Destination Diary: Bangkok, Thailand

With five other people in our traveling party, you can say that I'm the one constantly brainstorming, organizing and tying up the details for this trip-plus this is where my mandatory leave days went to. The plan was first to enjoy Bangkok. But later on, it expanded to Siem Reap. The new route consisted of Zamboanga-Manila-Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang)-Siem Reap and vice versa. Now that was a mouthful, and not for the faint-hearted. 

But we were able to maximize our time in Bangkok, and if you plan to visit this city anytime soon, allow me to give you a few ideas:

The Standing Buddha

Temple Run: Standing Buddha, Sleeping Buddha, Sitting Buddha, and Walking Buddha 

We were fortunate to be able to book a tour right from the airport for our first day in Bangkok. Of course, our tour included a driver, van, itinerary and English speaking guide, plus free bottled water in our vehicle. Not only that, we had exclusive use of our vehicle. We were a small party of six people, and even were allowed side-trips to anywhere else in the city such as gem shops and the best tailors in Bangkok.

The Sleeping Buddha (Wat Pho) 

So we started with the temple run from our hotel on our first day, with hotel pickup. We headed straight to the Temple of the Standing Buddha. Just a short distance from the gate we already got a sample of the small, crispy pancakes that were being sold inside for a quick snack. Devotees of the temple were already used to foreign visitors visiting and taking photos that they didn’t mind us there.

After that, we went to Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha. This one is popular among tourists (with an entrance fee of 40 Thai Baht), and that I’ve observed more tourists here than in the other first and third temples we visited that day. Shoes are not allowed inside so they have bins that have reusable plastic bags for visitors outside, just dump your footwear in them, go around the temple and then wear your shoes outside, leave the plastic bags in the receiving bins once you’re out.

The Sitting Budha

The Walking Buddha

We ended our temple run with the Temple of the Sitting Buddha and Walking Buddha, there are two figures under one roof. 

After our temple run, we asked our guide and driver to drop us off so that we can…

Entrance to Chatuchak Weekend Market

 Shop and Bargain Hard in Chatuchak Weekend Market 

We scheduled our visit to Bangkok on the weekend to take advantage of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Although it is open on weekdays, it is not in full swing unlike during the weekends where all the stalls are open. During our visit, I don’t think we were able to circle the whole place. A lot can be bought in Chatuchak, from food, clothes, shoes, crafts, even cacti, gardening supplies and decors.

Figurines and houseware for sale in Chatuchak Weekend Market

I think this is one reason why my parents intentionally didn’t bring much clothes (so that they can shop) and brought a large luggage with them (so that they can shop) and exchange a lot of Thai Baht (so that they can shop). I know I’ll get a scolding after this post lol.

Note that Chatuchak is open during weekdays, but only around forty percent of the stalls are open, the market is in full swing during weekends. 

Muai Thai Shorts Stall in Chatuchak Weekend Market

Cacti For Sale in Chatuchak Weekend Market

Visit The Grand Palace Complex

You haven't been to Bangkok if you haven't explored the Grand Palace. Once past the main gates, the feeling of looking at all the buildings inside the complex is enough to be overwhelmed. It’s like a different place on earth altogether.

The Grand Palace Complex, Right: Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Inside, I felt like every angle is layered with gold, that there’s always something new to look at. There’s a beautiful temple inside the palace complex and visitors are expected to remove their footwear before stepping in. Visitors are expected to cover up and dress modestly as well. Entrance fee is at 500 Thai Baht per person.

The Grand Palace

Outside the Grand Palace gates there are shops and vendors showing off their artwork, I bought an elephant gilded painting for a bargain after the man selling it says he admired our Philippine leaders. If you’re hungry or thirsty, there are convenience stores and cafes along the avenue after the stroll in the Grand Palace grounds.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Along Chao Praya River

Watch Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) Light Up From A Rooftop Bar Along Chao Praya River on Sunset 

Because most attractions are within only walking distance of Chao Praya River, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the lighting up of Wat Arun or The Temple of Dawn at sunset at a rooftop bar. There are only a handful of rooftop bars facing Wat Arun, and it’s advisable to be able to reserve a table ahead of time in order to enjoy the sunset and the cool breeze from the river. It’s also a tourist magnet, so you will be met with so many other people fighting for those Instagrammable spots against Wat Arun as the backdrop. Sitting by the riverside with a drink in your hand may just be the right way to end the day of exploration.

