Sunday, July 31, 2016

Day 3 - Bangkok trip (Platinum Mall, Cabbages & Condoms (C&C) & Chatuchak market)

We were all re-charged and geared up for Day 3 trip! It was a plan-free day and we would like to take our own sweet time to shop, eat and ENJOY. Yes, it’s afterall a relaxing and happy trip!~ As Bangkok is well-known to be a shopping paradise and since we did not shopped much on Day 2, we decided to go full force by looking for the best bargains in Platinum Mall by day and Chatuchak market at night. Too bad we missed Pratunam this time round due to insufficient time. We will cover the area next time round!

Top view from Petchburi road ^.^v


There’s even a shrine at the area _/\_


Along our way, we’ve passed by Isetan outlet near the mall and there’s some hawker stalls selling some street food. We took our first bite on the yummy-licious mango sticky rice. The cooked rice mixed with the fragrant coconut milk is the perfect combo combined with the fresh mango. An authentic-tasting Thai dessert (With some sugar rush) to energise us early in the morning*^^*Amongst other stalls such as Rambutan shop, bbq pork stall etc.



We’ve also discovered some food trucks nearby the mall.


Pardon my excitement upon discovering the popular mall O.o


We started off our day in the brightly air-conditioned of Platinum Fashion Mall, just across Petchburi road. Most shops open at 11am here and mainly you’ll find women’s clothing and fashion accessories which is spread across 6 floors. The fashion here is pretty updated and as it’s a wholesale mall; you’ll find large number of shoppers trolling their huge trolley bags stuffed with clothes, shoes, bags around the mall.

You can get your loots here for a reasonable price but that does not dismiss the fact that you can’t bargain here *hehe* Ohwell, you’ll have a better bargaining power if you buy in bulk, usually three items and above. Say, I was bargaining for an Issey Miyake look-a-like bags and managed to get 2 bags for Baht 1300 which is 200 Baht cheaper (About 10% off the original price). If you get 3 items and above, you’ll probably save up to 30% per se item. Logically-speaking, it’s definitely more value if you buy more provided that some shops allow you to mix-and-match different types of items. 


After 3-4 hours of shopping, we’ve decided to settle down for a late lunch. We were looking for the ever-famous chicken rice shop around Pratunam area; Kaiton Pratunam Chicken Rice. 

                                      

Too bad the shop was closed, we searched for other nearby chicken rice shop and found Kuang Heng chicken rice. And so, we waited for awhile before we were seated. The humble shop exudes kind of 90’s settings; unpretentious place with real food. We quickly ordered the highly recommended plates of chicken rice and some other dishes such as chicken blood tofu and sea cucumber lookalike dish. 


Fyi, chicken rice in Thai is called “khao man kai”. We were delighted when our plates of fragrant chicken rice arrived. The chicken is juicy and tender (Don’t expect roasted chicken rice is served here) which comes with appetizing dipping sauce; a mixture of chilli, sweet sauce and garlic. The chicken broth compliments the meal to-a-tee.

In no particular order, here’s a picture of my cup of tea #^.^#


Our meal costs a decent Baht 370 for 3 plates of chicken rice and 3 plates of side dishes. Definitely worth every penny and calories as well (´`)

With nothing much to do, we headed back to the mall to explore further. At night, hubby promised to bring us to a fancy restaurant. I was quite thrilled as for the past two days, we didn’t have time to try out some unique and exotic restaurants. To my surprise, we were brought to one of the most unique restaurants in Bangkok: Cabbages & Condoms (C&C); a condom-themed restaurant. Upon entering the place, you’ll find some statues made from condoms and adorned lightings and walls decorated using condoms as well. The place exudes kind of funny vibes which will give you goosebumps!



The mastermind behind this non-profit organisation is Mechai Viravaidya, who is also dubbed the Condom King. They even sold a bibliography book of his background and his relentless dedication towards AIDS/HIV prevention.

A manifestation of art or fashion? 


Nevertheless, we had a light-hearted time giggling away and admiring the mannequins.

They had both al-fresco dining area and indoor restaurant. We prefer to tuck in the indoor area due to many mosquitoes at the outside area. 


Various “condom-inspired” devices cum deco & family planning posters were on display. Even, the table was creatively decorated as well.  



