Thailand - Day 2: Bangkok (1 Nov 2014)

With an early rest the previous night, we were energised! Our foodie colleague recommended this place called "Or Tor Kor Market" just opposite the famous Chatuchak Market. So we decided to change our plan a little and headed for it (BTS: Mo Chit).

The exterior looks like our local wet market some 5 to 10 years ago.

Or Tor Kor Market may look old outside, the stalls are quite clean, somewhat similar to our markets today. Upon entering, we were greeted by smiling faces and lots of fresh produce.

  

  

  

  

There is also a food corner that serves piping hot food, with tables and chairs available for you to enjoy your meal. We decided to have our breakfast here.

   

 

Only the last 2 pictures are what we ate for our brunch (Pic 1: Papaya salad, fried glass noodles, fried pork, tom yam minced pork. Pic 2: Fried fish, pork balls, pork sticks, coconut dessert).

If you didn't have enough, you can walk a little further to buy the seafood home. Most of them are cooked already and pre-packed for you. If you are a foodie and love markets, you would definitely love Or Tor Kor Market. We actually spent 2 hours here!

 

What's BKK without Chatuchak Market especially on a weekend?! It was so different from what I remembered. Now more organised and clean. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you are likely to spend the whole afternoon here!

Map of Chatuchak Market.

And while shopping in the hot weather, you will definitely not miss this coconut ice cream! It was so refreshing and it comes with free toppings! If you see a queue, it is probably this! Buy some ice cream and take a rest before continuing with your shopping!

Free toppings that I chose: Nata de Coco, Red beans and sweet corn. *Yums*

We went back to our hotel to put our loots. And because it was raining, we couldn't go anywhere for an hour. Finally when the rain subsided, we headed to Chinatown. It's not easily accessible for tourists like us unless you take a taxi. We had a hard time looking for Chinatown and we just had to walk and occasionally ask for directions. The only moment that we knew we were near was when we started seeing signboards with Chinese characters. Other than food, most people go to Chinatown for their souvenirs. And that's why we were there - to look for 林真香 that sells their local products.

  

A glimpse of BKK's Chinatown.

After we were finally done with the food products, we headed to Asiatique, a relatively new nightspot! To get to Asiatique, it is necessary to take a 15 mins ferry boat (FREE!) from the pier (BTS: Saphan Taksin). You know you are nearing Asiatique when you see a row of lights at the other end and the ferris wheel. The ferris wheel is the iconic landmark of Asiatique, you can't miss it! If you come with an empty stomach, you would be spoilt for choices as there are more than 40 restaurants serving different cuisines.

  

Dinner: Green curry chicken, mixed vegetables with chicken, seafood fried rice, phad thai with shrimps.

Not only does Asiatique have F&B outlets, they also have stalls catering to fashion and games. We came across this small stall that sells candies and chocolates. How nostalgic they are! We can hardly find them in Singapore these days.

Or Tor Kor Market
Operating Hours: 0800 to 1600
Getting Here: Take MRT to Kamphaeng Phet and use Exit 3.

Chatuchak Weekend Market
Operating Hours: 1000 to 1900
Getting Here: Take MRT to Kamphaeng Phet and use Exit 1.

Chinatown
Operating Hours: 0900 to 2300
Getting Here: Take MRT to Hua Lamphong and use Exit 1. Take a 15 to 20 mins walk to Chinatown.

Asiatique The Riverfont

Operating Hours: 1700 to Midnight

Getting Here: Take BTS to Saphan Taksin and use Exit 2. Head to the pier and hop on to the ferry boat. Journey takes 10 to 15 mins to reach Asiatique.

[Pictures taken using Samsung Galaxy S5]

More on Bangkok:
Day 1 (31 Oct 2014)
Day 3 (2 Nov 2014)
Day 4 (3 Nov 2014)