Initially we planned to take risk on engaging a 1 day ground tour when we arrives Bangkok (we did not pre-book any in advanced). And to our surprise, located at Bangkok City Hotel, right near to the hotel lift lobby, there’s a local tour agency by the name of ‘Chen Family Tour’. We planned to go Damonen Saduak Floating Market. And we knew about the traveling distance from our hotel to the floating market is not near. It takes an hour journey on road. Thus, with all the hassle free, we decided to inquire about the fare. We were offered with the price of 3000 baht – Travel by Van to Damonen Saduak Floating Market with additional stop at Maeklong Railway Market Bangkok (petrol and toll fee are all included). Everyone of us agreed with the charges and go ahead with the plan. Since there were 6 of us, so approximately about RM50/person.

We depart as early as 7.30am from Hotel. I would say its not really a tour, more like we chartered a Van to send us to the designated place. Reason was that, there were no tour guide and our driver doesn’t speak English. I doubt he understands English too.

Though our driver is such a nice guy…and I would name him the McD driver. Because he smiles all the time. Just like Ronald. *smile*

We were told to be early because the journey will take an hour (located at south west of Bangkok). Just at the right time to watch the train passes through the market. Have you heard about Maeklong Railway Market?? I’ve not! Therefore I’m curious about it. Maeklong Railway Market or known as Train Market its like a ‘pasar tani’ where all the vendors selling assorted goods (local fruits, seafood and vegetables) along the railway track (side to side). You may walk along the track. Its fun to witness them when the train approaches, all the vendors will be busy pulling back their canopy. Some may still be leaving their fruits on the side of the track. Makes me wonder…aren’t they tired of doing that 8 times per day? Anyhow, out of curiosity it attracts tourist to go there! The train leaves four times and it arrives four times. The track is not part of the national network. It only runs between Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkram.

We arrived at the town of Samut Songkhram.

Everyone seems to get excited and got ready with their camera when the train arrives.

Train has arrived at the station. Departed in another 1/2 hour, if I wasn’t wrong.

So tired! Where’s my train leh?? Where’s McD uncle?? He left us here and disappeared??

Vendors doing their daily business.

My travel mates decided to buy some durian from this aunty.

Unfortunately the Durian doesn’t taste good. The texture is like those semi ripe durian. I think our Malaysia’s durian taste better. Ahh…finally there’s is something I can feel proud! 😀

Squeezing to the side. This guy is getting ready on his phone’s camera? Looks like the train is coming soon.

*dong dong dong* train is alarming everyone. Some are getting ready for some exercising…some are still doing their shopping!

All cleared!

Look! Its so near! Train and stalls.

Train passing by the stalls where the durian was below it. hahaha…

Its an amazing place to visit! Next, we moved on to Damonen Saduak Floating Market.

Blogs to refer:-

• The World’s Most Fascinating Marketplace: Maeklong Market, Thailand

• Maeklong Railway Market

On Day 2 we decided to go to Chatuchak Market in Bangkok. Reason is that there would be more stalls operating on weekends. Its also named as “Chatuchak Weekend Market”. From our hotel, the easiest transportation mode is to go by BTS, Phaya Thai Station to Mo Chit for 30 baht.

Another option is to take the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station (exit no.1), then follow the crowd until you arrive at the small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section). For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station (exit no. 1).

machine only accept coins.

We are heading to Mo Chit Station

Looks like our LRT jugak.

After reaches Mo Chit, we crossed over the opposite of the road using the pedestrian bridge. While we were walking towards Chatuchak Market, I saw these beautiful red and big lychees selling for just 25 baht/ kg. OMG!! So cheap! Again…I couldn’t find such cheap lychee in Malaysia *sigh*

Chatuchak Market is very huge (it covers over 35 acres (0.14 km²) and contains upwards of 5,000 stalls). I advise, if you find something you fancied or like..just purchase it (provided that you think its worth buying) else..I worried you may have difficulty in locating the shop.

Map of Chatuchak Market. Its grouped in sections. They are total of 26 sections. From the above photo, you’ll be able to understand better. There are plenty of stuff you can get it here. Please go early! It would be more crowded by late noon. Hence..every purchasing may requires some bargaining.

Imitation goods pun ada..Please dress as light as possible. Its quite warm here.

Beautiful deco lights. If you want to get some souvenirs or handcrafts, its best to get it here in Chatuchak Market. There are more choices and the price is cheaper too!

So many types of currency. Gotcha! Don’t tertipu. These are ‘look-alike-money’ wallet.

While waiting for my friends (beli-belah), I decided to have a coconut drink to quench my thirst. Other than the fragrant and chilling coconut drink, she sells coconut ice cream too. Which taste good too.

WED-THU (Plants & Flowers) 7.00 am – 6.00 pm.

FRI (Wholesale day) 9.00 am – 6.00 pm.

SAT-SUN (Miscellaneous) 9.00 am – 6.00 pm.

Click HERE for more info.

We were traveling in a group of 6. After checking in to Bangkok City Hotel, we decided to go to Siam Paragon for our late lunch. Heard that there’s a huge food court there, which you shouldn’t miss. Varieties of food here…felt its even more choices than Pavilion’s food court.

How to get here? From Bangkok City Hotel, take BTS (light green line) to Siam Station, alternatively walk, 1km away from the hotel. However due to the super hot weather, we decided to go by taxi. Choose taxi which uses meter*. Bangkok taxi fare is quite reasonable. Unlike those taxis in KL…”cut-throat”!! Let me do some maths for you. If you go by BTS from Ratchathewi Station to Siam Station, the fare is 13baht. If by taxi with meter, its 50baht. So, if you are traveling with at least 3 person…I think its more cheaper to go by taxi. Nonit to squeeze with people, nonit to wait, you got a comfortable ride summore.

In Bangkok, taxis are everywhere. And its quite new too. (look at the colorful taxis)

walking towards Siam Paragon.

Food Hall has a wide range of restaurants and food stalls. Located at ground floor. It was a tough choice looking at the varieties of food, desserts and drinks.

Grill squids …ask for spicy chili sauce.

Grilled Fish

Plump and juicy sausages.

Ohh….I saw Chatime there too!

The pork ribs section. The price is pretty fair too.

A plate of nicely cooked pork ribs. Savory!! 340baht.

Spicy Chicken Wings. This is superb! Nice crispy wings, with well coated sauce.

fancy some grilled mushrooms?

More skew meat pork.

Assorted Cakes and Thai desserts.

Assorted cakes in cups. Buy 3 free 1 for just 285 baht.

When you dine at the food court, you are required to purchase cash card from the food hall’s counters. Its refundable.

Thai pancake. Too sweet for me.

Thai pancake. Too sweet for me.

Beef Noodle

I like my spicy noodle (tom yam noodle).

Such a nice thing that their food court serves PORK! Moreover the pricing are generally fair..judging from the environment and food quality. Price of each bowl of noodle are average 50baht. Don’t think you can get this kind of price in KLCC or Pavilion food court rite? Sorry, because I couldn’t remember some of the price and couldn’t cover all the food here. Ya..I admit I was too engrossed on my food….that I may have miss out some photos. hehe….

Address:   991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330
Open:       Mon- Sun 10 am – 10 pm