Monday, November 25, 2013

Thailand - Bangkok & ChiangMai

Needed a break badly and finally a good 8 day vacation put together with the help of google, agoda, airasia and nokair. This is my itinerary:

Note that Nov 16 - 18 is Loy Krathong festival in Bangkok and Nov 22 is Yi Peng festival in ChiangMai

Day 1: Arrived and checked in at Mandarin Hotel, Rama IV, an average clean and good hotel with affordable price, in quiet area near Chao Pharaya river within walking distance to Sam Yan MRT. Taxi is also available. Walking distance to Patpong street, many local street food - Try the Spicy rice noodle soup, pad thai & local fruits.

Day 2: Tried the brunch at Raintree cafĂ©, Plaza Athenee, Wireless road, if you are looking for international buffet for breakfast, this is a place to go. Next, MRT to Chatuchak Market, this is weekend market where you can find literally anything at cheap price, you need to bargain though.

 



Loy Krathong Festival at Wat Saket Golden Mountain. Nov 17, 2013


 

Day 3: Traditional Thai food for lunch at Mallika, 21/36 Th Rang Nam (subway Victory Monument exit 2). A small restaurant offering tasty original thai food at average price. Stop by a good massage center nearby, RangNam, for thai massage. Next destination is shopping at MBK, Pratunam. Shop for thai mangoes, thai peppermint oil, souvenirs, local fresh fruits.  Dinner at 5th floor, wonderful thai food, Yum saap.
 

 
 
Day 4: Rent a car to go to Damnoen Floating Market, coconut sugar factory, tiger zoo and crocodile farm. A bit pricy but worth the trip.
 
 

 
Day 5: Brunch Pork Noodle Soup at Chinatown. More fresh fruits at Chinatown. Temple hopping - Wat Pho and Grand Palace. Depart for Chiang Mai.
 
 
 
Day 6: Tried San Pareni Hotel, quite an impression. It's like living in a dreamland. Definitely recommended. Loved the brunch there. Walk around Nimmanhaemin shops and cafes. Lunch at Tong Tem Toh, 11 Nimmanhemin Soi 13. Teatime at one of the lovely cafes.
 
 
 
 
Day 7: Rent a car to Doi Suthep, Bhu Bhin palace, and Doi Phui Hmong village. Continue to Promenada and eat at basement Fresh@Prom - original and cheap. Try Khao Soi and the papaya salad vermicelli. Take the red car to Night bazaar, Anusarn market and swing by to watch cabaret show, full of ladyboys with make up and feathers. The show is fun and hilarious. You need to spend 200 Baht for drinks or entrance (either one).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Day 8: Warorot market & Tom Lamyao for fresh local fruits and flowers. Taxi to Tudongkhasathan for Yee Peng festival.
 
 
 
 
Day 9: Home