English name: The Temple of Bell
Full name (Thai): วัดระฆังโฆสิตารามวรมหาวิหาร
Full name (Transliterated): Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahaviharn
Type: Buddhist temple
Admission fees: Free
Originally posted: September'2009
This is a continuation from my previous post - Wat Rakhang.
- Hor Trai (The Tripitaka Hall)
The Tripitaka Hall located within a tranquil garden to the west of the Ubosot was originally a residence for the King Rama I (1737 - 1809). The small residence is made up of 3 chambers which can be distinctively identified from the first picture. The short concrete steps in front of the building lead to the center chamber.
Prior to the restoration works in mid 2007, the Tripitaka Hall was in quite a dilapidated state. I have posted a few old pictures of this hall at the foot of this blog.
Note: Please remove your footwear at the concrete steps prior to entering the Tripitaka Hall.
English name: The Temple of Bell
Full name (Thai): วัดระฆังโฆสิตารามวรมหาวิหาร
Full name (Transliterated): Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahaviharn
Type: Buddhist temple
Admission fees: Free
Originally posted: August'2009
"Rakhang" (ระฆัง) is bell in Thai language. An ancient bell was discovered in this temple grounds during the Ayuthaya period hence the given name of this temple. The original name of this temple was Wat Bang Wa Yai. Although the bell has since been transferred to Wat Phra Kaeo by the order of King Rama I (1737 - 1809), the temple has also been renamed to Wat Rajakhanthiyaram. This temple is still commonly known as Wat Rakhang till now.
Wat Rakhang belongs to the Royal Temples of second grade.
- Wat Rakhang from Tha Chang
Located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya river. Most visitors arrive at the temple via Tha Chang (Chang Pier) on the eastern bank. Tha Chang is a short walking distance from the Grand Palace. Details of the neighborhood can be found in Google Map at the foot of this post.
Name: Face Bangkok - Lanna Thai
Cuisine: Thai
Address: #29, Soi 38, Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110
Tel: (02) 713 6048
Open:
Payment: Cash & major credit cards
Web: http://www.facebars.com/bg/
Remarks:
Originally posted: July'2009
Last updated: -
A collection of old photos of 'Lanna Thai' Thai Restaurant from the Face Bangkok which is formed by a cluster of traditional Thai houses tucked quietly in the inner Sukhumvit Soi 38.
The compound houses a chill-out bar by the name of Face Bar, Hazara an Indian restaurant, Visage ('Face' in French) the pastry shop and a spa, in addition to Lanna Thai!
Table for two: No details.
My verdict: Fantastic ambiance, impeccable service and definitely a place to impress your partner.
Recommended: -
The restaurant ...
Name: Buri Tara Bar & Restaurant
Cuisine: Thai
Address: 762/2 Rama III Road, Jatujak Rama III, Bangkok
Tel: (02) 682 9457
Open: 5pm - 1am
Payment: Cash & major credit cards
Web:
Remarks: The restaurant offers both indoor and alfresco dining.
Originally posted: June'2009
Last updated: -
Just some old photos of Buri Tara taken in 2006.
Table for two: It's THB1007 for our sumptuous Thai dinner.
My verdict: Nice river view dining place despite located more than THB100 taxi ride away from Bangkok City center.
Recommended: Tom Yum Goong & morning glory salad.
The restaurant ...
Name: Mango Tango @ Siam Square
Cuisine: Dessert (Mango)
Address: Siam Square Soi 4, Rama 1, Bangkok 10330
Tel: (02) 658 4660
Open: Daily 11am to 10pm
Payment: Cash
Web: http://www.mymangotango.com/
Remarks:
Originally posted: May'2009
Last updated: March'2011
UPDATE 2 : They found themselves a new place at Siam Square Soi 5 now. (3/11)
UPDATE 1 : I was informed that Mango Tango at Siam Square was badly affected by the blaze after the peaceful protest at downtown Bangkok turned in to violence on the 19th May'2010. (5/10)
Original Post
Just a photo update of Mango Tango at Siam Square. Changes have been made to the walls and lighting since our last visit. Their lighting is, literally, a low hanging fruit now! We ain't sure if a mango a day really keeps (there's a missing 's' on the serviette) the doctor away, but we love the sense of mango.
Older pictures of Mango Tango can be found HERE.
The restaurant ...
Name: Scala Theatre @ Siam Square
Address: 184 Soi Siam Square 1 Rama 1 Road Pathumwan, 10330 Pathumwan, Bangkok
Tel: (02) 251 2861
Payment: Cash
Web: http://www.apexsiam-square.com/
Remarks: The Chinese name for Scala Theatre is "银都".
Originally posted: May 2009
Last updated: July 2009 - Added a picture of Scala Theatre scene from Love of Siam.