Their menu offers authentic Thai food and do keep alookout on their slogan if you happen to visit the restaurant! *Guarantee chuckles* We ordered simple Thai food that night such as steamed sea bass, Thai fish cake, pandan leaves chicken etc. 


Overall, we were satisfied with our dinner and was more impressed with the ambience of the restaurant. Truly salute the passion and effort the owner has put in to make the public view family-planning in a different angle. Afterall, food has made it much easier for people to understand. Aside from that, no doubts, we loved the colourful, intriguing and eccentric ambience. Enjoy!


Goosebumps again!~


Before we called off the day, we went to Chatuchak night market (Also known as Jatujak or JJ Market) to look out for some knick-knacks as souveniers and street food as supper to munch on. To our disappointment, most of the street food stalls were closed so we’d just walked along the stretch of stalls which mainly sell clothes. The market was so huge that they even divided it into various sections which stretch up to 20 sections with different type of items sold for each section. Mind you, the best time to reach JJ Market is in the morning as I presumed most of the clothes or eateries stalls are open.


That's all for a tiring but happy Day-3 expedition ! ^.^v

XOXO
sassycat


Sunday, July 10, 2016

Day 2 - Bangkok trip (Jim Thompson house, Siam Square, Siam Center & Route 66)

On Day 2, we’ve planned our itinerary on sightseeing first before embarking on shopping & dining activities. I’m so glad Chelle introduced us to Jim Thompson’s (JT) house. Having visited Wat Pho on Day 1, this is a great place for people to learn more of Thai cultural with mix of history, mystery and luxury. Surprisingly, the entrance fees is just as affordable; 150 Baht (About RM18/ticket). Really worth it! Especially, if you would like to explore on a well-preserved traditional wooden Thai houses along with Thai art and antiques.



Completed in 1959, the house (Now a museum) used to be a dream home to the legendary “Thai Silk King”; an American expatriate. JT was recognised for his exceptional contribution to the Thai Silk industry by turning them into a global business. Being a former architect, the wooden house was refurbished and connects six traditional Thai-style building made from teak wooden house. They were sourced from various sites in Thailand and reassembled on site by JT himself. Once you’ve stepped in the house, you’ll be amazed by the intricacy of the design and the home was filled with antiques and art (In fact, every nook and corner!) brought in from different parts of the world. A rich merchant indeed! $.$ A photo of us at the so-called "Chatuchak":-


Sadly, in 1967, JT disappeared mysteriously while holidaying in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Apparently, he was missing when exploring the jungle during daytime. Rumour has it that he’s the precursor to CIA and the story unfolds. Until today, no one knows what happened to him. But, one thing for sure, his legend lives on!



We were greeted by the sight of two pretty Thai ladies in their traditional costume were demonstrating silk weaving. Too bad we missed the graceful Thai dancing. Few nice lotus flowers in the house.

                                         
We, then, signed up for a 45-minute tour with a soft-spoken guide who brought us to tour around the compound of the houses while showing to us JT’s collection of arts and antiques. The design of the staircases and doors are raised on stilts and is open-concept to allow natural ventilation and circulation, a novel way of traditional Thai houses. The hand-carved teak structure combines with cool feel of the marble floor is the perfect juxtaposition of traditional meets with modernity. 




The antique collection which includes ceramic (Blue-and-white porcelain from China, Benjarong ware), sculpture and paintings were preserved for visual delights.



Near the ticket counter, there’s a pond with some fishes in it. It’s a tranquil oasis for us to stroll around. Nearby there’s a gift shop bearing JT’s products which is made from printed and woven Thai silk but we didn’t purchase any as the price is slightly on the steep side.


After sightseeing, here comes the exciting part: Shopping! Before that, here’s a picture of Bangkok Art & Culture Center:-

We stopped for a fast lunch nearby Siam Square. Lunch @Inter Restaurant. The price here is very reasonable. Our 5 dishes only cost 710 Baht (About RM85). Loving their “Som Tum” and their grilled pork neck was among one of my favourite dishes. The green curry was yummy too. We felt local when dining in this restaurant. Hopefully, the place remains humble just the way it is and we’ll definitely pay a visit to this restaurant next time! But, here are some of photos along our way!




