the shopping bazaar on the both sides of the road. Expecting cheap clothes, souvenirs, counterfeit merchandise such as CDs, VCDs or even fake student IDs and graduated certificates are available here. Based on my past experience, besides Phuket, I think the bikinis sold here were freaking cheap. I even bought two sets of bikini for my best friends and how much they cost? 250 baht for a set and if you are buying more, more discount would be given.

#7: Chill out in a cafe while sipping a cold Chang beer. By the way, that's not mine cause I don't drink

How To Get To Khao San Road

As there is no connection to Khao San Road by Skytrain and metro, the only options are by taking express boats, buses or taxis. Taking meter taxi would be cost less than 100 baht either from Victory Monument, Siam or Silom. As for bus, take the bus numbers 157, 171 and 509 from Victory Monument (Rajavithi Hospital bus stop) pass Ratchadumnoen Road. You can get off at Khok Wua intersection (one stop away from Democracy Monument). Khao San Road is only a short walk from there. For more adventurous like us, we took tuk-tuk but remember to negotiate and fix the price before hopping on. Most likely will cost between 150 baht - 160 baht for one way from Khao San Road to the nearest Skytrain (BTS Siam).

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Bangkok.com]

Summary of My 5D4N Bangkok, Thailand Travelogue (2012) Version 1.0

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Bangkok, Thailand for 5 days and 4 nights.

Day 1: 17th October 2012

First Day in Bangkok

Tip For Taking Taxi from Don Mueang International Airport to Bangkok Downtown:

And talking about taxi, I would highly recommend to take the one outside the arrival area instead of booking from the taxi service booths in the main hall cause the latter one is freaking expensive. Double the fare cause that's what my friend and I paid initially but somehow, they refunded to us and asked us to wait for other taxi. A trip with the taxi outside the arrival area cost roughly 250-350 baht, depending on the traffic. 

Stay: The Period Pratunam of Bangkok


Day 2: 18th October 2012
Around The World in Terminal 21

How To Get To Terminal 21:

BTS Station: Asoke (Exit 1) or;

MRT Station: Sukhumvit (Exit 3)

Day 3: 19th October 2012
Chao Phraya River Cruise & Grand Palace

The entrance fee we paid on that particular date was 400 baht, which besides the Grand Palace, it also inclusive access to The Temple of Emerald Buddha, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.

Day 4: 20th October 2012
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The cost for this tour was 400 baht (approx. to RM41) which included pick-up service from hotel, transport and boat ride. Booked from Mama Travel & Tour, local tour operator.   

Chatuchak Weekend Market

How To Get To Chatuchak Weekend Market:
BTS Station: Mo Chit (Exit 1) and follow the crowd until see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and accessories or; 
MRT Station: Chatuchak Park (Exit 1) and follow the crowd as well.
Open on every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

Day 5: 21st October 2012
Goodbye Bangkok


Extra Posts

• Maiden Trip To Bangkok (Sneak Peek)
• The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok
• My Travel Loots & Expenses Version 1.0

Conclusion, I spend 5 solid days in Bangkok itself and didn't go further areas such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya and etc but I believe, Bangkok, I will be back and see you again someday. Bangkok is one of the cities that I don't mind to go back every year (if only time is permitted and grab another best deal from AirAsia). Oh boy, I guess Bangkok has put spell on me!

My Bangkok Travel Loots & Expenses (2012) Version 1.0

I warn you that I indeed shopped a lot when I went Bangkok for the very first time. Plus, most of the clothes sold at that particular period were in chiffon type, which was my favourite type of clothes. And now let me reveal what I bought from Bangkok, Thailand: 

#1: Overall of my shopping loots from Bangkok, Thailand Version 1.0

#2: 4 dresses, 16 tops, 3 shorts, 6 skirts

#3: Handphone pouch from Chatuchak Weekend Market and pig coin pouch for my li sister.

#4: Handbag, purse, purple flat shoe and belts - all for myself.

#5: Hair accessories bought from Platinum Fashion Mall and Chatuchak Weekend Market

#6: Long necklaces bought from Platinum Fashion Mall. Range from 100 baht to 190 baht

#7: Handbags and pouch from Naraya outlets

#8: Handmade luggage tags from Platinum Fashion Mall

#9: Two set of bikinis but wow, absolutely not for me. Two of my besties requested for these. 

