Closure....coming to an end.

The next morning, we proceed to Ekkamai bus terminal (eastern) by sky train to take bus to Pattaya. Yes we are greedy to squeeze this into our alr tight itinerary.
Bangkok doesnt have a beach and we don't wish to shop whole day so there we go.

Yappy was selfish not to let me carry my backpack as he say I look ugly carrying that so insisted to carry for me for some parts of the journey. Here he is with my backpack and his sling bag:







Very selfish rite....dun let me carry. Make me feel like a useless vase. lalalalaa.....

When we reach the Ekkamai bus terminal, a bus officer was hurrying us to get up a bus which is said to be on its way to Pattaya. We asked about the ticket price (100 baht) which is the same as what we have researched so we thought it was the correct one and even thot that we are lucky to catch this scheduled bus so easily without much delay.

This is the ultra long bus ticket which we have paid for on the bus.





But somehow we feel weird cos it was too sudden and the bus consists of only a few of us. From what I researched, it is supposed to be buying ticket with seat number from a counter instead of just getting up the bus and paying for the tix in this manner. Weird, but we shall see.

This bus ended up stopping at many bus stops to pick up passengers. After like 2 hrs which is supposed to be the average duration of time to reach Pattaya from BKK, we are still in the bus, wondering whether we have reached Pattaya area or not. It ended up to be a 4 hrs bus journey to reach an out of nowhere roadside in Central Pattaya instead of a proper bus terminal in North Pattaya !

Arrgghh, wat a waste of time cos our hotel that we have booked is in North Pattaya. We felt cheated and bewildered with this bus that we have taken and sighed in dismay. Why are we landed here instead of the bus terminal? Whatever it is, time is running out! We only have one day in Pattaya! Hurry!




We took songthew ( truck taxi) at 150 baht to our hotel despite some bargain cos the driver say our destination is glai mark mark ( very far) from our location bcos of the 1-way streets and since there is only the 2 of us. No choice la. No energy to bargain or ask another driver le after that irritatingly long bus journey also.

We reach Sunshine vista serviced apartment finally at 4pm. A nice lobby. Our so far most decent and plesant looking hotel, with buffet breakfast too. S$47 per night for twin room.







Without much delay cos it was alr 4+ pm then, we hurried to the beach within 10 min walking distance. The most distinct characteristic is the long stretch of chairs laid out along the beach. Sea was not fantastically beautiful bcos of some pollution. Expected from hearsay.





We were then apporached by a guy who is renting jetski. After again much bargaining, we get the rate of 600 baht (S$24) for half an hr. Abit ex to us but still considered affordable as compared to some other countries I have heard.


Was really a ride that can make anyone feel high after that! It was my second time playing jetski but the feeling is still as fresh as the first! Half an hour pass very fast without us really taking note of it.

Nothing else much that we did after that as banana boat needs a number of ppl to play and parasailing wasn't in sight. The beach chairs need to rent and we thought its pointless so decided to go wash up at our hotel and walk around our seemingly lively area.



We had our most wonderful and sumptuos dinner at Fuji Restaurant in the Big Festival mall somewhere across the street. Realized that we hadn't eat anything since our breakfast bcos of that stupid long bus journey. Was excited to bump into this beautiful restaurant which is the one what we saw but dint have time to eat in BKK then.



With each of us paying way less than $20, we ordered ourselves each a set meal plus a shared sushi set plus cold sake and maccha milk drink. So very worth it that I think I had a little too much that inevitably cause me some indigestion problem thereafter. oopss.




The streets were lively that day cos there was some sort of carnival or fair that was going on. Some tour promotion and food fair and performance filled up the long stretch of street which we only managed to walked part of it.

As expected, many sleezy clubs with ladies scantily dressed waiting outside to lure customers in. Transverstites are not uncommon just like in Bangkok.



There are actually more things to do and see in Pattaya like transverstite show and a magnificent garden to visit etc.

The next morning, we wrapped up our last day with a good oil massage and prepare ourselves to say goodbye to Pattaya.

Proceed to the proper bus terminal, queue up to buy ticket(~123 baht) at counter and waited for our bus back to Mochit station in Bangkok (instead of Ekkamai where we board the bus to here bcos Mochit is nearer to airport).

If you are with a few more frens, it would be a much better and comfortable idea to share a taxi straight to Bangkok airport at 800 baht.