          
                                    



With nothing much to do, we then head to Siam Square, a shopping haven for ladies and especially to students. It’s popular place to hang around for students due to the cheaper price and the fashion which suits young ladies & guys. It’s also a paradise for picking up gifts. Oh well, since I missed out Hello Kitty café, here’s a photo of me posing in front of the Khao Manee cat instead. It’s the Thai version of the Japanese Maneki-neko cat ^.^v




Siam Square kinda reminds me of Wu Fen Pu in Taiwan, a wholesalers’ district jam-packed with heaps of clothes. But too bad, I did not get many stuffs here… Just some cosmetics at Beautrium & NYX and afew accessories at the street later.

Along the way, we’ve spotted some colourful advertisement for the milkshake (Quite interesting huh?) but we did not try and settled for a simple Holly’s cafe. Tried their sweet potato latte. Too sweet for my liking eh? But, no worries, selfie first!


Local shops at Siam Square. Trendy clothes ranging from cutsie tops to hippy fashion, the hundreds of shops cater for all! (*^^*



We stopped awhile later for an afternoon tea (Hi-tea like a tai tai but with very reasonable price). Tried our tastebud on the Amor Bangkok Bakery Café cakes. I ordered Strawberry cake (My usual choice) while Chelle preferred a local flavour; Pandan coconut cake *yummy* Tried a spoon and the taste of Pandan and coconut cake just oozed into my mouth and lingered for awhile *unforgettable* 

It rained cats and dogs that evening and I thought to look for an umbrella in one of the licensed merchandise shops at Siam Square. To my surprise, the cheapest umbrella (Coincidentally, it’s Hello Kitty) costs a whopping 850 Baht (About RM100). No wonder Chelle dashed out from the shop faster than me. Ohwell, we were lucky to find a covered walkway which connects Siam Square to Siam Center (How thoughtful!).

                                                         
In contrast to Siam Square, Siam Center is more high-class-ish shopping place with many high-end boutiques in the central of Bangkok. With the cutting-edge, unusual design, they are aiming with young and hip with its largest Forever 21 in Thailand, Steve Madden shoes, Nike, Accessorize, SuperDry, Levis etc. One boutique, however, captured my attention as it was bustling with crowd. It was their local designer brand, Lyn Around, selling alot of dreamy dresses with whimsical touch. A girly-whirly kinda dress. Most importantly, they were having members sale that day. I was trying my luck by picking up afew blouses and queued up to see if I got the chance to enjoy the same privilege and Whooila! The sales assistants were kind enough to allow me with the same discounts upon borrowing the member card from the person who was queuing behind me. What a lucky day! A great steal at just 850 Baht (About RM100/blouse). My shopping haul photos on my last entry ya’ 



I’ve also managed to find Sephora to look for my usual Fresh Soy eye-makeup remover and they asked if I wanted to be charged in home currency. I preferred to be charged in Baht as apparently, it will be cheaper to be charged in THB (But, anyhow, it still depends to the bank conversion charges). The top floor of Siam Center servers alot of eateries and we took our chance to relinquish our hunger pang by having our dinner at Som Tam Nua; dubbed the Urban Eateries of Bangkok. It’s popular with Bangkok’s young and the interior is as eclectic. It’s our first time trying on northeastern Thai cuisine; not too bad for our liking as the taste is unique and again! We ordered Som Tam (Papaya Salad) and their fried chicken was equally amazing; Crispy on the outside and juicy in the inside. Overall, Siam Center is the mall to look for designers clothing, cool hangouts and quirky art to keep a fashionistas happy and glad that the malls are connected to each other yet iconic at the same time. 




At the end of the day, we took Uber back to our Air BnB before embarking to night life in Bangkok. We changed into new attire and googled for recommended clubs in Bangkok and the review for Route 66 (RCA) was rather good so we decided to head off to that club. Entrance fees was only 300 Baht (About RM35) worth of drinks, so, basically the entrance fees is free as you’ll get for a free drink in exchange. I’d prefer the live band at The Novel (Live Band) as it was more lively with great live band performances and eye-candy male singers as well #^.^# Me and Chelle sneaked into The Classic (House/Techno) and The Level (R&B) as well but we found it to be squeezy and super crowded with a lot of “lalas” so we ended back to The Novel. There was alot of good-looking Korean boys though #^.^# 







That's all for a super tiring Day 2 (´`)**



XOXO
sassycat