BKK GUIDE
Massage
1. Healthland Spa
location: sathorn road (walking distance frm surasak BTS)
tel no: 0-2637-8883.
350 bth for 2 hrs of thai massage. 850 bath for a 1.5hr aromatherapy massage etc
looks v posh n its affordable
must make advance booking (at least on the morn itself for a nite massage) 'coz it's
really packed. less than $20 (if u book room too) for a 2 hr thai massage n it's very nice.
the only drawback is that it is very far, must take a cab there. if u book in advance n
reserve a room, u may also incur 100 per person. their last massage is 10pm ending at
12 midnite
just a thing to take note too. their other massages are much more ex but still cheaper
than singapore's ones. so, if u want budget, go for the thai massage. n the room i made
a reservation could accomodate 3 ppl. it was about 200 baht per room. so u can split
with ur frens.
SHOPPING:
Mah Boon Kroong
Huge shopping centre, can spend whole day there. Like our Far East but much much
bigger.
Shoes & bags at 199 baht, and lots of fakes branded bags.
Inzeen Shoes @ MBK Level 3 and level 1. The shoes are all 199baht (ard 8.50SGD)!!!
This is the shoe shop which has the most stylish designs and there're a lot to choose
from!!!
But don't only go to Inzeen! There are alot of ulu ulu shops that look really 'auntie' from
the outside but there are actually hidden treasures!!
nice stalls selling clothes on the 4th level or smthg. suggest u bargain wz them (not the
shops but the small stores on the higher floors)-- my experience was i asked a price for
a jacket. the girl said 590baht. i felt quite exp so i left... after a while i came bck again i
asked another lady how much she said 500baht. so... haha not fix wan lah, they all bluff
wan!
At Boots Pharmacy, can ask if they have discount coupons. Some of the coupons:
For Mediterranean, Botanics, Sanctuary Spa, Eastern, spend 2000baht, discount 500
baht or spend 3000baht, get 900baht discount. For Carribean Cocktail, Natural
Collections/ Royal Jelly/ Milk Bather/ OEP/ Indulgence/Essential Aroma, spend 500 baht,
get 100 baht discount or spend 2000baht, get 500baht discount. Discounts also for Toni
and Guy, Fcuk, No.7,Soltan,Luminese...too many to name...
29 Plaza
After MBK u can walk out using the 2nd floor. it links u to a '29 plaza'. its selling alot alot
of clothes ala our fae east plaza those cutesy-cutesy jap clothes. n alot of manicures
shop oso. saw ppl doing, very nice!!!!
price ard 200 baht for medi and 200 for pedi...they have got lots of photos of nail art for
u to choose from... their skills are really good! very nice and professional but the place
very cramp...its all worth while!
Siam Square
lots of unique, individual boutiques by their local designer
But Siam's stuff more expensive. But you can see that the quality is really better. For
those cheap looking quality, don't buy. You will definitely see it at CTC!
Gaysorn Plaza and Emporium Shopping Centre
more for branded fashion
authentic LV/branded stuff
Chatuchak or JJ Market
Open: 08:00-18:00 Weekends only.
Nearest Skytrain: Mochit
SUPER DUPER big - lots of cheap stuff, from clothes, to plants to pets
bt very very hot. advise u gurls to wear spag strap n either shorts/short skirt. (so can
slip clothes over easily for trying and no need for sarongs.)
It's not so hot if you go early in the morning.Like ard 9am when the shops just opened
and is less crowded.
lots of nice n unique tubes, spaggetti, T-shirts, shorts n bags. Lots of Levis imitation oso,
but those dat look like real r quite exp, pay abit more can get real 1, so nt reari worth it.
i was quoted 850baht for a fake 3rd quarter length levi engineered skirt after bargaining
the person said best price 700. The jean sizes there are larger there so measure yourself
again
most of the things there they will quote u 220baht. e.g. t-shirt, spag strap, tops..etc. yes
we are supposed to bargain. but many a time i thk the stall holders not willing to offer
cheaper price.
the shopkeepers at CTC was really stiff with their prices i.e. hardly any room for
bargaining. Their attitude at worst was "ai mai, mai sua".nv even relent when ppl walk
away. of cos some things are cheap but on 2nd look, some of the clothes look kinda old.
