Bangkok Legacies blog

Old Bangkok

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:54:30 GMT

This is one of my favourite Bangkok photographs. I chanced upon this old Bangkok photo in a restaurant off Charoen Krung Road near Robinsons Bangrak.

Remembering Pridi Banomyong

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:34:52 GMT

30 June 2009 - To commemorate 110 years of Pridi Banomyong (1900 2010), a year-long commemorative event has been planned from 11 May 2009 11 May 2010. Pridi was born on 11 May 1910.

The activities include launching the Pridi-Phoonsuk Banomyong E-library and the website on Pridi-Phoonsuk Banomyong This website is in Thai.

For the English translation of Pridis literary work, please see Pridi Banomyong which covers selected articles on life, politics and economics.

Given the dearth of books on Pridi and the establishments attitude towards him, this development is a welcomed change. But will official Thai history recognize Pridis contributions and grant him his rightful place in history?

Location of the four-faced Buddha

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:31:31 GMT

24 June 2009 - A number of visitors have made searches for the location of the Erawan Shrine or what is commonly called the four-faced Buddha.

Here is a map of the Bangkok Shrines in the Ratchaprasong junction where this popular shrine and five other Hindu shrines are located. The junction is near the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel.

View Bangkok Shrines in a larger map

Just click on the icons in the map for the information.

Ko Kred island in the Chao Phraya

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:00:35 GMT

21 June 2009 - Ko Kred is a man-made island midstream of the Chao Phraya River near Pak Kred in Nonthaburi province just north of Bangkok. The island is home to an old Mon community and is famous for its pottery.

Ko Kred pottery

The island was created in 1722 when a canal was cut through the base of a sharp meander in the Chao Phraya River as it passed through Nonthaburi to shorten the sailing time to Ayutthaya.

Read on in the permalink.

My prayer to the four-faced Buddha

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:44 GMT

I am flying to Bangkok next month to pray to the four-faced Buddha asking him to help me. This year is not a good year for me. I have problems one

Talk to the four-faced Buddha with your heart

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:18:49 GMT

In 2004 I was a poor, near penniless man, 32 yrs old then, with a family to feed. I went around looking for jobs and always ended up with none.

Greetings from Portugal

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:16:22 GMT

Great site, full of useful information! We're planning a short 3 days stay in Bangkok (the final stage of our journey through Vietnam and Cambodia)

Hi from Bahrain

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:57:51 GMT

Very large airport, it was nice. Jalal Janahi

Come back to me

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:49:10 GMT

Hi Last year 2008 I made a wish at the four-faced Buddha for my brother and that helped him. So this year I returned to the Erawan Shrine to keep

Thai silk weavers of Ban Krua

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:03:25 GMT

8 June 2009 - Thai silk weavers in Ban Krua, a Cham Muslim community in Bangkok, supplied silk to Jim Thompson when he started his Thai silk company in 1948. Whats Ban Krua like today?

Ban Krua July 2009

Although Ive visited the Jim Thompson House several times before, Ive never been to Ban Krua which is just across the Saen Saab canal from the Jim Thompson House.

Though I knew that they were the weavers who first supplied Thompson with his silk, I was under the impression that the community was long gone after Thompsons disappearance. Well almost but not quite.

Photo update Bangkok Dolls Museum

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:03:55 GMT

29 May 2009 - I first visited the Bangkok Dolls Museum more than four years ago when I started this website. I could hardly remember the way in and had to refer to the web page for the map and directions to get there.

It was such a pleasant surprise when I finally found the place again. It hasnt changed one bit. The place still looks the way when I first saw it more four years ago.

The entrance to the museum

This time I was ready with my camera. Here are pictures of some of the delightful dolls in this doll house.

Kids in traditional costume

There are more in the main web page.

The traditional Khon drama

Take a virtual tour of the Bangkok Dolls Museum if you cant get down to Soi Mor Leng.

Kids at play

Photo update King Taksin Monument

Thu, 21 May 2009 08:36:00 GMT

21 May 2009 - Last week during my trial run on the skytrain extension, I took the opportunity to take a short walk to Wong Wian Yai. This time I managed to get better shots of the King Taksin Monument than I did a few years ago.

The King Taksin Monument at Wong Wian Yai

This monument is in memory of a great warrior who united the fragmented city kingdoms in old Siam after the second destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767.

In a series of campaigns over 12 years, King Taksin drove the Burmese out of Siam, tamed the rival factions in the kingdom and secured the borders of a unified kingdom.

