Bangkok Blog - Krungthep101

Siam Ocean World at Siam Paragon

2012-02-25T18:42:00.005-08:00

Siam Ocean World is a 10,000 square meters display of gigantic aquariums located just below the huge Siam Paragon Shopping Mall in Bangkok. Some 4 million litres of water shelter sea and river fishes, frog and toads, penguins, amphibians and mammals from Asia and beyond.

Walk through a rain forest jungle to discover surprisingly colorful and deadly frogs which skin secretes incredibly poisonous mucus used to coat the hunters arrow head. Walk pass huge snakes and arachnids to reach the star of the show, a long glass tunnel where massive sharks and stingrays endlessly drift above opened-mouthed visitors.

If you are a diver, you can sign up for a 'dive with the sharks' with of without diving experience. This costs between 5 to 6,000 baht and booking three days in advance is required, or for only 2,000 baht you can walk at the bottom of the tank with the 'Ocean Walker'. If you don't want to get wet, can take place on a glass bottom boat for only 150 baht... it might seem to be just another way to look at the same fishes, but in fact it's your chance to see the aquarium backstage.

The small penguins and the furry otters are always a big attraction among kids. Further is a small but cute display of jellyfishes in color changing tanks, then the very large wall of glass which is a sitting area where you can enjoy watching divers feeding the fishes.

Another popular entertainment is the 5D Cinema Xtreme (how many Ds are there?). Seat on motioned seats wearing 3D glasses and get sprayed with water for 250 Baht :). If you are an aquarist, you might also want to try the 'back of the house' tour and see how food is prepared and how water quality is maintained.

One of the newest and silliest attraction is the fish spa set in front of one of the shark tanks: small fishes nibble your feet while giant sharks is thinking of doing the same.

On the way out is the mandatory souvenir shop with piles of stuffed animal, tee shirts, magnets and mugs.

Overall it's a great display, a lot bigger than the tiny Phuket Aquarium... it's quite expensive but it's a good excuse to convince your kids to accompany you in one of Asia's largest shopping malls!

The visit is expensive, 900 Baht for adults and 700 Baht for children. Locals and residents pay 400 baht on presentation of an ID card or driving license. (if you book online you can get it cheaper with added features but it requires a minimum of two persons: See Siam Ocean World )

Open from 10 am to 9pm

- Shark Feeding Show: 13:00 and 16:00

- Diver’s Communication: 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 17:00

- Eagle Ray Feeding: 13:30 and 16:30

- Water Rat Feeding and Otter Feeding: 11:30 and 15:30

- Fresh Water Fish Feeding: 12:00 and 16:00

- Penguin Feeding: 12:30 and 16:30

- Animal Contact: Every half hour from: 10:30 – 17:30

catfish

Scorpion fish

Horned Frog

Nautilus

Piranah

green snake (forgot its name!)

Old Siam Plaza

2012-02-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

Old Siam Plaza is a hidden treasure of Thai culture in Bangkok. It is one of those places people just consider old and outdated, but is about to become a living museum. The whole area surrounding Old Siam is also a window on the past with its old movie theater and Art Deco buildings.

Old Siam is divided in two main atriums and three floors. One area is where you will find all the food, I just love to wander through the many alleys, trying all the traditional snacks and sweets skillfully prepared right in front of you. Each stall seems to take great pride in their products and it's a marvel to see how fast they can wrap a complicated 'Mian Kham' (see photo) where I always fail so miserably.

Here are just few of the many foods you can sample at Old Siam... I wish I had more, but taking photos is not allowed, I haven't understood why yet. Here are few of the many dishes we saw and tried:

Kanom Kuy Chai (Steamed dumplings)
Sa Koo Sai Moo (Sago steamed balls)
Kanom Sai Sai (sweet coconut milk steamted in banana leaves)
Mian Kham (my favourite!)
Pak Mor (flour dumpling with stuffing steamed on a clay pot)
Sala Pao (many kinds of stemed dumplings)
Woon Grob (Jelly mixed with a lot of suger)
Kanom Buang (Crispy pancake with sweet or salty stuffing)
Kao Tang Savoey (Rice crackers)

Once you are done with your fun food sampling, don't leave yet and go upstairs. You will find there an incredible amount of Thai silk shops. Many of these are also designing traditional Thai dresses for wedding and all kinds of traditional uniforms for special occasions. The work is incredible and the embroideries can be really intricate. I have never seen so many shade of color silk, it's a treat for the eyes.