Some stalls give you maybe around 50 to 100 baht only. 100 baht discount is considered
alot already. Unless you buy alot of the same thing or alot in the same store.
plain tees (no stretch, longish for wearing with hipsters, thin material but perfect for
their climate) at 60baht each (2.50SGD). flower printed sun dresses at 100-150 baht
each. Havannas fako slippers at 29baht each (1.25SGD) (Siam Square shop sell for
39baht)
Men's linen shirts like British Indian that type at 550 baht (23.50SGD).
Retro printed cushion covers, try the 70s shop at Section 4 Soi1.
Lotsa scrunchies (rubber bands) at $0.30 each. imagine in sg selling $1.90 or $2.90
each.
For sequinned hair accessories and girly stuff, go to Only Sugar next to the MRT exit.
Sequinned hair ties at 80baht (3.40SGD) and brooches at 120baht (5SGD) Rather
expensive but I've seen them sold at a Holland Village shop for 15SGD.
Location of expensive shops: 1 is at Section 3. THe main entrance and you turn right. Its
the 3rd or 4th store. 2nd shop is around the BTS station. At the books corner. Its called
"Only Sugar". Very costly but really nice!! Earrings there are around 200++ baht each.
Must try to control cos everything looks so good you want to buy them all!
bikinis -- mostly free size ones ard 450 baht
TIP: At Chatuchak, if you need to eat, look for those with menus and prices. Else will get
chopped! We ate at this store at section 8 along the outside rim. Food was yummy. We
had two servings of fried chicken, one serving of pork, one serving of fried shrimp with
papaya salad, two plates of beehoon, one coke one bottle of water, 185 baht only.
If you are looking for clothing and accessories, stay within the area of Toilet 2 to 5.
.
Suam Lum or Lumpini Night Market
Oso a big areas of little shops dat sell everyting frm handicrafts to clothes n Accessories.
More up-mkt n high class den Chatutak. Nt as squeezy n stuffy.....
Take the skyrain to Sala Daeng & den transfer to MRT & alight at Lumphini. Suan Lum is
within walking distance frm Lumphini MRT stn (note: do tk note of the diff lines for the
BTS, i cant rem if i chged lines @ Siam to go to Sala Daeng)
Surprisingly, the stuff here are not that identical to those at CTC. Alot of Far East n Bugis
kind of clothes there, super cheap compared to S'pore. But you may find them
cheaper/more expensive at Chatuchak. Bought a bean bag there, S'pore selling for few
hundreds but there selling for abt S$30 oni, but without the fillings...
bikinis -- mostly free size ones ard 450 baht
Anyway for those interested in the retro red phone featured in Her World which Lorgan's
is selling for 195SGD, you can find it at a shop at Suan Lum manned by a Chinesespeaking old man. His prices are higher than what we paid for in our second trip. We
paid 650baht then (27.50SGD). Lots of clothing for girls. Modern furnishings too.
Zen Central/Siam Discovery center/Emporium
authentic levis boutiques -- Certain cuts are a lot cheaper. Men's 517 and ladies 593 cost
only 1550baht each (ard $65). Most dept stores offer tourists 5% discount. And if you
make up enough to claim a VAT refund, it's another 7% off! Think this would come up to
around 1370baht or ard 58-60SGD! 501s are more ex. Ladies' range prices are more ex
or comparable.
wacoal/triumph lingerie --- plentiful at departmental stores like isetan/zen/tokyu.. bra
abt sgd20-30plus, underwear/g-string abt sgd6-7.Central Chidlom had triumph sale. The
maximiser (not the normal looking ones but like turqiose colour or with patterns) only
350baht. Wacoal bras were quickly snapped up by the HKgers who buy like 5000baht at
a go!!! I bought one pretty one at 600baht but after discount and tax refund works out
to be about 22.50SGD.
Swimwear --Central Chidlom and Emporium have quite a big range.
The Emporium, (Soi 24) an upmarket shopping centre, offers food courts, bookshops, a
department store and beauty salons, as well as comfortable shopping in air-conditioned
comfort. Plenty of space, and a cinema, cafes, restaurants and great food courts for
when you get bored.
