Bangkok - Catch a movie

Funny how watching a movie can be so truly unique, the best part in the cinema is the salutation to the King before the movie starts. The great imax theatre in Siam Paragon is breathe-taking, the screen is so huge that it swallows me up! Not to mention the reasonable price and the 5 stars luxury seats. Make sure it's a local Thai movie with English subtitles, it’s truly Thailand!

Watch it in Siam Paragon or Central world!

Bangkok Markets

Here is where you'll find the cheap thrills and show off your bargaining skills. For me, personally, 20 Bahts - 50 Bahts means a lot to them rather than to us in Singapore, they may be able to fill their stomach with 2 meals for the money you've bargained so give it to them!

Silom Night Market Most people goes there for Tiger/pussy show and anything sleazy you may get from vibrators - porn. A good selection of GLBT movies! Fake branded goods are overprice but the experience is priceless.

By Bts to Saladaeng station
Time: 7pm - 2am, daily


Siam Square Night Market There is a strict regulation now impose to the hawkers, however, once there's a market going on, you can be sure to find great buys and rubbing through the crowds.

By Bts to Siam station. On the stretch of Siam Square
Time: 9pm - Midnight, daily


Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge) Night Market Second hand clothing and fabulous handicrafts/accesories. I love it especially it's under the bridge. Very local and authetic. You might need to speak a little Thai to get the best price!

By Ferry to Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge) or best still take a taxi as I'm not going to tell you how to make a change or where to alight by bus.
Time: 7pm to midnight, Closed on Monday


Khao San Day and Night Market Get your Bob Marley (dreadlock) hair-do done on the street with fake student pass made here. Fashion apparels are slightly overprice but very edgy ad bagpackers style!

By Ferry to Phra Arhit or best still take a taxi as I'm not going to tell you how to make a change or where to alight by bus.


Suan Lum Night Market It's not as popular as before maybe it's because they are going to move soon but you can be sure to get the local handicrafts back home for souvenirs!

By Metro Lumbini
Time: 7pm - Midnight


Ratchada Night Market This night market brings you back to the past, with all the vintage toys, clothings, clocks and many more. It's a good place to dig and If you're lucky you might find some rare and precious treasures.

By Metro Lat Phrao
Time: 7pm to midnight

Siam Square Night Market Despite the government's effort of clearing up the narrow walkway beside Siam BTS, this market is persistence to exist, with the strong desire of the teenagers trying to make a living, you can find stylish & fashionable apparels for ladies and men. Hard not to visit since you're already near Siam Paragon.

By Bts Siam
Time: 8pm - midnight, Daily

Victory Monument Day and Night Market It's a bustling street with stalls beautifying on the side of the streets. You've to walk a bit towards the burnt Big C buildings but your shopping bags will be rewarded.

By Bts Victory Monument


Wang Lang Market The usual market with what you might expect.

By express boat from Saphan Taskin > Tha Wang Lang Pier
Time: 10 am - 4pm daily, weekend hours extend longer


Lalaisap afternoon market This market especially for the executives around the office area is interesting! I'm sure you can upgrade your working wadrobe instantly!

By Bts in between BTS Chong Nonsi and Saladaeng
Time: 11am - 2pm, Weekdays


Pratunam Wholesale Market You'll go crazy gaga especially for the ladies! As long as you get what you want, 3 pieces and above for a good price. Yes, it doesn't matter which design or cols just as long as it's the same price for per item.

By Bts Chitlom and walk from central, opp of Platinum Fashion mall
Time: 9am - 6pm daily


Chinatown Wholesale Market For all the aunties whom need to get their Chinese mushroom, red dates, longans fix by the local chinese medicine halls. Be sure to hit this street! Ladies, lots of accessories for you to drool!

By express boat from Saphan Taskin > Rachawongse
Time: 9 am - 5pm daily


Lung Perm (Thai airways) Day Market Ladies, you can go ahead but Gents stay behind. Nothing for you except the good food around.

