Back in Bangkok
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2005
1
275
285
Trip End
Jan 25, 2009
Bangkok,
Thailand
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Yesterday's flight was a real horror... so much so that I was thinking that 'this is it'. About 20 minutes into the flight, there was a tremendous humming noise that engulfed the whole carriage - couldn't hear yourself speak. This noise went on for about 45 seconds and I have never, ever experienced such a noise. The plane was tilting a little on to its right side and for one of the first times in my hundreds of flights, I was petrified, especially after watching countless episodes of Air Crash Investigations. I was situated next to the engine and was too nervous to look outside for fear of what I'd see. I turned to the three American girls behind me who were equally as nervous... they were asking me what the noise was and whether I'd flown with Air Asia before - this was their first Air Asia flight! The flight attendants tried to down play it but later I overheard several passengers saying that the flight attendants turned white. Given that I was flying over water at the time, I thought the worst given that Air Asia is a cheap, no frills airline and the South East Asians tend to be a little too easy going for me.
But... the rest of the flight was excellent and we arrived into Bangkok 30 minutes late. I was extremely relieved when we landed. During the flight, I had some noodles and ice tea for about $6.
7 nights in Phuket was definitely enough. Phuket has turned out to be extremely expensive - European Resort style prices. The locals are resistant to good, cheap bargaining and the travel industry has engulfed their thinking - so much so, it is a real nuisance and what I've heard, starting to impact on Phuket's tourism industry. This is suppose to be high season in Phuket and many pubs, restaurants and hotels are near empty but the financial crisis is having an impact on all of this. It was, nevertheless, fun and I'm glad I spent my week there.
Don't stay at the Royal Paradise Hotel - it is way too crowded. Hard to get a spot near the pool and breakfast is a nightmare with queues for everything. The room was ok... I was on the twelfth floor (room 1202) so avoided most of the noise below. One Aussie I met over breakfast made note that he would be telling his travel agent girlfriend back home to black list this hotel. The Royal Paradise was definitely 4 star and I would consider staying in a better room on the top floors but nothing beats the comfort and pure deluxe of the Milennium Resort (5 star). It was good to have experienced both 4 and 5 star.
I arrived in Bangkok at around 3pm and got the AE1 express bus to Silom's Salae Datang Train Station near Silom Soi 2 for 150 baht ($7). It took about 1 hour 15 minutes. I'm staying at the Swiss Lodge on Convent Road in Silom. An outstanding location, and excellent hotel. When I arrived at 4.30, my room wasn't ready but I explained that I was desparate for a shower - they allowed me to use the deluxe suite to freshen up. And what a room! Highly recommended. My standard room is still very good. The location is the best thing about this hotel. I can access most parts of Bangkok easily. And I'm across the road from the entertainment area I want to hang out in.
After freshening up, I returned to Lumpini Market to see if Game still worked at shop DG/X1078. Unfortunately, he has moved on... sign of the times? I've sent him an email so will be interested to see if I hear from him.
I then returned to Silom's Telephone and Balcony Bar where I met up with Bird... he has moved hotels but after asking several of the locals, I was told that 'Mr Bird' worked at Telephone. He recognised me instantly and I spent most of the night talking to him whilst he served his customers. I also met Mark and Terry - both consultants. Mark's about to start a 29 Indo China tour around South East Asia with Intrepid whilst Terry is on business here in Bangkok. Both are from Sydney.
I'm noticing that the food is exquisite here... and cheap. Last night, I had a full meal of rice, vegetables and chicken for $2 at the Lumpini Market. Water is 50 cents. The alcohol is a lot cheaper than in Phuket as well.
Bird looked after me by inviting me to his after hours staff Christmas Party in the upper floors of the Telephone Bar... mostly Thais with a few Western people. A great party with an endless supply of free alcohol and a huge spread of Thai food. Lots of interesting and successful people as well - I spent most of the night talking to Bird's friends and an English pilot. Talk about a score... first night in Bangkok and invited to a Christmas Party. This is so typical of the beautiful Thai people that make you feel so welcome in their amazing country. The Land of Smiles is really evident here... especially if you make the effort... it is SO easy to make friends here, even the tourists I'm meeting seem to be friendlier here. I also met up with the Japanese people I met in Phuket for New Year's Eve in Silom's Soi 2... like a reunion of best buddies, I love these people! They are so much fun. I must say that I have been really lucky in what is one of my favourite cities in the world... Bangkok.
Scott, I hope you are safe and happy in Bali... look forward to hearing how you're going. Watch out for those lady massages!
