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Leisure trip at a glance
Country: Kingdom of Thailand
Period: 26 Oct to 29 Oct 2008
Flight timings:
26 Oct: TR 102, SIN–BKK, ETD 0710 ETA 0830
29 Oct: TR 109, BKK–SIN, ETD 2010 ETA 2330
Air tickets: Return tickets at SGD 256.98 (inclusive of airport taxes)
Accommodations:
Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya (26 to 27 Oct)
Unico Grande Silom Hotel (27 to 29 Oct)
Currency exchange rate: THB 100 = SGD 4.33 (Oct '08 period)
Day One
Budget Terminal
Took a cab and reached the Budget Terminal at about 5 am. As this was my first time taking flight from this terminal, was rather surprised to find that the facilities here were really "budget" (left photo below). There were only a few check-in counters and one café in this Terminal. However, it was much better once inside the transit area; at least there were several shops selling from casual clothings to travel luggage. One comment from my friend was the passage way leading to the boarding gates had this "hospital" feeling due to its polished floor and high walls (right photo below).
Was glad that Tiger airways take-off on time without any delay and arrived at Bangkok at 0830 hrs (Thai time, GMT +7). After custom clearance, boarded a taxi outside the terminal building to Pattaya. The driver quoted us THB 1,500, which according to him was a flat rate. However we ended up paying THB 1,560 due to the additional toll charges. The whole taxi ride was about 1.5-hours and traveled mostly along the highways.
Hard Rock Hotel – Pattaya
Pattaya Hard Rock Hotel is ideally located along Pattaya Beach Road, which is just a street across the long sandy beach of Pattaya and facing the Gulf of Thailand.
Upon arrival during hotel check-in, each guest was given 'Welcome drink' consisting of a fruit punch and a cold wet-towel to freshen up (left photo below). The room that we had booked was Superior City View with a cost of THB 2,500 per night without breakfast (right photo below). A deposit of THB 1,000 was requested during the check-in. Do note that room rates are higher on every Saturday nights as there will be foam parties at its swimming pool. Also additional American Breakfast at this hotel will cost THB 500 per person.
The room had a very unique design with portraits of 'hard-rock' singers as its wallpaper (photos below), and this was one of the reasons why this hotel was chosen.
Basic amenities of a 4-star hotel were available in the room (photos below).
Most activities occurred around the swimming pool (left photo below), for example the Spa and gym are located within the 3-storey building besides the pool (right photo below). Was rather amazed to find out that there were at least 3 souvenir shops inside this hotel; one besides the main lobby, one besides the restaurant and other near the back-exit.
What caught my attention were the 2 cute elephants made up of several beach towels which showed how creative hotel stuffs were (left photo below) and the bright signage of 'Hard Rock HOTEL' lit up at night (right photo below).
Outlet Mall Pattaya
In Pattaya, there is this type of lorry (left photo below) with a sheltered canopy that ferry passengers, almost like a bigger version of tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw). We hailed one such lorry and negotiated with the driver for THB 150 to send us to Outlet Mall (right photo below), situated between Pattaya beach and Jomtien Beach. Once boarded this lorry, realized that we were being cheated because there was a sign that state the official fare for the longest distance was only THB 50 per passenger.
To be exact, this Outlet Mall is located at No. 666, Moo 12 Sukhumvit Road, South Pattaya. It is a double storey mall (left photo below), similar to those outlet malls in the US. There are several famous sports apparel stores located there, such as Nike, Adidas and Levis, just to name a few (right photo below). Conveniently, the famous supermarket Lotus is located besides this mall, making shopping experience even more fulfilling.
After shopped for an hour plus, we then walked towards Swensen's Restaurant for a break. This restaurant is located at the ground floor of the Lotus building. Ordered a Banana Boat at THB 75 and a Crispy Cocktail at THB 79 (photo below). Nothing fantastic or different from those in Singapore, except it was slightly cheaper in price.
Royal Garden Plaza
Probably still felt cheated, we then decided to walk back to Pattaya beach road instead of taking any transport; at the same time, this would give us a chance to explore Pattaya. Reached Royal Garden Plaza after approximately 30-mins of walking. This plaza is located between Beach Road and Second Road, besides the Pattaya Marriott hotel.
There are several restaurants located on the top storey and selling mainly Asian fusion foods. Was attracted by a promotional poster and thus decided to have Japanese-fusion food inside this Oishi Ramen Restaurant (photo below).
Ordered two sets of the promotional set meal that included a bowl of seafood noodles, some fried dumplings and a glass of green tea at a cheap price of THB 99 (left photo below). In addition we also ordered a plate of siew mai for THB 59 just in case the set meal wasn't filling (right photo below). Food standard and taste were reasonable at such a price.
