Bangkok, Thailand (2012) Day 3: Grand Palace

Date Visited: 19th October 2012

Besides purely for shopping, at least both my friend and I did spare few of our days for sightseeing around Bangkok. On the third day during my maiden visit to this City of Angels, we decided to visit the spectacular Grand Palace, undeniable one of the city's most visited famous landmark and symbol. Once we done with the breakfast, we walked roughly around 10 minutes from our hotel, The Period Pratunam Hotel of Bangkok to the nearest BTS Skytrain Station, Ratchathewi Station and from there, we travelled to BTS Saphan Taksin Station.

#1: Explore the city of Bangkok with BTS Skytrain and MRT is pretty convenient and inexpensive.

Of course, there are few options in order to get to Grand Palace; either you could directly take taxi, tuk-tuk or even the public bus but then, we opted for the most enjoyable and fascinating route which was to take BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin and from there, take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat to Maharaj Pier.

Around The World in Terminal 21

Date Visited: 18th October 2012

13th February 2013

As it was my maiden trip to Bangkok back in year 2012, I always did a research beforehand to see which attractions and tourist spots should I go and visit. This is where I came across Terminal 21 from one of my favourite food and travel bloggers, Kampung Boy City Gal's blog.

Terminal 21 is a mixed-use complex which consists of two parts - shopping mall and hotel & residence. But what attract most travellers and tourists to visit Terminal 21 was for its uniqueness and mesmerising interior design, even for the restrooms as well. So, when I visited for the very first time, I instantly fall in love with this place and went back again for the second time with my family a year later.

#1

#2

Hotel Review: The Period Pratunam Hotel of Bangkok, Thailand

When talking about Bangkok's accommodation, you can easily find abundant range of accommodation, from the cheapest one to the most splurge type, and yet it doesn't burn a huge hole for one's wallet. It's just the matter of location that most tourists would be concerned of. For backpackers, most of they prefer to stay in Khao San Road whereas for those whose main intention to Bangkok solely for shopping just like me, the recommendation would be in Siam Square, Silom or even Pratunam area. My friend and I decided to stay in Pratunam area as it is consists of large garment market with hundreds of fashion stores selling both retail and wholesale and we chosen The Period Pratunam Hotel.

#1: Overview of The Period Pratunam Hotel

The Period Pratunam is situated right at the center of Pratunam district amidst the shopping centers, food outlets and many other tourist spots within walking distance. Besides that, there are few massage parlours nearby with a surprisingly dirt cheap massage rate. Basically, it is a relatively small boutique hotel namely for those who are looking for a nice and clean bed and nothing else.

North of Thailand 2014 (Sneak Peek)

"Located among green hills and mountains, Chiang Mai is a favourite Northern Thailand destination for travellers. The “Rose of the North” is well-known for extraordinary handicraft, delicious food and rich history. It is home to more than 300 temples in Lanna and Burmese styles, some of them are just as old as the city. It’s no surprise that expats from all over the world flock to Chiang Mai for that ideal blend of rustic appeal and modern amenities." Travel 3Sixty - AirAsia In-flight Magazine

Straightly we landed in Chiang Mai International Airport, my friend and I immediately booked bus ticket to a small town by the name of Pai, which located 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai. 

 

#1: Never underestimate this tiny and small little town of Pai. The fresh air, countryside sceneries and a hot spot for many tourists, no wonder that this artsy and hippie inspired town is popular for a few days’ getaway. I instantly fall in love with this town.

#2: We woke up early just to catch sunrise in Pai Canyon where there was no one there, except my friend and I.

#3: The most colourful and creative #postbox I ever bumped into and it's only in Pai town.

After spending 3 days 2 nights in Pai Town, we went back to Chiang Mai.

#4: It's splashing here and there in Chiang Mai cause it's Songkran festival. This is how the Thai celebrated their New Year!

#5: I took a day tour to Chiang Rai and one of the most anticipated for this trip was this Wat Rong Khun, the most magnificent and enchanting White Temple.

#6: We also did a crossover to Laos! From Sawadee kap to Sabaidee! Just for 30 minutes

#7: We almost did another crossover to Myanmar but the local tour guide refused to do so cause worry we unable to get back to Thailand. [Note: Malaysian require visa to enter into Myanmar]

#8: With this, another of my travel checklist has been accomplished. Now considering where should be my next destination. 