A set of bikini in Bangkok was incredibly cheap which cost 250 baht (approx. to RM26) for a set but because I bought two, I managed to bargain to 450 baht for two.

#10: Fridge magnets are not to be missed whenever I travelled. Mostly bought outside Grand Palace and in Chatuchak Weekend Market as well.

#11:All my outfits from Bangkok - Pink chiffon top, blue skirt, red lace belt, green handbag, purple flat shoe and owl long necklace.

Last but not least, the following is my sharing of the full details of my travel expenses that I spend for my 5 days and 4 nights trip in Bangkok, Thailand:

 
(The exchange rate by the time I changed; RM10: 10.14 baht )

NOTE:

1.  It's funny how fare for international flight was much more cheaper than the domestic flight.
2. Stayed for 4 nights throughout the trip, which inclusive the breakfast as well. For more information about this boutique hotel, click HERE.
3. Both taxi fare cost 350 baht for one trip and shared among two of us.  
4. The entrance fee on the day we visited, which besides the Grand Palace, it also inclusive access to The Temple of Emerald Buddha, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. 
5. Included pick-up service from hotel, transport and boat ride.
6. Stayed overnight before taking my flight to Bangkok on the next day. 
7. Most of my souvenirs and shopping haul are as above photos. Also including postcards and stamps which I bought and sent out earlier.

Bangkok, Thailand (2012) Day 5: Goodbye Bangkok

Date of Travel: 21st October 2012

Everytime when comes to travelling, I felt the time passed freaking fast. Don't you think so? From the day we arrived, now it's the time to pack our bag and leave. And the thing was we haven't got enough of shopping. Luckily our flight was around 4pm, hence we still have more spare time to satisfy our shopping craze before leaving this shopping haven.

#1: Last day of having breakfast in the hotel we stayed, The Period Pratunam Hotel

#2: The massage parlour we patronised which just few steps away from our hotel. Oh boy! It's dirt cheap. A body massage for 60 minutes only cost 200 baht (approx. to RM20).

Not matter how crazy both my friend and I toward shopping, we always allocate sufficient of time to travel from hotel to airport cause Bangkok is well-known to be one of the world's most traffic congested cities. A group friends of mine experienced Bangkok's worst ever traffic congestion and consequently, they missed their flight. Hence, it is advisable to leave your lodging at least four hour earlier - spare two hours for travel time and one hour for counter check-in. I rather wait in the airport instead of missing my flight.

We requested the hotel staff to book a taxi for us. We met a group of Malaysian travellers who willing to share a taxi with us but unfortunately the taxi can only fit up to 6 people, when there were 7 of us. A taxi fare from our hotel to airport cost a standard rate of 350 baht (approx. to RM36) and of course, it would be more cheaper if sharing among 4 people.

#3: Less than half hour, we reached Don Mueang International Airport

Surprisingly, the road condition was smooth and steady. And most importantly, we didn't encounter any traffic congestion and within half an hour, we reached one of the world’s oldest international airports and Asia's oldest operating airport.

#4: I arrived Bangkok with my luggage weighted 7 kg and by the time of leaving, it's double up.

Actually, I had pre-booked 20 luggage allowance but turned out, my luggage only weighted less than 15 kg. Such a waste of 5 kg. If I knew, I should brought along 24 inch of luggage bag instead of the 20 inch one. As both my friend and I didn't pre-book any in-flight meal, we decided to have our lunch in the airport before boarding and our final pick was Fuji Japanese Restaurant, which serves a good quality and delicious Japanese cuisines and yet, the price is affordable and reasonable.

#5: Both of us shared a set of Fuji Bento Tempura that comes with Chawanmushi which cost 310 baht only (approx. to RM32)

#6: I also bought Corn Pie from McD not just because curiosity of the taste, worry in case of hungry inside the plane.

#7: And so, goodbye Bangkok till we see again... Oppps, I went back Bangkok four months later after this first trip of mine.

#8: All my loots from Bangkok and wondering what I bought? Stay for my next upcoming post.

