Nakhon Pathom (part 2)

After a 2 hour train ride, we arrived at the station:


Transferring to a coach bus, our first stop was the Don Wai Floating Market. This market was huge! I spent an hour walking around and found many delicious things...

Chicken and duck:



Fresh vegetables:


Cute sweets:



Many in the tour purchased baked goods, as there was a large selection. I found something interesting...Japanese sweets, Daifuku!!! ^_^

Nakhon Pathom (part 1)

I took a one day train trip with a travel group to Nakhon Pathom -- the province next door to Bangkok. It was a 2 hour train ride from Hua Lamphong Rail station.

We were originally supposed to ride via steam train, but alas, it was being repaired. Instead, we rode a special "Thailand Tourism" train featuring the Royal Barges:


Onboard, we listened to our guides explain the day's events. We also passed the microphone around and everyone introduced themselves to the group:



There were trivia contests, in which you could win a stuffed toy if you knew the answer. Here, a girl from Singapore won a prize from the owner of the railway:


Included in the tour was also a mini breakfast of jelly juice and a muffin! Yum! ^_^


This travel group was unique in that it attracted people from all over the world. On the train, I sat next to a woman from Kenya. A guy from Egypt on the tour said he had just passed his Canadian citizenship test! Bravo! I also chatted with two ladies from California, and a kindergarden teacher from the U.K. There were people from: Japan, Indonesia, India, Russia, and Malaysia.

Chatuchak Park Exploring

I spent my day off walking around the northern end of this park. Chatuchak Park is really large and can be compared to Central Park in New York City.

I stumbled across two recent university graduates, taking pictures among the flower blossoms:


The northern side of this park also features large gardens and sculptures:


It's a really lovely spot to escape the city noise.

Central World

I headed over to this large department store on my day off. I had a mission: buy some shoes! But, while walking around, I stumbled onto two nice things:

First, a skating rink:

I brought my skates back with me from Canada, so I will be sure to head over sometime.

Next, an art exhibit showcasing traditional arts and culture in the Kingdom. (completely free!)





Oh, and I did find some nice shoes. These were made in Malaysia:


Did you know that when girls buys shoes, the experience releases a chemical in the brain that results in happiness. So guys, quit complaining that we have too many shoes. We are just making ourselves happy. ^_^

Restaurant "Nara"

Before leaving for her home country, a friend invited me out for lunch. She chose a luxurious restaurant hidden in the basement of the Erawan building: Nara.

The cuisine is Thai only, and the menu is extensive. The beautiful decor makes diners feel they are pampered. We ordered 3 dishes:

Crispy rice crackers with a peanut sauce and stir fried vegetables in oyster sauce:


My friend's recommendation -- crispy chicken wrapped in banana leaves:


It was really delicious! The place fills up with business people, so getting a table early in the afternoon may be better.

Nara is located in the basement of Erawan building. Visit their website to see photos and the menu HERE. There is also a shop located in Central World.

Mansion 7 (Part 2)

As mentioned yesterday, I visited Mansion 7 and, while walking around, spied something...

A fortune teller's shop!


Thais are quite superstitious, and will often consult with a fortune teller before making major decisions. It is so commonplace, that a friend mentioned she was sitting in a Starbucks, when she noticed a Thai couple behind her getting a reading done!

I entered the store and decided to give this part of Thai culture a try...

The cards are ready...


The lady I had was very kind and spoke English quite well. For 30 minutes, she proceeded to read my cards. She answered questions about love, health, money, work, the future and finally, read my palm. I was quite impressed. She obviously loved her work, taking the time to explain each set of cards, why different sets are used for different questions, the symbolism of each card, etc.

Let's see what I got....


Now, I know you are waiting for the juicy bits. I will share only one question/answer with you. I had been thinking to move out of Thailand recently, so I asked: "Should I move or stay?"

My cards are revealed:


My cards were surprising: moving was bad, very bad. All three cards I chose were terrible -- one being a sword stuck in a stone with a dead tree, another, a woman waiting and waiting, and the last, trying to fly up but falling down. Yikes!

Fortune Telling is an interesting part of Thai culture. Bangkok Podcast also did a show on this phenomenon. Click here to see the page and listen as two other Canadians try their "luck".

It was fun. I hope you'll give it a try. ^_^

The Fortune Teller's shop is located inside Mansion 7. MRT Huai Khwang station, exit 1, walk 5 minutes. Tarot cards plus a palm reading cost 500 baht (=$15). My fortune teller's name was "Nok" and she was excellent.

Mansion 7

The entrance:

This is the name of a unique shopping mall in Bangkok, near Huai Khwang MRT station. It is designed to be "dark" and "mysterious". Inside, you can find small boutiques, restaurants, carnival games and a haunted house.

Shops inside:


Near the entrance, there was a "neglected garden" which explains the origins of this haunted mansion. A father became obsessed with trying to save his daughter from a terrible illness. The results were strange experiments and death. Now, the mansion is said to be "haunted".

"Spooky" abandoned tea sets:


It's not a large complex, and only takes about an hour to walk around. Restaurants seem reasonably priced at 100-200 baht. The majority of visitors were young, university students. I saved a visit to the haunted house until my friend can join me. I will be sure to blog about that in a future post. ^_^

The playground area with moon:


Be sure to check back tomorrow. I will blog about something mysterious I did while visiting the Mansion. 'Twas spooky! @o@

Mansion 7 is located near Huai Khwang MRT station, exit 1. At the exit, turn right and walk straight. You will see 2 outdoor BBQ restaurants and then, Mansion 7. For more information, click HERE. CNNgo also wrote a nice piece in English. Click HERE to read.