P/S: Might not able to blog my North of Thailand travelogue at this moment cause catching up to blog my outdated and overdue travelogues. However, if you have any enquiry regarding my North of Thailand trip, you are welcome to leave me a message at dtdianateo@gmail.com

Our Main Mission To Bangkok Is Purely For Shopping!

That's it. My title post said it all! So if you are looking for some kind of wild adventure posts around Bangkok here, I'm sorry to inform you that my Bangkok travelogue is not what are you looking for. 

I can't deny that I love to do shopping but then, who doesn't anyway? Some said the best places to shop in the world would be Paris, Milan, London, Hong Kong (these are specially for those who are looking for famous designer brands and high end articles) and for budget shopaholics, most likely they prefer to shop in countries such as Indonesia (Jakarta & Bandung), China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Bangkok. So far from all the visits to various cities, I must admit that Bangkok is indeed undeniable the best shopping paradise in the world. And within less than half a year from this visit, I returned back to Bangkok again with my family for last year Chinese New Year holiday. That's shows how I love Bangkok so much and I don't mind of going back Bangkok every year. #daydreaming  

Date Visited: 17th October 2012

#1: Starting from 1st October 2012, AirAsia is no longer operating in Suvarnabhumi International Airport but moved to Don Mueang International Airport, one of Thailand's oldest airport.

Summary of My 8D7N Melbourne, Australia Travelogue (2012)

Day 1 (30th September 2012)
Maiden Visit & Wandered Around Melbourne City


Day 2 (1st October 2012)
Puffing Billy


Eureka Skydeck 88


Day 3 (2nd October 2012)
1 Day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour

The cost for this tour was AUD$120 which included all park entrance fees, morning tea & biscuits and also Aussie BBQ lunch. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where I stayed. 

Day 4 (3rd October 2012)
1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

The cost for this tour was AUD$125 which included all park entrance fees and pre-packed dinner at Penguin Parade. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where I stayed.

Day 5 (4th October 2012)
1 Day Mornington Peninsula Ultimate Tour

The cost for this tour was AUD$145 which included all park entrance fees, morning tea & biscuits and lunch. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where I stayed.

The three full one day tour packages above, I booked them directly from Bunyip Tours.
You can book online at their website www.bunyitours.com or go to their office:
Bunyip Tours
570 Flinders Street,
Melbourne Victoria,
Australia 3000

Day 6 (5th October 2012)
Queen Victoria Market and Flinders Street Railway Station

Queen Victoria Market is open five days a week except for Mondays and Wednesdays.

Melbourne Aquarium


Fitzroy Gardens, Cooks' Cottage & DFO South Wharf


Day 7 (6th October 2012)
Tesselaar Tulip Festival


Day 8 (7th October 2012)
I Almost Missed My Flight Due To Daylight Saving Time


Extra Posts:

• Melbourne, Australia (2012) Sneak Peek
• My Travel Loots & Expenses

Literally, I spend 8 solid days in Melbourne itself without going any further cities like Tasmania or even Sydney like what most traveller did, but trust me, even 8 days isn't enough for you to explore the whole city of Melbourne. Most of the Melburnians I met, they told me 8 days wasn't enough and even advised me to spend and stay in Melbourne for at least two weeks. How I wish  I could have such a long holiday break for that?

My Travel Loots & Expenses of Melbourne, Australia (2012)

Now let me reveal what I bought from Melbourne. 

#1: Foods and typical souvenirs are what I bought when I was in Melbourne.

I Almost Missed My Flight Due To Daylight Saving Time

Have you guys ever heard of daylight saving time? If not and ever wondering what it is? Oh well, according to Wikipedia, it is the practice of advancing clocks during the lighter months so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Let's take example of this, currently the time difference between Malaysia and United Kingdom is where the latter one is 7 hours behind the local time of Malaysia but during daylight saving, it will be 8 hours different. Although not practiced by the majority of the world's countries, daylight saving time is common in the Western World. 

I knew about this when I was in United Kingdom and Europe after staying there for almost 4 months, but I have never experienced it so far. I also knew that Australia does have daylight saving but then, I never thought I was so unlucky that it eventually happened on the last and final day before I left Melbourne. Before the first few days, Australia local time was 2 hours ahead of Malaysia, but on the final day, it changed to 3. Indirectly due to this, I missed the Skybus, the express bus I supposedly take to airport.

Postcrossing: Direct Swap

I'd been signed up Postcrossing for long time ago but then, I always don't have the time to send postcards cause I myself been busy globetrotting around lately. However while busy doing globetrotting, I always make sure I will do the travel routine - buy, write and send postcards from the places and cities I been to. 