Read more about the military exploits of King Taksin and visit the monument at Wong Wai Yai.

Bangkok skytrain extension

Sun, 17 May 2009 04:38:21 GMT

17 May 2009 - The extension of the Silom line from Taksin Bridge to Wong Wian Yai finally opened on 15 May 2009. The new route covers 2.2 km with two new stations, S7 Krung Thonburi and S8 Wong Wian Yai.
The skytrain operators will run a three month trial from 15 May to the end of August during which train rides between Taksin Bridge and Wong Wian Yai stations will be free.

If you are at any of these stations, just go to the ticket machine and press the button with number 1 to get your free ticket.

Here are some important points on the new extension.

Taksin Bridge station

If you are boarding from Taksin Bridge, please note that the trains for National Stadium and Wong Wian Yai depart from the same platform. This is because the exisiting platform isnt wide enough.

Each time a train arrives, announcements in Thai and English will be made to inform commuters where the train is going. The final destination will also be on the display board. So dont get on the wrong train.

Wong Wian Yai station

Please note that although this station is called Wong Wian Yai, its in Krung Thonburi Road at least one km from the actual Wong Wian Yai in Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Road, where the King Taksin Monument is located.

Wong Wian Yai station

I was expecting it to be like the Victory Monument station which has a grand view of the Victory Monument.

Facilities for the disabled

Facilities for the disabled at the two new stations, Krung Thonburi and Wong Wian Yai, are a vast improvement over those at the older stations along the line.

At these two new stations, ramps and lifts for the disabled and elderly are available on both sides of the road.

Lift at the street level

These lifts are connected to the ticketing platform by overhead bridges.

Overhead bridge to the train station

To the ticketing floor

From the ticketing floor, separate lifts will take commuters to the two train platforms above. These facilities provide full acess to the the two stations for the disabled.

Lift on the train platform

The page, facilities for the disabled on the Bangkok skytrain and subway gives the details.

Provisions have been made to extend the line further to Bang Wa, 5 km away, the final destination of the line. From there commuters can connect to a new subway line thats being planned.

To the final destination

For details of the Bangkok skytrain routes and stations, please see the permalink.

Tribal musical instruments

Wed, 06 May 2009 14:51:15 GMT

6 May 2009 - Tribal musical instruments feature pictures of rare and unusual musical instruments of the hill tribes in northern Thailand on display at the Jim Thompson Art Centre in the Jim Thompson House, Bangkok.

Heres a sample of what you can expect.

Karen harp

In this exhibition, you will be introduced to the history, culture and the role of music in their lives of the Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu and Mien people.

Akha bamboo beaters

The pictures and write-up on these musical instruments are based on the exhibition Songs of Memory Traditional Music of the Golden Triangle by Victoria Vorreiter who has done intensive research on this subject.

Lahu reed pipes

These rare exhibits of musical instruments and clothing will be on display from 24 April 23 July 2009. So if you happen to be in Bangkok during this period, make it a point to go there.

To get there, please see the map to the Jim Thompson House.

If you cant, take a visual tour at our permalink.

The Thai Labour Museum has moved

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:36:47 GMT

30 April 2009 - I went back to the Thai Labour Museum on 22 April 2009 and discovered that its gone. Back in November 2005, the State Railway of Thailand, the landlord, served notice to repossess the land on which the museum is located.

There was a long delay because as recent as June 2008; the museum was still there, although locked. Well this time it was finally demolished. All thats left is a heap of wooden debris. The museum had to make way for the new rail link from Suvarnabhumi to the city.

Im trying to find out the new location of the museum, if they have got one. Lets hope that the new home will be better and more permanent because this museum preserves the 300 year history of Thai labour.

Exhibition Songs of Memory Traditional Music of the Golden Triangle

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:39:52 GMT

24 April 2009 - Last night I had the pleasure of attending the opening ceremony of this very interesting exhibition on the traditional music of the tribal people in northern Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar and Laos.

The exhibition is based on the book of the same name by Victoria Vorreiter who has done intensive research on the lives, customs, ceremonial clothing and musical instruments of the Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu and Mien people.

The rare exhibits of musical instruments and clothing of these tribes are on display at the Jim Thompson Art Center, Jim Thompson House, Bangkok from 24 April 23 July 2009.

This is a rare opportunity for a glimpse into a rich culture which we rarely have access to. If youre in Bangkok, dont miss it. Admission is free. To get there, please see map to the Jim Thompson House.

