My next trip would probably be for Songkran, but let's see how things turn out in the next couple of months.
This was also my first time flying to Bangkok alone and my first attempt in taking Thai Airways. I booked my flight tickets about 8 weeks prior to departure, at RM400.00, return. There were no ongoing airline promotions so it was definitely a bargain. Throughout my 6D5N endeavour, I stayed at my friend's place, in Sathorn.
By way of things, my bucket list to travel solo for at least once in my lifetime, have yet to be fulfilled. Flying to a familiar place and spending a day or two alone, is not considered travelling solo. I shall put more thought into my travelling plans this year.
On the 29th of December 2016, I departed from KLIA, at 1.05pm.
Considering that it was peak travelling season, the process of getting my passport stamped and my luggage collected, was unexpectedly fast. I was out within 45minutes to an hour. Don Muang International Airport (Air Asia flights land here) usually takes way longer. It's a smaller airport afterall.
At this age and technology, it is simply impossible to travel without... mobile data - at least it is for me. Immediately upon exiting the arrival gates, I got myself a 7-day Tourist Sim, from Truemove, at THB299. I have to point out that my data speed was horrible however, though plain whatsapping was fine.
Since the convenient start of UBER and GRAB, I have always travelled via that mode of transport in Bangkok and rarely on BTS anymore. My UBER ride from Suvarnabhumi to Silom costs THB375, paid in cash. Taking the airport taxi would probably cost the same, but there's always a queue.
My UBER driver for that afternoon had an a-m-a-z-i-n-g passenger radar. Admist the crowd of travellers gathered at the arrival hall, he spotted and asked me, "Are you Sharon?". I was a-m-a-z-e-b-a-l-l-s. Was my single female traveller vibe that strong? Or was he busy peeping at everyone's phone?
Anyhow, it was a smooth 30 to 45-min ride to my friend's. I walked to Rocket Coffeebar (Sathorn) for coffee after that. (In my previous trip, I visited Rocket X 72 (Thonglor). Read about it Here.)
Rocket S.12
147 Soi Sathon 12, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
Monday to Sunday 7am - 8pm.
Not long after that, I was joined by my friend for dinner.
My first proper meal in Bangkok was at Supanigga Eating Room (what a name!), a contemporary Thai restaurant defined in a cozy arrangement, just up the road from where I stayed. Me and my friend shared a serving of Tom Yum Goong (THB220) and Fried Omelet with Crab Meat (THB140). Both were teriffic... it felt like a great start to my food adventure already.
Supanniga Eating Room
28 Soi Sathron 10 Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
+66 2 635 0349
Monday to Sunday 11.30am-2.30pm. 5.30pm-11pm.
Monday to Sunday 11.30am-2.30pm. 5.30pm-11pm.
Over dinner, I had a marvelous time catching up with my friend, whom I've known since my college days. She works in Bangkok now. It was also my first time travelling with her... there were so much excitement! I hope I was a decent travel companion throughout my stay.
After dinner, I visited the newly opened (since Dec 2016) Neon Night Market (Talad Neon), in Pratunam. Online reviews told me that there's a free shuttle to and from Platinum Shopping Mall. I didn't take it.
To be honest, there weren't much to see and do here. The star of the attraction would probably the litted neon trees at the entrance. My favorite night market would still be the Siam Square Night Market, which I've been sadly told have ceased operations since last year.
For the whole of the next day, I ventured out with another friend of mine, who was also temporarily based in Bangkok. I think... the last time we actually hungout together was during our zoukout trip in Singapore. That... felt like a ages ago. We had so much fun cafe-hopping that day!
To kickstart my food adventure, first, I dropped by Casa Lapin X 26 (Thonglor) for a wake-me-up. Just a shot of Espresso (THB70) to be exact. This cafe would make the perfect sanctuary for instagram addicts. There's always something to photograph in every corner of the cafe.
Casa Lapin X 26
51 Sukhumvit 26 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
+66 2 000 5546
Monday to Sunday 7.30am-10pm.