So I just started postcrossing lately and this post serves as postcard gallery for those who interested in direct swap. (Will update this postcard gallery from time to time)

SB - JS01

Sabah - Jesselton

SB - KK01

Sabah -City of Kota Kinabalu View Version 1

SB - KK02

Sabah -City of Kota Kinabalu View Version 2

SB - TB01

Sabah - Tourism Board of Gaya Street

SB - TI01

Sabah - Gaya Island (Will restock upon request)

SB - TI02

Sabah - Mamutik Island

SB - TI03

Sabah - Manukan Island Version 1

SB - TI04

Sabah - Sapi Island

SB - TI05

Sabah - Manukan Island Version 2 (Will restock upon request)

SB - SI01

Sabah - Sipadan Island Version 1

SB - SI02

Sabah - Sipadan Island Version 2

SB - SI03

Sabah - Sipadan Island Version 3

SB - KP01

Sabah - Kinabalu Park

SB - MK01

Sabah - Mount Kinabalu Version 1

SB - MK02

Sabah - Mount Kinabalu Version 2 (Will restock upon request)

SB - MK03

Sabah - Mount Kinabalu Version 3

SB - MK04

Sabah - Mount Kinabalu Version 4

SB - MK05

Sabah - Mount Kinabalu Version 5

SB - MK06

Sabah - Mount Kinabalu Version6

SB - NM01

Sabah - Kinabalu National Memorial

SB - PH01

Sabah - Poring Hot Spring

 SB - AT01

Atkinson Clock Tower

SB - KD01

Sabah - The Tips of Borneo (Kudat)





SB - KD02
Sabah - Gong Making (Kudat) 

SB - KR01
Sabah - Kinabatangan River

SB - MB01
Sabah - Maliau Basin Version 1

SB - MB02
Sabah - Maliau Basin Version 2

 



SB - RL01
Sabah - Regatta Lepa Lepa, Semporna

 
SB - OU01

Sabah - Orang Utan Version 1

SB - OU02
Sabah - Orang Utan Version 2

SB - PM01

Sabah - Proboscis Monkey Version 1 (Will restock upon request)

SB - PM02

Sabah - Proboscis Monkey Version 2

SB - PM03

Sabah - Proboscis Monkey Version 3

SB - GT01

Sabah - Green Turtle

SB - PP01

Sabah - Pitcher Plant

SB - MP01

Sabah Map Version 1




SB - MP02
Sabah Map Version 2





SB - KT01
Sabah Kadazandusun Girl Tribe Version 01




SB - KT02
Sabah Kadazandusun Matron Tribe Version 02





SB - RT01
Sabah Rungus Tribe Version 1





SB - RT02
Sabah Rungus Tribe Version 2
  



SB - RT03
Sabah Rungus Tribe Version 3

KL - CC01 (Not available at this moment until further notice)

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 1

KL - CC02

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 2

KL - CC03

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 3

KL - CC04

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 4 (Not available at this moment)

 

KL - CC05

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 5

 

KL - CC06

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 6

KL - CC07

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 7

 

KL - CC08

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 8

 

KL - CC09

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 9

KL - CC10

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers Version 10


 

KL - MJ01

Kuala Lumpur Masjid Jamek 

SL - BC01

Selangor - Batu Caves

 

KB - PS01

Kelantan - Pasar Siti Khadijah

MY - GH01 (**Limited Edition**)

Genting Highlands Resort Malaysia

MAS01 (**Limited Edition**) - Not available at this moment until further notice

Malaysia Airlines

Majority of the postcards as shown above are from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, North Borneo of Malaysia. Few were bought from other cities and states of Malaysia. 

I'm currently new to postcrossing and hope to exchange more postcards.

Not necessary but I would prefer the following postcards:
- Building and architectures
- Landmarks, symbols or iconic from your countries or cities.
- Landscapes and scenery (Islands, mountains, waterfalls, etc)
- Festivals, cultures or events 

I prefer to exchange those postcards from countries which I have not been to yet especially from North America, South America, New Zealand, Turkey, Poland, Spain, Norway, Finland, Sweden and more. 

Besides postcards, I also love to collect fridge magnets. If you would like to swap with me, you are welcome to do so by leaving comment below or email me at dianateodt@gmail.com.

Happy Postcrossing!

My Postcrossing Profile - dtdianateo