Several shops also specialize in all the ceremonies accessories and this is your chance de discover all kinds of traditional items you would never find in Pratunam market which seems to always be the tourist favorite market. We actually came here to buy silk to make our wedding costumes and the necessary accessories such as a golden belt and hairpins.

All these shops largely underestimated, it really feels like stepping into the profound culture of Thailand and you won't see many tourists in there.

The entire area surrounding Old Siam is also fun to explore, often dedicated to wedding necessities, some shops even specialize in this tiny gift you have to distribute to each of the guests of your wedding party. Surprisingly, you will also find a large number of firearms shops.

Old Siam is located not far from Yaowarat Road (Chinatown). The best way to go there is by taxi, but remember that traffic is pretty bad in this area.
Old Siam Plaza on Burapha Road is open from 9am to 6.30 pm

Sa Koo Sai Moo

Kanom Kuy Chai

Kanom Sai Sai

Mian Kham (my favorite)

Kanom Buan

Pak Mor

Kao Tang Savoey

Sala Pao

Woon Grob

Old Siam Plaza is #3 on Bangkok Blog Map - Krungthep101

Vertigo at Banyan Tree

2012-02-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Vertigo and Moon Bar are among the three best rooftop bars and restaurants in Bangkok, just after the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower and the 360 Bar at the Millennium Hilton. Both Moon Bar and Vertigo are located at the 61st floor of the famous Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn Road, a tall and skinny looking building. Vertigo is the restaurant where you can have a dinner with some pretty amazing views but most people just like to hang in the confortable chairs and sofas of the bar, for a sunset drink and some unforgettable photos. The view while not as nice as Hilton 360 is nevertheless breathtaking... you can get a birdview on the megalopolis spreading as far as the eye can see... well, if sky is clear which is not too often in Bangkok.

Prices are on the high side, expect to pay 500 Baht ++ for a glass of wine and 250 Baht ++ for a beer, which means 250 Baht +10% service charge and 7% government tax, so in fact it would be about 292 Baht. But if you think about it, as long as you order even a soft drink, there is no entry fee to enjoy this amazing panoramic view and take some really nice shots. Staff is as efficient, smiling and polite as you can expect it from a Banyan Tree hotel. (Banyan Tree Phuket)

The best time to go for sunset is around 6.30 pm and the best way to go there if you don't have your own vehicle is taxi. To be there for sunset, allow extra time as traffic in this area can be pretty bad at the end of the week. Dress smart casual required, no shorts or flip-flops.

Moon Bar opens from 5pm to 11pm and
Vertigo Restaurant from 6pm to 1am.
21/100 South Sathorn Road, (next to Alliance Française) - Tel 66 (0) 2679 1200.

Vertigo is #3 on Bangkok Blog Map - Krungthep101 (#2 is Saladaeng Cafe by Jim Thompson)

Siam Square in Bangkok

2012-02-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Siam is as everyone knows the shopping heart of Bangkok and there is a high chance for any traveller to end up at Siam Paragon Shopping Mall or its giant neighbor CentralWorld. In fact is the same area you also have Siam Center, Siam Discovery and even MBK. If you don't mind walking a bit, on the far side of CentralWorld you will find Pantip Plaza or get lost in the humongous Pratunam Market.

So since you are in a shopping mood, you might want to explore Siam Square, the small streets and lane just opposite of Siam Paragon. It is not sophisticated and not as shiny as shopping malls, but you will find quite a lot of young designers and fun boutiques. Of course you will have to find the gems among all the usual cheap stuff and angry birds tee shirts, but that's part of the fun!

Siam Square is alway buzzing with youngsters and you will soon notice that most of them care a lot for their look. Music is loud, screens are flashing everywhere and stage performances often take place in Siam Square, usually just in front of the Hard Rock Cafe.

Among a thousand shops you will spot easily the Digital Gateway, a large multi-story electronic shop, a large library and even an old fashioned cinema. Not far is the very old 'Bonanza Mall' which connects to MBK via a bridge where you can find all the school uniforms and accessories for teens. Everywhere it is a maze of tiny shops the way they like it in Asia: two by three meters, cramped with so many items you wonder how they fit everything inside when closing time arrives.

Thai fashion designers are very inspired; few shops will catch your eyes with their fancy windows and many sell really original creations. A very popular shop called 'Its happen to be a closet' (that's how the name is written) now also sells in the fashion department of trendy shopping malls...

Add to the place a large amount of eateries, from a very cheap but busy food court to very popular Som Tam, Hong Kong Noodles and Thai Suki shops and you have the perfect city hang out for the young generation.

BTS Siam

Jim Thompson House - Getting married in Bangkok

2012-01-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

A lot was written about Jim Thompson House in Bangkok and how he made Thai silk famous the world around, so I won't go through the entire house history or how Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared, but we have a special bond with this house... we got married there.

Jim Thompson museum is a group of beautiful teakwood houses set in a green oasis right in the middle of Siam, near Siam Paragon. Somehow it's surprising to find such luxuriant garden just near one of Asia's busiest shopping areas, but it is even more amazing if you can imagine it in the context of past century house by the canal with its own river access.

The property consists in six buildings built on stilts in Thai traditional architecture, including the house itself which is the museum displaying the lifestyle of his time. Smaller houses around the garden are also used as display of artifacts used at that time. One large building is the shop where you can admire and purchase countless of beautiful Thai silk items, and another one is the Jim Thompson cafe, the first of its kind. (Read about Saladaeng Cafe here).

Finally, right above the restaurant is where we got married, a large wooden room overlooking the canal, which somehow still retains the original spirit of the house. If you ever want to celebrate your wedding with your friends here, you will be well taken care of. The staff is obviously very experienced in organizing special events and wedding parties as well as guests' many requests. So whole morning ceremony went smoothly without any stress or hiccups. Somehow they managed to make us feel safe and confident, so we didn't over worry the days before as we knew we were in good hands. We went there twice prior to the wedding to decide what the decoration, floral arrangement, setup and menu would be and the rest was done by email exchanges.

The wedding day arrived and around eight o'clock morning, nine monks came from a temple selected by the family. Many of our friends and colleagues flew from several regions of Thailand and from around the world. The room was beautifully decorated with flower and a long platform where monks could sit next to each other as the tradition requires. Rows of chairs were facing it for the guests. The monks took place and started to chant. If you never joined a wedding ceremony or a house blessing ceremony, you might be surprised how long the chanting lasts, it can be really long so be prepared; it is for you own good fortune :)

Once the chanting ended, the couple (that's us!), served the food prepared specially for this occasion by Jim Thompson's cuisine for the monks, both of us holding the spoon at the same time, which makes it quite a challenge at first. After food has been served, guests moved to the next room, a beautiful bar lobby set with colorful silk sofas and a long counter, and enjoyed drinks while the staff removed all the chairs and set the buffet just the way we designed it.

After the monks finished eating, we bid them farewell and everyone moved back to the ceremony room for the water ceremony. We kneed in front of a small altar and the parents placed a small woven wool crown on our heads. Each guest walked to us and poured a bit of water on our hands to wish us luck in our new life.

Then it's party time and everyone could enjoy an excellent buffet decorated with great care. It was an unforgettable moment, and if you wish to have your wedding ceremony or renew your vows, we really recommend Jim Thompson's house. It is a nice traditional way to mark the day, and they also can arrange Christian wedding ceremonies and accommodate up to 80 people.

Visit of the house costs 100 Baht for Adults and 50 for Children
Jim Thompson House
BTS National Stadium, not far from the famous MBK Shopping Mall
6/1 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road,
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: (66 2) 632-8100

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Saladaeng Cafe by Jim Thompson Bangkok

2012-01-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

Jim Thompson is well known for its Thai silk, but in the recent years Jim Thompson restaurants have become increasingly popular. Originally it was just a cafe at the entrance of the now famous 'Jim Thompson's House' near MBK shopping mall, but you can now find several branches in Bangkok and even in Kuala Lumpur.

We did try the main restaurant in the past, including for our wedding party, but we decided to visit 'Saladaeng Cafe' near our house and were pleasantly surprised. Jim Thompson Sala Daeng is fun and nicely decorated with green and red tones, lots of wood, a touch of Chinese inspiration, elegant without being pretentious with a friendly and efficient service.

We knew the food was usually excellent, or we wouldn't have selected it for our wedding, so we were in a way expecting to find the same quality here, and were not disappointed. Jim Thompson obviously takes great care of the food presentation and each dish came nicely displayed and fast.

We tried Pla Tod Yam Mamuang (Fried fish with mango salad, our favourite), Broccoli Pad Goong (Broccolis with prawns), Panang Tao Huu (Tofu with red curry), Kuy Tiaow Pad Kee Mao (Spicy Fried noodles with prawns) then for dessert, the unavoidable 'Kao Niaow Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut milk) and Lod Chong Phuak (Pandanus and Taro Dumpling in coconut milk).

You can of course choose from a wide selection of Thai dishes from the English and Thai menus, on which the spicy level is indicated by one or two chilies.

It was an excellent lunch in a nice atmosphere and we recommend it if you are looking for a fun casual lunch with friends in a nice air-con room, or even at the terrace in the evening.

Saladaeng Cafe by Jim Thompson
120/1 Saladaeng Soi 1, Silom Road
Tel: (662) 266 9167

Kuy Tiaow Pad Kee Mao

Panang Tao Huu

Kao Niaow Mamuang

Lod Chong Phuak

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Bangkok Royal Thai Air Force Museum

2012-01-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Vought Corsair V-93S

Bangkok Royal Thai Air Force Museum might not be the most visited or the most cultural one, but it was definitely the most fun for me. For a very long time since living in Thailand I wanted to know how big the collection was, and my expectations were rather low. I was actually happily surprised to find about forty airplanes on display, some dating from the very beginning of Thai Air Force history. It really retraces the whole history of human flying, from the old biplanes to the post war jets.

Some planes are displayed outsides and few inside, in different state of condition, but overall quite a well maintained collection. Mono propellers from second world war always look a lot bigger in real than you would expect, and jets always looks like oversized boy's toys.

Some of the biplanes are kept in mint condition, just like they would just be ready to fly: the rare Vought Corsair V-93S and the last Curtiss Hawk III.

Second world war and pacific war era: Douglas AD-1 Skyraider, Grumman F-8F Bearcat, Fairey Firefly, Curtiss Hawk 75, North American T-28.

Most impressive among the first jets was the Lockheed RT-33A (since my own dad flew this one, I always liked it) but also the North American F-86L, Republic F-84G Thunder Jet, and cold war jets Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter.

Sadly, the whole helicopter section was closed that day.

Overall if you are just a grown up boy like me and you have time and transportation, it is a always an impressive thing to see these monster metal machine still standing proud. I'm not a real fan so if I got some of the name wrong, don't hesitate to let me know!

The Museum is located behind the domestic Don Muang Airport on 171 Paholyothin Road.
Open daily from 9am until 4pm except holidays. Free entry.

Curtiss Hawk III (the last one)

North American F-86L

Republic F-84G Thunder Jet

North American F-86L

North American T-28

Beech 18 (Beechcraft model 18)

Percival Prince IIIA

Fairey Firefly

Douglas AD-1 Skyraider

Grumman F-8F Bearcat

Lockheed T33A

North American AT-6 Texan

Curtiss SB2C-5 Hell Diver

Rod Fai Market in Bangkok

2012-01-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

Rod Fai Market is a young fun place to explore from the end of the day till late at night. Like most of these eclectic flea markets, you probably won’t come to buy anything but somehow you hope something will strike you. It’s quite a large market, but unlike the colossal Chatuchak can be covered in less than two hours. As it gets really busy after sunset, better come at the end of the afternoon, easier to park and not as packed. Rod Fai means 'Train' in Thai as the market is set on an abandoned train track.

