In Bangkok (yes again) but this time (the first) without the kids...DAY 1 (Friday, 26 July)

I should be wracked with guilt and I am a little but I did want some time alone with MJ and I've always wanted to make a trip to BKK without the kids so we can do the things we otherwise would not be able to with them in tow. It was also a good chance to see how they would do without us. I have my mum to thank for looking after them, thus allowing us some alone time...

We flew Jetstar as it was the cheapest available at the time of booking, and it suited our desired timings. We would never book budget airlines if we fly with the kids, given the potential unexpected (or expected?!) delays.

We took the 1040hrs flight on Friday morning.

Singapore from the air showing the runway strips at Changi Airport.

View showing the East Coastline. It's amazing how built up Singapore is . We know this but when we actually see it from the air, it's mind boggling...

Another view of Changi Airport.

Big ships like little toys. 

When we arrived on Friday at around noon, our mood was a little dampened by the cab driver we got at the airport. These public taxis are supposed to use the meter and the passenger pays for what's shown on it, excluding toll charges and the 50฿ airport surcharge. This is the first time a cabby did not turn on the meter and I only noticed it when he said: "450฿ all in". We've been to BKK often enough to know that the cab fare is about that price, give or take 50฿ and we usually give 50฿ tip anyway so we didn't protest about the flat fare. What were we to do since we were already in the cab? But I didn't like it that he wasn't upfront about it and only said it after we had left the airport. Also, it is against the rules to charge a flat fee. So not wanting to make a big deal out of it, we sat back to relax. All was in order, he drove quite fast and hit the first toll booth. He paid and we continued on our journey. Then before I knew it, he veered off the highway and hit the regular road beneath the highway viaduct. Then I understood what was happening. He decided to bypass the second and more expensive toll (45฿...1st one is 25฿) to make more out of our 450฿. Now I was upset. I contemplated telling him off but the road he had chosen to take was quite clear and he seemed to be making good speed. So I held my tongue. I'm always reminded how ple struggle to make a living in Bangkok and 50฿ to us is actually not a lot (about S$2) but significant to them. But while I empathise with  the poorer Thais, I don't like it when people try to take advantage of me. We got caught in a traffic jam of course but I managed to glance at the highway above us and noticed that traffic was also crawling. So in a way being off the highway was perhaps a blessing in disguise as the cab driver could use the smaller roads to beat the jam. Anyway it wasn't too long before we arrived at the hotel. Needless to say, I didn't give the cabby a tip.

A taxi fare chart showing its rates. Taxi fares in Bangkok are still very much cheaper than in Singapore.

We got the corner room on the 6th floor (613) and like most corner units, it's bigger than usual. We have always stayed at Novotel and will continue to do so. Its location is unbeatable and there's so much good food at Siam Square...what more could one want!

We had lunch at Som Tam Nua right next to the hotel. Every time we pass by this eatery, the line is so long that we abandon all desire of having a meal there but this time, we arrived at the right time and got a table immediately. We've read that it's very popular because of its taste and prices, and boy oh boy, are the reviews spot on! We had a late lunch at around 2.30pm and by that time the crowds had dissipated but inside, the restaurant was still full. 

The place serves many varieties of Som Tam, but the most popular one is their papaya salad which costs 65฿. It's not that spicy but deelish!

The command centre of the restaurant behind is where the Som Tam is made. A few staff  churn out plate after plate of Som Tam without any let up.

Everyone orders this fragrant and delicious fried chicken (98฿). My only complaint is that it had a tad too much spring onions! But luckily, I was able to 'shake it off' quite easily.

We had one of the few soups they have on the menu, Tomsep Kadook On Moo soup (North East Style Spicy Soup with Pork Bone (97฿) (top), an Issan-style sour and spicy Tom Yam soup. It wasn't spicy though but it did taste great. At the bottom is their popular grilled pork neck/collar (98฿), which, when paired with their chill dip tastes delicious!

spicy minced pork salad (laab moo)

Our first feast for the day. We managed to finish everything we ordered! The total bill came up to  less than S$30 including drinks! Where to find?! In Bangkok of course!

This alley at Siam Square Soi 5 is usually lined with people  waiting for a table.  It is right next to Mango Madness, a mango dessert place, and across the road from Baan Khun Mae, a good Thai restaurant popular with Singaporeans…all within half a stone's throw from Novotel Siam Square. Need I say more...

If you want good food at reasonable prices, this is the place to go, but please take your patience along! Order whatever is indicated with a star on the English menu!

The night market right by Siam BTS station. 

It's always a big squeeze walking along the narrow pathway. Gotta really watch one's bag here.

They've got wonderful street food like fried chicken wings and BBQ seafood...so yummy! But I've only tried the former and not the latter. 

Look at that...a friend said all fried food is bad, but I say yes, it's bad for you but it's the tastiest!

Another highlight of our day was our visit to Asiatique, a food and shopping place along the river. It's a very nice place that's reminiscent of both Boat and Clarke Quays combined (actually better than that). It's located along the Chao Phraya river, south from Saphan Taksin Pier. There is a free shuttle boat that takes visitors there. This is the only option to get there if you go after 6pm. The orange and yellow flagged boats cease operations at around 6pm, just after peak hour is over but on Sunday evening when we went back, there were additional boat services which took tourists there for 20฿. The queue for the free shuttle is always pretty long but once it arrives, it can take quite a few passengers on board…about 80, I estimate.

The giant ferris wheel seen in the distance is a landmark which allows one to gauge how far away Asiatique is from Saphan Taksin pier. When standing at the pier facing the river, it's on your left, about ten minutes away by boat.

There are many restaurants here and people come for food too, not just shopping. There are quaint cafes which offer live music and semi outdoor seating. The atmosphere is pleasant and enjoyable.

The place generally has a 'feel good' atmosphere about it. It opened about a year ago and the wide walkways accommodate the ever increasing number of people who visit every evening.

Pretty crowded on a Friday night. But it doesn't feel as cramped as Chatuchak. It's supposed to be a substitute for Suan Lum night market, which was more centrally located, near Lumpini Park. The market closed a few years ago as the landlords wanted to re-develop the area. Spot MJ.

One of the hundreds of shops (the website boasts 1500 but I didn't get the impression there are that many! Maybe some have yet to open). This one sold interesting toys and knick knacks. Prices are reasonable and not exorbitant. Bargaining politely is still the order of the evening.

The place is made up of former godowns and there are 10 main buildings, each housing different shops and activities. 

A late dinner at our favourite Thai restaurant, Baan Khanitha. This branch called 'Baan Khanitha By The River'  is housed in a beautiful white colonial styled building and they close late. Last order is at 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Not sure about Sunday to Thursdays. The only minus point about this restaurant is that they don't serve complimentary Meang Kum. You have to order and pay for it! :o( 

I believe this place will only grow in patronage and the next time we go, it will be even more touristy. Hope that doesn't drive their prices up! I would recommend a visit if you haven't been there!