Central Chidlom Department Store

Bangkok - Whilst waiting for our channel partner to turn up; Central Chidlom had a beautiful flower arrangement display through their departmental store.

Central Chidlom is a seven-storey department store with a modern, friendly ambience. Well-stocked, each floor has a straightforward layout dedicated to urban lifestyles, including beauty products, shoes, handbags, lady’s fashion, men’s fashion, home décor, travel, toys, electronic gadgets, books and more.

Central Department Store has several branches in Bangkok, but the flagship store in Chidlom is highly popular among affluent Thais, expats and regular visitors. It undergoes constant renovation to keep abreast with modern fashion and lifestyle trends, plus the location at the doorstep of the Chidlom BTS Skytrain ensures easy access from anywhere downtown.   It is about 10 minutes walking distance from our Hotel.

Lebua at State Tower Bangkok

Bangkok - I wanted to know what the whole fuss about this 'popular' hotel that was feature in Hangover II.

That was the scene at the top of the hotel.  So together with Lesley we took a taxi to this hotel.  It was not as impressive as many of the hotels in Bangkok as the Lobby is small and thus not grand.   Took the lift to Sirocco lounge and it's impressive bar with lots of people drinking and hanging around.

That's the stairs the 3 actors where sitting on taken from the Sirocco lounge.   The security do not even allow you to take a photo at the top of the dome explaining some stupid reason.  On the whole, it was a let down and too much hype but a good view from the top. Visit once and that's it.

Asiatique The Waterfront

Bangkok - In the evening we went to Bangkok newest happening establishment for dinner - Asiatique The Waterfront.  

We walked to the BTS that is behind our hotel to BTS Thaksin station and from there a free river shuttle from the ferry to Asiatique.   There were lots of people queuing to board the ferry and it surprises me that the boat operator allows passengers to stand as it was really crowded.

Asiatique Ferry on Chao Praya River

The sunset reflection on the Chao Praya River gives a idyllic feeling with the boat humming along.

Finally we reach the pier of the Asiatique....

Old warehouses were converted into boutique dinning establishments and shopping areas dotted with eye catching art displays.

Water tank art display

Entrance using container doors

After walking around, we went and found this Thai restaurant - Baan Khanitha.  When we approached the reception, one of the 'guest' approach me and directed me to the table.  I thought it was very strange and later found out from him that he is the GM and sitting with the owner of this restaurant.

Baan Khantika Restaurant



Complimentary appetitizer



Aspargagus dish

This Asparagus dish is stir-fried with grey prawns, carrots and slices of garlic.

Tom Yam Seafood

I had Tom Yam Seafood cause we will be having a Tiger Prawn dish.   This dish is not so spicy and filled with assortment of seafood - squid, fish, prawns and tasted delicious.

Green Curry Chicken

BBQ Tiger Prawns topped with fried basil leaves

Coconut ice-cream

After dinner we walked further and found more interesting art displays....

Town square clock

Thai Food court

Bangkok -   Recommended by our hotel staff, the best exchange rate in Bangkok offered by Super Rich exchange.  The exchange rate is really good - much better than in Singapore.  

Superrich Money Changer
67-69 Rachadamri Road, Lumpini
Patumwan, Bangkok
www.superrich.co.th

A short distance we walk to have our lunch at the food court. 



Instant noodle with Pig's innards

 This is a simple dish - mine was clear soup but Lesley's was spicy.  The only innard I don't eat is blood. 

Orange Squash in glass bottle

Durian Sticky rice

This is a different style of Durian sticky rice dipped in a sweet soup base.  It taste very sweet.

The Mango Tree Restaurant @ Hotel Muse

Bangkok - In the evening we walked to this famous landmark - The Hotel Muse along Langusuan and had a drink up on their sky bar.  From the top of the Hotel it was a lovely view of the city and the Langsuan street.  I can understand why the rave reviews of this hotel.

Lobby of Hotel Muse



Near the Elevator landing



View from Hotel Muse Speakeasy Bar

We then took the advice of the Hotel Muse reception and proceed to The Mango Tree Restaurant for dinner.  

The taxi took us to the street and pointed us to walk down the street.  We walked and found no such restaurant so we ask one of the guards, who told us to walk further down.  Still cannot find - Lesley entered a hair salon and a Lady told us that it is across the street in the opposite direction.   So we walked in that direction, still cannot find we approached another restaurant guard standing outside and he told us it is in the next street (Soi) turn left - then we found it. 

The ambiance is casual with a traditional troupe Thai music outside.  The restaurant has outdoor and indoor dinning - we chose in door because we were persipiring from the walking, trying to locate this place. 




Kailan vegetable stir fried with mushroom



Creamy Coconut seafood soup

Plad Thai Seafood

Signature Dish - Chilli Crab

Singapore Chilli Crab is still the best as the crabs used in Singapore restaurants are Sri Lanka - much bigger and meatier.  

Tub Tim Krob

Tub Tim Grob, is a coconut milk based dessert that is my favourite. The small reddish/pinkish jewels are water chestnut covered with tapioca flour, served with sweeten coconut milk and shaved ice. Shredded jackfruit are added to this dessert to make it extra special.