Hotels update hotels in Sathon

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:29:19 GMT

19 April 2009 - Here are more hotels added to the list of hotels in Sathon.

Soi Ngam Dupli

Ibis Sathorn Hotel

Suan Plu

The 3-star Premier Residence Hotel is located in Suan Plu Soi 6.

Surasak

Baan Pra Nond Hotel near the Surasak intersection and Surasak skytrain station used to be an old family home. Its only got nine rooms, a lucky number in Thailand.

Taksin Bridge

Elegance Suite Hotel in Soi Charat Wiang.

Bangkok this Songkran - a personal perspective

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:06:44 GMT

17 April 2009 - I returned to Bangkok on the evening of 15 April after going home for Songkran to walk straight into an emergency in the city which was embroiled in three days of political unrest and violence. There were about a dozen foreigners in the arrival hall. The rest were Thais returning home after the long Songkran break.

I cleared my passport under five minutes, a record in all these years to Bangkok. The reception area was empty. Outside five taxis were waiting in the queue with as many passengers. Ive never seen Bangkok airport like this.

Six days earlier, the taxi I booked to the airport had a problem getting to me because of road blocks by anti-government protesters. I had haunting memories of the airport closure in late November and early December last year. That was a different group of anti-government protesters against the previous government.

This was one flight I couldnt miss. I was due home for my mothers 88th birthday on Good Friday, 10 April. It was such a great relief to get to the airport and an even greater one when the plane took off.

Back in Singapore, I watched the news update on Thailand every hour if I could. Each update was worse than the previous one. I feared the worst. The Easter weekend was marred by street battles between rival factions in Pattaya. Protesters literally crashed into the hotel where the Asean leaders were to meet. The summit was cancelled.

Asean Prime Ministers were unceremoniously bundled into helicopters from the hotel roof top. That must have been quite an experience for them, for a change.

Back in Bangkok the street violence intensified. On Easter Sunday, a state of emergency was declared. On Easter Monday, the military crackdown started. One country after another warned their citizens to stay away from Bangkok.

How was I was going to get back? It was uncertainty in reverse this time. But I had a feeling that the media focus on the trouble spots tends to blow the picture out of proportion. The whole city couldnt be up in flames.

In Khao San and Silom Road, water fights were in full swing. The striking contrast was unreal. In parts of the city, there was gunfire, smoke and explosions. Yet carefree water fights were merrily going on somewhere else.

By 14 April, it was all over. Thailand didnt even make it to the headlines that day.

When I reached my apartment, the sight of familiar faces in the neighborhood restored a sense of peace and normalcy. The people in a nearby shop were drenched by their day long water splashing and liberal doses of local whisky.

The gloom and apprehension I felt over the last few days melted away to the calm and serenity in Nang Lin Chi. Such extreme contrasts make life here an exhilarating experience. Its like being in love.

Happy Songkran to all

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:30:22 GMT

9 April 2009 - As we approach the Songkran weekend and the start of the festival next Monday, wed like to wish all our friends and visitors, Thais and non-Thais alike, a Happy Songkran.

The prelude to the festival is currently going through a very turbulent political storm. Anti-government demonstrators have massed in front of Government House, the Foreign Ministry and the home of Senior Statesman and Privy Councillor General Prem.

At midday today, taxi drivers in support of the demonstrators have blocked the junction around the Victory Monument, a major traffic junction and bus terminal for several services around the city.

Whether this political fervor will cool down for the holidays, Im unable to say. I do sincerely hope that at least a temporary truce can be called just before Songkran.

To those on the way home or already home, we wish you a safe journey and a warm and well-deserved reunion with your loved ones, families and friends.

Happy Songkran.

Update Bangkok airport hotels

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:21:41 GMT

7 April 2009 - We continue with our regular updates on Bangkok hotels with the focus today on the airport hotels.

Suvarnabhumi

The number of hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport or in eastern Bangkok has increased steadily. Most of the new ones are in Lat Krabang, the area just north of the airport. Many of these hotels are in the budget category.