It’s definitely a feast for the eyes as most people come to sell vintage articles, replicas, old discarded stuff or just their own creation. They seem to have realized that if the market place itself looks vintage, people will come just because it's original. So expect to find quite a few classic cars, often in mint good condition and probably not even for sale, Vespas and motorbikes, shops decorated with fun items from the sixties. Vendors affectionate of course Volkswagen Beetles and mini buses, the shopkeepers themselves often look like vintage characters.

The brick and wood warehouses surrounding the market place are permanent shops selling more expensive articles, furniture or larger house decorations, while other vendors set up their own stands in the large central space, often just displaying motley objects on a plastic mats or tables. The whole area is bright, young and lively and very easy going, lot of teens come to hang around just for the pleasure.

And like any market place in Thailand, food appears everywhere, varied and original, mostly snacks to eat on the go. Drinks and candies also seem to come straight back from the past, altogether, it is a great place to spend an evening before moving to dinner.

Rod Fai Market opens from 5pm until midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

Located behind the famous Chatuchak Market (MRT station Kamphaengphet)

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Papaya Vintage Shop

2012-01-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

Papaya Vintage Shop is the most amazing place I ever saw in Thailand, and until today, I thought I saw quite a bit! It's supposed to be a shop, but it is more of a vintage museum with extremely rare items scattered around in a humongous organized mess across four floors of narrow passages of crumbling shelves.

It's a bit far outside Bangkok, but it's so worth a visit and if you happen to be a collector of item from the sixties and seventies. You will feel like a kid in Santa Claus workshop and you will be taken away to your childhood. You might wander for hours in search of an item that will 'talk' to you, and soon realize that you entirely forgot what you where actually looking for and you are just having fun! Toughts will cross you mind "Oh, my dad had one of those bright orange plastic kitsch TV, and "I use to waste all my pocket money on that pinball!" "Hey isn't it the cabin of that rocket in a cheap science fiction"?

My favorite was the full set of full size super heroes and I really wanted to bring a trio of Ultraman to stand behind my desk.

Listing the items would be endless and impossible, furniture are unique, some in good shape and some need repair, but real lovers will know what to do.

Plenty of toys and figurines might look very familiar and there is an amazing range of operating light hanging from the ceiling... would be nice above my dining table.

Lots of strange looking electronic devices seem to come right out of an old Frankestein or science fiction movie or a, you know, the one where you always wondered what all the lights and buttons where actually doing.

And then, after hours of walking in the labyrinth of treasures and discarded and broken creepy mannequins, here is it, the chair you have been waiting for stretching its arms in your direction: "you found me, take me home!" and you will run with you heart beating to the guy sitting downstairs and you will show the photo you wisely shot with your mobile because you might not be even sure you would find it back anyway. 'How much for this chair?' you ask. 'This one is not for sale'... what the???

So what is going on with this shop? is it a shop or is it a museum? Well it's a bit of both, the place has become so famous for it colossal amount of vintage object, it has become a vey popular place for magazine photo shoots and music videos. Therefore selling some of the popular items would deplete your main attractions. Tricky! The top floor even has a room dedicated to photo sessions and video shooting.

Anyway, it is not even cheap, so if you happen to have a car, just go for the fun of it, taking photos for the pleasure is allowed. I will go back...

Papaya : Soi Lat Pharo 55/2, Lat Pharo Road

Wang Thong Lamg, Bangkok 10310
Tel + 66 2933 0661
Mobile + 66 8699 44445

Papaya Vintage Shop is #1 on Bangkok Blog Map by Krungthep101

Provence Restaurant at Peninsula Plaza

2012-01-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Provence Restaurant in Peninsula Plaza is the last place you would think of when you are looking for a noodle soup. French name, luxury shopping mall attached to a five star hotel? we are far from the road side vendors at 30 Baht!