By metro Phahol Yothin and take a taxi from there
Time: 9am - 5pm daily

Major Ratchayothin Market Local market where tourist are not found and if you don't speak any Thai, try not to torture the locals. However, if you do, the shopping trip can be very rewarding.

By metro Phahol Yothin
Time: 4pm - 11pm, Tue - Sun
Train Market It's located near Chatuchak except it operates till midnight, similar vibe to Ratchada market, second hand retro stuff with local teenagers hanging out.

By metro Kamphaengphet
Time: 2pm - Midnight,  Sat & Sun

Chatuchak Weekend Market The market of all markets! You can find anything here under the sky. From household items, fashion apparels to Pets (snake). Knock yourself out!

By Bts Mochit or Metro Chatukchak Park
Only weekends from 9am - 6pm

Thai Creativity

Thai people seem to have abundant of creativity. From the handicrafts you seen in the night market, fashion that they personify, hilarious TV commercial, display of their food and astounding buildings That's one of the reason why I'm always lured into this country.

Take an example on the recent protest; first, they have a hug Thailand campaign where everyone sends in their pictures to translate those ideas by hugging a lamppost, strangers on the road and even mail box that spells Thailand identity to tell all Thai citizens that they're together as one, Khun Thai Rak Khun Thai (Thai people loves Thai people). Then they transform the destruction during the protest into an exhibition, the remains from the buildings that were burnt was transformed into something useful. I marvel at their creativity and applaud them for looking so positive and creatively towards the future.

www.campaignasia.com/Article/219252,tourism-authority-of-thailand-motivates-domestic-travel-through-hug-thailand-campaign.aspx

Bangkok 2010 - DIY

Everyone expect if not demand a blog or at least a few entries on Bangkok from me and since I'm staying here for one whole month. I might as well write something or recommend places to eat or shop. Thus, here you go. A list of on-going places that you might marvel in Bangkok.

D-I-Y
1) BY HANDS craft
Learn how to create and decorate rattan handbag

Address: Building 8, Sukhumvit 55
Nearest Bts station: Thong Lor

2) Blue Elephant
Learn how to cook in Thai style

233 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa
Nearest Bts station: Surasak

Bangkok 2010 - Shop till you drop

Everyone expect if not demand a blog or at least a few entries on Bangkok from me and since I'm staying here for one whole month. I might as well write something or recommend places to eat, shop and be merry. Thus, here you go. A list of on-going places that you might marvel in Bangkok and no, not introducing the red light district. Go at your own risk.

1) Plearn Wan is ... “Center of joy and happiness ...It reflects the not-so-distant past; looking and feeling decidedly retro and nostalgia. The slogan of almost everything at Plearn Wan is “as in the past”. Why go to the future where you can revisit the past?

Address: 387/18 Thong lor
Nearest Bts station: Thong Lor

2) Again & again A rare vintage shop with not so pricy tags, recycling started when vintage is in trend. Here they stock up fabulous dresses and a small selection of clothing and shoes for men as well. For the one and only without looking ordinary.

Address: Room B1A, Market Place, Thong lor Soi 4
Nearest Bts station: Thong Lor

3) Naraya All the women goes frenzy in this shop, some man too. They sell all kind of bags with a ribbon bow as their trademarks in a very affordable price. You can find bags for your every day to night needs. There are a few branches but the popular one is at Central World.

Address: B106-B107, Ground Floor, Central World Plaza
Nearest Bts station: Siam
Website: www.naraya.com/

4) Myth A very cool and hip boutique with a mixture of unique individual take on Fashion, gathering renowned Thai fashion labels and stylish accessories makers: Flamingo, Issue, Muse by Good Mixer, Wolfkind Museum, Bangkok Smith and Erb. They have a small beauty treatment or massage at a corner and even have astrology reading on very Wednesday.

Address: Gaysorn, 2F-25/26 2nd floor
Nearest Bts station: Chitlom
Website: www.gaysorn.com

4) id1 A multi-labels avenue for all the upcoming and inspiring designers.