Taking the Tuk-Tuk to Khaosan Road

Experience A Tuk-Tuk Ride

No visit to Bangkok is complete without a tuk-tuk ride. These transportations are a fast way to get around the city, if you’re one who is into a little excitement at night in the city streets. We only went once though because we always take the cab to and from the hotel because our hotel is far from the city center but near Don Mueang Airport for our Cambodia trip.

A few notes though, negotiate before hopping in, ask the driver to drop you in the designated location (Bangkok Library in Khaosan Road for instance) and hold on to dear life. They go fast and can insert in the narrowest of streets, but it’s absolutely a fun ride.

Scorpions on A Stick at Khaosan Road

Experience Night Life in Khaosan Road (Take A Photo With Exotic Food Such As Scorpions And Crickets While You're There) 

Khaosan Road is like the place to be in Bangkok for the nightlife. There are a lot of things to do, like eat in the many restos, shop from street vendors, and even go for a massage or enjoy karaoke with friends. It’s also the place to find exotic fried food such as scorpions, crickets, and worms. All it takes is some Thai Baht and courage to find your fancy.

Hungry? You can order here 

Experience (And Shop Some More) in Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 

Damnoen Saduak is the first and biggest floating market in Bangkok and is often considered the most famous. There are other floating markets in Bangkok, but this has more shops and is described as a maze of narrow canals, and the best place to visit is in the morning. It’s about an hour and a half ride from our hotel and in the outskirts of Bangkok, already in Ban Yai Paeng district. Thankfully we had an English-speaking guide, a van and driver to take us there.

Your lunch can be bought here

Guests will have to use a longboat called sampans, wear a lifejacket and bring some cash when it comes to shopping from the vendors in boats and wide-brimmed hats selling souvenirs and fresh produce. Hungry or thirsty? Just call out to the vendors selling coconut ice cream or pork satay and fresh juices and they will paddle over, or your boat handler will maneuver your way to that vendor. Neat huh? This has got to be one of the highlights of my family trip in Bangkok.

If you've had enough of shopping, all you have to do is just sit and chat and watch the activities in Damnoen Saduak

I have to confess that I had fun here even if I didn’t buy much for myself. I’m aware of the overpricing of some wares here, but if there’s something to buy in the floating market, it’s the hand-carved décor and paintings of artisans from all over Thailand, and woven skirts for the ladies. My kuripot-self regrets not buying these here. 

Palm Sugar for Sale in the Palm Farm

Visit A Palm Farm and See How Coconut Sugar Is Made

If you’re someone who enjoys visiting cottage industries and see how local products are made and produced, the palm farm is one place to be. Producers show how palm sugar is extracted, and there are goods for sale after the mini-tour. Of course, fresh coconut to drink is also available. What to buy here are organic body care products that are coconut-oil based. Even if it’s far from the city, there are still foreign visitors who come here with a guide and transportation because it’s just cozy to be with nature for a change.  

Coconut-based beauty and wellness products derived from palm from the farm

Visit and Feed The Elephants in the Elephant Park 

Also far from the city is the Elephant Park. It’s popular with tourists with young children, (because it’s a good opportunity, so don’t miss it). There are many other activities to do here such as watching the Monkey Show and crocodiles, but the highlights are the pachyderms. Even if we were asked to go on elephant rides, we outright refused and just opted for feeding them and taking photos and videos of these creatures.

No elephant rides please,  but you can feed them instead

To explain, elephant rides are a form of abuse, because their spines are sensitive and prolonged burdening them will lead to long-term damages. To add, we don’t really know how these beautiful creatures are being handled by the park. Of course, I’ll leave this for another more in-depth post. I’m sure my animal-loving friends will agree. 

Icon Siam, The Mother of Malls

Shop Local and Branded in Icon Siam

And lastly, just a cab ride away, is Icon Siam. It’s a shopping mall that houses so many different brands, and the ground floor is just a beautiful array of local products- the display imitates a floating market with endless choices of food and goods featuring the One Town, One Product concept. Spending three hours is not enough in Icon Siam, also called The Mother of Malls, which is why we decided to go back and make the most of our last day in Bangkok here, before we caught our flight back to Manila via Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Brands and boutiques are upstairs

Food stalls in the ground floor imitating a floating market experience

Ground floor Icon Siam featuring One Town, One Product (OTOP) exhibits

We stayed for less than a week in Bangkok, as we had to fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia but it was always a full schedule every day. Of course, this is another experience for the books because of time spent with people I love, and in our subconscious, we keep thinking about coming back someday. 

Reminders:

• When visiting other nations, we are responsible for our own behavior and should observe proper customs as the locals do, as we are only guests in their country.