The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok

Bangkok has numbers of shopping malls to cater all type of lifestyle and budgets shopaholic. Whether you are looking for global brands, finest fashion stores, speciality stores, accessories stands, bookstores and all kinds of luxury designer goods, Bangkok is definitely offers the best shopping experiences and exposure. From the legendary MBK Center, to trendy Siam Discovery and Central World Plaza, or unashamedly upscale Siam Paragon and even innovative Terminal 21, Bangkok's accommodate every taste, pocket and style. Not just that you will be spoiled by thousand of choices, most of these shopping malls are easily accessible via the efficient and convenient Skytrain (BTS) system. So put on your comfortable shoes and shop till you drop!

I did research beforehand and went most of the shopping malls listed under Top 10 Bangkok Shopping Malls and the list below are from the least favourite to most favourite one:

MBK Center

Nearest BTS: National Stadium

Divided into 8 storey high and consists around 2,000 shops, MBK Center is popular among tourists, particularly the Western tourists  as most of the goods and items are selling at the affordable price. Therefore, this mall is claimed as an "Indoor Chatuchak Market" where you can find diversity of products, ranging from mobile phones, video games, luggage, street wear, cheap clothing and gold ornaments. It even has a large food court and cinema multiplex to complete the lifestyle experience. MBK Center is connected to the Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon shopping mall by skywalk footbridge systems, both of which are more upscale and have only authentic goods. Unfortunately for me, I found nothing special here eventhough I came across most of the goods here are pretty cheap.

Siam Discovery

Nearest BTS: Siam 

Standing opposite of MBK Center is Siam Discovery caters to a slightly more mature market, mainly for teenagers. This medium size shopping complex houses many popular local fashion designers and global brand names such as Guess, DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Diesel. North Face and more. But somehow, I found this place was generally more quiet than MBK Center and the reason I visited this modern shopping complex was mainly for Naraya.

Siam Paragon

Nearest BTS: Siam

This glass-and-steel luxury megamall is listed as one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. It houses wide range of specialty stores and restaurants as well as multiplex movie theater. If you are the type that looking for high street fashion to high-tech gadgets, home decor and exotic sports car, this is the place you are ideally looking for. Almost half of the stores here are devoted to luxury brand apparent which include Gucci, Channel, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vutton, Hugo Boss, Prada and more upmarket brands to name on. Not just that, I even saw numbers of car showrooms like BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Lamborghini and more. Another highlights include Kinokuniya bookstore and Siam Ocean World Aquarium. 

By the way, do you know that Siam Paragon is the No. 1 world's most Instagrammed Place last year?

Siam Center

Nearest BTS: Siam 

Tucked in between Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon, this mall is mainly aiming for the young and hip one. Although most of the boutiques here are high-end articles which basically not my choice when comes to shopping, but I instantly fall in love with the fresh ideology of their interior design right at the first moment I stepped into Siam Center.

Central World

Nearest BTS: Chidlom

Central World is known as Thailand's first lifestyle shopping complex and it is the sixth largest shopping complex in the world. This mall is marketed for the medium type and houses well-known brands such as Uniqlo, Timberland, Zara, MNG, H&M, Topshop and more. But one thing for sure I found out most tourists visit Central World was for Naraya.

Terminal 21

Nearest BTS: Asoke

Terminal 21 is a mixed-use complex which consists of two parts - shopping mall and hotel & residence. But what attract most travellers and tourists to visit Terminal 21 was for its uniqueness and mesmerising interior design, even for the restrooms as well. Terminal 21 is divided into 9 floors with 9 different interesting travel concepts and themes decorated based on well-known and popular streets in cities under one roof such as London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Istabul, etc. This mall even has the longest escalators in Thailand, up to 36 metres. I blogged about this mall before and if you wanna know more about Terminal 21 - click here.

Platinum Fashion Mall

Nearest BTS: Chidlom 
When talking about shopping in Bangkok, the best shopping experience would be definitely Platinum Fashion Mall. It's Thailand largest fashion mall and one stop wholesale shopping. Divided into 3 different zones and 6 floors are completely specialises in wholesale fashion clothing and accessories. I never missed my day by visiting this mall and because of that, this is another spot where my purse almost bleed badly. Some people prefer to shop here rather than Chatuchak Market as it is more comfortable in an air-conditioned complex. Bargaining is only allowed when you purchase at least two and above.