Address: Amarin Plaza, First floor
Nearest Bts station: Chitlom

5) mob.F Stylishly trendy for the youth and fashionably unique. It showcase a lot of promising local Thai designer.

Address: Siam centre, Fourth floor
Nearest Bts station: Siam
Website: www.mob-f.com

6) Platinum Fashion mall It's like Chatuchak weekend market with air-con. You've to really dig it throughout if you don't want to miss anything. 3 pieces and above gives you best price!

Nearest Bts station: Chit lom, 10mins walk from Central
Website: www.platinumfashionmall.com/

Bangkok 2010 - Beauty & Spa

Everyone expect if not demand a blog or at least a few entries on Bangkok from me and since I'm staying here for one whole month. I might as well write something or recommend places to eat or shop. Thus, here you go. A list of on-going places that you might marvel in Bangkok.

1) Avanti
I don't do massagesas I've intimacy phobia but the facial is good, also most of the time going to spa sometimes depends on a streak of luck. If you get the right masseur, everything will be delightful. One more thing, the ambience is relaxing!

Address:
Siam Square: 2nd Floor, Lido Theatre, Siam Square Soi 3, Rama 1 Road
Thonglor: Located on the main Thonglor Road (Sukhumvit 55) between Thonglor Soi 7 and Soi 5, Sukhumvit
Nearest Bts station: Siam & Thong lor
Website: www.avantispathailand.com/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=526277

2) Sabai Thai Massage
For no-nonsense massage, just go straight into the bed, I mean the extended long chair; you can try this place which offers therapeutic art of stretching, pushing, pressing and relaxing by certified qualified masseuses. If you're not satisfied with the masseur, you can ask for a change in the first 5 - 10 minutes. Just be careful, don't be blinded by the good looking man as it's very near to the gay red light district.

Address: 16/2 Silom Rd Suriyawong, Bangrak
Nearest Bts station: Saladaeng

Bangkok 2010 - Food for thoughts

Everyone expect if not demand a blog or at least a few entries on Bangkok from me and since I'm staying here for one whole month. I might as well write something or recommend places to eat or shop. Thus, here you go. A list of on-going places that you might marvel in Bangkok.

1) Banana Pasta (Kluay)
A cheerful Sukhumvit eatery with a selection of Italian pasta and pizza dishes.

The name of the eatery caught my eyes first. Why? I love Banana to be precise and any fruits that is yellow in color. It is run by a young Thai lady whom thinks delicious pasta dishes is kluay kluay (very easy) - that's why the restaurant's name came from ('kluay' also means 'banana' in Thai).

You can create your own pizza by choosing your own toppings. Soup are in generous portion. What's more, if you're sick of Phad Thai, an Italian dish might do you good

Address: Sukhumvit 1-33 & Sukhumvit 2-24 (Btw Sukhumvit soi 21 & 23)
Nearest Bts Station: Asoke

2) Q cafe
I'm mesmerize by the decor, that's all.

Address: 818 Sukhumvit 55 Rd
Nearest Bts Station: Thong lor

3) Vanilla Restaurant
Good place to hang out with a few friends, sharing the sinful desserts.

Address: 818 Sukhumvit 55 Rd
Nearest Bts Station: Thong lor

4) iBerry
A good mixture of real food and cakes!

Address: Thonglor Town Center, Soi 15
Nearest Bts Station: Thong lor
Website: www.iberryhomemade.com/page/en/home/index.php

4) THANN Boutique cafe
It's a totally new eating experience mainly because of the decor. It feels like Alice in the wonderland. The ambience is surreal!

Address: 1st floor, Gaysorn
Nearest Bts Station: Chitlom

The Vagrant

While I was walking from Bts Eekamai to Bts Nana in Bangkok one day, I come across a cheerful old man, he is weaving something on his hand and he seems to be extremely gratified. Then I saw a newspaper article featuring him, Homeless Artist.

Now what are the chances of seeing him, with a sign saying that his birthday falls on 8th of November which is exactly the day I was born to the passersby? I can't help but to wonder, does everyone born on this same day have the same kind of attitude towards life?

