For those who enjoy last-minute, spontaneous holiday trips, this might sound familiar to you.
We were chilling during the weekend, as one does, when a sudden thought came to our mind. Wanna head to Bangkok? I quickly checked the air tickets and hotel rates, and before long, our return flights and hotel were booked for a weekend stay!
We decided to use the KrisFlyer miles from Singapore Airlines and points from the IHG hotel loyalty programme we had available for this trip to book our flight tickets and accommodation. As we did not previously budget for this trip, we decided to minimise the cash outlay—although we recognise the irony in spending quite a bit on shopping and food!
Another point of note: We know how expensive the KrisFlyer miles redemption was for this Bangkok trip. However, what she wants, I try to make it happen!
The following approximation was what we did during the 36 hours or so of travelling to Bangkok!
Day 1: 4.30 am
We (she) woke (me) up and quickly showered. After which, we headed straight to the airport.
5.45 am
We arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 2. We immediately checked in and went straight into the transit area. We stopped at Hudson Coffee and grabbed a cup of coffee and croissant. We often rush through the transit area, and being able to sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee was a welcome change from our usual method of travel. We loved how we could relax, drink our caffeinated drinks, and just chill while using our phones.
7.05 am
Our Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 left the gate on time and took off, heading towards Bangkok.
Sitting near the back of the plane, we were among the last to get our food. As the flight is relatively short, the aircrew tries to collect back the trays soon after the meals are given. Bear this in mind if you feel you are a slow eater! As always, we enjoyed our sumptuous Singapore Airlines breakfast.
Cost of redeeming return air tickets: 77,000 Krisflyer miles and S$185.00 in taxes and fees
8.35 am (local time)
We arrived on time, reaching Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 8:35 am local time (9:35 am Singapore time).
We booked a Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) VIP Fast-track Service beforehand. We heard stories of how the airport can be really packed at times, and it is quite unpredictable when you can expect a long queue, sometimes lasting one or two hours. Hence, we decided not to take a chance but to book this service. As it turned out, there was absolutely no queue at all. Such is life! Nevertheless, we were happy to try this service and were satisfied with it! We were through immigration within minutes!
Cost: S$92.18
After collecting our luggage, we pondered whether to take a grab or the Bangkok Airport Rail Link and transfer to another train line when we reached the city. Ultimately, we decided to book a grab as we were starting to feel the effects of having a really early start to our day!
9.20 am
We boarded our Grab from the airport's Grab Pickup area and spent about an hour in Bangkok’s traffic before arriving at our hotel.
Cost: 642 baht
10.20 am
We finally arrived at our home for one night: InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit. Check-in was a breeze, and we were grateful to be able to check in so early in the morning. We were provided with a delicious welcome drink and were soon on our way to our room! Find out more about our stay at InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit soon!
Cost: 24,650 IHG points + S$135.86 (3,531 baht) for a late check-out at 6 pm
11.35 am
After unpacking our luggage and resting briefly, we booked a Grab to our first meal in Bangkok!
Cost: 282 baht
12.00 pm
We arrived at Nhong Rim Klong restaurant. Immediately, we could see a long queue waiting outside the restaurant. As we were here for the first time, we did not know how the queuing system worked. Thankfully, another group of guests found out and shared with us how it worked. You must order your food first and pass your order to the staff. After that, you wait until they call your number. The good thing about this system is that you do not need to wait around after ordering. Make sure you are back at the restaurant as your number nears. They call in batches, so you might get lucky and get called together with five or six other groups.
1.30 pm
After waiting an hour in the harsh Bangkok weather and a further half hour in the restaurant, our food is here! A brief summary of what we ate: We ordered the famous Crab omelette, fried scallops, fried rice with salted fish, creamy spicy seafood soup, stir-fried collards with oyster sauce, 2 fresh coconuts, and one bottled water.
The food was quite decent and all right. Our favourite dishes were the famous crab omelette and fried rice with salted fish. The food, in general, was quite oily but not too different from what Singaporeans eat at a similar store back home. The seafood tasted fresh; we felt this would be one reason to return. We definitely ordered too much and spent the last 10 minutes trying our best to finish everything! Although we did not succeed in doing so, we left only a little. The next time we are back, we will take note not to order too much!