I believe this should be the proper bus ticket and procedure to follow unlike the encounter we had in BKK.


This is it!

The bus that we are scheduled to take is at 1 pm and neva expect that all the buses are delayed and the bus that came at 1 pm was for the 1210 pm batch. Our ticket was rejected by the bus officer so we retreat back to our seats. The counter ppl are not helpful to answer our queries about which bus we should take. We could only wait in vain and look at the board signal for 13:00 to show up.

In a state of confusion, a bus came some time later at 1.30 pm and with the board signal still stating 1240, we thought it wasnt our bus. I notice the Black who queued up before us during the purchase of ticket looking blur as well. Yappy then went to ask another staff with our ticket and she nodded that is the bus for us.

In a hurry, we quickly showed our ticket and it was accepted and we board the bus with our luggage deposted in the lower cabin and were wondering whether the Black know that this bus is what he should be taking as well. Yappy then decided to go down the bus to find the Black who was sitting comfortably in the waiting area. I saw from afar that the Black wasn't convinced that the bus yappy pointed is ours since the board still stating 1240. He asked Yappy to show it to him that he can get up the bus successfully. So yappy boarded the bus for him to see. The Black then hurriedly came along and board it too and thank him gratefully with his Black American slang. Haha...

So now you know the bus system there can't really be trusted... cant imagine if we miss this bus then our bus ticket will be wasted as there is specific seat number one. And we still have a flight to take from bangkok later!

The bus journey from Pattaya bus terminal to Mochit station without any stops was around 2 and a half hours. Decent. This is what it should be manz.

Yes we know its coming to an end but I don't find how time flies so swiftly mayb cos I was treasuring every moment of it. Not sure abt him but nevertheless, still feeling abit hard to part from this vacation trip.




Byebye Bangkok....


A finale photo taken at the airport. Nice.





PS: Hope you guys enjoyed reading our 'itinerary' as much as I was writing about it!

Bangkok last day...

Our last day in Bangkok before we set off to Pattaya:

Yappy finds it disgusting to shop all day in Bangkok, thus our itinerary consists of some outdoor activities too which includes today.

We went to the somehow less talked about 'tourist' attraction more recommended for family who are bringing kids. Siam Park City (instead of Dreamworld)! Its only $8 admission fee for unlimited rides to the land and water park. CHeap cheaapp....

Our naive minds assume that siam park city is in siam area but it wasnt! The receptionist at our hotel told us that its quite far and out of the way and you need around 1 hr taxi drive to reach there from where we are now. Abit shaken, we took some time to discuss whether we should proceed to our original plan. And yes we are!

And we are glad that we did!




I am holding on to a thai phrase book borrowed from library which has proven itself to be useful in our bargaining and queries with a taxi driver who does not speak any Eng. But dun worrie, most of the time simple english and sign language can just survive you tru your shopping.

The pics above may misleadingly give you the impression that the Siam Park City is somewhat grand and big but actually the whole amusement park is pretty small with only a few rides but enough to leave us feeling satisfied and energy drained out at the end of the trip.

The worst ride of all! We call it the topsy turvy ride that should be condemned by all sane ppl on Earth !


This ride is disgusting leh! For the seemingly long ride, you and your partner will be tossing and rolling together with the round containers that you are in at 360 degrees, with just a tight belt strap across your waist. Imagine that!

Both of us felt like vomiting right at each other's face after that... no joke.

Our tired looks after all the land rides. Can't wait to move on to the water park for a splashing good time...




The water park is like a mini fantasy island(though I have not been to). My sort of first time playing all these since I have not been to wild wild wet or the swimming complex in Jurong centre. It was great fun sliding down the long tunnels and Big Splash slides! My upper swimming suit nearly go out of place....Phew!


Not many pictures taken in the water park since all things are kept in locker you see. Typical stuff like the wave pool, jacuzzi, big splash and tunnel slides.

Compared to WWW in downtown east Singapore where I've been to recently, I very much appreciate the less disciplined system here in Siam Park City. Don't need to queue up to play the slides or being restricted to one person at a time. Anytime, anyone can just go along with frens at whatever positions you want and whoosh down the tunnel slides. Never mind about the body collisions that sometime occur at mid-way down the slides. It's all in the name of fun!