Price is high, so what makes it so special that you need to make a reservation for table at lunch time? It's obviously about quality, the meat is a choice of imported meats and all the ingredients are selected in the top of the line range, but their success also come from their home made noodles and their broth, known to be really special and prepared the old traditional way .

I don't think I could afford to eat each of my lunches there, but it is certainly a wonderful treat to reward yourself when around Siam. Set in a nice indoor french terrace decor, it is remarkably relaxing and of course excellent.

The Restaurant also serves european cuisine, but they clearly have more success this their old fashioned boat noodles.

Expect to pay 130 to 200 baht for a large noodle soup with Wagyu Beef or Thai Kobe Beef.

Peninsula Plaza, 153 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok +66 (0)2 652 1399

Open daily, 10 a.m.-9p.m

Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan near Bangkok

2012-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Erawan Museum near Bangkok is a striking monument; I have seen photos many times but never got a chance to see it by myself. This gigantic three headed elephant built on a pedestal stands 43 metres above one side of the expressway. Surprisingly, not so many people take the time to drive there.

Erawan Museum was designed and built in the years 2000 by Lek Viriyaphant, a rich business man who also designed the famous and probably more visited 'Sanctuary of Truth' in Pattaya. He also designed 'Ancient Siam' a park featuring miniature reproductions of Thailand's most famous temples and historical building also near Pattaya.

The massive elephant is set in the middle of a garden and on the way to the building many visitors stop a moment to make merit at the small shrine build in front of the entrance, offering garlands of yellow flowers and the traditional sticks of incense, or floating lotus flowers in the water surrounding the museum.

Once inside, the daylight basks the entire circular room through a magnificent stain glass representing a map of the world occupying most of the ceiling. The intricate design of the convoluted stairs leading to the top of the room is part of a massive and beautifully carved white and gold dragon.

At the bottom of the stair banisters, you can't miss the three head elephants with ears are made of porcelain spoons and millions of broken pieces of Benjarongs, these beautiful and delicate Thai ceramics. Once thing is obvious: the person didn't like straight lines and the amazing double stairs is a masterpiece of carving.

Walking up the convoluted stairs will take you to a small floor where a small lift or another set of spiral stairs spins all the way to the shrine built inside the body of the elephant itself. The curved room is dark blue and entirely painted with a map representing stars and heaven. The front part of the room, where the elephant head is, displays a beautiful multileveled shrine with buddha images. Here too, people pray and pay respect and despite having some security lady almost permanently saying something in her speakerphone, the place feels somehow peaceful. Some beautiful antique buddha statues seat or stand in glass displays around the room.

From what I heard, this monument is not to everyone's taste, but I respect a man who pursues his dream, especially when the results is so impressive.

To go there, best is to drive of course, but if you are not in a rush you can ride a local bus (102, 507, 508, 511 and 536). Or take the BTS to On Nut Station and get a cab from there (around 100 Baht).

Price is 150 Baht for adult and 75 Baht for children, but only 50 baht for adults if you live in Thailand. Museum is open from 8 am to 5 pm.

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Arun Residence

2012-01-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

Bangkok is huge and if you only stay for a short time, great places for dinner and drinks with a view are not easy to recommend. Arun Residence is one of them. Located just opposite Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) and across the Chao Phraya river, you will get a unique point of view when on one of Bangkok most famous landmarks.

There are few things to remember about Arun residence: book in the morning as the place is becoming increasingly popular, and come just before 5.30 pm as 'The Deck' which is the top floor bar only opens to outside guests at this time. The rest of the time, it is reserved to the hotel guests. This is usually the best moment to catch the sun going down right behind the wat (temple). On some days you might get a good photo from downstairs, but a large boat is often parked in front of the restaurant, blocking half the view.

