Wolf Money/Bargain(5 things you need to know about Bangkok กรุงเทพมหานคร again!)

(Lisa’s choice for toothpaste)

(Festival celebrations at Central World)

(Turning up for work late, tell your boss than you know)

I have just returned from an incident-prone holiday from Bangkok. It started with the delay of our flight. We were told to come half an hour early from the original time by the “Yellow Airplane Co”. In the end, the flight was delayed by 1 hr from the original timing, 1.5 hrs from the communicated timing. 

(The faulty train)

We took the airport rail from Suvarnabhumi airport. Usually it will take no more than half an hour to reach Central Bangkok. Unfortunately, the train broke down just before it reached Makkasan station. The driver tried his best to fix the train but to no avail. We were thrown into total darkness as the train lost power. It felt like we were on a train in the movie “Train to Busan”.  We were held up in the train for 35 mins with sealed windows. Initially, I wanted to break the train window for much needed air. As I was contemplating of being the hero of the day. Miraculously,  a rescue train start pulling the faulty train to the station. By the time we reached our hotel, we were 3 hrs behind. We might have reached Japan if we had gotten onto a different flight.

There was chocolate milk spillage causing my son’s t-shirt to “change colour”. “Red eyed curse” that turned my wife into red-eyed vampire. You think our adventure ends here, nope. On the way back from Changi, we took a cab from the “Red Taxi Co”. The driver did a test run on his new Toyota “Supra” taxi, wheezing in and out of the expressway lanes with his death defining skill.😅

Bangkok is a nice place to visit if you are looking for an adventure and “near death” experience. I am very sure, our family will remember this trip more than any other. It is always the imperfection that has a lasting impression. I am glad to be part of this unforgettable trip.

(The evening jam)

Economy/social

The Thai economy relies heavily on tourism. In central Bangkok, you can see the Russian, Ukrainian, Indian, Chinese and Singaporeans including our Prime Minister and Ex. Foreign Minister fill the street of Bangkok. Bangkok has the ability to be the melting pot of the world. Everyone is welcome in Bangkok.

The retailers are in a recovery mode. Gone were the empty shops in malls. Tourists and locals were more than happy to open their wallets even though Bangkok is not the cheapest place to get your dollar worth. It stands in stark contrast from my last trip to Bangkok when they were emerging from COVID-19 lockdown. 

Bangkok, South East Asia’s most visited city, is the land of a thousand smiles. The friendly reception of the local is the main reason why visitors are drawn to Thailand. Central Bangkok is decorated in Christmas lights. The lightings did enhanced the spirit of Christmas. There are important pointers that our tourism sector can learn from Bangkok especially in the area of lifting the Christmas mood in our shopping district.

(Central World did a good job in livening up the Christmas spirit)

(X’mas market at one of the malls)

Weather

The weather is similar to those of Singapore, which I find it a blessing. Bangkok is as dry as bone, stand in stark contrast to the wet weather in Singapore. The southern part of Thailand was experiencing extreme rainfall causing flooding and mudslides.

Arnoma Grand Bangkok

This time round, we avoided the expensive 5 star hotel. Arnoma Grand Bangkok, a 4-star rated, has always been my favourite hotel when I visit Central Bangkok. Given its prime location and its proximity to the Big C Super Center, It makes tidbit hunting a breeze. Most of the shopping malls are within walking distance from the hotel. It costs less than $130 a night with breakfast for 3 included. If one can look past the dated rooms, the hotel with its friendly service and good breakfast provided reasonably good accommodation after late night shopping in the Ratchaprasong district. 


7-Eleven

There are many 7-Eleven outlets in Bangkok. One can almost find an outlet at every turn of the street. Soft drinks and yoghurt drinks are sold at a much reduced price compared to those of Singapore. A big bottle (3x) of their local version of “Yakult” at only a dollar equivalent to our currency. A locally made power bank for THB $399 or SGD $15. A Japanese onigiri at THB 35(SGD 1.35). If you are short of currency, 7-11 is an excellent place to stretch your dollar.

(I wonder if it can power up the train🧐)

(Taste like Vitagen)

Little Zoo Garden

This attraction allows close interaction with animals. Visitors to the mini-zoo can see goats, deer, ducks, tuttles, capybaras, dogs, cats and Nutrias. Btw, what is Nutria? It is a very big rodent. My son loves Capybara. They can grow up to 66 kg from the information I gathered from him. Total, we paid THB 1250 (SGD 49). Kids get a preferred rate of THB 350. Ticket included a drink at the cafe and a feeding basket each. It takes approximately 30 mins to reach the destination by Bolt ride hailing(THB 220) from our hotel. There is no time limit for the attraction. One can spend a relaxing afternoon playing with the animals.



(Capybara)

(Nutria)

(You want to know my name? Billy)

Final thoughts

Visitors love going to Bangkok because of what it is. Sadly, Bangkok has gotten more touristy with most trades aiming at maximising tourist dollars. The cost of goods and services has gone past that in Singapore. When I look at my pastry indicator, it tells me how expensive Bangkok is. The most expensive piece of tart costs THB 389, which is SGD $15. The price has surged from $12-$14 since my last visit. If value is what you are looking for, other parts of Thailand might be worth exploring.

(The price of tart has reached stratosphere proportion)

Sights and Sounds of Bangkok


(A cat cafe with a foxy twist)

(Bangkok skyline)

(The taste of their dessert is out of this world)

(You think our public transport do not do list is long, check out BTS’s)

(Remember you shouldn’t bring your grenade out, keep it at home😂) 

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