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THE DAWN FLIGHT
As usual to maximise time for travel and photo opportunities, the journey to LCCT is always at dawn and it usually provides an opportunity to get a snap shot of the sunrise and a cup of coffee at Old Town Coffee leaving space for some more bite with the inflight service. As LCCT rules forbids photography when boarding, the next best opportunity is when you are airborned. A pre-booked window seat facing eastwards offered the opportunity to catch the sunrise and a chance to snap views of the land below.
Views of padi fields on approaching Bangkok.
BANGKOK - DAY 1 - Arival & Check In
A long walk to the main airport terminal was interestingly refreshing in the morning. It gets you excited about arriving into Bangkok. The difference between arriving at KLIA and Suvarnabhumi Airport (both great legacies of Ex-Prime Ministers Mahathir and Thaksin)is the crowd at the immigration. Those at Suvarnabhumi looked like they are going to collect their luggages while those at KLIA looks like they are going into transit. I could now understand why it's easier to get out of KLIA.
An early lunch beckoned after luggaging out and we were spoilt for choice local and international at Suvarnabhumi. Leaving the local tastes for later, lunch was Japanese at Kin Ramen on the first floor. For RM 57.00 we got a fantastic Kin Ramen, Saba Fish Steak and green tea.
While you always have to have a pre-booked flight, you can opt to choose your preferred budget hotel upon arrival, that is, if you know what you want and if you are not in a hurry. It's easy to book your preferred hotel and at the first counter, Great Bangkok Travel Co. Ltd., we decided on the recommended Swan Hotel which fits our budget and our preference to be near the Great Chao Phraya River.
At RM 130.00 per night with breakfast and located at Soi Charoen Krung 36, Off Charoen Krung Rd. and neighbour to the French Embassy and the Haroon Mosque, Swan is a short walk from a busy pier where you can freely shoot great snaps of people embarking and disembarking from the many river ferries. It is a 15 minutes pedestrian-pace walk to the Saphan Taksin SkyTrain Station. There are 2 skytrain lines - the Silom Line starts from Saphan Taksin and connects to the Sukhamvit Line at Silom.
Next we booked an early morning canal cruise (Khlong Tour by Long Tail Boat)for RM 15.00 per person. A guide by the name of Ms. Goy will meet us at Swan the next morning.
MEETING AT ELECTROLUX THAILAND
Just as easy (and without having to face touts like KLIA) getting a taxi was a breeze. The taxi ride via the Bangkok Expressway was smooth, the driver however was not fluent in English. The only snag was stopping 300m past the Electrolux building at New Petchaburi Road.
REST OF THE DAY
1. A coffee break at an Italian cafe after the meeting was in order. We were served by Filipino waitress and the owner, a Harley fan, flagged a taxi for us to Swan. Such great service!
2. It was nearing 6.00pm and the taxi ride got us into a jam on a part of the expressway which provided an opportunity to snap more views of the Bangkok city skyline.
3. Checking into Swan was a breeze as was the reservation for the Wan Fah riverboat dinner (RM 130.00 per person inclusive of set dinner of either Thai or SeaFood).
At 8.00pm, most shops around Swan was closed and a tut-tut ride for RM 2.00 took us through the back lanes to a seafood restaurant with lots of farangs. A tom yam kung, snapper fish and spinach cost RM 60.00.
Back at the hotel, the free WiFi was available from our room.
BANGKOK - DAY 2 - EXPLORAQUEST - KHLONG TOUR BY LONG TAIL BOAT
Breakfast was cool by the poolside and punctually, Ms. Goy and the driver / van pick up arrived at 8.00am
It was a 20 minutues ride to a Phra Pin Klao pier where we boarded the long tail boat with about 20 other tourists. We sat at the back with the guides so that we could take pictures along the journey. At the pier, Goy told briefed us that there are 3 different routes. The one we are on takes us from Phra Pin Klao to the Thonburi Snake Farm and back. It will be for 2 hours all in all.
View of Wat Arun Wat
Entrance to smaller canal.
Smaller canal with rural settings.
An interesting fish feeding activity near the entrance to the small canal.
Arriving at Thonburi Snake Farm.