Cost: 1,943 baht
2.10 pm
We took a grab to Siam Paragon to beat the heat. Thankfully, it turned into a 50-minute grab ride in which we took a well-deserved nap. We woke up feeling refreshed and grateful for the shut-eye!
Cost: 459 baht
3 pm
First order of the afternoon: Some Thai milk tea and a cup of coffee! We managed to locate Cha Tra Mue and Arabica Coffee. After finishing them quickly, we walked around the air-conditioned mall and shopped at Books Kinokuniya.
Cost:
Cha Tra Mue Thai Milk Tea with two toppings: 65 baht
Arabica Coffee Latte: 165 baht
5 pm
In the evening, we headed to Big C. We took a short walk, cutting through centralwOrld, and were amazed by how big Bangkok’s shopping malls are. We took a detour at Naraya before finally arriving at Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri.
We were quite amazed at how crowded Big C was. Many tourists were around, and we could hear many familiar accents, from Singaporean to Vietnamese to Filipino. Many were happily shopping for the best discounts and affordable Thai food. We were no different. We grabbed some popular local snacks, instant noodles, and popular tourist favourites. Before long, we were targeted by the supermarket’s sales staff. We were introduced to a local coconut oil serum. We tried it and thought it was moisturising. Within five minutes, we grabbed a pack of three bottles that came with a free bottle. We were also provided with free samples of sunscreen. All in all, a good deal!
It was only after we finished shopping and paid for our purchases that we realised Big C provides complimentary carton boxes. We had no idea, and it suddenly clicked in our minds why there were so many scotch tapes for sale in the aisles just by the cashiers. I immediately returned to the supermarket, grabbed a scotch tape, and paid at the express counter. Now, our luggage problem is solved!
Cost of Big C purchases: 4,047 baht
7 pm
By this time, the sun had set, and the night lights had surrounded Bangkok. As always, the city’s infamous traffic conditions are shown in all its glory. We took a Tuk Tuk since this would be the most efficient way back to the hotel.
Cost: 400 baht
7.45 pm
After a 45-minute ride, we arrived at the hotel. It was time for a break while we rested our feet. We took some time to take a shower and take another well-deserved nap!
10 pm
Feeling hungry, we left for Jodd Fairs, a famous night market in Bangkok. Situated at two locations, we headed for the Jodd Fairs Night Market at Rama 9. It was a relatively easy train ride from our hotel. We took the train from BTS Thong Lor station and stopped at Asok station two stations later. We then transferred to the MRT Blue line, taking the train from Sukhumvit station to Phra Ram 9 station.
Cost: 44 baht per person
11 pm
The night market starts from Central Rama 9 shopping mall. Shops abound outside the shopping centre to try to get first dips on the tourist crowds. Head towards the night market, where you will find the first food stalls. At this point, we were getting hungry. Sweet and savoury food are located by each other.
We walked further into the night market and saw various stalls. Souvenir shops are aplenty, and even more food stalls are selling their merchandise to people. Customers can choose from the famous pork ribs, meat skewers, seafood stalls, and fruit smoothies. Ultimately, we grabbed a late dinner at one of the seafood stalls, had a beef skewer, and enjoyed a delicious cup of mango smoothie. Our only regret? We arrived too late. In the end, we did not have enough time to finish a proper dinner, find time to enjoy more snacks and do some shopping. A good lesson learnt! Come for dinner as the sun sets and enjoy a proper dinner before taking the time to digest your food, do some shopping, and enjoy a night supper with sweet treats!
Cost: 1,345 baht
12.30 am
By this time, most stalls were already shut, and only a few were open to accommodate customers’ last orders. Even though the night market officially closes at 1 am, you will be disappointed if you arrive here at 12.30 am. After having a meat/seafood Thai dinner and limited shopping, we called it a night and grabbed a Tuk Tuk back. Traffic was finally light, and we could enjoy the cool breeze as our Tuk Tuk sped in the Bangkok night!