I decided to do a short detour into Emquartier Shopping Mall, on the lookout for BAKE, the one and only cheese tart franchise that have yet to set foot in Malaysian shores.
After what seemed like a neverending spree of going up and down numerous flights of escalators, I finally arrived at BAKE and got myself a Cheese Tart (THB85). It was quite good, though I felt that it wasn't as pleasing as the ones I've had in Tokyo Secret.
After what seemed like a neverending spree of going up and down numerous flights of escalators, I finally arrived at BAKE and got myself a Cheese Tart (THB85). It was quite good, though I felt that it wasn't as pleasing as the ones I've had in Tokyo Secret.
BAKE Cheese Tart Bangkok
GF, The Waterfall Quartier, The EmQuartier Shopping Complex, 693 Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana Bangkok
Monday to Sunday 10am-10pm.
*There is another outlet in Central World*
Monday to Sunday 10am-10pm.
*There is another outlet in Central World*
Despite the uninteresting detour, I made my way to Karmakamet Diner, situated behind Emporium Shopping Mall.
Don't be mistaken, there are two Karmakamet outlets, Karakamet Diner (Sukhumvit) and Karmakamet Secret World (Central World). The former is obviously more popular among the tourists. Tip: Request for a table outside. It's much faster and yes - there's a waiting list.
The compulsary order? Strawberry In The Cloud (THB390). A sweet strawberry shortcake, ice cream and rainbow cotton candy experience.
Karmakamet Diner
Metheenivet, Klongton, Klongtoey, 30 Soi 1, Khwaeng Ram Inthra, Khet Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230 Thailand
+66 2 262 0700
Monday to Sunday 10am-11.30pm.
+66 2 262 0700
Monday to Sunday 10am-11.30pm.
After all of those sweet things, I was seriously craving for something savory and substantial.
At Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe (Silom), I ordered the Smoked Salmon Grilled Panini Sandwich (THB240), whereas my friend had the Bacon & Garlic Pasta (THB220), Garlic & Mushroom Sourdough Bruschetta (THB100), and we both shared a Peanut Butter Lava dessert (THB240) - must have. Yes... we were extremely famished.
Plus, my friend got a 50% dining deal from EatIGo Thailand, a restaurant reservation platform that offers food promotion. My meal was worth every half-penny.
Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe
Soi Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra 3, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500 Thailand
+66 2 636 8685
Monday to Sunday 8.30am-9pm.
+66 2 636 8685
Monday to Sunday 8.30am-9pm.
That evening, I dropped by Maggie Choo (Silom), an oriental themed speakeasy bar, located at Novotel Hotel. Throughout the evening, there were live band performances but the crowd favorite would probably be the one that was inspired by fifty shades of grey. I shall not elaborate further.
Being there early, I also took advantage of the Happy Hour promotion, and only paid about THB150 per cocktail. Usual prices are double that. I'd highly recommend dropping by.
Maggie Choo
320 Silom Road, Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500 Thailand
+66 91 772 2144
Monday to Sunday 7.30pm-2am.
+66 91 772 2144
Monday to Sunday 7.30pm-2am.
I then took a short ride to one of the most popular rooftop bars in Bangkok, the Vertigo & Moon Bar, at Banyan Tree Hotel, for more drinks. There're essentially two storeys to the bar - an outdoor rooftop bar that spans 360' view of the cityscape, and a jazz bar, downstairs. On a side note, is there a contingency plan if it rains?
I spend the next 2-hours humming along to the Jazz tunes in Moon Bar. Cocktail prices starts from THB450.
Vertigo & Moon Bar Banyan Tree Bangkok
21/100 Banyan Tree Hotel, South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 Thailand
+66 2 679 1200
Monday to Sunday 5pm-1am
+66 2 679 1200
Monday to Sunday 5pm-1am
"God give me the strength to stay awake for the next 24-hours," The exact secret chant I had in mind before I dozed off the night before and the very moment I woked up the next day. Why travel to sleep?
It was New Years Eve.
I knew... that it was going to be a long yet exciting day. Let's go!
