Bangkok (Day 2)

Friday, woke up at 7 am as the half day city tour starts at 8 am. Took a picture of the cityscape from our hotel.

Had our breakfast buffet before embarking on our city tour which comprises of trip to the imitation floating market, a temple and a gem factory. We reached Chao Phraya River in 45 mins time and boarded a ferry which several tour guides introducing the history of Bangkok, the river and the monuments along the river.

Our first stop is the floating market and there were several vendors on small boats selling thai souvenirs to us. We were then brought to a place near a temple where there were a lot of catfish. Bread were also sold to us to feed the catfishes. There were really a lot of fish and they were fighting to grab every piece of bread.

A picture of a nice temple we passed by along the river.

We then headed to a famous temple and were free to roam the area for 45 minutes. Our tour guide gave us an introduction of the various kings that once ruled Thailand as well. We did not enter the temple as there is an entrance fee of 100 baht. Took several photos outside the temple.

Some of us bought coconuts as the weather is really very hot. A group photo facing Chao Phraya River.

After leaving the temple, we alighted at a jetty and headed to a gem factory via minibus. No one is not allowed to take photos inside the factory which is rather small. It is connected to the jewellery shop selling a lot of assorted jewellery. Derrick bought a pearl necklace for his friend and we left after admiring the gemstones and jewellery. This concludes the end of the half day city tour.

We requested going Mah Boon Kong, a big shopping centre selling many clothes, electronics and food. Had lunch there at the big food court which requires people to purchase their food using vouchers that can be bought at a counter. I ordered 2 dishes and 1 drink for only 100 baht.

After our lunch, we started our shopping spree from the top level all the way down to the 2nd level. There were a lot of shops selling clothes in the upper levels and electronics at the lower levels. The average price of a t-shirt there cost 180 baht ($7.50). We had dessert at Swensons and 3 scoops of ice cream costs only 59 baht! We left after spending hours there and headed to the small shopping centre beside it that looks like bugis village.

Next up is Siam Discovery Center and Siam Center, a new shopping centre, and there are many shops that are not opened yet. We then went to the other side of the road with many shops and spent some time browsing through the numerous shops before heading back to Asia Hotel as the driver is picking us up at 6 pm for our traditional Thai massage. A woman greeted us and brought us to a massage palour near our hotel. We were then brought to the area upstairs and changed to an attire like pajamas. We spent 2 hours in there while the women massaged, kneaded, pressed and cracked several joints in our body. Almost fell asleep during the session as we all woke up very early today. The fee was 400 baht per pax and we each gave a tip of 100 baht to them. Actually i didn't have much feelings or satisfaction afterward but most of my friends complimented the massage.

We headed to Suan Lum Night Bazaar after that and had dinner at the huge dining area which some people performing songs on the stage. Soccer was also shown on the huge projection screen which is a rather weird combination of songs, soccer and food. There are a lot of stalls and we ordered 2 huge pizzas and 2 plates of "guo tie".

We then shopped at the night bazaar and it is really quite big (at least 5 times the size of a big pasa malam in Singapore). Bought 2 packs of aromatic incense sticks for my sister and a few tees. There were several shops selling creatively designed furniture and accessories, and the shops selling clothing generally have a more alternative taste.

We toured most of the bazaar before heading back to the hotel. I had a severe stomachache on the way back to the hotel and i guess i might have drunk contaminated water. Luckily i brought diarrhoea pills and the pain was over within an hour.

Going to Chatuchak weekend market the next day!