Favourite snake show stunt.
Local coconut ice cream seller at snake farm.
Striking back view of tall Budhha Statue.
So, what's so interesting about the canal cruise?
Overall, it was practically the best way to get to see the old Bangkok via the myriad of canals, Venice style so to say. The photo options are there and it would be better to take a private boat so that you could stop at more places.
MID MORNING BREAK
It was blue skies and great clouds. Our next destination was the Grand Palace. Hunger beckons and it was time the first makan-makan break again as usual on trips like these and Goy took us to a noodle shop opposite the entrance of the Grand Palace.
Our insistence to sample food at small shops made Goy wonder as most of her past clients have opted for more famous spots and menus. We explained that it was more fun for us this way as we were more inclined to be facinated by the very local stuff and the local people on the streets.
The noodle shop was a good pick as there was a row of souvenir shops, colourful and shiny tut tuts on the roadsides and tour buses on the other giving our break a lively mid morning scene scene of the area.
GRAND PALACE & THE TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BHUDDA
While you can tour the Grand Palace on your own, it would be good get a local guide (if you are going for the very first time)to give a running commentary on the myriads of architecture abode and the old history behind them. A trip with a guide would cost RM 100.00 per person which usually includes private van pick up and tour guide and usually goes for a half day duration. On top of the cost for the guide and transport, you will also have to pay an entrance fee of RM 35.00 each.
As we found out on this trip, for serious photograph and serious sight-see, even the whole day may not be enough as the buildings are numerous and grandouis with so much of details to explore.
Here are some grand sights inside -
Note: Every organised tour comes with a shopping opportunity to fixed sites such as shopping for precious stones (SJ International) and suits (James Tailor).
MASSAGE AT RANGNAM SPA AND MASSAGE
As typical as it can be, you cannot go to anywhere in Thailand without getting massaged. Goy recommended Rangnam and convincingly said that trained and certified masseurs are important for correct massage techniques. She added that they may charge more than others but she guarentees one will get relief other than fun.
Rangnam Spa and Massage is located at Rangnam Road.
DINNER ON THE WAN FAH
Pick up was as again punctual with a driver and a brand new Toyota van with high roof, in keeping with tradition of the great hospitality and provision of the best for visitors to Thailand.
A 10 minute ride got us to RiverCity Pier. 2 traditionally dressed receptionist provided the customary orchid-flower-pinned-on-your-shirt welcome and will pose with you for a souvenir photo take.
Within minutes you will board the Wan Fah and when all booked guest arrived, the journey begins. Here are some scenes on the journey -
The pier to board the Wan Fah.
View of the river from the pier.
The Wan Fah.
A scene along the journey.
After dinner traditional dance show.
What's so special about the Wan Fah?
Invariably, the Wan Fah is not the only dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya. There are others on more modern ships that offers modern music and traditional dances. However, the Wan Fah has the novelty effect. It was something our friend Kevin excitedly recommended with spontaneity.
BANGKOK - DAY 3 - EXPLORAQUEST DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET
A half day trip out of Bangkok is not recommended as there really is a lot to explore. At best a full day is recommended even only for the floating market as there much to explore in and around it.
For photography, much is written about going there and starting just at dawn when the people get ready for business at the floating market. In this case it would be better to lodge at a nearby hotel.
GREAT SITES ALONG THE WAY TO DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET
There are 2 spots on the way that are of great photo interest -
1. NATURAL SEA SALT FIELDS OF SAMUT SAKHORN
Check this one out - NATURAL SEA SALT! Nicely packed fine and rough salt is displayed and sold by the road side. Beyond the road, you can see the vast salt fields and if lucky you could could see the whites of the salt and at other times, you could see how they work the fields. RM 2.00 for 12 small packets of 80gm each!! Here are some scenes -
2. 8.45AM TRAIN THAT PASS THROUGH A MARKET!!!!
The way the market makes way for the train to pass and reset after the train passes is something out of this world. Without fail, this scene happens for less than 5 minutes - a great photo shoot opportunity!! Here are some proofs -
DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET
Here are some shots -
-END-
WHEN'S OUR NEXT TRIP?
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