Since young, I've no problems expressing my thoughts, some can be very intimidated by it because I've opinions on everything, I challenge everything by questioning, then I developed that curiosity into my lifestyle, travelling. I put myself in different shoes or countries to be precise. I lead my life at times, sleeping in different places every night, getting used to the unknown and not knowing what to anticipate. It's a life that most people find it without security. I guess that kind of security to some people comes within and not from an opulent and highly embellished house.

What kind of life is he having without a home to call his own? Does it matter where he shower and brush his teeth? It doesn't matter anymore as long as he is happy. It seems that the people whom have nothing to lose are the happiest people in this world...

My lifestyle, my choice

In the eyes of my friends or even strangers, my lifestyle is something that many covet or envy. My chums usually told me I would love to travel and backpack like you do, experience life and look at this world with a wide open heart but I don't have the courage or determination, not to mention the burdens of harsh realities that life accumulates, car and house, monthly bills and the costly expenses to maintain a fast pace lifestyle in this modern world. That’s why, in this world they are hardly anyone whom can travel like you do.

Every time I hear it, there is a sense of disappointment and sadness. Life is already too short to begin with yet people can’t pursue the lifestyle they want, it’s disheartening. There are people around me whom think that my lifestyle is liberating, trouble-free and some people will even think of it as a storyline for a movie. It’s unrealistic! It’s like a story based on Eat, Pray and Love except I started travelling before the book becomes popular. I can’t figure out what’s my main motivation, I just feel like there are a lot of places in this world waiting for me to visit, cuisines that yet to tickle my palette and strangers that yet to be my friend.

Saying I love to travel is under-rated, the best way to say it is I live to travel. In the beginning, I’m like everyone whom gets excited and nervous for a new destination, doing what the tourist does and buying souvenirs but now backpacking has a different meaning, it’s more adventurous and amazing to travel to an unexplored territory, meeting the locals, understanding their cultures and lifestyle. As my travelling goes on and on, I bought less souvenirs and visit less touristy spots. I know travelling to me has a new found meaning. At the end of every journey, I grow up with new perception; meeting people on the train, peeing in the middle of the road, sharing food with strangers becomes the main reason to reminiscence. Certain places or people make you nostalgic. From the excitement I used to have for travelling slowly turns into a simple minded and ordinary state of mind. I look at this world much clearer without preconceive excitement or expectations.

This few years, my vagabond lifestyle, alter my requirements on food and lodging, just as long I won’t died, that is my motto for travelling. Living in a foreign land, Aa single lifestyle, it’s not easy as everyone thinks, facing troubles or tricky problems, I’ve to resolve it on my own, trying every means to make my trip as cheap as possible. I never find myself choosing this path, leading a non-confined or cliché life. I’m gratified and easily contented. Gratified when my friend asks for my advice in the countries I’ve visited and some even follow my footsteps. I live myself in a map with no specific directions, I’ll let the shore washes me wherever I need to be.

It’s a lifestyle I chose and a choice I made without regrets.

India point of view

Back in Singapore, the sun in India seems so close to you that you can almost reach out and grab it but coming back, the sun look so far away and mainly because it has been blocked by the high-rise buildings that I take the sun for granted somehow.

Indians, especially queuing up for train tickets are very impatient. A few times, I’ve been abandoned behind as they try to squeeze in front of me to the counter from the side.

Hygiene as the recent commonwealth games had illustrated is terrible. They litter everywhere on the road, the open public toilet where men pees along the road is filthy. The stench of dry urine fills up the air together with the traffic pollution and cow dung. Horning is like an aggressive trance on the road.

However, with all these in mind, if you do meet some nice curious Indians whom sit beside u on the train, or while waiting for your train sitting on the bench, you’ll discover the graciousness of Indians. They have so little but they give a lot. The only thing they’ll ask is if you’re married and if it’s arranged by your parents. Also, I just discovered at my age, 30 are too old to be a bachelor!

And don’t try to change that as Khun toon said, TTI, This is India!