So, how many of the above shopping mall have you been to? Which is your favourite one and which you dislike? Or you been to any shopping malls which I never been to? Don't be shy and feel free to share with us.

[Credit To: Bangkok.com,]

Chatuchak Weekend Market of Bangkok, Thailand

Date Visited: 20th October 2012

16th February 2013 

Besides few numbers of shopping malls around Bangkok which I went couple of times throughout my two visits, eventually there are three famous spots which I visited twice - Terminal 21 (a shopping mall with 9 different interesting travel concepts and themes), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (largest floating market) and last but not least, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which I don't mind of going back again and again in case I wanna visit Bangkok again in future.

#1: Chatuchak Weekend Market is grouped into 27 sections and roughly divided into 11 categories which selling all kind of items.

As the largest market in Thailand, Chatuchak Weekend Market or the right way to pronounce will be "Jatujak" is only open on every Saturday and Sunday and most stalls here operate from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. If possible, plan your trip wisely and try to squeeze at least half of your day to visit this weekend market and trust me, you won't be disappointed and who knows, you might wanna go back again just like me. 

#2: For home decoration purposes

Chatuchak Weekend Market offers wide selection of products; ranging from foods, clothing, accessories, household items, furnitures, Thai handicrafts, artifacts, and even exotic animals such as python. This place is absolutely an ideal place to choose one or two souvenirs for your family and friends back home and you will completely be spoilt for thousand of choices being offered here. Beware - as this is one of the places where my purse almost bleed badly, besides Platinum Mall and Naraya outlets.

#3: Religious artifacts

#4: Household items

Interested to buy those unique and beautiful furnitures, antiques, household items, ceramics and pottery but found difficulties in bringing back home especially when the items were heavy and huge and your luggage allowance is limited, no worry as there is this shipping and cargo services provided within the market area. The one that we came across was Cargo Point Logistics which they have 4 different branches located with this weekend market.

#5: For me, I'm more interested on the clothing, accessories and Thai handicraft section

#6: Most of the T-shirts here were designed by the local Thai themselves. Such innovative and creative talents they had. 

#7: T-shirt with famous cartoon characters. Can you name all of them?

To be frank, I found most of the T-shirts designed by the local Thai were ain't cheap and some even cost 250 baht and above for just a white T-shirt with only a single design. But then, what make them special and unique was you can't found most of these designs in elsewhere. So in case you stumbled into the one you like, try to bargain and instantly buy it without thinking twice cause you wouldn't found the same shop selling the same item. Plus, as this market is so huge and large like I mentioned above, I doubt you might able to find back the shop you were interested earlier cause I experienced it twice. 

Bargaining wise, I noticed most of the stall vendors only allowed to lower few bahts when you bought two or more items from them. Perhaps, try to be friendly and give a big smile to the vendors in order to get the best deals.

#8: What a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market will be without visiting the foods section? This is one best way to experience and enjoy the local foods - especially the fruit juices which being peeled freshly into a bottle. They were indeed so refreshing and juicier. As for non-halal, don't forget to try at least a bite of the roasted pork cause they were simply delicious and scrumptious, man!

#9: Don't ever leave this weekend market without having the famous and creamy fresh coconut ice-cream. It tastes so heavily especially under the hot heat and made me craving for second bowl.

Few Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing (light T-shirts and shorts) and shoes and if possible, bring along hat, sunglasses and apply sunblock cause the weather will getting hotter especially during the noon time.
• Wear your bag in front rather on your back to avoid pickpockets
• Bring sufficient of baht cause I didn't spot any money chargers nearby. And also, most vendors do not accept credit cards, and it can be a long walk to the next ATM
• Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market as early as you can in order to avoid the heat as well as the crowd.

How To Get To Chatuchak Weekend Market

BTS Station: Mo Chit (Exit 1) and follow the crowd until see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and accessories.

MRT Station: Chatuchak Park (Exit 1) and follow the crowd as well.
Open on every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm