[4D3N Bangkok] After You

SabSab Wanton Mee

Started our day with wanton mee breakfast just because it is convenient from my hotel. Every time I dine there, it just gets more and more disappointing. I will not really recommend even though the whole world goes gaga over it. :/

We then walked to Central World for After You before flying back to SG. Finally got a chance to try the famous Shibuya Toast. 

The bread is really soft, portion is generous, but overall their food is slightly sweet for my liking. Sharing among a few people will be more appropriate. So, if you were to asked me to queue any longer that 30 minutes for it, I think I might not. I honestly would prefer the Croissant Taiyaki snack which I posted on Day 1 instead.

On every last day of my Bangkok trip, I will surely visit the big C Supermarket for some tidbits, toothpaste & toothbrush before heading back. Do consider the weight limit before you buy!


We love Bangkok. :)
Till then.

[4D3N Bangkok] Doy Kuay Teow Reua, Chatukchak & JJ Green Night Market

Due to some changes at work, I did not have enough time to update this post. I shall complete my entire trip ASAP! It's so hard when everything is urgent and you hold 2 positions at one time. Blogging must have some curse, I cannot seem to blog in ease. Hahaha.

Let's back track to more than a month back, when my memory is still fresh!

The breakfast right outside our hotel every morning (except Sunday). Interestingly, soft boil egg comes in a cup with a cup of teh-o. Anyone knows why its served like this?

We took a cab straight to Victory Monument since it's not too far away. We alighted at the main road and took a 5minutes walk in, where you will also pass by a small pretty temple. 

Not pretentious, no fancy signboard

Spot the boat

I've been to Thailand a couple of times, but only got to know of boat noodle recently. Somehow, it became popular in Singapore too. The place we went to have less tourists, which makes communication slightly more challenging. Fred not, the lady boss can still understand some English. The portion is really small and you can finish it in a few mouthful. H had 4 and I had 3 bowls, a mixture of pork and beef. Surprisingly, both have different taste and I would suggest to order one bowl of each first, before deciding which you like best! *Fried Wanton Skin and Veggie are free flow*

Doy Kuay Teow Reua

Address: Ratchawithi Soi 18 (Wat Makok), Tanon Ratchawithi, Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Operating Hours: 8am to 6pm Daily

Nearest Station: BTS Victory Monument

Direction: Exit 3, stay on the left (Ratchawithi) when facing the Monument, cross the street walk down the road till Soi 18. Walk into Soi 18 which you will then pass by the temple. It is just right at the back of the temple near a small river.


We were too lazy for BTS so we hailed a taxi straight to Chatukchak Weekend Market. Not sure if is the weather or I'm too tired to shop CTC meet my record of shortest time spent location in Bangkok. :/ On top of that, they had a power trip in the afternoon which we ended up seeing nothing much as the shops are too dark. Ventilation was kinda bad when there is no aircon or fans from the shops.

Pit stop at Napat Closet & Cafe. Their food presentation is really impressive, from desserts to beverages, and displays, everything are done perfectly (very instagram worthy).

Pretty looking ice cream with lots of other ingredients!

Mini Pizza

I'm sure to go back for them some day

Spotted this place on instagram and got so attracted to their photos. Food that looks good makes me happy! :)

Napat Closet & Cafe

Address: Chaktuchak Weekend Market Section 2, Soi 40/2 R.232-242

Operating Hours: Only on weekends

Nearest Station: BTS Mo Chit

Direction: Locate on Chaktuchak map before walking there. It will be easier to find. 

Conquered Union Mall with H before going back Chatuchak again for the night market. Here is another popular place visited mainly by locals.

There is very minimum information on the internet about this place, but it is far more interesting than expected. The only reason that I might not want to go again is the insane crowd. We had a hard time navigating in that area cus I am totally unfamiliar. Thankfully, we still managed to find a decent restaurant to settle for dinner. :)

 

For a moment I thought I was having mookata, till I saw kimchi I conclude that it is Korean BBQ that I am having. My gawd. Haha. The meal was dirt cheap. If I didn't remember wrongly, we paid only $16-18SGD for so much food. The place is quite big so we did not cover the entire place. We were so tired and have lost our strength to squeeze with the crowd. Lol.

JJ Green Vintage Night Market

Address: 1 Kamphaeng Phet 3

Operating Hours: 6pm to 1am Thurs to Sun

Nearest Station: MRT Kamphaeng

Direction: Is located behind Jatujak Park. Cab recommended.

[4D3N Bangkok] GAAM Hotel, Pratunum, Chinatown & Saphan Phut Night Market

 

Last year, I had my stay in Budacco, a highly recommended hotel situated in pratunum area. I have to agree with my friends on their huge room and have a wonderful location for many street food day & night. However, I do not know how to appreciate the sink area along the corridor, outside the bathroom. It might just be the room I stay or all the room are the same? Let me know if you have a different encounter, cus I will not mind staying there again if the sink is in the bathroom. :)

This year, I saw a few relatively new boutique hotels with price comparable to Budacco's. After reading up on many reviews, I made the decision to have my stay with GAAM hotel. Price is slightly cheaper and location is around the vicinity. It might be a little dark at night, but still quite safe and if you need some supper just walk a little to pratunum market area. 

Just like how other travellers reviewed, I'm wow-ed by their service. Remember I mentioned having some hiccups before our trip? I booked the hotel through Agoda, and they have a strict policy of no cancellation or change of dates. I was so worried that I contacted GAAM hotel directly and asked if they can allow me to push forward my dates (after knowing that they still have rooms on the night I want). However, staff from GAAM hotel advise me to contact Agoda instead, since I made my booking with them. :( Long story short, Agoda managed to push my dates forward after discussing with the hotel, at no additional charge. Phew, I was really thankful for the things they have done. :')

We chose the Galaxy King bed at 22sq. m., one of the biggest room they have. The room was still small but cozy which I feel is really enough for 2, if you are there for shopping and a good sleep. Their room comes with 3-pin socket so you no need travel adapter and they also have USB charging (which means you do not even need your plug!)! I like how thoughtful they are, especially when nowadays electronic devices are so important to everyone of us. I forgot to take a picture of their bathroom, but trust me, it's exactly what you see on their website. I also love the hotel theme and their concept of platform beds. Thumbs up GAAM hotel! 

7eleven and massage parlours are all a stone throw away. They have limited rooms, so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!

Breakfast is not provided by the hotel, but c'mon, I love Bangkok's street food! There are a few stalls selling noodles and toast right outside the hotel. We managed to get our cha yen (milk tea) and cha khiao (green milk tea) caffeine fix every morning!

I wanted to wake up for pratunum morning market, which I ended up giving in to my bed. We went out only at 10am to try our luck and at the same time have breakfast. Our friend introduced us this pork porridge last year and porridge standard was still as good.

Right below the "blue house" signboard

 

The stall is located along the stretch of road from Budacco. Exact address should be around Phetchaburi 15 Alley.

Just a few stalls down, I saw this snack which I always want to try.

This should be called Khanom Jark? (Correct me if I am wrong)

Glutinous rice with yam and red bean(I think?)

Headed back to our hotel empty handed but good food in the tummy. Heh. Snooze a little more before we start our day at Platinum Mall.

We first had lunch at the foodcourt in Platinum Mall and slowly comb the entire place.

Top: Pig Trotter w Rice
Bottom: Duck Noodles

Platinum is as crowded as usual. But, if you shop fast enough, covering the entire place in a day is not that tough. Just remember the signs above which tells you the section and soi, so you can always locate back the shop you want! Clothes are no longer that cheap but you pay slightly more for quality!

Next stop, seafood at T.K in Chinatown.

Chinatown is still one of the hot spot for tourist. Roads are very busy at night and queuing for seats is a norm. However, this was one of the most disappointing meal we had for the entire trip. :( I regretted not going to Central World for my favourite salted fish!

Tuk tuk to a local night market at Saphan Phut.

Taking a slow walk down the stretch of road, looking at how local runs their business at a night market. You might not find the best kind of fashion there but definitely an eye opener for me and H. You can cut your hair at 100Baht (S$4), get a new set of bands (colourful) for your braces in any of the stalls or even getting a tattoo! Not our kind of place for shopping but stuff there are relatively cheap. Go only if you want such an experience and have time to spare.

After shopping at Siam Night Market, we finish off with a foot massage! People at iSabai was friendly and so we went back for massage every night.

Must have supper! Banana Chocolate Prata!

Day 2 comes to an end earlier as we recharge for Chatuchak the next day.

[4D3N Bangkok] P'Aor Tom Yum Noodle, EmQuartier & Purr Cat Cafe

We were faced with some hiccups one week before our trip (jinx or what tskk!), from the changing of dates to the additional amount we need to fork out. Who the hell spends 1K for staying in a boutique hotel and travelling on a low cost carrier to Bangkok?! Nonetheless, lesson learnt, I'm glad that we still managed to make it happen. :)

The itinerary was pretty much relax for the first day as I foresee the both of us being so tired from the early morning flight. After leaving our luggage in the hotel, we travelled to a nearby eatery for lunch. P'Aor Tom Yum Gong Noodle was dabomz! Happen to chance upon them while doing some research on where to eat in Bangkok. Apparently, P'Aor is very popular among the locals, especially on weekends and during lunch time. 

If you have seen a Facebook post on this huge bowl of lobster noodle at Talad Rot Fai Night Market, we are not talking about the same thing. Being so widely shared on the social media, I assume it will be very crowded, especially if it is a new hype there. As I did not set aside enough time for a visit, P'Aor was a perfect option after considering the distance.