Cost: 400 baht
Day 2:
9 am
Rise and shine for both of us as we slept in. We enjoyed the hotel’s new King-sized bed and slept like babies. We woke up at 9 am and washed up.
10 am
After getting dressed for Bangkok’s weather, we headed to the hotel restaurant, AVA. Breakfast was good! Besides the usual buffet options, they also served a small ala carte menu that included Thai boat noodles and a mean Eggs Benedict. We also liked that drinks can be ordered ala carte along with the food menu items. This meant that you would always be able to enjoy a hot cup of coffee any time during your meal! Top tip: Go for the pork belly. The skin was crispy without feeling too oily. We do not know how InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit does it, but we loved it! We had multiple servings of their roasted pork belly. Check back soon to read our comprehensive review of InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit!
11 am
We began making our way to Wat Arun. We originally wanted to book a Grab that would bring us there. However, the city’s traffic made us hesitate. After some thinking, we decided that combining the city’s train system and last-mile Tuk Tuk would be the fastest. We took the train from BTS Thong Lor station and stopped at Asok station two stations later. After which, we transferred to the MRT Blue line. We took the train from Sukhumvit station and stopped at Itsaraphap station ten stops later. Tuk tuks were already waiting outside the train station, and we hopped onto one to take us to Wat Arun.
Cost:
Train: 63 baht per person
Tuk Tuk: 100 baht
12.10 pm
Finally, we arrived at the highlight of our trip. She always enjoyed wearing traditional costumes and taking beautiful pictures in them. When she discovered that entrepreneurial vendors offered such a service just outside Wat Arun, we included this in our itinerary. Once we arrived at the gates of Wat Arun, we could see plenty of vendors trying to convince tourists to step into their shops. We walked around until she saw one that had clothes she liked. We went straight into air-conditioned comfort, and she selected her desired costume. It was also here that we discovered just how talented the vendors are. Besides helping customers to choose the best costume, they can also help apply make-up. They also speak a variety of languages. We last heard Thai, English, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. Wow! Not many can boast of speaking so many languages fluently!
After selecting the costume, a staff member helped put on the accessories and do the hair, which is included in the price. They also suggested applying makeup for an additional 100 baht, which was very reasonable. In total, the whole process lasted about 30 minutes.
When it was done, we made our way to Wat Arun. Even though it was warm and humid, a constant crowd continuously entered the temple. Most wore traditional costumes while putting on their sweetest smiles for the camera. We did the same, which was mercifully done in about 15 minutes. I was not dressed in a traditional costume and could already feel the effects of the blazing sun. I could only imagine what she must have felt like. We went straight to an air-conditioned exhibit for a short break before returning to the vendor. They must have been surprised at how fast we took, but they remained professional. Within 5 minutes, the costume and accessories were removed!
Cost:
Clothes: 150 baht
Makeup: 100 baht
Refundable deposit: 1000 baht
Wat Arun: 200 baht per person
1.30 pm
As the weather was too hot and we were starting to feel the effects of the heat, we decided to book a Grab that would take us straight to Terminal 21. While we did not nap in the car, we enjoyed and appreciated the cool temperature in the spacious car.
Cost: 511 baht
2.15 pm
We finally arrived at Terminal 21. Funnily enough, although we wanted to grab our final lunch at Terminal 21, we were thinking of the street food stalls in the basement of Siam Paragon. We spontaneously decided to head there instead, all four train stops away. In hindsight, we were silly as we wasted precious time in the Thai capital. However, as they always say, a lesson learnt!
2.30 pm
We made our way to BTS Asok station and headed to Siam station, four stops away.
Cost: 32 baht each
3 pm
After walking around, we finally found a nice restaurant in Siam Paragon's basement called Happy Beef by M. The staff was friendly and patient as we asked multiple questions. As there were quite a few choices for their beef noodles, we asked many questions, and she was professional throughout and offered us her suggestions. The service was quick, and the food was served in no time. We had a delicious lunch of beef noodles and papaya salad. We are happy to say that the lunch was great, and we will be back again!