Lat Krabang

Grand Pinnacle Grand Residence Hotel

Great Residence Suvarnabhumi

Paragon Inn Regent Suvarnabhumi

Rama 9

Royal Suite Suvarnabhumi

Ramkhamhaeng

Chaleena Princess Hotel

Srinakarin

Park 9 Hotel

Sukhumvit - Udom Suk

Residence Airport and Spa Hotel

Don Mueang

The future of Don Mueang hangs in the balance yet again. In late March 2009, THAI, one of the three airlines operating from Don Mueang, pulled out their domestic flights from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi. This leaves Nok Air and One-To-Go in Don Mueang, insufficient to sustain a critical mass.

The Thai government is divided on whether to stick to a one airport policy or to have two. The last time Don Mueang was left in a similar lurch was in September 2006 when Suvarnabhumi opened.

Back then, the Don Mueang hotels changed tack and promoted their facilities as venues for meetings, conventions and seminars. The partial move back to Don Mueang gave the hotels some new hope which is dashed again. Two new hotels have opened since. Given the current situation, the hotels in Don Mueang will have to rethink their marketing strategy.

13 Coins Tower Tiwanon Richmond Hotel

There doesnt appear to be a clear vision of the role these two airports can play in regional and international air travel. Given Bangkoks location as the crossroads of air routes between East Asia on one hand and South Asia, the Middle East and Europe on the other, this indecision could be an opportunity lost in future when air travel picks up.

Chakri Memorial Day

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:25:04 GMT

6 April 2009 - Today, 6 April, Thais remember their founder King Rama I who established Bangkok as the new capital in 1782.

The citys founder

The Bangkok era is often referred to as Rattanakosin the era when the Chakri kings reigned over Thailand. This makes Bangkok and the Chakri dynasty 227 years old.

For more on citys founder, please see the permalink.

Hotel update hotels in Sukhumvit

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 06:58:05 GMT

4 April 2009 - Heres an update on the ever growing list of hotels in Sukhumvit. Most of the new ones are clustered around the Asoke junction.

Nana

Dynasty Grande Hotel Asoke

Baan Sukhumvit Soi 18 Hotel Best Comfort Hotel

Column Residence Gardengrove Suites Sams Lodge

Phrom Phong

Check Inn Sukhumvit Hotel

Please see the permalink for the complete list of hotels in Sukhumvit.

Aprils events

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:49:45 GMT

1 April 2009 - Here are the major events and festivals in Thailand for the month of April.

6 April Chakri Memorial Day. This day marks the founding of Bangkok as the capital of Thailand and the start of the Chakri dynasty of kings who have reigned over the country since. This year Bangkok celebrates its 227th anniversary.

13 15 April Songkran the traditional Thai New Year. This is the time when people working in the big cities will return home to their families in the provinces. The move home can start as early as next week.

THAI moves out of Don Mueang

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:55:24 GMT

30 March 2009 - On 29 Mar 09, Thai Airways completed their move out of Don Mueang Airport. 23 domestic flights operating out of Don Mueang were relocated to Suvarnabhumi. All Thai Airways domestic flights will now operate from Suvarnabhumi.

This leaves two local budget airlines, Nok Air and One-Two-Go still operating out of Don Mueang. Theres no indication of the plans of these two airlines.

With this move the future of Don Mueang, a favorite with many travelers, seems uncertain again. Will this be the last chapter in the fluctuating fortunes of this airport?

For the history of Don Mueang and events surrounding it in the last two years, please see the permalink.

Santa Cruz Church revised page with new photos

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:57:27 GMT

11 March 2009 - Revisiting the Santa Cruz Church was a pleasure. Nothing appears to have changed. There have been some revisions to the text and more photos of the church grounds and surroundings are included.

The church was built on land from a royal grant given on 14 September 1769, the day of the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. For this reason the church was named Santa Cruz or Holy Cross.

The Holy Cross

The Triumph of the Cross is a holy day observed by the Catholic, Eastern and Orthodox Churches. In the 4th century, St Helena the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine went to Jerusalem and discovered the cross on which Christ was crucified. The Church of the Holy Selpulcher was built to keep the cross. The church was dedicated on 14 September.

Santa Cruz Church Bangkok

For the history of this old Catholic church in Bangkok and more photos of the church grounds, please see the permalink.

Garden dedicated to the Virgin Mary

Bangkok hotel news legendary hotelier retires

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:29:28 GMT

10 March 2009 - The legendary Kurt Wachtveitl aged 76, General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, announced his retirement after being at the helm for 42 years.

During Wachtveitls tenure, the Oriental was voted number 1 by the Institutional Investor magazine of New York in 1981. The hotel retained this honor for the next 10 years, again in 1994 1995 and 2000.