•  Be responsible travelers by disposing of trash properly and being courteous to those you meet, especially the elderly and locals. 

Note: All input are based on my personal experiences in Bangkok, Thailand. Our group made arrangements prior to our travel dates. This is in no way, a sponsored post.

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

Previous Post: 6 Things That Surprised Me About Bangkok  

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6 Things That Surprised Me About Bangkok

Here are interesting facts about Bangkok that I didn’t know, and I’m simply sharing these fascinating things with you as part of my travel this year with my family to the Land of Smiles- Bangkok, Thailand.

Cabs in Suvarnabhumi International Airport Are Organized 

The airport alone is huge, and Suvarnabhumi is just one of two international airports in Bangkok. Upon exit of the arrivals area, we approached the taxis lined up outside. But one of the drivers said we had to print out numbers at kiosks in the corner before we can ask any of the cabs to take us to our hotel. That’s how organized they all were. There was none of the screaming at potential passengers, everything was calm and regulated. 

Cabs can take you anywhere in the city, just be prepared with your local currency and toll fees. Each cab waits for passengers under numbered LED boards and that takes out the guesswork for your ride from the airport. I hope our airports can learn from Suvarnabhumi, to take away the problem of overcharging cabs.

There Are Approximately 400 Temples in Bangkok Alone 

And just by looking at the sides of the road from the cab, each block has a huge temple that stands for this or that. In our first day tour, we immediately visited four temples: the Standing Buddha, the Sleeping Buddha, the Sitting Buddha, and the Walking Buddha. In Bangkok alone, and not including the other cities of Thailand, there are 400 temples for both Buddhism and Hinduism, all while allowing tourists to visit and to make donations. I convinced my parents to limit our visits to only the relevant temples, because it would be impossible to visit all 400 in a single day.

Bangkok Is Spotless!

Now this one requires you to visit the city to take a look at it and affirm that the Thais take cleanliness seriously. Even I’m impressed with how clean Chatuchak Weekend Market is, where there are so many tourists and vendors, but none were so careless with trash in the area. Even when we bought food by the streets, like the market beside MBK Center, or the street vendors selling in Chatuchak Market, everybody was responsible with their own trash. I somehow wish I could boast of my city this way. This must also be another reason why tourists like to come and enjoy in Bangkok, because the Thais know that a clean city is easily promoted. 

Thai People Admire Manny Pacquiao

Well, not only the Thai taxi drivers but also our Khmer driver in Cambodia knows very well that Manny Pacquiao is Filipino. I guess our Pambansang Kamao just has so many fans beyond Philippine shores. It’s also good to be able to have common ground with these people because we’re also fans of the Pacman, plus we get to know their interests.

Both Thai and Khmer Drivers would always smile once they found out that we were Filipinos and they always mention Manny Pacquiao. If I were Pacman, I’d be flattered to know that Thais and Khmers are his fans too. 

Every Corner Displays A Portrait of His Majesty, The King 

TheThai people love and take pride in their king. Make no mistake about it, which is why every corner displays a framed photo of their venerated king. One can even hear the anthem during regular visits to the street food corner downtown. Almost every Thai establishment, be it a bank, restaurant, shopping mall or government office has a towering portrait of King Rama X displayed in front. Displaying portraits of the incumbent King and Queen Mother are a means of the Thai people showing their loyalty to their beloved royals.

Tuk-tuks Can Speed Up, As In Really Speed Up! 

If you’re connected with me on Facebook, I posted a video about a speeding tuk-tuk as we made our way to Khaosan Road to the Bangkok Library to meet up with my cousin’s friends. I even proposed for a Bangkok Drift movie as part of the Fast and Furious Series, make a feature on tuk-tuks too if you please. But getting onboard a tuk-tuk in Bangkok is just a priceless experience. No visit to Thailand is complete without a tuk-tuk ride, so all you have to do is hold on to dear life and enjoy the ride.

I’m sure though that if I stayed longer in Bangkok, I’ll be able to share more observations with you, but for now, here are just the fascinating experiences we have had in Siam.

Reminders

·  When visiting other nations, we are responsible for our own behavior and should observe proper customs as the locals do, as we are only guests in their country.

·  Be responsible travelers by disposing of trash properly and being courteous to those you meet, especially the elderly and locals. 

Note: All input are based on my personal experiences in Bangkok, Thailand. Our group made arrangements prior to our travel dates. This is in no way, a sponsored post.