Another attraction that is located on the 3rd floor of this mall is this Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. Lots of weird and amazing stuffs can be found inside this museum (photos below). The admission cost is THB 380 per entry. Besides the usual museum, there is also another exhibition on Ripley's Haunted Adventure that requires separate admission.
One observation was even though McDonalds is a multi-national company with a global advertising strategy; it still blends very well into Thai culture (left photo below). Even Ronald McDonalds is clasping his hands together to greet each customer 'Sa-Wat-Dee Krup' (right photo below) !
Tiffany Show
Theatre of Tiffany Show is located on 464 Moo 9 Pattaya 2nd road, Pattaya City. Bought the tickets earlier (soon after check-in) at the hotel concierge, at THB 700 each for deluxe seats (left photo below). For better view in the front rows, there is VIP seats at THB 800. If transportation to and back from the theatre is required, then an additional THB 50 will be included. Decided to save the transport as the theatre is just 10 – 15-mins walk away from the hotel.
There are 3 shows daily: 1800 hrs, 1930 hrs and 2100 hrs, and with an extra timing at 1630 hrs on Public holidays. Before the show, patrons were given a complimentary soft-drink while waiting on the second floor of the theatre (right photo below). The whole show lasted for about 1 hour and 20-mins, where the transvestites would dress in colorful costumes and dance in various themes. Do check out their website above to find out more.
After the show, there is even photo-sessions available outside the main lobby (left photo below) with the dancers (right photo below).
Day Two
Breakfast
Walked towards the parking lot of P.S. Plaza (Tops Supermarket) to have our breakfast in this Cool House restaurant (left photo below). Breakfast selection there was rather limited and after some considerations, I then decided to have this double-egg set at THB 99 (right photo below). Taste was average but the portion was rather small for an average eater like me.
After breakfast, happened to see huge letters of 'Pattaya City' on the other side of the shore as strolled along the beach (left photo below). This is rather touristy and most likely to see in places where its major economy comes from tourism. Besides tourism, medical healthcare definitely contributes another source of income for this city. There are many advertisements that promotes healthcare in Pattaya; be it cosmetic surgery or medical consultations/operations. One such evidence is the advertisement of one hospital on those beach umbrellas (right photo below).
The Avenue Pattaya
The Avenue Pattaya is a rather high-end shopping mall which is located diagonally opposite Mike's Shopping mall (left photo below). The main attraction was not from the shops inside the mall, but from the Adidas Grand Sales outside the mall in a tentage (right photo below). Off-season clothes were on 30% to 70% discount and I managed to grab a wind-breaker and a shoe-bag at a price 50% lower than the usual retail price.
Coach-bus to Bangkok
Bought our take-away lunch from Subway while walking back to the hotel along the path. It was a 6-inch ham sandwich at only THB 79 each due to Monday lunch promotion. After which, we rushed back to the hotel to check-out the room and waited for the coach bus to Bangkok. Cost for the coach ride was THB 300 for each passenger that included direct hotel pickup in Pattaya and drop-off at each hotel in Bangkok. The ride was rather a pleasant experience, except when the main coach broke down along the highway and we waited for at least half an hour before the next coach bus arrived.
The coach departed from Pattaya Bus Terminal at about 1300 hrs and arrived at Bangkok International Airport at about 1500 hrs (despite some delays caused by the bus broke-down). However due to the rainy weather, heavy traffics and individual passenger drop-offs, the shuttle bus reached our Bangkok hotel only at about 1700 hrs.
Unico Grande Silom Hotel
Unico Grande Silom hotel is located near the business district Sathorn in Bangkok, and is 2 to 5-mins walk away from the BTS station - Chong Nonsi.
After check-in at the hotel lobby (left photo below), fruit punch and snacks were served at its hotel bar (right photo below).
We managed to book the Executive Superior room for 2 nights at a special rate of THB 2,300 per night. The room was clean and rather spacious as illustrated by the huge sofa between the beds and washroom (photos below).
Swimming pool is located at the roof-top (left photo below) and restaurant on the second floor (right photo below).
Breakfast was acceptable and comparable with other 3-star hotels in terms of selection and standard. Following were the varieties I had during my first (left photo below) and second day (right photo below).
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
To get to Suan Lum Night Bazaar, the best method is to take the BTS train and alight at Lumphini station. Rumored that it will be demolished but till now this night market still survives. This night market offers a wide variety of items in a more orderly and cooler place, but at a price 10 – 50 % higher compared to Chatuchak Weekend market.
Went to the food court to have dinner (left photo below), where I ordered a plate of pineapple fried rice at THB 70 (right photo below) and a cup of iced-tea at THB 40. Felt rather pricey for these hawker foods, especially in Bangkok.
Bangkok SkyTrain and Subway
Bangkok SkyTrain is the best form of transportation in Bangkok where it is economical and at the same time able to avoid the notorious heavy traffics (photos below). I would often buy single trip tickets since the traveled distances were relatively short and at the same can use up all the coins.