Wachtveitl is recognized as one of the worlds best general managers when he won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and the Independent Hotelier Award of the World in 2008.

Jan Goessing, a 14 year veteran of the Mandarin Oriental group, will be taking over the helm of the Grand Dame on the Chao Phraya.

For more on the Mandarin Oriental, please see the permalink.

Kuan Yin Shrine photo update

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 07:30:59 GMT

8 March 2009 - I first visited the Kuan Yin Shrine in Thonburi district more than five years ago. I discovered this old shrine on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya by chance while visiting the Santa Cruz Church nearby.

During that visit I only managed two shots of the place. Heres a retake of those two scenes.

The arch way leading to the shrine

It was reassuring to note that nothing has changed.

The courtyard and main building

This visit was on a Saturday and there were a few worshippers at the shrine. I managed to snap these pictures of the elaborate carvings on the walls by the doorway.

The wall by the doorway

These lintels above the doors really look old.

Lintels

Please see the permalink for more photos and details of th Kuan Yin Shrine which includes a map on how to get there.

Taling Chan floating market how to get there

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:00:04 GMT

5 March 2009 - One of readers was very quick off the mark. He e-mailed me this morning to ask how to get to the Taling Chan floating market. I had just finished preparing the map. Here it is.

View Larger Map

Air-conditioned bus service 79 takes this route to get there.

Central World Plaza Pratunam Petchaburi Road Lan Luang Road - Ratchadamnoen Avenue Sanam Luang Pin Klao Bridge Charan Santiwong Road Bang Khun Non Road Chak Phra.

Fare is 18 baht as at 1 March 2009.

Please note the opening hours - Saturdays and Sundays 0800 1700 hours.

Taling Chan floating market a different eating experience

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:25:14 GMT

4 March 2009 - The Taling Chan floating market is one of the three floating markets in Bangkok, all of which are in Taling Chan district on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River.

These markets preserve a way of life in the past when communities lived near rivers and canals.

Som tam boat stall

The atmosphere at this floating market is very local and non-touristy less the hassle of touts and inflated prices. The street vendors are very pleasant and polite. Most of the stalls sell food.

Try some of these

For more of these culinary delights, please see the permalink.

Exhibition - traditional Thai paintings

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:25:50 GMT

19 February 2009 - Preecha Lim, a budding young Thai artist (one of our readers and no relation of mine) is holding an exhibition on his traditional Thai paintings from 16 February 15 March 2009 at Kinokuniya, 3rd level Siam Paragon.

Preecha Lim

Here are some of his paintings.

Preecha, a royal scholar, has taken part in several traditional art exhibitions before at the Queens Gallery and River City.

He won a special prize at an exhibition of paintings of Thai embroidery at the Queens Gallery in 2008.

We are glad to be able to support traditional Thai art by publising this exhibition on our website.

So do drop in at the 3rd level Siam Paragon this weekend or the following three weekends. Dont forget, the exhibition ends on the 15 March 2009.

Valentines night in Bangkok

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:37:14 GMT

15 February 2009 - Ive been intrigued by the Trimurti Shrine since I first read about it and visited it five years ago. The shrine is dedicated to the Trinity of Hindu Gods, Brahma, Siva and Vishnu.

Trimurti glowing in the night

How then did this shrine become linked to romance and love? You just have to see it on Valentines night. Economic downturn or otherwise, there was no shortage of red roses, even with single stalks.

Roses are red, violets are blue

Couples take the opportunity to capture a cherished moment on an important day.

A night to remember

Maybe one day, Ill be able to find out how this romantic custom started. Does anybody out there have an idea?

Light a candle for love

For more on the Trimurti Shrine, please see the permalink.

Images of Bangkok Noi

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:27:12 GMT

11 February 2009 - I revisited the Bangkok Noi Museum last week for these photos. Its one of those community museums set up by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority to preserve the way of life of old communities in various parts of Bangkok.

The area has a long history as it has been around long before Bangkok was established as the capital. Its also was famous for its fruits and home made delicacies.

Fruit garden of Siam

Traditional delicacies

Besides fruits and cakes, the area is well known for its craftsmanship. The Ban Bu community of bronzeware makers is located here.

Find out more about this old area which is often overlooked.

Big Game Hunt, Zimbabwe, Africa

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:06:50 GMT

This was taken in Zimbabwe, Africa while I was on a hunt in

Photo update Thai bronzeware

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:57:33 GMT

6 February 2009 - I first visited the Ban Bu community more than four years ago. When the community caught fire in early 2006, I was saddened. The Thai bronzeware store was also burnt down.