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 24/26,
BTS Skytrain: Phrom Phong
Open: 09:00-21:00
Central Chidlom
Quite good for shopping. They had a weekend sale and had some bras on offer. There is
a small counter near the cashiers at the supermarket of Central selling Deliya pineapple,
lychee and strawberry tarts. Very yummy! Brand is called Deliya. Buttery. Should buy
some. Much cheaper than bangawan solo.
WTC (Central Grand Plaza)
Nothing much to do except for Isetan which has RUN OUT of bras in most sizes. Do not
go there to stock up. Coca and Zen are quite good though. Naraya on the first floor there
has pretty bags and pouches.
Authentic Levis Boutique.
Pratuam Mkt:
Open 08:00-21:00
Closed on Mondays. Dun open as early as stated in various website, went there at ard
9.30am, most shop still nt open...but quite alot of shops selling 'auntie' kind of clothings.
But there r a few shops selling nice things, E.g. a MANGO-looking kind of bag for oni
S$8! Billabong-kind of shorts for oni $5!!!
If you want to get T-shirts for Dad, Mum, SO etc, this is the place to go. Alot of cheap tshirts. 100 baht for 1 if you buy more.
Seems like it's the cheapest place to buy most stuff here. The quality of the clothes is
not so fine.. but still good for jeans, jean skirts and bermudas. Note that most things are
wholesale, meaning that you have to buy at least 2 or 6 to get a better price. Best to go
with a friend than you can spilt the purchases. Do note that the blouses there are very
small size. Always try to get them to measure your hips before buying as the sizes vary.
Downside: The heat is unbearable...n sum part of the mkt is kind of smelly coz of the
drain....
There is a Pratuam Centre juz opp the Mkt, but most of the shops nt ready yet,
accordingly to a shop-owner there, the shopping center will open officially next mth or
so....
Also must go Indra Square. Indra Sq opens on Monday.. but those streets stalls in
Pratunam do not open on Monday..
Patpong
Kind of sleazy, lots of women in nt much clothings stand ard, men persuding u to watch
tiger show.....
Can go just to see see and experience. But not recommended to buy anything there.
Chances are you'll be able to find the same item at CTC at a quarter of the price they
quote.
Chinatown
Nt exactly much to buy coz products too many till u dun knw start frm where. Plastic
bags, hair clips, earrings, toys, alot but most selling wholesale....But SUPER hot, can
sweat like mad....
Sampheng Road around the corner is a whole street of wholesale stuff. Alot of nice stuff
there but mostly have to buy in bulk. There are a couple of stores that allowed you to
mix and match the stuff. This is where you can get your earrings, bangles, necklaces and
earring stands. Really have to comb the stores! There's alot of hidden stores/corners
which look small from the outside.
There are also lots of costume jewellery, sequin stuff, children's toys and stationery,
party stuff and fabric. Felt a bit like SG's Blanco Court. Most stuff are sold in packs/bulk.
But you won't regret buying more.
Hair accessories are super super cheap!!! Wish I bought more. Of course, dun expect the
Evita Peroni type of quality but those banana clips, slides, butterfly clips, hair bands,
rubber bands that can be found at Sinma type of stores are plenty and cheap! one pack
of 10 banana clips selling at 36 baht (1.50SGD).
Close about 5-6pm most stores.
Memorial Bridge Night market
Quite worth going, although not well lit. It is also worth to visit the flower market which
is further up the bridge. I always wanted to buy a bunch of roses (100 stalks for 100
baht) to make a rose petal bath.
SA-PARN PUTH Bridge market
A famous midnite wholesale market near SA-PARN PUTH bridge at night have many ppl
go to there for buy a lot of cheap clothes at there .....Closed on Wed
Talad Bo Bae
Alot of cheap clothes. But quite auntish.
take a taxi from Pratunam to there around 100-200 B.
Damnoen Saduak Water Market
Located at Ratchaburi Provincefar from Bkk around 100 km.
open every day 06.00 am - 11.00 am.
Damnoen Saduak Water Market Have boat rental include driver price 300 baht/1 hour for
tour life waterside ppl
Siam Soi 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (lanes)
it's very much like bugis village
Pak Klong Talaat
A pefect market for insomniacs, it's best visited at 3am in the morning.
