Bangkok - A Con And Friendly City

Recent trip to Bangkok was an eye-opener one. I thought that Bangkok is all same to Kuala Lumpur with all the traffic jams and the kiasu people rushing on the roads, but not all the time is true. People there are patriotic, chaotic but careful. No rules on the roads, but no accidents! Maybe I was not aware, I don't know, I don't see one. Talk about food, it's wierd. There are 4 side additional "add-ons" recipes in most if not all of the food stalls / vendors in Bangkok, be it in the shopping malls or hawker-like stalls - Chilli Powder, sugar, sauce, cut chillis. I got to taste my long missed vermicellis in Bangkok.


Tom Yum... yum... Added chilli powder and sugar - the first sips made me cough! - Siam Paragon


A wierd dish. Taste abit overcooked, but popular among local people - Siam Paragon



I don't know what is it called. But they are tasty. Saw some newspaper cuttings for this stall -- Near Ari Station



Small crispy fried crab! Tastes sweet and sour

Girls in Bangkok, generally speaking, have an unofficial working uniform and permed straight hair. So common to see them dressed in white top, black skirt with a brown belt around their slimmy waist, also (sometimes) a hair band on the head to look tidy. An example:

No matter how your face looks, put some foundation powder on the face, just dress like this makes you look professional and tidy - Thereafter I named them as "chicks" - Picture caught in Siam Square shopping district


Trans - Is it a He or She? I'll call it as "it" then

Alot of chicks make their appearance in Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, MBK, Siam Square and their surrounding area because of, none other than shopping, shopping and shopping. The shopping brands and varieties are better than Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has alot more to catch up. The cosmetics and pharmacy products (except drugs) are cheaper than in Malaysia! More choices of Loreal brands, Ponds, you named it.


Evolutionary teeth care and whitening centre! For more info, PC with a mouse is available


The new and prestigous shopping paradise - Siam Paragon

Sightseeing in Bangkok generally includes Buddhist temples, floating market and the great palace, croccy farm and the infamous Soi Cowboy Road at night. I've managed to made it to several of the places but not all. Travelling to floating market and croccy farm requires a whole day trip and the cost is deadly - I did not go.

Wat Po - situated near Chinatown and home to the sleeping Buddha and the birth of massage. I came here to try the original Thai massage from the massage school. The massage is more expensive than normal massage parlours here, I don't know why. It's hot inside room and there are no installed air conditioners. Unlike other massage parlours, charges are relatively cheaper and we have cool air and sentimental music to ease our minds. Worth a try though. Alot of people especially tourists came for massage.


Wat Po - The background looked so fake!


Wat Po - All of the miniatures are China-Buddism-based and spotted this a lil different - Why is he wearing a western hat?


Wat Po


Wat Po - A row of sitting Buddhas


The main hero - The Sleeping Buddha from toe to head. Heard that it's made out of gold by the former Siam Dynasty. I'm proud of it


The feet of the Sleeping Buddha denotes the journey of after life events that would take place



Wat Po - The Grand Sitting Buddha


The lil Buddhas on top of the sitting Buddha and the "Stuff" before it. Picture seen is the King Rama 9 in monk robe


Is it for real? I think she pray she can get prettier and long live his boyfriend heheheh

In Thai, the King is seen a more than a man of leadership - Charismatic and care for the people. Unlike Malaysia, the King actually does nothing but to award higher status to "certain people" and sits at the palace and also greets other Muslim Kings that pays a visit to Malaysia. We have huge, I mean really huge banners to salute their King in Thailand. While we were about to start a show in cinema, all people actually stood up from their seats to give way to the national anthem and the King. I was in shock then. However, I think Malaysia going to fail if this is implemented in the cinemas.


Ouh, gold plated King !


A quick look at their Kings - from Rama I to Rama ... IX? No really sure. The left 3 are the first Ramas and the guy in red is the latest Rama. In green is Rama VI. I think the boy behind Rama IX is not a king, a prince or something


The Grand Palace - Nearby to Wat Po


The Grand Palace - Stricly no sleeveless or short pant attires! However, if you still insists on going inside, rentals of proper clothes are available opposite the Grand Palace

Then, after the Grand Palace, we have planned to head to Wat Arun - another major temple accross the Chao Phraya river. So we went to the jetty nearby, and reluctantly accepted a hardcore pursuasion by a conwoman who offerred a trip along the Chao Phraya river. It costs us 1,000 Baht for a stupid sightseeing trip along the river. Moreover, another conwoman with a boat along the river conned a 8 Baht Singha beer. A message to all Bangkokgoers - Do Not Ever Sit On A Chao Phraya Tour Boat No Matter What Happens!!!!!!


Chinatown - Town of textiles and goldsmiths


What?! An elephant on the roads in Silom district

Bangkok is very well-known for its Thai Girl shows. We headed to red light district - Soi Cowboy, a wierd name for that particular place.


Soi Cowboy - A major male tourist attraction


Soi Cowboy


Soi Cowboy


Soi Cowboy


Soi Cowboy


Soi Cowboy


Soi Cowboy


Exotic delicacy in Soi Cowboy - Fried cockroaches and selected bugs


Fuhh. Looking at it makes my stomach full of butterflies

I did not go in to any of the Soi Cowboys. Instead I went to a "Ping Pong" show in Silom area, recommended by a tuk tuk driver. All the people are friendly to tourists and felt very welcomed in Bangkok. But, with all the friendliness, sometimes they take advantage of your financials. Girls spend money on shopping, while guys spend alot on entertainments.

For me, it's ok to go Bangkok for a second time.