The restaurant serves a good selection of nice Thai dishes. We really enjoyed the spicy pomelo salad, the Tom Yam with river prawns, frogs legs with green pepper and lemongrass were very nice as well as the mushroom salad and the duck confit with roasted green apples. Save some space for the desert, but as portions are small, so don't be shy to order. Price is a bit high but considering the location and quality of food, it is worth it. Expect 1,000 baht per person without wines.

A great way to maximize an afternoon is to explore this area of Bangkok: Arun Residence is right behind the Grand Palace, Wat Prakeow (the Temple of the emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho with its huge reclining Buddha, all are among the most famous places of Bangkok. The old streets and buildings just next to the Residence are also beautiful and there are many small lanes to explore. Just remember not to walk to fast, it might get a bit hot in the old streets and you don't want to be all sweaty for your romantic dinner.

Believe me, spending such rich afternoon in Bangkok and end it with a sunset on Wat Arun, your drink has never tasted better!

Arun Residence: 36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Road.

Tel: 02 221 9158

Open: Mon – Thurs 11:00 am 10:00 pm

Fri - Sun 11:00 am 11:00 pm (top floor bar opens 5.30pm)

There are no BTS in this area so to get there, taxi is the best way.

The hotel rooms cost between 4,000 and 5,800 baht per night (rates from their website)

Blue #1 is Arun Residence, orange #1 is Wat Arun - Bangkok Blog Map - Krungthep101

Terminal 21 Bangkok

2012-01-01T09:02:00.001-08:00

Terminal 21 is like no other shopping mall I ever saw before. It is a fun place to visit when in Bangkok, even if you don't plan to buy anything. Designed like an airport departure hall, escalators and boarding gates take you to nine different destinations in no time: Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Istanbul, Tokyo, London, San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles.

Each floor is designed around a nine famous city themes, shopfronts and alleys are decorated in each city style and even shop names sound like foreign languages but you still can read them all. The entire building is huge. The central area is vast and buzzing with activity, people seem to spend most of their time taking each other's photo in front of a red London bus, a pair of wrestling Sumos of the favorite and most eye catching display: the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco. The name Terminal 21 comes from the location on Sukhumvit 21.

Just to set the atmosphere, the lower floor takes you to the Caribean with the huge red and white lighthouse. From the BTS access, you will enter the building directly into Rome with Vespas, marble statues and plaza fountains then reach Paris on the second floor with all the French sounding names and the Metropolitan Art Deco roofs. The next level, you are transported in London with the unmistakable double decker red bus and an underground train line bigger than real. Some shops are actually inside both bus and the train.

Third floor, you travel to Istanbul city with hundreds of colorful glass lanterns and oriental looking shops and roofs.

Above it is the Japan, with a very convincing little streets of Tokyo, with suspended paper lanterns and small restaurants curtains at the door. More accessories, fun looking decorations and gadgets can be found around this floor, so typical of Japanese Kawaii culture.

Most of the shops seem to address to the young adults and teenagers, but nevertheless, with such amount of boutiques there is enough to keep you entertained for hours. The central area, where a massive 36 meters escalator takes you directly to the top level, is home to larger shops but architects and designers created on each floor little mazes of streets with tiny boutiques were the ambiance is really well rendered. No big brands here, but an amazing amount of original creations.

And of course what would be a shopping center without the most important attraction: the food! San Francisco on the fifth floor is where you will find many small restaurants. Nothing very sophisticated, but it is part of the fun, and you can choose among many small venues, mostly all part of big franchises. Curry seems to be the most popular dish with Coco Ichibanya and Konaya Curry Udon. If you come at lunch or dinnertime, get ready to queue.

Top floor, you know you are in Hollywood when you recognize the golden Oscar statue, and it is obviously where you will find the SFX cinemas.

Overall, it's an great experience in itself, with an incredible amount of details and no shortage of fun and creativity, Terminal 21 should be on your list of things to do even on a short visit to Bangkok. Don't miss the Japanese style toilets with heated seats and bidet sprinkler!

Terminal 21 is very easy to reach with a direct BTS (Asoke) and MRT (Sukhumvit) stations, and just across the famous Soi Cowboy.