Thaan Cafe (part 2)

As mentioned yesterday, Thaan Cafe has an extensive tea menu. My friend and I love tea, so we took advantage of what the cafe had to offer and ordered twice!

My first selection: Cold lemongrass and mint tea


My second selection: Hot vanilla & ginger tea, with coconut & green tea cake:


My friend's cafe latte & fruit tarte:

And she took this picture! Bravo! ^_^

This cafe also has "Rice Grass Green Tea". I have yet to try this drink, but will give it a go someday soon. I took a picture, which details the health benefits of this drink:

Click the photo above to read the details.


Thaan Cafe is located on the 2F of Gaysorn Plaza. Average prices for a main dish: 150 - 220 baht (=$3~$6). Drinks are: 90~120 baht (=$1.27 ~ $3). Sweets are: 125 baht (=$3). There is a flat service charge of 125 baht.

Thaan Cafe (Part 1)

I have been working on a new mission for myself: find cute, stylish cafes within my budget to enjoy. I found a new place: Thaan Cafe.

What intrigued me most about this cafe was the smell -- it's run by a spa company, so the scent of aroma oil entices customers inside. The shop is filled with paper leaves, monotone tables & chairs, and one large wooden table.

Inside the cafe:


The food is quite healthy and reminded me of organic cafes in Japan. My friend and I sat down for lunch and enjoyed...

some pumpkin soup & a salad:



Red, tiger shrimp curry (very spicy!! @_@):


The highlight of this cafe is the tea menu. Sets are reasonable: 90 baht for fresh brewed tea in a variety of exotic flavors. Sets include a pot of tea and a small buiscut. There is also a fine selection of sweets all priced at 125 baht (=$3). We'll take a look at those tomorrow.

Thaan Cafe is located on the 2F of Gaysorn Plaza, between BTS Siam and Chitlom. Enter from the Skywalk across from Amarin Plaza. Click HERE for another blog with great photos of this shop.

Sukhothai's Chocolate Buffet (Part 3)

Photos from this incredible buffet continue...

As mentioned earlier, (see: April 13th), Sukhothai's chocolate buffet offers more than just chocolate. Here are more delicious delicacies:

Finger sandwiches:


Selections included: lobster pate(!!), smoked salmon, tuna, Thai sausage, egg, grilled vegetables, ham, cheese.

Sushi:


Fresh fruit (sorry, no pictures).
Fruit offered: pomelo, watermelon, pineapple, melon, dragon fruit.

When you near the end of the buffet, the staff bring blackberry scones with fresh whipped butter and raspberry jam. Yum!


Sukhothai's Chocolate buffet runs every Friday~Sunday from 14.00 ~ 17.30. Price: 800 Baht per person. Reservations required. Click HERE for more information.

Sukhothai's Chocolate Buffet (Part 2)

There were just too many photos of this buffet to put into one post. I thought I should share with my readers all of the delicious nibbles we encountered:

Homemade ice cream!


This was a really interesting part of the buffet: make your own chocolate fondue! From a vast selection of chocolate from around the world, the staff will mix to your order. Chocolate is melted down and placed in a cup for your taste buds to enjoy. I thought this was a really unique idea.



The selection of chocolates:


Eclairs:


Carmel cups:

Sukhothai's Chocolate Buffet (Part 1)

The Sukhothai Hotel is a 5 star resort located in the Sathorn district of Bangkok (BTS Sala Daeng/ MRT Lumpini). It plays host every Friday ~ Sunday, to the ONLY chocolate buffet in Bangkok.

Cupcakes:


For 800 Baht, the buffet includes more than just chocolates-- sushi, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit and Thai dim sum are also offered. Coffee and tea is served too. The buffet runs from 14.00 ~ 17.30. Reservations are necessary.

Chocolate fondue and English pudding:


My friend and I loved every minute of the buffet, and we stayed until we were kicked out! *^o^*

Cakes & according to my friend, the BEST creme brule anywhere!:

I will post more photos of the amazing sweets offered over the next few days.

Marshmallows, dried apricots (for chocolate fondue), tarts and creme brule:


For further information and reservations, see Sukhothai's "Salon" site HERE.

**Happy Thai New Year! **
Today marks the start of the Thai "Songkran" water festival. This 3 day holiday is to celebrate the Thai New Year. Buddhist images are sprinkled with water & prayers are made, all to bring in "Good Luck" for the New Year. In the streets, you can see people tossing water over one another, which is meant to "cleanse" people of bad luck or sins. April is the hottest month in Thailand, so the water is often welcomed! See this WIKI page for more information and photos. The picture on the left is the Buddhist alter set up in my condo's lobby. It's beautiful, no?

Tonson Gallery 2

Here is my favorite art installation from the Tonson Gallery. It is based on the fortune cards we often get at temples. This practice is quite common in Asia.

First, a series of "lucky numbers" on a wall:


Next, you shake the can and select a stick, which has a number on it. You got "18".


Let's see your fortune:


Hahaha!

I chose number 16. My fortune was also quite comical:


Some artists have a great sense of humor, no? ^_^ Tomorrow, a friend and I visit a chocolate buffet. Be sure to check it out!