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

If you liked this post, please like my

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My Quick Guide to Singapore

Got a long weekend and some leave credits to spare? Head on over to Singapura! I've gathered a handful of tips for you to enjoy a long weekend in the Garden City of Singapore. Allow me to experience some mishaps so that you don't have to lol. 

Here’s a quick guide to the incredible city-state of Singapura: 

1. Exchange Currencies at the Airport for Competitive Rates 

Traveling via Mactan International Airport Terminal 2 in Cebu, we stuck with our standard practice of changing our Philippine Pesos to American Dollars, then changing the US$ to Singaporean Dollars. It turns out that at the exit of Changi Airport, there are competitive money changers that accept Philippine Pesos as well. It’s quite a relief that we added cushion to our traveling allowance, as well as discovered that one does not need to panic if there’s no forex in sight if you’re carrying pesos.

2. Get a SingTel SIM Card for Communication and Data Needs (SGD $38)

 This can last you a week as the SIM Card is widely used in Singapore and Malaysia, plus it has free 3GB data that can be tethered and shared among family and friends if you’re staying a week or less. With the free calls to all SingTel numbers, you can keep in touch with friends and family who are also in SG and  it automatically turns on roaming when you leave SG, which is perfect if you have planned itineraries to Malaysia or if you’re back in the Philippines. You can purchase your SIM cards right at the airport upon arrival. 

3. Top Up Your EZLink Card and Take Advantage of Cheap and Efficient Public Transportation for both Bus and Tram

You know you’re in Singapore when the bus is on time, it’s clean and efficient. We were handed EZLink cards for access to bus and tram and learned how to take the right bus from one destination to another. In SG, bus rides cost only 60 cents, and if you have an established routine, a top up of SG$10 can last for a week or more. Topping up EZLink Cards can be done in 7/11 outlets all over the city-state.

4. Don't Be Afraid of Food Hawker Stalls! 

Food hawker stalls are all the rage in SG because they serve good local dishes, are affordable and highly sanitized. A meal in a restaurant can range anywhere from SG$15-20 with or without drinks. But hawker stalls can offer SG$4-7. I’ve enjoyed tons of dishes in these places and tasted the local flavor to boot. It’s also good for sharing with travel buddies.

5. Express Passes in Amusement Parks Will Actually Do You Good!

Being in SG for the long weekend also made me realize that we were not the only ones trying to explore Sentosa Island and Universal Studios. There are still a handful of families with children who have thought of bonding over the sights in Sentosa. In other words, expect a crowd in a huge attraction such as this. Thus, the waiting time for rides and shows can be very long. The regular pass will only fall short compared to the express pass when it comes to top choice rides and attractions especially in Universal Studios in Sentosa. Get the express pass, it will make you wait only 15 minutes for rides compared to the 90 minutes for the regular pass.

6. My Handy Dandy Travel Essentials 

"Don’t forget your good walking shoes, water bottle, cap, umbrella, foldable wind breaker, powerbank and stuff them all in a lightweight bag."

Now this has got to be my mantra if you will. I’ve learned that the weather in SG is not the same as it was the day before, so extra caution is still to be taken. It rained when I purposefully left my windbreaker at my aunt’s apartment, and we were forced to purchase expensive drinking water from a convenience store because we thought bringing water with us was just heavy. Some lessons still can’t be learned huh?

But despite all these experiences, I’m really impressed with the city and who knows when I will get the chance to go back. My time there is nothing short of incredible. Well at least with the quick guides that I churn out for these destinations, perhaps you can learn a thing or two which could come in handy when it’s your turn to visit these sites someday. Watch out for my next posts! Ciao!

You Know You're in Singapore When

Destination Diary: Singapore and Things To Do

Feature OAT Manila Killer Combo: Tote and Traveler's Notebook

I’ve always been curious with having a traveler’s notebook from Organize and Travel (OAT) Manila. So when they announced that they’re offering the killer combo consisting of the tote bag and traveler’s notebook, I didn’t hesitate to get it. Of course, there was a surprise free gift that came with it, plus the safe bag that I could use for when I’m not using the tote to keep it from dust and dirt.

How’s it holding on so far? Here are my thoughts on the tote and TN. Read on!

Tote Bag: Large in Black

I guess I miscalculated the size of this bag. I was actually in the market for a leather bag that I could use to work that can withstand all sorts of business-style uniforms. One facet that I’ve overlooked is that it has no zipper and it’s pretty much a carryall. So, I’ll keep on searching again in the meantime.