My Home Restaurant

Bangkok - I always like the food of My Home restaurant and so Lesley and I walk down the street to have our lunch.

Stir fried spicy Mimosa leave and buds

This is one of Thailand's popular dish which it is difficult to find in Singapore.  Apparently, mimosa leave and bud is eatible.

The waitress delivered this dish to our table and immediately told her that we did not ordered this - it's free she said.  It's some homemade dumpling. 



Thai Pineapple Seafood rice





Spicy Steamed Sea Bass fish



This is a very delicious fish dish and it's slight spicy.   The Sea Bass was very fresh and the meat is so tender.  The total bill was Baht 608 (S$ 24.32) very reasonably priced.

After our apointment, whilst I was waiting for our customer to send us to the BTS station.  A kitten sneak up to me....

Rice and more rice

Bangkok - My channel partners talked about the record prices of rice, which is one of the staple food for half of the world's population has more than doubled in the past year. Since World War II, Thailand has been the World's largest exporter of rice, and may decide to restict shipments thus worsening a current global food crisis. China, Vietnam, India and Egypt have curbed overseas sales to safeguard domestic supplies and cool inflation. Thailand ships about one-third of the world's exports, may follow its Asian neighbours in limiting sales.

Thailand has 2.1 million tons of rice as reserve stockpile. Thailand produces about 30 million tons of paddy annually, equivalent to about 20 million tons of milled rice. Of that, some 9 million tons are for domestic consumption while a similar amount is for export, and the remaining 2 million tons are retained as safety stocks by the state.

Singapore is a small country and have to import most food. So, I am very grateful for the foresight and mandatory requirement of the Government on rice supplies that Singapore do not need to touch her rice stock pile.

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry said that the current adequate supplies make it unnecessary to draw on Singapore's national rice stockpile. The stockpile is a result of the Government's requirement that all rice traders maintain an amount equivalent to twice their monthly imports. Importers say the stockpile, enough to see Singapore through three months in an emergency, is stored in three government warehouses.

Meanwhile, importers are ensuring supplies remain stable by sourcing rice from alternative sources. Apart from Thailand, major rice importer FairPrice, for example, brings in the grain from Australia, India and Vietnam. It has not stopped looking for other potential suppliers. Singapore imported 326,854 tonnes of rice last year - 60 per cent from Thailand, another 30 per cent from Vietnam and India and the remaining 10 per cent from about 15 countries.

So, if 326,854 tonnes divided by 12 months and multiply by 2 times, would give a stock pile of 55,000 tonnes of rice for Singaporeans in times of emergency.

Checked into Mayfair Mariott Bangkok

Bangkok - The flight from Singapore to Bangkok was good and since I watched CSI and documentaries since I have seen most of the good movies that was available. After picking up my luggage, I approached the AOT Limo Taxi to bring me to Mayfair Mariott Executive Apartment, and it cost me Bht1,200 (the last time I paid Bht 1,100) - due to increase in petrol prices. The only familiarity is the constant traffic jam and it begins from morning till evening - I suppose there are too many cars, narrow and few roads.

This time I am staying at Mayfair Mariott Executive Apartments- located at 60 Soi Lang Suan, Lumpini. Never stayed in an Executive Apartment before so decided to try it out. I booked a 1 room apartment about Bht 4,900 (US$122) - but the hotel upgraded me to a 2 room apartment because it was fully booked. The 2 room apartment is huge about 1,000 sq feet - dinning area, living area, kitchen (fully equipment with refrigerator, washing machine and dryer, dish washer, microwave oven), 1 guest room, guest bathroom, and master bedroom with attached bathroom. It was just great - I might stay here the next time. The convenience is that it is just 6 minutes walk to the Ratchadamri BTS (on the Silom skytrain line) or Chitlom Skytrain (on the Sukumvit line).

I had meetings and dinner with my channel partner, and then back to the Hotel.

Earthquake tremors in Bangkok

Bangkok - A 6.3 earthquake measured by the US Geological Survey, on the Laos-Burma border rattles towers and people in Bangkok, yesterday. The earthquake took place at around 4pm - about the same time I was in the limousine leaving the airport.

Now, I know why so many office workers were standing outside their buildings creating commotion and confusion.

The powerful quake's epicentre was near the border in the far north, but the capital's soft foundations were blamed for intensifying the tremors by three or four times. The soft clay is the reason why the tremor was felt in Bangkok even though the earthquake took place 700 kilometes away. The City of Bangkok is underlain by a thick deposit of soft highly plastic marine clay that poses severe foundation problems.

As I saw many people outside the buildings - it dawn upon me that it is the last thing to do as thousands of glass planes can come down with horrendous results.

Do you know what to do when a strong earthquake hits?

• If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.
• If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.
• If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible.
• If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.
• If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.
• If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

Reference:
The Nation Thailand, May 17, 2007

Bangkok new Airport

Today, was my first trip back after the coup at the new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This airport is huge and the arrival would be more welcoming to have some plants, flowers, paint the pillars to liven up the airport. The weather is a bit hotter than Singapore at 32 degree Celsius. Surprising the departure atrium is so much nicer and lively, what a contrast.


