Bangkok (曼谷)
7 July 2019.
My destination was a district known as Sriyaan (ศรีย่าน) within Bangkok’s Dusit district. At Mochit 2 Bus Station where I had just arrived on an overnight bus from Chiang Khong, one can head towards the Domestic Bus Terminal within Mochit 2 Bus Station and look for Bus 49 which will eventually terminate at Hua Lamphong Station. Although I knew the name of the place, I wasn’t exactly sure where I should alight.
“Sriyaan?” I heard a voice over my shoulder.
“Yes, Sriyaan.” I turned around.
It was a man who was gesturing towards the door.
“Next stop?” I asked in relief. He nodded his head and moved towards the bus door. He was also alighting at Sriyaan and might have overheard my request to the bus conductor to tip me off when the bus reaches Sriyaan. Thanking him, I got off at the correct stop and immediately checked into Bluefin Guesthouse to catch some sleep.
Alighted, 0600 hr in Sriyaan. There were breakfast stalls along the roadside where I had porridge. 0613 hr. Monks were also going about their alms round. Had some rest at the Guesthouse, 0755 hr.
Spent the day at Chatichak. 1539 hr. I was quite surprised to see the crowds resting in an air-conditioned waiting area. That’s how much we love air con.
Dinner. 2039 hr.
Other Notes:
Bangkok
Cost of food (Breakfast, Lunch (50-60) and Dinner, snacks, water) and drinks (20 if on the streets, 30-40 is rather common), accommodation and transport, piece of clothing at Chatuchak (100) and Pratunam (200)! Spent the day shopping.
Food
Breakfast
Pork Porridge: 30 Baht
Lunch/ Dinner:
Whilst most meals are priced at between 40 and 50 baht, it’s possible to enjoy a local bowl of noodles at 30 Baht along the street alleys.
Drinks
Sweet Milk drinks and Iced Tea are usually priced at 25 Baht and above. It is also possible to find 20 Baht drinks.
- Bangkok’s public buses
Bangkok’s public buses are manned by both a driver and a bus conductor who will ask for your destination and quote you a price for your bus ticket after you board the bus. Most tourist destinations like Pratunam and Chatuchak Weekend Market are conveniently served by these public buses though the downside is that the wait for some of these buses can be rather agonizing due to the massive traffic congestion in downtown areas. A TV screen at the front of the bus just behind the driver’s seat shows the upcoming stop which you can always refer to when in need. Whilst some bus stops are well marked with sheltered seats, some bus stops are marked solely by a sign with its name and passing bus numbers written on them. These can be challenging to locate on Google Maps and I usually have to check with either passer bys or the bus conductor to make sure I wasn’t taking the bus in the opposite direction of my desired destination. My bus journeys around Pratunam, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Hua Lamphong areas normally cost between 8 to 19 baht which I felt was rather worthy despite a few long waits.
If time is of importance, you also have the option of taking a motorcycle taxi or the BTS/ MRT. Motorcycle taxi drivers are easily recognizable with their orange jackets and you will have to approach them as unlike songthaew and taxi drivers, they do not actively look for passengers. Simply tell them your desired destination and they will quote a flat fare that is usually rather reasonable.
- Accommodation and what’s nearby, nice neighbourhood at Sriyaan, Rest24 Hostel
Length of Stay: 1 Night
Type of Room: Single Room (280 Baht per night)
Address: 76 Soi Sriyan 3, Nakornchaisri Road, Dusit, Bangkok, Bangkok, แขวง ถนนนครไชยศรี เขตดุสิต กรุงเทพมหานคร 10300
Towels: Provided
Air Conditioning: Fan
Location: The guesthouse is located within a local neighbourhood where the number of street food options you have as soon as you step out from the guesthouse is intriguing. These street stalls serve breakfast as early as 0600, one simply must have more than three daily meals within this neighbourhood. Aside from its astounding array of food choices, you can reach some of the tourist attractions by public bus. Unfortunately, it is not near a BTS/ MRT station however, if the places you would like to visit can be reached by bus, this guesthouse is highly recommended for a taste of the local life.
Further Comments: The guesthouse was converted from a former place of residence. Toilets are located on both the first and second floor and the showers are located on the first floor. The bed was a little hard.
Since I was due to depart from Hua Lamphong train station in two days, I decided to move to a hostel that was closer to the train station the next day. After experiencing a series of hostel stays in China, Rest 24 Hostel felt exceedingly modernised, pristine. Built-in hairdryers, free to use hangers, a card holder which automatically turns on electricity within the room when a card is inserted and bedside curtains for privacy were facilities I have forgotten about in a hostel.
Length of Stay: 1 Night
Type of Room: Bed in 8 Person Dormitory (300 Baht per night)
Address:
Towels: Not Provided
Personal Lockers: Provided
Air Conditioning: Yes
Location: The hostel is of walkable distance to Hua Lamphong train station, however there is a busy junction you have to cross each time you would like to take the MRT which is located near Hua Lamphong train station. Whilst there are traffic lights directing the vehicles, the traffic junction was not meant for pedestrian crossing thus it pays to be extra cautious when you attempt to cross.
Further Comments: Bottled iced water is given when you check in.