But they rebounded from this setback. By early 2007, they were up and running. I revisited them on 4 February 2009 and took these pictures. The shots show the complete process of making these beautiful bronze utensils. Its really tough work.

This is where it all starts

After a lot of work in between, this is what you'll get.

The end results are stunning

Please see the permalink for the rest.

New page Hotel finder find hotels worldwide

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:23:29 GMT

2 February 2009 - Weve launched a new page, Hotel finder, to help you locate hotels in major cities in the world to suit your business and vacation travel plans at prices that fit your budget. Interactive maps of the various continents and cities allow you to make your choices. Just click on your destination.

You can sort the hotels by popularity, hotel name, star rating, lowest price and highest price. The page can serve as a cheap hotel finder too. Use the lowest price selector to find cheap hotels in the various cities.

View hotel prices in your preferred currency and choose your favorite locations in the city youre visiting.

The hotel finder is organized by continents and major regions. Just click on the item in the menu to take you there.

Id like to thank all our readers and friends who contributed photos of their countries or their holidays to this page.

Andalucia Spain Bill Meyer UK

Chinese New Year in Yaowaraj

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:56:12 GMT

28 January 2009 - This Chinese New Year, I visited Yaowaraj Bangkoks Chinatown on the second day of the New Year. It was just as crowded.

The arch of prosperity

The focus this year was mainly on food and there was lots of it.

Barbecued pork from Nakorn Pathom

The moment I set eyes on these strips of crispy roasted pork I knew I had to try them out. I did on the way out.

Deep fried chicken and sausages

The picture below requires a little explanation. The food on the skewers may look alike but they are very different.

Take your pick

The trays from left to right display chicken tendon, chicken, beef, beef tendon, sausages and pork.

This ones pretty obvious

They do deliveries too. Thats the telephone number.

Kao Lak anyone?

The raw chestnuts are from China or Japan. Today vendors dont have to stir the chestnuts manually in huge kwa li (concave frying pans used in cooking Chinese food). The mechanical roaster rotates the chestnuts as they are heated evenly. I had some over the weekend from this very stall.

Outside the Scala

Street performers perform outside the Scala restaurant, a popular Chinese restaurant in Yaowaraj.

A pleasant distraction

After the tiring walk through the street fair, I found a table behind one of the stalls and gave myself a treat of fried oysters, roasted pork and peanut candy for desert.

Chinese New Year in Bangkok Siam Paragon

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:58:33 GMT

26 January 2009 - Before we bring you the festivities in Yaowaraj Chinatown, lets take a look at one of the biggest shopping malls in Bangkok, Siam Paragon.

Heres how the place was decked up for the occasion.

Red arches and lanterns on the way in

A fiery welcome

Fountains of good fortune

Inside the mall

Traditional Chinese paintings

Enough of seeing red?

See you in Yaowaraj next.

Today in Bangkok

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:31:40 GMT

24 January 2009 - Something very unusual occurred in Bangkok today. Ive never seen this in Bangkok before. When I got up at 7:30 this morning and looked out of the balcony, I couldnt believe my eyes. See for yourselves.

Visibility 7:30 24 January

Visibility 10 am 25 January

The entire neighborhood was shrouded in a heavy mist.

This affected several parts of the city and the outskirts. Visibility was so bad that early morning flights couldnt land at Suvarnabhumi and had to be diverted to Don Mueang.

Its strange how each time the government declares a one airport policy to promote Suvarnabhumi something happens to bring Don Mueang back again. You just cant keep good old Don Mueang down.

After lunch I decided to hop down to Yaowaraj to take visit at the Chinese New Year fair. Well I was too early. The fair doesnt start till Monday 26 January and will last till 27.

Workmen were still stringing up the lights. Shops were doing their spring cleaning before the year end. Its considered bad luck to clean during the first few days of the New Year. Youll sweep away all the good fortune.

On the way out of Yaowaraj, I noticed something along the stretch of Charoen Krung Road near Chinatown which jolted the memory. Some of you may recall the August 2008 issue of our newsletter, Bangkok Travelbug, Danish legacy in Bangkok.

In 1894, there was an electric tram service which ran along Charoen Krung Road. This service continued till 1968!

Old tram service

Its long gone now of course. But look whats left behind.