Pak Klong Talaat is one of Bangkok's major flower markets.
Located Pak Klong - near Paruhat next to the river by Memorial Bridge.
Open 3am until the flowers run out.
Khao San..
Very happening. Alot of 'ang mohs'. Things there also costly cos its catered for
foreigners. Sizes are pretty big. So its good for big size people!
we spent almost every night at Khaosan Road.
i totally love this place in BKK!
the night scene is great, with many youngsters strolling up and down, buying stuff from
the roadside stalls and eating Banana Pancakes and Pad Thai and doing hair weaving by
the sides.
we even chilled out at the pubs there.
The Mall at Bangkapi
One of the nicest malls around.
from there, u walk towards abit, theres a pedestrian crossing, then reach a shopping
mall that looks like expo..inside like exhibition but the whole thing is all the clothings
etc...good there..cheap..got comp stuffs there too compare to pantip..so much cheaper..
And the pasar malam beside it is great! Think it's called Tawanna market at Ladprao
road. There was one trip I went there few nights in a row to cover that market..things
much cheaper than town..but the stalls there close at 9pm.
So far been around the malls in the outskirts like Fashion Island, Future Park Rangsit,
Central Bangna, The Mall at Ramkhamhaeng, Seacon Square, Seri Centre..all look about
the same, but the exhibitions held are different. Sometimes they'll have animal
exhibitions in the malls, where they'll sell puppies and kittens in the shopping mall.
My next trip, I'll prob try HealthLand at PinkLao..highly recommend the herbal compress
massage..basically traditional thai massage, followed by herbal compress, very shiok!
EATING
Nam Shing
location: Yaowarat (Chinatown) , MBK 3rd floor
The restaurant to eat shark fin/bird nest....(bt might be slightly overrated)
there are diff grades wz varying price. we had a 300baht shark fin which is like a claypot
filled up to the rim. can share for 2paxs. n the bird nest 200baht per bowl,... VERY VERY
DELICIOUSSSSS!!!!!! they oso serve ze-cha which looked n smell very gd.. got seafood
like lobster all tt oso.. see angmoh eat like v nice.. MUST TRY!!
i like their stir fried galic soft shell crabs...v nice!!
dun really like their salad prawns...but the salad dressing is v generous...
hav their pineapple rice too...quite good...
basically find their serving quite generous...
spend 1200 bahts in total..
tink that the MBK branch is more x den the branch in chinatown...
Food Court at MBK (second highest floor)
Must try: mango sticky rice (70baht) !!!!!!!!!! heavenly n big portion of the v.sweet
mango!!!!
pork knuckles + fried carrot cake + fried oyster omlette + tom yam soup + mango
glutinous rice...all V V delicious!
their carrot cake n fried oyster style is quite different from local style...but it still taste v
nice..
T & K Seafood
Location: Chinatown (Not sure if they have one at MBK)
Rating: WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!~~
The food is defintely so yummy and delicious, you wont forget after ur trip!~ The must
try are sharksfins soup (only 300bath), birdnest soup (100bath). The prawns (big n
juicy!), the crabs (very nice, so fresh n sweet~), their tom yam soup oso very good! U
can order so many food and its so damn worth it! LOL! **Guranteed + chop stamp!
Zen Japanese restaurants
Location: MKB, Siam centre, WTC
Rating: Ooooooooohhh!! THE BEST JAPANESE FOOD!
The food are so fresh!! I have a thing for Japanese food, and am very picky abt sashimi
(its freshness). Nice food bt slightly more x.Awww...the scallop sashimi juz melt in my
mouth....hmm, the mushroom with butter...awww... the tuna,salmon,squid
etc..*YUMMY* The food are simply ~fantastic!~ **Guranteed + chop stamp!
Dim Sum at Baiyoke Sky Hotel
Baiyoke Sky Tower
Buffet dinner there is ard 450 baht per person. You can go upstairs to admire the view
later. The buffet is really good. Range from tepanyaki beef to seafood to tom yum soup.
yum yum yum ! Think it's really a good deal.
