So Sharon remarked that every year it seems to be my 21st Birthday celebration. I couldn't agree more. It takes a good month to celebrate my birthday proper with the highlight being a trip to Thailand on the actual day itself.
This year, I finally fulfilled my wish of heading to Bangkok (after 5 paid for and failed attempts), alas the curse is broken! Spent 5 gloriously epic days (13 May to 17 May) in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร), also known as the "City of Angels" with some of the 7AM gang!
I loved every minute of it. I love Thailand (maybe it's because Thai blood does run in my veins). I love the people. I love the culture. I love the food. I love the sights, the sounds, the hustle and bustle of it all. Of all the other amazing holiday destinations I have been on, for some reason Thailand comes out on top of it all.
Everything about that Bangkok holiday was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! What made it more special was celebrating my actual birthday over there!
The city is vibrant, it's colorful, it's maniacal, it's beautiful. The people are warm, sincere, hospitable. The food, oh the GLORIOUSLY SALIVATING CHEAP FOOD and CHEAPER CLOTHES! To me, between Bangkok and Phuket, I still choose the former (though slenderly).
To sum up my 5 days there:
Day 01:
We flew via Thai Airways and it was a real comfortable flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport and we stayed at the new FX Furama Makkasan. Very cheap and very simple yet chic boutique hotel. The staff are all really really friendly and hospitable (as with the Thai people) and best part, we are barely 7 mins taxi ride away, literally down the road from Platinum Mall (bear in mind, this is if you are not caught in the jam). Walked around MBK, Siam Paragon, Siam Center before dinner at Somboon Seafood just behind MBK. If you are in Bangkok, you HAVE TO eat there! The seafood is so fresh and cheap. Just take note there are many copy cats so make sure you are at the right one. Stayed in the hotel to drink the first night away to cap off an amazing first day. [P.S. Corruption at its best, my 2 friends were caught littering and we were stopped by the Thai police who said, each has to just pay them 1000 Baht each and we won't get fined or go court!]
Day 02:
More shopping on the cards as we headed out to Platinum Mall which is just down the road from our hotel. In what was a 5 to 10 mins drive became 30 in the Bangkok jam. I think we all went CRAZY with all the wholesale prices over there. Think we spent 5 hours shopping at both Platinum buildings! At night we went to Sirocco right on the 64th floor of State Tower to see the Bangkok skylines (and to officially countdown to my birthday)! The view was breath-taking. Unfortunately right after we finished our dinner there it began to rain so couldn't get any photos of the skyline. Route 66 at RCA was next up and that's where the night went completely berserk and epic for me. Lets just say what ever HAPPENED in Bangkok STAYS in Bangkok! Oh yes. I got really really REALLY drunk (a rarity).
Day 03:
Woke up to Jay Chou concert on Thai channel. The Thai's really do love Jay Chou. I see his photos quite often in shops in Bangkok. On TV his The Era Concert was voted most wanted. BEST, Chatuchak played Jay Chou songs on their loud speakers! More shopping this time at Chatuchak Weekend Market. The place was HUGE but didn't buy much since it is cheaper in Platinum. But spent hours walking around till our legs became jelly. Can you imagine, walking around the huge market and the speakers kept blasting Jay Chou music! Ended the night at the infamous Patpong stretch. The Thai girl shows were an eye opener certainly. Disgusting in a way. But still an eye opener. Met Viv's friend Ning as well and best part of the night, THE DUCK NOODLES from Thailand. AWESOME!
Day 04:
Woke up damn early to head to The Floating Market outside of Bangkok at Damneonsaduk area. It was about 2 hours journey out of Bangkok. But it was a vibrant place full of colors and people and culture (abeit with some commercialism). The warmth and friendliness continues on and you feel at home. By the time afternoon came, we had to say goodbye to Edwin and Jo who are leaving a day earlier than us. But before that our final lunch as a whole group consisted of chicken rice which is apperently highly recommended along the streets of Bangkok oppositie Platinum area. It was so good we all had 2 ROUNDS each! The rest of us continued on SHOPPING this time back at the Siam Center area (Paragon, MBK, Discovery, etc.) where I couldn't resist buying 2 Andy Roddick Polo-Shirt and Jacket from their Lacoste boutique! More drinking in the hotel late into the night...
Day 05:
Reality hit. Had to say bye to Bangkok. Of course since we took the last flight out, we shopped a final time at the Platinum area and one final massage before heading to the airport home.
Overall. I really love Bangkok. I really love Thailand. I have no qualms about celebrating there every year. Last year Phuket, this year Bangkok. Thinking which part of Thailand next year! What a way to cap a wonderful week of my 24th birthday celebrations with all my friends. It is truly amazing! Thank you all for making every party happen! :D