Transport at the Airport
I took the Airport Limousine taxi from AOT Limousine counter just outside the arrival gate – it was quick and efficient – zapped my credit card for B1,100 for a London cab. A Mercedes taxi would have cost me B1,500. But after the first 15 minutes, I should have chosen the Mercedes limousine taxi instead. The ride on a London cab was very uncomfortable and bumpy even going at 100km/hr. This is the first time I strapped on a seat belt sitting at the back seat of the taxi, I normally don't. It was the solid yellow handle bars sticking out around the back seat cabin that gave me the creeps. What if there was an accident hitting one of those bars would be nasty. So, next time no more London cab limousine.

I left the airport @ 4pm after about 25 minutes - I was in a horrendous traffic jam where time literally just stood still - so I took out my notebook and start blogging. Bangkok's heavy traffic is legendary posing a challenge for residents and visitors to this city. Once in the city to avoid the traffic jam get on the BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway - it is a reliable alternative.

Hotel Review:
Grand Hyatt Erawan
Location: 494 Rajdamri Road (near BTS Chitlom)

My Room

Comments: I have stayed here before and it is a grand and nice hotel. It is very central with the Skytrain just within walking distance. In front of the hotel has a famous shrine - Erawan Shrine - it is open free from 6.30am - 10.30pm. This is one of Bangkok's business intersections, the crowded shrine to the Hindu creation god Brahma and his elephant Erawan is filled iwth worshipers lighting incense, buying lottery tickets and watching the traditional dancing group which performs for a nominal fee.

Restaurants I recommend
Scala Shark-Fins Restaurant (1992) - $$$ - 218 Siam Square 1, Opposite Scala Theatre Bangkok - tel:252-0322. Very good Thai Teochew seafood - try the Shark Fins braised in brown sause, stir fried eggs with shark fins and crab. The Thai Chinese shark fin's soup with it whole shark fin is very different from Chinese Shark fins soup where the shark fins are shred.

The Empress Restaurant- $$ - located on the ground floor of the Royal Princess, Larn Luang Hotel. Award winning Cantonese restaurant. I had tim sum and it was just as soon as having it at any best Hong Kong restaurant.

Anna Cafe's - $ - value for money Thai food - the orginal cafe is located at Saladaeng Silom Road. I recommend this restaurant it is really good food at reasonable price.

Thai massage
This ancient style of massage is traditional Thai massage without oil, using acupressure points that stimulate muscles and nerves, and assisted by yogic stretching. Skilled Thai massage practitioners employ their hands, elbows, knees as well as their own body weight, to apply various degrees of pressure and mobilisation to different parts of the body. This ancient form of healing can do wondes for all of the body's organic systems by helping align and balance the energies of the body. By enhancing blood circulation, Thai massage can help to break down and release toxins trapped in the body, in turn strengthening the immune system. Though Thai massage can at moments be a bit painful, the after-effect is not one of fatigue but calm. Bangkok offers more places to indulge in massage than any other city on earth.

A great Thai massage can cost just B100 per hour, while posher spas like I.Sawan Residential Spa & Club @ Grand Hyatt Erawan can easily cost 10 times that.

Today, I tried this famous Reflexology (also called Foot massage) - Chang Foot massage & Spa - located @ Siam Square Soi 6 near Novotel Hotel. Chang also has a branch at the Suvarnabhumi Airport costing B300 for 1hr.

Gettng around Bangkok

Taxi

Bangkok has thousands of metered, air-con equipped taxis available 24 hours. Be sure the driver switches the meter on. No tipping is required, but rounding the fare up to the nearest B5 or B10 is common. Additional passengers are not charged, nor is baggage.

Tuk-Tuks

Those three wheeled taxis are nick named tuk-tuks, named for the steady whir of their engines. They are popular amongst tourists and can be fun for short trips around town. A 10 minute ride should cost around B40, but fares alway have to be bargained before boarding. Beware if a tuk-tuk driver offers to deliver you anywhere in town fo as low as B10, it's part of a setup that will lead you to an overpriced souvenir or jewellery shop. It would be wise to decline any such offers.

Motorcycle Taxi

In Bangkok's heavy traffic, motorcycle taxis are the fastest, albeit most dangerous, form of road transport. Easily recognisable by their orange vests, motorbike taxi drivers gather in groups by department stores, at the end of long sois or by tourist spots. As with tuk-tuks, fare definitely have to be negotiated beforehad. Similiar to Vietnam Motorbike-taxi.

Skytrain

The Bangkok Transit System, or BTS is a two-line elevated train network convering the major commerical areas. Trains run every few minutes from 6am to midnight, making the BTS a quick and reliable transport option, especially during heavy traffic jams. Fares range from B10 to B40, special tourist passes allowing unlimited travel for one day (B100) or three days (B280) are available.

Subway

Bangkok's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is another fast and reliable way to get across town. The 18-station line stretches 20kms from Hualamphong (near the central railway station) up to Bang Sue in the north. Subways run from 6am to midnight daily, with trains arriving every 6-7 minutes. Subway fares range from B14 to B31.