Coca and MK Steamboats at MBK
MangoTree
Nice Thai restaurant. A bit isolated though. Best to go there via taxi. Can get namecard
from hotel information desk at Twin Towers. The crab was fresher than Nam Sing and
the thai food was rather good. Be warned that the prices are quite steep.
Food Loft at Central
Nice posh food court. Very much like Marche. You get a card to scan your purchases and
pay at the food court. Prices are very much like singapore food court price.
KFC
find tt their KFC chickens is much more juicier n yummy den our's...n oso much cheaper!
cost ard 95 bahts for a meal only...
Ramkamhaeng by-the-river dining
at soi. 80+, guess if you drive, would be easier to locate though
Roadside stall near Asia Hotel
noodle stall - yummy yum!!!
tink one bowl below 100 bahts only..
Conndoms and cabbages
Sukhumvit soi 12
Blue Elephant (formerly Thai Chine)
(Sathorn Thai, near Surasak Skytrain) (02 212 6401)
Blue Elephant made their name outside Thailand as an stylish restaurant chain serving
authentic Thai food, but this is their first Bangkok restaurant. Located in an old colonial
style building in an great setting, lots of style and ambiance.
• nice seafood at Bang Khun Tiean have a lot of restaurant
its far from center of bkk around 30 - 40 KM
Big Boat for running on Chaopraya River
suggest to bank of Riversite Hotel near Saparn KrungThon bridge boat start running at
19.30 pm. and should go there before 19.00 pm. and it came back to bank at 23.00
pm.if you choose buffet its so expensive around 800 baht/person should choose order
food is better its not expensive cos u pay only u order. Ticket price 120 baht/person not
include Food. Spent around 450 baht/person or 18 SGD include ticket already
Must Try/Do
Beer -- Super cheap!!! Ave 1SGD or less if you buy from supermarket.
Baskin Robbins -- Yummy! Single small scoop 35baht Large scoop 55 bahts. Yum!
Manicure and pedicure
Thai massage
Tailoring at Sukhumvit
Foodstore..JJ market...near to the main street section..try the coffee...veri good better
than starbucks....20-30 baht onli...
Strawberry shake - available from Chatuchak or Sa Pan Puth night market. 20baht only
and they use real strawberries. Absolutely yummy!
Must buy:
1. Ponds magic powder Watsons/Boots/TOPS
- available in 2 sizes. The smaller one retails between 23-29baht. The bigger one is
40baht.
- Prices at Watsons differ from location to location. I find them the cheapest at Boots
- The pink version prob the most popular cos Watsons always don't seem to have any
left.
- or you can also get Bio Naturel Face powder instead
Taealle's note: Saw at Watsons having sale now. only 22 baht for the small bottle for the
outlet at Thung Lo BTS.
2. Foodstuff like durian chip, pork floss crackers and banana chips
3. Anything from Boots pharmacy
4. Anything imitation
5. Lingerie (at all major departmental stores).
Taealle's note: If you have Isetan card, try isetan first. Cos you can use your card and
get discount!!
6. Authentic Levis Jeans @ major department stores e.g. Emporium, Central
7. Hair accessories at Chinatown
8. Contact Lense - Acuvue Clear monthly disposables from Johnson & Johnson. 500Baht
per box (6 in each box)?
9. Accessories!!!
Earrings can buy from all over the place. From Sampheng Road (Chinatown area) at 8
baht to 15 baht each ($0.50). From CTC, alot alot there!! 15 to 20 baht there! The
designs are really nice too! There are a few shops that cost more but they are like the
only stores in CTC that sells those. So if you see 1 that you really like, buy it! Cos only a
handful of shops in CTC sells expensive earrings and there are no repeats!
For bangles, buy all from Chinatown. Really cheap!
11. Flip flops and havianas look alike (less than 50 bahts it seems)
Taealle note: For one-color havianna look alike, its ard 29baht, for 2 colors, its ard 39
bahts. 29 Plaza sells them abit more ex I think. Check out the night markets or
Chatuchak instead.
SightSeeing:
The Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha
These two adjacent sites are very exotic and colorful and is comparable to places in
China.
Wat Arun
School of massage at Wat Pho
Watpo is a temple complex with its traditional massages , reclining buddha and can shop
in this area for Thai handicrafts. The prices are inflated, so bargain till at least 60%
discount.