We continued our shopping in MBK to finish our shopping from previous day. Btw MBK is nearest to National Stadium skytrain station though still walkable from Siam station. Infact, we think all the skytrain stations are pretty near to each other! An alternative is just to take tuk tuk from one station to the next, stop you straight at the door which may be more worthwhile & convenient for you.


Yappy looks kinda Thai with his dark skin and Singha top.

This is a modest collection of what we have bought from this trip since we are on budget and under limited luggage space and time to shop proper.

Saw those 3 pairs of shoes that I've bought in total? 2 heels and a sandal.


We were like hungry ghosts when we reached the shopping centre and we can't help spending time to reward our stomach in between our shopping time.


Most of the food courts In BKK make use of coupons or top-up card for the purchase of food. Get it at the counter then go buy your food. Refund of your leftover value is mostly possible.


Thai fried kway teow-Pad Thai is addictively nice. Sour and sweet. Available also at the big S-11 in amk central, next to Jubilee, which taste equally good I thought.

Superlicious dessert ice cream at swensens!



Yappy was whining for Xiao Long Bao for the whole nite. We then managed to find a chinese restaurant that sell. Poor me has to oblige to eat with him! How sacrificing is that....!! ;p
(yum yum..hee)

Yappy's method of saving time by cooling the noodles while tasting the soup simultaneously.

Here comes the Xiao Long Bao and the pancake... which becomes a difficult decision-making time for Yappy to choose between this or the other.


Stuff them both in your mouth lor!

My first rose from Yappy whom he bought from a small ger in the streets along our way back to hotel that night. Haaahee..





"The following day will be to Pattaya Beach...will it be a smooth-sailing ride?", we wondered in our dreams....

2nd day and so on...

From the comments in the last post, it seems like some of you are kinda interested in the hostel that we stayed in. For more information, it would be helpful for you to visit their homepage at www.suk11.com. Kinda detailed there in their info on how to make reservation and how to get there. Other informal advice I may be able to give.

Other hotels mentioned we booked it online from asiarooms.com which provides good and convenient information and procedures, competitive rates and travellers' reviews too.


Next morning after despositing our bag at the hostel when we check out, we proceed to Chatuchuck weekend market at Mo Chit station which is a must to go in Bangkok bcos of the massive number of shops which sell from clothes to small animals! Yes! See it for urself!








And guess what? I bump into Yiying there!! Yes, amkians or maybe some NYJCians u will know who I referring to! I have not seen her for a few years and here I bump into her in Bangkok! What a very good coincidence! Forgot to take pic with her. Still as pretty and fair as before. She was with her kinda cool looking bf.

Proceed to Samran Place hotel at Rachathewi station for our second accomodation. Luckily it seems quite a decent place with many Asians. Phew... no sleezy stuff. We took quite some time to locate it by asking around as the map found on internet was not v accurate.



If you dun mind coming across one or two mini cockroaches in the room plus the creaky hard-to-push sliding toilet door and only a few standard choices to choose from for breakfast, this is an ok stay at S$35 per night.


Stuck between the creaky sliding door!

Continue our shopping at Siam station at Siam discovery centre, Siam square and Maaboonkrong (MBK). These shopping centres are kinda near to each other. MBK is a must to go for affordable shopping and the many shops and restaurants to visit. Others are more for high end branded shopping.

Guess who I saw this time? My Sister at one of the floors in Siam Centre!!
I excitedly took a picture with her!



Yet another.



Yup, this was one of her modelling assignments she took in Bangkok some time this year. A pose she made in the air by jumping from a springy board. Quite cool I thought.


Was reali happy to unexpectedly see the wall advertisement of my sis, thanks to yappy's alert. Lucky!

Went to watch X men at EGV cinema in Siam Centre at around $5 and ate our dinner here. Be prepared to stand up and sing national anthemn before the start of every show in the cinema! Its really not fire drill, yappy....haha


Yappy trying to act like King Kong.


Me the constipated female lead.




Our late dinner to end the day with.


Yappy likes to act cute. But must admit reali quite cute lor.


( Latest updates: Germany win 3-0 over Ecuador. And I won my first football bet unexpectedly on total 3 goals! The uncles in Mac were telling us that it's impossible that we win lar cos it probably etiher 1 goal or none since they both entering qualifying round no matter what liao. We crossed our fingers and YIPPEE!! Games are just that unpredictable isnt it. Going down to watch the 3am match later, betting on England win of cos. Can luck be on my side again? I wanna win some money leh.)

