My brief review on the trip, hopefully able to help you guys on the trip to Bangkok even though it might have been facts that you guys already known. Detailed version check my blog out.

Firstly, thanks ShuXia for the recommendation. Samran Place was a great hotel. I couldn't find any flaws from this hotel, other than its location, which couldn't even be considered a flaw actually. Great service, Great food, Great environment (less those mosquitoes) and Great people. At this hotel, trust me, their room service is a must. Try their Fried hot and spicy noodles with Shrimp. And also, their Chilli Seafood Pasta. These two mentioned food is a must to order, very nice, but for Choon Peng, a little sad cos you don't eat chilli. Never try their Pad Thai with Shrimps or Pork Chop.

Breakfast at the hotel is great, you can try all their breakfast because it's all nice. Breakfast's at 2nd storey. To eat their free breakfast, give them your key at the 1st storey reception counter and they'll give you the breakfast voucher in return, then proceed up to 2nd storey for your breakfast.

To go to other places, meter cab is very highly recommended. Never take taxi or tuk tuk that is being parked outside the hotel (they dig a hole out of your pocket). The taxi can sit perhaps 5-6 people, unlike Singapore, provided all of you are SKINNY enough. There's a security guard or hotel staff outside the hotel, let them know where you are going and they will ensure you won't get cheated and get a cab for you. Travelling by meter cab is the only mode of transport you should take. Not even MRT or BTS is worth the money. If you calculate it well, meter cab is the best. If they charge you 100 baht to travel around, reject. And also, it's hard to get meter cab at night because of the heavy jam, so do as you deem fit. Jams are common so expect that.

Pratunam market and Platinum mall are just 10 minutes walk away, Central World is 15 minutes walk whereas Erawan Shrine is around 20-15 minutes walk. If you want to go Erawan Shrine, go during weekdays. And TAKE NOTE, don't buy those incense/flowers/candles from those stores outside, buy from the one inside. If you you are buying anything other than the three i mentioned, you are being 'chopped'. All the 3 items i mentioned shouldn't cost more than 200 baht so if it is, it simply means you are being CHEATED.

Now mentioning the market, i've been to Suan Lam, Khao San Road and Chatuchak market, and also the thieves market (Nakhon Kasem). All are worth going except the thieves market. Never go there cos it's so cramped and there's NOTHING to buy. They simply sell second hands electronics stuff like dvd player and TV, they sell rifles, pistols also (STUNNED) and perhaps some dirty jewellery. GOSH! Other than that, those market i mentioned were great.

Stuff @ Siam are not worth the money, they either sell branded stuff if not, their stuff can be found in Singapore including the same price range. Buy your clothes at places like Platinum Mall etc...

My girlfriend did her Manicure and Pedicure @ 29 Plaza, you can go through a link from MBK at the 2nd storey, so girls, please TRY. There's tons of stuff to buy at MBK as well. And also, you might notice lots of MK restuarants in Bangkok, hop in and try their duck, it's nice, if you want to try their steambost, go ahead as well, it's cheap.

At Siam discovery, on the top floor, there's a Dim Sum buffet, try it if you want. Little variety but cheap and nice. At Siam Paragon, visit this ice crean outlet called fudge and cream factory (can't remember what is the exact name but it's something like that), try their mint ice cream, superb.

Their KFC has this roasted chicken drumlets, it's damn nice. For A&W, you don't have to travel all the way to Siam, go out of our hotel, turn left and walk all the way straight, there's one just ahead there, perhaps about 5 minutes walk or lesser.

For places are Siam/MBK, you can walk there, it's just 10 minutes or lesser walk to there. Try their coconut ice cream, juice or cake if you happen to see one, not including those from the street side hawker.

Be careful of counterfeit notes PLS!!! Never buy cigarettes or any DFS items from Thai Airport back to Singapore without declaring - you have to pay tax if you declare, so in another words, DON"T BUY!

Pantip Plaza has lots of IT crap, i bought my camera battery there, thinking that my current one is spoil and that the charger don't seem to work. In the end, i found out that it's because my charger require a higher voltage which the hotel doesn't provide. To charge, you need a special adapter as well (not sure please call me and ask) as they use different socket as compared to Singapore.

It happened to be Euro 2008 Season. I thought i wasn't able to show because the hotel only provide ESPN. But i was smart enough to try the Thai channel so if you guys want to watch it, switch to channel 2/3 for those soccer action. It will be screened 11pm and 1.45am BANGKOK TIME.

Mosquitoes are expected so bring insect repellent. No need to spray on your body, simply spray the room's corner and the opening at the door like twice is a day? Perhaps once before you left for your day activities and when you come back.

It was a nice trip, thankfully, i did my research and also thanks to the guide ShuXia provide. It's a pity i can't go with you guys but i hope i can help made your trip a better one with this blog entry. Enjoy guys,...there might be something i missed out. Perhaps one of you want to call me and i'll tell you more....

Kelvin

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