Chao Phraya river cruise
BTS drop at Tak-Sin Station (need to change at Siam station)
Den from there walk to the cruise terminal...
Take a train to Sathron then take the Chao Phraya express to Tha Tien pier then visit
Wat Pho (the sleeping buddha). After that walk to SamPeng market and have lunch
there.
The "cruise" -- take those public transport...cost ard 11 THB,
if you sit those kind of boat travel, its very expensive. ard 300THB-500THB
Be careful, dun be decieved. One more point to note... the boat will stop taking
passenger at 1800 (thailand time) SO be there early.
For those who wants to go sightseeing, here's what i read :
Temple of the Dawn and the Marble Temple
These temples give you a good overview of tradional thai architecture and buddhist art
themes, especially thai style.
These temples are great for first - time vistors who enjoy shopping for arts,antiques and
decorative items, it is advised to start from here before you start on your shopping
adventures.
Safari World
The Ancient City
Jim thompson's House and Suan Pakkard Palace
Manohra Song Cruise (Two Days,Bbk-Ayutthaya) or Ayutthaya and BangPa-In tour(one
day, take the airconditioned river boat one way)
There'sna luxurious barge accomodation available , travel in a luxery curise to see the
former thai capital of Ayutthaya and view everyday life in chao Praya river.
Vimarnmek Palace
the floating market , Nakorn Pathom, and Salt Flats
the Rose Garden
Sunflower Farms
Bridge on the River Kwai
National Museum
For a good overview of the Thai History and culture, visit the National museum, which is
located next to Thammasat University.
- The private Prasart Museum (9 Soi Krungtepkreetha 4A,Krung-tepkreetha Road,
Bangkapi, Tel.379-3601 10am-3pm)
Bai Long Gong trip
$100 cost for the bus service etc
only available for tour package..u cant just go cos u need to hire a bus, its not at
bangkok, its somewhere near pattaya already
when u reach the hotel, tell the tour guide there or ppl in charge of ur tour there not the
tour guide that from Singapore..tell them to make arrange for u to go Bai long gong..
if ur going remember to wear white to respect him..u might get to see hongkong stars!!!
dont really know if he is accurate or not but he only sees 100 people per day so must
wake up every early. and he only sees ppl on friday and saturday..he doesnt open his
eyes when he sees ur fortune
by the way if u go there, remember to drink the COCONUT there..nearby usually tour
bus will stop there, its very very sweet..no sugar added...cut the coconut on the spot..!!
Fortune telling is free..he offers soya bean somemore and some food. if u want to donate
some money u can just put it in a donation box..its free..he used the money to buy
coffins for the beggars who passed away..so as u drive in u can see alot of tombs
around...oh ya i think better go toilet before u wait reach there, cos u have to wait for
the gate to open, and outside there, theres no lights and the toilet is inside...around the
trees..its eerie i dont dare to go and try to bear with it..
Hotels recommendation:
High-end:
Amari Watergate at Pratunam
Pathuwan Princess beside MBK
Novotel opposite Siam Sq
Grand Diamond Hotel
Mid-range:
Arnoma beside Gaysorn Plaza
Baiyoke Sky
Asia Hotel
tongue.gif Easy on wallets
Pratunam Park Hotel
Eastin
D'ma Pavillion
Bangkok Palace
Bangkok City Inn
1. Novotel on Siam Square
Siam BTS practically at doorstep. Good cos there's food and shopping around. And Siam
BTS is the interchange station.
2. Pathuwan Princess
Connected to MBK so lots of shopping and food. Also walk to BTS is air-conditioned.
3. Westin
Near Asoke BTS and Sukhumvit MRT station. Think there's shopping in the area too.
We like Davis Hotel cos 1. It's a boutique hotel, 2. Service is good, 3. Free tuk tuk to
PhromPong BTS station. 4. Opposite Marketplace Supermart which closes at 12am.
Starbucks next door.5. New, 6. Free upgrade if you stay longer. The suites come
equipped with kitchen!
The last trip we stayed at Siam City Hotel near Phaya Thai BTS (2 stops from Siam).
Short walk to BTS but nothing in the area to eat or shop. No choice cos last minute
booking at Priceline.