The remaining track

I dont see this in other parts of Charoen Krung. So thats something unusual and something nostalgic to share with you today.

With that we close the Year of the Rat and welcome the Year of the Ox. Gong Xi Fa Cai. A Happy Chinese New Year. Wishing all of you happiness, good health and success in your lives.

The Ox takes its place

Bangkok budget hotels revised and updated page

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:03:43 GMT

19 January 2009 - The page on Bangkok budget hotels has been completely reorganized with a menu that takes you directly to the location you want. New budget hotels have also been added.

Airport - Suvarnabhumi

Chatuchak

Chinatown

Khaosan

Pratunam

Ratchadaphisek

Riverside

Sathon

Silom

Sukhumvit

We hope you will find this new layout more useful.

Hotel update new hotel brands

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:11:09 GMT

18 January 2009 - A couple of new hotel brands have entered the market in the past six months. We start with Accor the European hotel group with the Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, McGallery, Pullman and Ibis brands.

Accors All Seasons

Accor has come out with yet another hotel brand, All Seasons. However, some of these have merely taken over the Ibis premises, their budget brand and are charging the same budget prices.

All Seasons Gold Orchid (Don Mueang) All Seasons Huamark (Ibis Huamark)

All Seasons Sathorn (Sathorn) All Seasons Siam Hotel (Ibis Siam)

Please see the hotels in Don Mueang and Sathorn

Ibis Hotels

The Ibis brand is still retained for two hotels in Bangkok.

Ibis Nana (Sukhumvit Soi 6)

Ibis Sathorn (Soi Ngam Duplee near Rama IV Road)

Please see hotels in Sukhumvit

13 Coins Hotels

This is a local restaurant group that went into hotels in the mid 2008 with the 13 Coins Ratchada. They now have nine hotels in and around Bangkok all at budget prices.

These three hotels are located in Nonthaburi just north of Bangkok.

13 Coins Bangyai Hotel 13 Coins Ngam Wong Wan 13 Coins Tower Tiwanon

There are two 13 Coins hotels in town.

13 Coins Tower Ratchada (Ratchadaphisek)

13 Coins Antique Villa (Surawongse/Silom)

Please see the hotels in Ratchadaphisek and Silom

The remaining four hotels are near Suvarnabhumi Airport

13 Coins Airport Grand Resort 13 Coins Airport Hotel Minburi

13 Coins Resort Bangna 13 Coins Resort Yothin Pattana

Hotel update Hotels in Sukhumvit

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:05:24 GMT

16 January 2009 - The Sukhumvit area still has the highest number of hotels in Bangkok and the number continues to grow. Heres the update on the hotels in Sukhumvit grouped according to the nearest skytrain station.

Nana

Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Dawin Nana Hotel Grand Lucky Hotel

Ibis Nana Marco Polo President Palace Hotel Smart Suites

Asoke

Admiral Premier Hotel Column Residence Grand Mercure Asokel Residence

Merisess Sukhumvit 16 Hotel Sofitel Sukhumvit Hotel

Phrom Phong

Bourbon St Boutique Davinci Suites le Spa

Thong Lo

Napa Place Boutique Hotel

Ekamai

Varindavan Park Boutique Hotel

We may wonder how they are going to fill these rooms at times like these. Well, as consumers, thats not our problem. Well just be spoiled for choice.

Interactive Bangkok maps

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:14:57 GMT

15 January 2009 - The past nine days or so were spent replacing all the Bangkok maps in the website with interactive Google maps for the various attractions in the city.

You can zoom in or out to get views from various elevations. Or scroll around to see the surrounding areas. Holding your mouse down and pulling it will also scroll the map.

Markers for locations, routes and areas for major landmarks are included where relevant.

Some maps are displayed in the street map version for clarity. You can switch between the map and satellite versions by clicking on the tabs. However, there are some prominent features that are best viewed with satellite images. An example is the three-headed elephant Erawan.

View Larger Map

Hope these maps will be useful to familiarize yourself with Bangkok.

Photo feature Wat Mahabut and the legend of Mae Nak

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:20:29 GMT

6 January 2009 - When I visited Wat Mahabut last year, I didnt take any photos. So last Sunday, I went dowm to Phra Khanong, took a boat ride and snapped these shots.

Let me take you on this boat ride on the Phra Khanong canal

Phra Khanong Bridge pier where our journey begins

View the beautiful scenery

View along the way

Drop in at Wat Mahabut and find out about the legend of Mae Nak.