What’s to love:

• Vegan leather
• Large size can carry so much stuff
• Very lightweight on its own 

Thoughts so far:

I’ve already used it as an extra tote for work so that I can bring my workout clothes when I do the dance dance portion in the afternoon. Sweating out is good, right? So far, it does a good job of carrying my workout shoes, extra shirt, workout pants, small towel and other stuff that I may toss in there.

Why do I love it?

It’s more stylish to carry a black vegan leather tote than a bright gym bag on wash days. Black matches everything. 

Traveler’s Notebook with Accessories in Rose Gold 

Here’s something to fall in love with, I kid you not.

Maybe because rose gold is a weakness that’s why I gave in. But nothing could have prepared me for the beauty that’s the TN. 

What’s to love:

• Vegan leather in rose gold!
• Side pocket for stickers, travel washi stock and other ephemera
• Beautifully stitched
• Comes in safe pouch
• Handmade
• Comes with detachable pen holder
• Inserts are both in Plain White Paper and Brown Kraft Paper, (be still my vintage-loving heart)

Thoughts and Why I Love It:

If only it arrived earlier, I think this might be the TN that I’ll be bringing along with me for my Mountain Province escape. But I have a pretty good feeling that this TN will have its own time to shine. Just looking at that neat stitching has just assured me that it’s worth the treat, and that I’m a proud owner of a uniquely Filipino, handmade TN. 

Have you tried any of OAT Manila's products? What do you like to purchase from them? 

Washi Wednesday: Scouting for Travel Washi

It’s probably because my last quarter travel is nearing, plus almost everything is in place that’s helping to build my excitement. I really, really want to unplug and be with C already.

Nature has always been our surest way of recharging. Unplugging is what we really need right now, plus discovering new places together. And because bringing along a traveller’s journal is one of my hobbies, I’ve started setting up my upcycled, hand-painted TN from Airees Creates.

I guess C is already used to all my shenanigans every time we travel. I have a tendency to scout for art materials and linger a bit too long over the watercolours. I know it too well, that a pair of scissors are definitely not allowed in hand-carried baggage. (They have to be checked-in).

So in the name of setting up my TN and for our upcoming escape, I’ve gathered travel washi that I would definitely like to get my hands on lol.

I'm seriously thinking about getting world map washi, but who knows what else I can come across by the time I get to roam around Manila as well. That and some vintage ticket washi.

But of course, I'm not forgetting why I need to get away for a while. And I can't wait to capture anything interesting I see on camera. Wheew! I'm quietly, super excited. =) 

Shop Feature: Pretty Little Things by Clang Featuring Sticker Flakes Haul

It wasn’t long ago when I spotted a post in one of the journaling groups that got me scrolling some more. Isn’t that how we all begin our tiny little hoarding habit? First we become curious, then we fall in love, then just like any love-bitten crazy person, we try to recall our balances in our bank accounts, and then bam. There’s a comment under the photo that says mine, and how did my name get there?

Now, I’m at a position where I want to save for my travels, and then there are destashes everywhere, that I’m constantly in a push and pull with the nice stuff that I see in social media. I’m also looking at you Instagram.

These sticker flakes are from Pretty Little Things by Clang.

But, here I am with my needless justification, the reason why I’m happy with my mini haul:

• It's super affordable at only Php 50-60 per bag
• Saved on shipping
• Stored in handy bags
• Thick flakes, printed on matte sticker paper with beautiful and clear illustrations 
• No more hand cutting for me! (at least for now)

Because I always enjoy sticking stuff on my planner and diary, I always treat stickers and washi as a basic commodity next to my coffee. No kidding!

(I really do have a weakness for washi rolls and stickers...) 

So what’s in my haul?

There are all foodie sticker flakes, vintage objects, more foodie flakes and then girls. My package also came with a freebie washi tape.

That mini haul tidies me up in the meantime, and it means serious savings for me from now on! I have to focus and save for my upcoming travel! But of course, there’s going to be a traveler’s notebook you can bet on it.

You can visit Pretty Little Things on Facebook and check out the other stuff there. 

So how many of you are into stickers and washi? Do answer this question and leave me a comment below! I'd love to "meet" more artsy readers. Looking forward to it! 

Scribbles: Currently Obsessing Over Galaxy Washi

Yeah, yeah.

Who actually falls in love with galaxy washi right? I mean, it's just sticky duct tape with prints. But I've fallen in love with starry, night summer skies and I've always enjoyed stargazing in quiet places.

These washi reminds me of those quiet nights just chilling in the patio and just talking.

I guess I'm lucky that no physical store here carries them yet, or else I'll be hoarding away again.

More pins are in my Pinterest board if you're interested.