Other than lobster, you can also find salmon, eggs, small crabs, squid, clams and Thai rice noodles in this huge bowl of Tom Yum! Their "smallest" portion at 1200Baht (approx. S$50) is just right for sharing among 2 and offer a wide variety of dishes on their Thai-language menu. As much as I want to order more, I think the Tom Yum noodle is more than enough for the both of us. I also noticed only tourist order their lobster Tom Yum Noodles which I conclude that any other item in their menu should be good too. I'm sure to visit them the next time I go Bangkok!

The stall does not have any distinct signboard

You really have to look out for it and the "model" poster outside.

If you are going there by tuktuk or cab, be sure to show them the address instead of just telling them the noodle place. They might just bring you to SabSab Wanton Mee.
 

P'Aor (Pee Aor) Tom Yum Goong Noodles 

Address: 68/51, Soi Phetchaburi Soi 5

68/51 ซอยเพชรบุรี 5 ถนนเพชรบุรี แขวงทุ่งพญาไท เขตราชเทวี กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400, Thailand

Operating Hours: 10am to 9pm

Nearest Station: BTS Ratchathewi 

Direction: Take exit #3 from BTS and walk about 15minutes. Tuktuk or a cab will be more convenient, especially when you are around pratunum/ platinum mall. They might drop you at the entrance of the road, so take a short distance walk into the Soi. Google map will be very useful!

The weather is so humid, but what's new right? The next stop after going to the tailor, we explored The EmQuartier a rather new mall next to BTS Phrom Phong. This mall is quite similar to SIAM Paragon or Central World with even more big brands and nice cafes. It is definitely a place for the rich in Thailand.

I have been eyeing at this mall for the longest, not because of all the branded but 3CE!! Hell yes, 3CE is in Bangkok EmQuartier, also the only store closest to SG. Not only that, 3CE in Bangkok got almost everything in terms of stocks. So happy that I managed to get everything I want! Price after the exchange rate is still slightly cheaper than their online webstore.

Mandatory tourist shot!

I saw Croissant Taiyaki on instagram and learn that it's quite a famous snack in Bangkok too. Since there's one at EmQuartier I intend to give it a shot. We saw a huge crowd standing around the stall waiting even before the queue. My first reaction was, wow, really that pops? I joined the queue like many others and waited patiently. I always like open concept when you can see how the food is prepared.
 

Its not that cheap for snacks in BKK

In the making of cold custard flavour

We queued for about 10minutes and bought ONE when everyone else infront purchase in boxes or a minimum of 3. I regret not buying more cus the cold custard flavour is so delish! Even H who is not a fan of sweet stuff thinks it's good. Croissant Tayaki is crispy on the outside like a many thin layers of flattened puff skin, stuffed with cold custard that melts in your mouth. So Good! *Video on my instagram*

The EmQuartier

Address: Sukhumvit 35, Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm Daily

Nearest Station: BTS Phrom Phong

Direction:Is located right next to the BTS, opposite Emporium

Cafes are getting more and more popular in recent years, so is a cat or dog cafe. Last year when I was in Bangkok, I did not manage to squeeze time for R&R. I include this in my itinerary this time, especially when me and H both like cats. Heh. Took the BTS again since it's only one stop away.

Sign to Purr Cat Cafe

 

Purr Cat Cafe is located along the road on the left in one of the houses. Like many other cat cafes, hygiene is their top priority. You will need to change a pair of slippers provided by them and get your hand wash before you enter. Entrance is at 200Baht per person unless you order their set menu that comes along with a choice of drink and dessert. There is also no limit to how long you want to stay in their cafe! Compared to the one I went in SG, an entrance fee is determined by the hours of stay and cafe food is charged separately.

Cats there live a very good life which explains their most of the time "like a boss" face. They do not really like cuddling or too much stroking, unlike the one I went in SG where some of the cats will not mind. To get all of them come closer to you, Purr Cat Cafe sells milk for the cat.

A few of them come over to snatch a sip but the poor cat on top right did not manage to get any. So sad.

See how the cat sleeps. HAHA!

The cat that resembles a tiger. My gawd.

 

Food there is quite ok but on the sweeter side. Not sure if we were both tired so everything taste sweet or if it is really sweet. A very nice place to chill out but we got so sleepy after awhile.

Purr Cat Cafe

Address: Sukhumvit 35, Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm Daily

Nearest Station: BTS Thong Lor

Direction: Exit 1, look backward for Sukhumvit 53 and turn right. Walk all the way in and you should locate them on the left side of the road

Headed back to check-in and rest abit before an impromptu dinner date! Our friends picked us up at the hotel and to somewhere slightly off the city for local food. I have no idea where we were brought to and is not very convenient unless you take a cab. All I can say is, it was a nice experience off the city, dining with many other locals around. :)

Ended our day at about 3am feeling all so tired even after taking a nap before we head out for dinner. I did not even go for a good massage to end my day (its on my daily checklist whenever I'm in Thailand). I will share more of my hotel in the next post. :)