Wat Mahabut

Bangkok land prices sobering news

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:34:38 GMT

6 January 2009 - The report in the Bangkok Post this morning regarding the land prices in Bangkok is sobering indeed at times like these.

Here are the prices for four square meters of land. Thats about the size of the bathroom in your hotel!

Heading the list is the land around Siam Paragon, a popular shopping mall 800,000 baht (approx US$ 24,242). Thats the most costly in the country!

Silom district 700,000 baht (US$ 21,212)

Yaowarat Chinatown - 650,000 baht (US$ 19,696)

Sathorn and Wireless Roads 650,000 baht (US$ 19,696)

New web page traditional Thai paintings

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:28:57 GMT

4 January 2009 - These traditional Thai paintings by a group of Thai artists were displayed at an exhibition in the River City antique center in November 2008.

Salt farm

The oils depict life in rural and urban Thailand, some homes from the different regions, the cultural and ethnic diversity of various communities and colorful festivals.

Candle procession during the Buddhist Lent

Please see the permalink for the rest of the paintings.

Hotels update hotels in Sathorn

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:34:20 GMT

3 January 2009 - Many of the new additions to the hotels in Sathorn are far more affordable than the exiting 5-star ones. Whats more, therere also near skytrain stations.

Junction of Sathorn and Soi Suan Plu

Fraser Suites Urbana Sathorn

Junction of Sathorn and Narathiwat Roads near the Chong Nonsi skytrain station

SC Sathorn Boutique Hotel

Near the Surasak skytrain station

King Royal Garden Inn

Near the Taksin Bridge skyrain station

Astera Sathorn Hotel

This new arrival located etween the French and Australian embassies was an old hotel in the 1990s. Converted to a cheap apartment in the early 2000s, the building became quite rundown and unsightly.

After a complete facelift, the result is the spanking new All Seasons Sathorn. Its within walking distance to the Lumphini subway station.

For the other hotels in Sathorn, please see the permalink.

Soi Ekamai map

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:17:58 GMT

2 January 2009 - Several readers have enquired about the location of Soi Ekamai. Heres a map of the area.

Soi Ekamai map

Soi Ekamai is officially called Soi Sukhumvit 63. Its just before the Ekamai skytrain station. The ill-fated club is in Soi Ekamai 9 on the left about 1.5 km from the main Sukhumvit Road.

Some readers have searched for Ban Chang Thai the House of Thai Artisans. Thats in Soi Ekamai 10 on the right, well before Soi Ekamai 9.

Soi Sukhumvit 63 or Soi Ekamai is famous for its numerous trendy clubs and discos.

Our condolences

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 07:45:11 GMT

2 January 2009 - We start the year 2009 in Bangkok with a most unfortunate tragedy. Within an hour into the New Year, a club in Ekamai was engulfed in flames.

Latest updates list the casualties as 59 dead and more than 240 injured, some seriously.

We express our condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Hotel update hotels in Silom

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:39:48 GMT

2 January 2009 - Welcome back from your New Year holidays. Hope you had a great start to 2009. We continue with our hotel updates, as the list of Bangkok hotels seems to grow relentlessly.

Here are additions to the hotels in Silom grouped under their general locations. Some of these hotels are converted commercial buildings or refurbished old buildings.

Near the Chong Nonsi skytrain station

Heritage Silom

Surawongse Road near Tawana Hotel

De Arni

Near the Holiday Inn Silom

Heritage Baan Silom

Near Patpong

Ballys Studio Suites

The words boutique and heritage are starting to get overused. These two existing hotels have merely added the word boutique to their names.

Siam Heritage Boutique Triple Two Boutique Silom

The last hotel on our list isnt exactly new. Mandarin Hotel near the Sam Yan subway station has undergone complete renovations after an unfortunate experience. Or rather the hotel guests had an unfortunate experience.

The hotel caught fire in September 2007. Fortunately nobody was injured. Well its back in business now.

For the rest of the hotels in Silom, please see the permalink.

Happy New Year - 2009

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:07:55 GMT

1 January 2009 - Its midnight on New Years Day in Bangkok. The fire crackers and fireworks have erupted in the neighborhood. The barrage started 2 minutes before midnight.

There are shouts of jubilation all around. Its that one time in the year to forget our problems and be happy.

Happy New Year to all our readers and friends. We wish you happiness, good health and success in your endeavors in 2009.