General Tips
1. Branded makeup like shu uemura.. etc... were not cheap. quite exp actualli!! in fact
even body shop stuff pretty exp. buy in singapore better! CONTRIBUTE TO OUR OWN
ECONOMY!!!
2. Seems like if you tell them u're from Malaysia, they may lower the price more for you.
Perhaps they think Singaporeans are very rich.
3. Wear shorts n thin clothings n tie up ur hair when u go to those mkts, heat reari
unbearable.
4. Try to do "big biz" at ur hotel or shopping centre toilets coz accordingly to my fren
who went to the male toilet at Chututak, is real disgusting n smelly dat u cun stand
staying 1 sec longer...keke
5. Try to take those cabs that r newer....we were stuck in an old cab which air-con were
like non-existence n is like Sauna....can die in the cab
6. Most mkt dun allow u to try, or u have to try using sarong, so advise to bring ur own
bottom(mayb shorts, lighter) there so u can measure agst the bottom u gg to buy to see
if the waist or hip measurements are ok.
6. Carry a haversack to dump all your loots.
7. dont take cab from the airport arrival..go up the escalator take the one that is at the
departure side...nobody there and got lotsa cabs..no need to wait to queue up or hire a
cab...really good!!
8. Charging your appliances: Most hotels provide travel adaptors. Especially those
popular ones like Novotel, Arnoma, Pathumwan Princess, etc etc.
9. If you have a fridge in your hotel, stock up on drinks and tidbits from supermarkets or
7-11.
Cheaper than if you consume the drinks/tidbits provided by the hotel. But if you like
drinking sky juice (plain water), most hotels provide free drinking water (mineral water).
The Horrors!!
1. Nestle and Singha drinking wataer
Find these two brands salty. Go for the one by the Coca Cola company instead.
2. Suan Lum food court
Find the food so so only. The mango freeze also salty one. The store that sells assorted
balls, the fat guy super sian one. I ordered 2 sticks then he gave me face. Somemore
serve my food on a dish that he placed a dirty cloth. Of cos I quickly abandoned the
food. Yucks!
3. Fuji Japanese Restaurant
This place is memorable for serving the worst Japanese food we've ever eaten! Cheap
yes but the food is very amateur.
4. Asia hotel international breakfast
find tt it sux...v little varieties n dun taste good....i only like the omlette there...tink its
the worst food i get over there.... duhz..
Side Recommendations
For great and cheap foot massage, u can go to tis place opp indra reagent. its those
kinda one way street.
150B for an hr foot massage
150B for body massage
250B for 2h
350B for oil massage
very friendly service offered there.
its near PJ watergate hotel.
e salon in tt lane oso offer dirt cheap service.
100B for wash cut blow.
150B for mani and pedi combined.
VAT refund process
Process actually quite quick. procedure as follows
1. Go to VAT refund office before checking in at the departure hall with your yellow
forms
2. VAT officer supposed to inspect goods and sign the forms
3. After check-in, proceed to VAT refund office with signed forms
4. Officer will calculate and verify amounts are correct, disburse the amount
5. Sign acknowledgement and you're off with cash. (Can opt for refund to credit card
also)
My experience is that they dun really check the goods. But they did mention tat they
may wanna check luxury goods after check-in. We actually packed the stuff separately
for inspection and was prepared to handcarry them, but in the end no inspection, we
opened luggage and stuff them in and checked in the whole lot.
if going with friends, then try to put under one name so that all the refunds will be
processed together and you'd only need to pay administrative fee of 100 baht once.
ok that's the airport procedure. for in-shop procedures:
1. ensure that the shop participates in the VAT refund scheme. ask the cashier where to
get the VAT refund form filled up.
2. usu it's the info counter, produce your reciepts and complete the form. (no need to
bring passport if you can remember simple stuff like ur address...they wun be checking)
3. ensure that the form is correctly completed by retailer
4. keep safely for VAT refund at airport
Simple VAT rules
1. To claim VAT, total purchases must be at least 5,000 baht
2. Must spend at least 2,000baht per store on same day
3. Only certain categories of purchases qualify for VAT refund
4. Not all shops participate in the scheme
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