The eventful day's agenda began at Ekkamai. There were multiple places I had in plan, all of which were within walking distance from each other. I've never really explored this part of town before, thus I was really excited to see what the place have got to offer. Plus, I was glad that I had extra company this time round. I love meeting new friends, especially when I travel. Do you too?
First stop was at Perhaps Rabbits' (Ekkamai 10), an Alice In Wonderland themed cafe.
The 5 of us shared a serving of Bluebunny Egg (THB220), Green Tea Bush (THB190) and Rainbow Smoothie. I was really tempted to finish everything up, but the desserts were merely nice to look at and tasted extremely mediocre. It was only sensible for me to save tummy space for the next food stop.
Perhaps Rabbits'
5/1 Ekkamai 10 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 Thailand
+66 96 616 3314
Monday to Sunday 9am-9pm.
+66 96 616 3314
Monday to Sunday 9am-9pm.
Navigating my way to One Ounce For Onion (Ekkamai 12) after that. The best bet here would be the Thai Tea Parfait, which was sadly unavailable that morning. I hesitantly settled for a cup of Americano (THB100) instead.
Oh yes... I definitely need my daily dose of coffee to kickstart the day.
One Ounce For Onion
19/12 Ekkamai 12, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 Thailand
+662 116 6076
Monday to Sunday 9am-10pm.
+662 116 6076
Monday to Sunday 9am-10pm.
Food was excellent. We had the Bugatini Duck Bolognese (THB460), Fried Calamari With Olive Salsa (THB320), The Ring Original (THB320) and Breakfast Souffle (THB420). Prices do not come cheap, but I thought it was all well worth it.
We spend the next hour or so at the Japanese inspired garden outside, talked a little; laughed a little; let our lunch settled a little, until we were well and truly ready to make our way to the next food stop.
Vanilla Garden
53 Ekkamai Soi 12, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 Thailand
+662 381 6120
Monday to Sunday 7am-10pm.
+662 381 6120
Monday to Sunday 7am-10pm.
Featherstone Bistro Cafe & Lifestyle Shop (Ekkamai 12) was just minutes away from Vanilla Garden. Upon stepping into Featherstone, the lifestyle shop will be on the left and the restaurant on the right. For me, the place resembled Hogwarts..... charming and magical like that.
The name Featherstone Signature Sparkling Apothecary (THB140) was the magical name for these flavored drinks - Purple Lullaby, Peach Pie Moonshine, Mermaid Drink and Wild Gardenia. It was served with either fruits or flowers freezed in ice cubes, an apothecary of secret potion (or flavoring for this matter), and a perfume-bottled of sparkling water.
Pretty... perhaps... but it's just sparkling water to be honest.
Featherstone Bistro Cafe & Lifestyle Shop
60 Ekkamai Soi 12, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 Thailand
+662 058 6846
Monday to Sunday 10.30am-10pm. Closed Tuesday.
+662 058 6846
Monday to Sunday 10.30am-10pm. Closed Tuesday.
It was slightly pass 4pm when we parted ways, before I travelled back to Sathorn by GRAB.
Despite being hours away from midnight (I arrived at 9.30pm), the crowd was already on party mode. To cut my story short, I had a fantastic nightout and my NYE celebration was nothing short of fun.
Read about my party aftermath in Part 2 of my Back To Bangkok series Coming Soon!
Places mentioned in the Back To Bangkok series:
Rocket S.12 | Rocket X 72 Courtyard | Supanniga Eating Room | Talad Neon Night Market | Casa Lapin X 26 | BAKE Cheese Tart Bangkok | The Emporium | The EmQuartier | Karmakamet Diner | Karmakamet Secret World | Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe | Maggie Choo | Vertigo & Moon Bar Banyan Tree | Perhaps Rabbits' | One Ounce For Onion | Vanilla Garden Cafe | Featherstone Bistro Cafe & Lifestyle Shop | Route 66 | On Luk Yun | Central World | Big C | Victory Monument The Best Of Boat Noodles | Pratunam Market | Platinum Fashion Mall | Siam Paragon | Siam Square | Nippon Kai | Milch | HomSuwan | Rabbit Hole
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