Cost: 1,084 baht
3.20 pm
Finally, the time has come to enjoy local street food in the comfort of Siam Paragon. We walked around and enjoyed a delicious serving of mango sticky rice, Thai crepes, and a huge cup of Cha Tra Mue Iced Lemon Tea. Before we knew it, it was time to return to the hotel!
Cost:
Mango sticky rice: 139 baht
Two crepes: 24 baht
Cha Tra Mue Iced Lemon Tea with two toppings: 65 baht
3.50 pm
We returned to InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit via the BTS line, starting our journey from Siam station and reaching Thong Lor station six stops later.
Cost: 40 baht each
4.45 pm
After some last-minute shopping at 7-Eleven, we finally arrived at our hotel. It was time to rest for a little while, pack up, and shower for a relaxing taxi ride to the airport.
5.45 pm
We checked out of InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit some 31 hours after checking in! It was a fantastic stay, and we only wish we had more time to explore the hotel’s restaurant, lobby lounge, and amazing swimming pool! We know we will be back here for a proper stay one day! In the meantime, check out our review of this lovely hotel soon!
The hotel staff asked how we were making our way to the airport. We told him that we would be booking a Grab. However, he mentioned that the hotel could assist in booking a taxi, which would cost 500 baht, including any toll charges. It was reasonable and efficient since we could leave it to the hotel to book. Even better, we only need to pay the 500 baht directly to the driver. And so we relaxed in the hotel lobby lounge while they called for a taxi.
Cost: 500 baht
6 pm
Thankfully, the wait was not long, especially after considering the horrendous traffic conditions. Unfortunately, we were in Bangkok at the wrong time. We did not realise it, but we were in Bangkok when Bruno Mars was having a concert in the city. This resulted in a terrible traffic jam that caused traffic to move at a snail’s pace. By the time we reached Suvarnabhumi Airport, it was already 7.30 pm. Thank God we decided to leave for the airport early. Otherwise, the check-in counters might have already closed if we decided to head to the airport later. The driver was very professional throughout the journey; he never complained or sighed about having to take us through the long and arduous journey to the airport. During the taxi ride, he also tried to explain that the concert meant that traffic was worse than usual.
7.30 pm
We arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Similar to the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) VIP Fast-track Service that we booked when we first entered Bangkok, we also booked the service for our departure out of Bangkok. We had set the time to meet the agent at 7 pm, meaning we should have completed our check-in by then. The terms and conditions also stated that they would only wait for a maximum of 30 minutes, after which they would consider us as a “no-show”. I knew it would be too late halfway through the journey to the airport. Hence, we planned to use the regular route to the transit area.
I was so surprised when I received a WhatsApp message at 7.30 pm from an unknown number asking where I was. I soon realised that the agent was still waiting for us even though it was well past 30 minutes, and he had managed to obtain my telephone number via Klook. Relieved, I replied quickly and apologised for being so late. I explained that we were stuck in a bad traffic jam and were queuing at the check-in counters. I asked if he could wait another 5 minutes when we completed the check-in procedures. I apologised again and waited for his reply. Thankfully, he was really nice about it, and we quickly ran to the meeting area once we were done. When we finally met, he was so lovely and said he understood that the bad traffic was sometimes inevitable. I was so grateful and kept apologising. He always smiled and asked us not to worry as we approached the fast-track area. Within five minutes, we were in the transit area. Kudos to the team of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) VIP Fast-track Service! We appreciate the excellent service and graciousness!
Cost: S$94.78
8 pm:
We figured we had some time before boarding time began. We went for some last-minute shopping at the vast airport, getting Thai snacks and mango sticky rice! We also bought some overpriced mangos for our enjoyment back home! Of course, we finished one mango sticky rice before boarding the plane—with a cup of coffee!
Cost:
Dean & Deluca Americano: 118 baht
Bangkok cookies: 190 baht
Mango Sticky Rice x2: 360 baht
Fresh mangoes x2: 660 baht
8.53 pm:
We finally boarded the plane after a long weekend in Bangkok!
12.35 am (Singapore time):
Home sweet home!
Total damage: S$371.96 + 14,507 baht (approximately S$532.91) = S$904.87
What would you do differently?
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