Warning: somewat long post.

Blogging is a good way for me to retain and refresh my memory of this trip b4 it gets faded away with age. And yea I agree with you Roy who mentioned that own researched trips make it more memorable than usual ones.

For those who are interested to read or know more about our budget yet fun-filled backpacking 'honeymoon' trip in Bangkok, here it goes:


Ready to go at Changi Airport:


Yappy was feeling high and excited about our overnite stay in Don Muang airport later which i wonder what can be so exciting abt that but still smiles wide together with him. ;p


We look like chipmunk.

Our first overnight hotel at Bangkok Airport. Free of charge! hahz



We changed our sleeping positions a few times before we ended up whole body flat on the seats! Quite ugly for a ger to do that so I only slept that way for short periods.

Yeah since roy wanna me talk more about my overnite stay, well I would say that Don Muang airport is really run down, no proper seats for us to have a good nite rest at all after much exploration of the floors. So we could only end up sleeping here with many other travellers with our cap, bag and clothes as cushion lor. I am not one who sleep well easily so was quite tired after that.


After managed to "sleep" tru 5 hrs at 6am, we proceed to take airport bus to our hostel near Nana station at 100 baht each.

This is Suk 11 hostel, as advertised in newspaper which was shown to me by my mum. Thanks to her!




It was a friendly and easygoing environment with many asian and caucasian backpackers like us. Luckily the friendly owners allowed us to check in way early before our check in time at 8 am (rather than 12pm), so i sleep in for a few hours before setting off at noon.One night ard S$30 you can have a private air con room with toilet but no TV but got shared living room with TV. Near to skytrain station and other convenient stores and pubs. Highly recommended.


The so called lobby once you step in to check in and also the place to have your 'buffet' breakfast that is provided! Just simple food like muffins, breads and crossoint and fruits etc...


The dark, narrow and mysterious corridor walkway to our room. Decorated heavily with tribal furnitures.




Bangkok easy to travel:

Sky train (~ 25 baht, S$1 = 23.96 baht FYI):



3-wheeled Tuk tuk for short distances(10 to 30 baht):

Yappy's new career ambition after his graduation.


Metered taxi (starts from 35 baht):

Notice that the taxis are colourful!


First stop is to visit the Erawan Shrine at Chitlom station to give our prayers for a safe and smooth trip since we dint buy travel insurance. And also a vist to the Great Buddha temple as persuaded by a passerby who told us its a special day in respect for the King, as seen by many ppl wearing yellow tee on the streets that day.





Pratunum area is good shopping place with streets that resemble Bugis. Alot of things to see and buy. But somehow too many shops until we see blur and tired. So much in need of a foot massage.


This is Baiyoke sky tower (hotel). May be a good landmark for noting your location in Pratunum.

Some of the sleezy bars in the so called red light district in Patpong at night. Many what Pingpong shows or shower shows offered to us by aggressive 'salesman' along the street but bcos only 2 of us, I dun really dare to go in and watch. Next time larh when go in bigger group, I want to watch also. Dun be sad ok, yappy, got chance one!



After a day of walking, we went for foot massage at around 200 baht ($8) for 1 full hr! Massage is abundant in Thailand! Must try!

We have gone for foot, trad thai and oil massage in our stay there. Tried b4 the thai massage in chiang mai so I enjoyed the oil massage best though it was kinda an outrage of modesty for both Yappy and myself! hee... anyhow touch our body here and there.... eeek....




What a stretch for both of us after a long day of walking!


Last night in Suk 11, took some cocktail drinks at the pub just downstairs our hostel. One thing about natural envt is the mosquitoes! Must wear long pants if u have blood tastier than honey.


Yappy had Cherry Blossom. I have Blue Summer Kisses which is white rum mixed with some lime juices and others.


Yappy looks nice in this....which is very seldom.

To be continued soon on the next few posts.....more pictures to show!


As much as I treasure every moment of the trip, it has to be over and here I am back in Singapore facing the reality of finding jobs once again...

But I believe its only the End of the Beginning....

Thanks yappy for the absolute fantastic company despite our childish arguments here and there bcos of this and that, you know wat.

Muacks to u!