Day Three
After breakfast, we took the Subway and followed by MRT to Hua Lamphong MRT station. The destination was to Yaowarat road (Chinatown) and was about 10 to 15-mins walk from the station. Bangkok railway station (left photo below), with its same name Hua Lam Pong, is also located there.
Yaowarat Road (Chinatown)
Yaowarat road is well known for its many varieties of delicious foods, especially for Shark's fin soup and Bird Nest's soup. As it was still early for lunch, we then walked around Chinatown to observe their lively lifestyle. There is a market at the back of the main street. Not to be exaggerating, you can even "smell" their daily life of Thai-Chinese when you walk pass those dried food stalls (right photo below).
Stores selling the famous Lim Jing Hieng 林真香 products definitely a must to visit for food-souvenir 'hunters' (photos below).
Hai Wai Tian Shark's fin restaurant (海外天鱼翅酒楼) is one of my recommended restaurants in Chinatown. It is located at No. 461 Yaowarat Road and opening hours from 1100 to 2400 hrs.
We ordered a Shark's Fin soup at THB 500 (left photo below) and seafood noodles at THB 200 (right photo below). With other miscellaneous charges such as drinks and taxes, the total came out to be THB 745. Must comment that the standard remained the same as expected.
Shopping along Phloen Chit Road
This is where major shopping malls are located, such as Mahboonkrong (MBK), Siam Discovery centre, Siam Paragon, Central World Plaza and Gaysorn Bangkok. This could take one whole afternoon just to do a quick window-shopping in these malls.
After major renovation of the Central World Plaza, the NaRaYa is now located at ground floor B106 to B107. Definitely worth a visit for anyone who is interested in bags and other fabric accessories (photos below).
Had a break at Black Canyon Coffee (left photo below) and ordered a Cha Yen (classic 'Thai Style' iced tea with milk) for THB 50 (right photo below). Taste is good and refreshing after a tired walk.
Had dinner at one of the outlets of Fuji Japanese Restaurant located on the 7th floor of MBK. Ordered a Bento set at THB 220 (left photo below). The tuna and salmon sashimi from the bento set were fresh (right photo below).
In addition I also ordered a Mochi Ice cream at THB 70 (left photo below) and green tea at THB 27 (right photo below). What caught my attention was that green tea kept in a thermo-flask, which was very thoughtful of the restaurant because the green tea will be able to remain hot until being dispensed out.
After a day of tired walking, I had my foot message at 'Chang Foot Message and Spa' located besides the hotel. One hour foot message cost THB 300, which is slightly pricey compared to other message chain. However the atmosphere was relaxing and even the tea served was quenching.
Day Four
Siam Ocean World
Visited this Siam Ocean World where most Singaporean will not think of going. This aquarium is located at the basement of Siam Paragon. The admission ticket was really expensive; THB 850 per entry. But this aquarium definitely beat our Sentosa Underwater World. Lots of rare and exotic sea creatures were exhibited there, including the Sea-angles and even Nautilus (photos below)! River otters and water-rats were also displayed which gave a more complete impression of the River Ecosystems to visitors.
Cute little sea-angles of just 5-cm in length swimming (video below). Can you see the pair of horns on its head?
Sometimes it can be relaxing just to sit and watch the fishes swim by (video below).
Creative displays of fishes inside a washing machine (left photo below) and fridge (right photo below)!
Interesting displays of preserved deep-sea fishes in special lightings (photos below).
Nara Restaurant
To taste authentic Thai food, my recommendation is this Nara Restaurant located at the basement of Erawan Center, behind the famous Erawan Shrine (better known as Four-faced Buddha).
Ordered a a Thai Ice-tea (Cha Yen) at THB 75 (left photo below), Chicken Green-curry at THB 350 (right photo below), Deep-fried Soft-shell crab at THB 180 (bottom left photo) and Rice at THB 30 per plate. As for desserts, we had Mango Sticky-rice at THB 150 each (bottom right photo). Taste was good and much better than any Thai-food restaurants in Singapore.
Thai McDonalds
Since there was some time after checking out from the hotel, therefore we decided to have our high-tea at McDonalds. Interestingly McDonalds in Thailand is also known as 'McThai'. Ordered a Blue Resberry Cheese Cake at THB 80 (left photo below) and Almond Latte (12oz) at THB 100 (right photo below). Absolutely not a bad idea to relax in the hot afternoon.
Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport
As mentioned in my previous post, this Airport is spacious, and interior decoration was a fusion of modern and traditional (left photo below). This airport also has lots of shops to walk around; definitely great for passengers like me to do last minute purchase of local foods (right photo below).
Food Souvenirs
How can I leave Bangkok without any food souvenirs? Here're some of the local snacks bought during my trip (photo below).
- • Spicy fish skin at THB 80
• Koh Kae nuts at THB 95 each
• Crispy Banana at THB 100.