i was beyond ecstatic when my sister told me that they were planning a trip to Bangkok and invited me to join them. Being the travel planner in the family, i arranged our accommodations, tours and itinerary.
let me share some details and photodiary of our family shenanigans in the land of smiles.
ACCOMMODATION
It was my first time to use airbnb to book our accommodations as we were 7 in our group. it was more cost effective to rent an apartment than several hotel rooms.
Our original booked apartment cancelled a few weeks before our trip but fortunately i was able to find a new apartment almost within our original price range.
we booked The Fullerton Sukhumvit via its host, Korapat. The total amount for our 4 night stay was $598. The apartment has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, dining and living room. it is situated to a nearby BTS station (ekamai station), convenience stores and mall (gateway shopping mall. My family loved it and we were sad to go after our trip.
i completely forgot to take photos of the apartment. Thankfully, my niece was able to took some photos and video of the place.
Bangkok AirBnB from Madel R. on Vimeo.
TOURS/ITINERARY
Day 1
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The largest open market in Bangkok, which houses more than 8000 stalls. Several type of markets are being sold here. As for us, we strolled mostly in the clothes and food area.
Day 2
Chef Leez Cooking School
Prior to our trip, i have booked Chef Leez cooking class for me and my sister. It was rated #1 in cooking class in trip advisor so i was really keen to learn how to make thai dishes.
Rate for a half day cooking class is 2,200 THB plus 5% tax. since there was no commute friendly way to reach the place from the apartment, we opted to take grabcar/grabtaxi so we won't get lost.
First part of the class was the market tour. we were shown which items are worth buying based on its freshness and such.
and of course how to make various thai dishes
Overall, the entire experience was worth it. i never imagined myself attending a cooking class but it was one of the best bangkok experiences i had. I recommend this if you have an extra day to spend in the city.
Siam Niramit Show
One of the famous cultural shows in Bangkok. The cheapest ticket i found was in hotels2thailand website. We likewise took bts and mrt then show's shuttle bus to reach the venue.
Siam Niramit Show
One of the famous cultural shows in Bangkok. The cheapest ticket i found was in hotels2thailand website. We likewise took bts and mrt then show's shuttle bus to reach the venue.
Day 3
Floating Market and Samphran Elephant Ground Tour
my siblings wanted a floating market tour and elephant zoo experience for my nieces. Thus, i researched recommended travel agencies that could accommodate the tour requests. Fortunately, i stumbled upon Travelhub, which has a whole day tour comprising both tours. Moreover, they were the cheapest agency offering the said tours. I communicated with travel hub through email and paid the 20% downpayment and the remaining balance will be paid upon pick up at the start of tour. We chose the private tour and since we were 7 in the group, each person's rate was 1600 THB.
Few days before our tour, i received an email informing me the name and contact number of our tour guide, Mr. Eddy.
Our first stop was the Maeklong Railway Market. We walked along the railway which has market stalls selling fresh produce, spices and more. We found cheap tamarind fruit along the way and bought some.
Our next stop was a little home industry selling products made from coconut. their house was likewise open for the visitors to see.
Next stop was the riding a motorized boat at Damnoen Saduak, cruised along the waterway before finally reaching the Damnoen Saduak floating market. We disembarked the boat and was given a couple of hours to tour the market.
Lunch was included with the tour and it was in Samphran Elephant Ground Restaurant. It was a buffet lunch but you have to pay for drinks (except water) as it was not included. Food were so-so but definitely filling.
Samphran Zoo is known for its 2 shows, crocodile show and elephant show. But my favorite will have to be the magic show before the elephant show. It was my 3rd time in Samphran Zoo and it was still the same magician though his assistant was new. I find it entertaining every single time. hahaha!
I highly recommend travel hub and Mr. Eddy as a tour guide. I hardly book travel agencies for tours but i am so glad i did with our tours. Travel hub has been very accommodating and easy to communicate with. Moreover, Mr. Eddy has been very nice, friendly and accommodating to all our requests. He suggested which areas in the market are cheap and even helped us bargain the market photo plates souvenirs.
Siam Square Night Market
Floating Market and Samphran Elephant Ground Tour
my siblings wanted a floating market tour and elephant zoo experience for my nieces. Thus, i researched recommended travel agencies that could accommodate the tour requests. Fortunately, i stumbled upon Travelhub, which has a whole day tour comprising both tours. Moreover, they were the cheapest agency offering the said tours. I communicated with travel hub through email and paid the 20% downpayment and the remaining balance will be paid upon pick up at the start of tour. We chose the private tour and since we were 7 in the group, each person's rate was 1600 THB.
Few days before our tour, i received an email informing me the name and contact number of our tour guide, Mr. Eddy.
Our first stop was the Maeklong Railway Market. We walked along the railway which has market stalls selling fresh produce, spices and more. We found cheap tamarind fruit along the way and bought some.
Our next stop was a little home industry selling products made from coconut. their house was likewise open for the visitors to see.
Next stop was the riding a motorized boat at Damnoen Saduak, cruised along the waterway before finally reaching the Damnoen Saduak floating market. We disembarked the boat and was given a couple of hours to tour the market.
Lunch was included with the tour and it was in Samphran Elephant Ground Restaurant. It was a buffet lunch but you have to pay for drinks (except water) as it was not included. Food were so-so but definitely filling.
Samphran Zoo is known for its 2 shows, crocodile show and elephant show. But my favorite will have to be the magic show before the elephant show. It was my 3rd time in Samphran Zoo and it was still the same magician though his assistant was new. I find it entertaining every single time. hahaha!
I highly recommend travel hub and Mr. Eddy as a tour guide. I hardly book travel agencies for tours but i am so glad i did with our tours. Travel hub has been very accommodating and easy to communicate with. Moreover, Mr. Eddy has been very nice, friendly and accommodating to all our requests. He suggested which areas in the market are cheap and even helped us bargain the market photo plates souvenirs.
Siam Square Night Market
we decided to check out night market of Bangkok and i have read that the night market opposite Siam Paragon was good. Apparently, the night market is just along the long street and the goods were actually cheap and nice! i didn't find the same items in chatuchak market plus the clothes in this night market are trendier.
Day 4
Spent our last day shopping and eating at our favorite shopping spot, Platinum Fashion Mall.
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#OOTD
1. coord outfit from Siam Night Market
2. gifted forever new dress; sandals from forever 21
3. paisley dress from chatuchak market, gifted kimono cardigan, scarf from h&m, espadrilles from zara
4. dress from strativarius, bag from longchamp, gifted miu miu sunglasses
5. hat borrowed from niece, gifted miu miu sunglasses, bag from longchamp, dress from dotti
Day 4
Spent our last day shopping and eating at our favorite shopping spot, Platinum Fashion Mall.
2. gifted forever new dress; sandals from forever 21
3. paisley dress from chatuchak market, gifted kimono cardigan, scarf from h&m, espadrilles from zara
4. dress from strativarius, bag from longchamp, gifted miu miu sunglasses
5. hat borrowed from niece, gifted miu miu sunglasses, bag from longchamp, dress from dotti
Last Thoughts about Bangkok
Bangkok has always been a favorite destination of mine. Prior to this trip, i've read my old posts about this place. Travel goals changed over time. From a shopping enthusiast to a more laid back and foodie traveler.
anyway, this trip has been more meaningful because i get to travel with my family. it was a wonderful experience to cap off the year 2015.
'til the next family trip!
Bangkok has always been a favorite destination of mine. Prior to this trip, i've read my old posts about this place. Travel goals changed over time. From a shopping enthusiast to a more laid back and foodie traveler.
anyway, this trip has been more meaningful because i get to travel with my family. it was a wonderful experience to cap off the year 2015.
'til the next family trip!
Photos by Madel, Andy and Meng