I am mesmerized by this 1967 building when I saw it the very first time in Siam Square. Perhaps it was the beehive ceiling and its old-fashioned box-office. The nostalgic makes me fall in love. I recalled fondly Mew first hinted his infatuation to Tong, his childhood beau, right here in the movie The Love of Siam (รักแห่งสยาม). *love* In my opinion, this place also makes a perfect setting for HK director Wong Kar Wai's (王家卫) next movie.
Scala is one of three cinemas, all located in Siam Square, owned by the Apex Group. The other two are Lido and Siam which are a few sois away from Scala. However, the latter two do not have building as iconic and visually captivating as the Scala Theatre.
Siam Square is fast evolving. With Siam Center Point gave way to the Digital Gateway which is still undergoing construction, it is a matter of time that the entire Siam Square will be transformed in to hyper malls with state-of-the-art facilities. In the midst of this modernization, I do hope a little bit of the old charm, read the Scala Theatre, is preserved.
Meanwhile, I will continue to snap as many pictures as I possibly could before this building eventually becomes a part of the history.
PS: Having said that, Scala Theatre, like many other beautiful buildings in Thailand, prohibits photo-taking within the building. They are not camera-friendly at all. This explains some of my hazy shots.
I first came across the above Bangkok Post's article at the ThaiVisa Forums, but I find it difficult to correlate the article title with its content. Although the header says 'request to cut fees', it went on to justify why imposing fees is necessary and it is 'in line with expenses charged for cross-border ATM transactions in other countries'!
I had, previously, withdrawn cash from the UOB and Thanachart1 auto-tellers along Silom Road. There was absolutely no additional fees levied at this end, less the service charge imposed by the Singapore bank which issued my ATM card.
If I have not mistaken, Kasikorn Bank has yet to levy the THB150 charge for cash withdrawal with a foreign card. Bangkok Bank, on the hand, seized the chance without second thought.
Banks asked to cut foreigners' ATM fees
By: SOMRUEDI BANCHONGDUANG
Published: 4/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Business
The Thai Bankers' Association will ask local banks to cut fee charges for foreign cardholders using local ATMs, according to association secretary-general Twatchai Yongkittikul.
He said the TBA would hold talks among its members about current fees.
But he cautioned that any cuts would likely be marginal, as most of the fees represented charges imposed for international network access and simply passed on to end-users.
Since mid-April, foreign cardholders withdrawing funds from local ATMs have been charged 150 baht per transaction.
Dr Twatchai said the fee largely came from new transaction charges imposed by international service providers MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Worldwide to cover interchange network costs.
Local banks, which had previously absorbed the expenses, are now looking to pass on their own operating expenses to customers, arguing that the fees charged in Thailand are in line with expenses charged for cross-border ATM transactions in other countries.
Dr Twatchai acknowledged that a number of foreign tourists and expatriates had complained about the added fees.
At a minimum, he said, local banks should communicate better with customers about the expenses banks incur for processing international transactions.
Local banks should give more information about fees on the ATM screen, and then customers can make their own choice about whether to continue with the transaction," Dr Twatchai said.
"The TBA will try to raise awareness about the issue. Unfortunately, right now many foreign customers have a negative view of local banks due to the fee issue."
But a MasterCard spokesman denied that the 150-baht ATM access fee imposed by many Thai banks stemmed from any recent fee change or initiative by the company. The spokesman said MasterCard last notified member banks in October 2007 about a 0.2-percentage-point increase in fees effective from January 2008 under cross-border agreements. Since then, no other fee increases have been made related to ATM charges.
Source:
Bangkok Post
PS:
1. Apparently, the THB150 fees was first imposed somewhere in April this year. It was mentioned in ThaiVisa Forums that Thanachart Bank does slap the mentioned fees for every cash withdrawal using a foreign ATM card. I would have to re-ascertain this the next time when I am in Thailand.
Name: Ko Kred Cowboy Bar
Cuisine: Snack
Address: Ko Kred
Tel: Nil
Open: -
Payment: Cash
Web: Nil
Remarks: -
Originally posted: April 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: May 2008
Table for two: No details
My verdict:
Recommended: Nil
In a nutshell
Likes:
> rustic and laid-back setting
Dislikes:
> Nil
The eatery ...
Name: Ko Kred Kanom Jeen
Cuisine: Thai
Address: Ko Kred
Tel: Nil
Open: -
Payment: Cash
Web: Nil
Remarks: Kanom Jeen's Thai script - ขนมจีน
Originally posted: April 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: May 2008
Kanom Jeen (ขนมจีน) is a kind of white round noodles. It is thicker than sen mee (เส้นหมี่) or what's similar to mee hoon (米粉) in Singapore. Jeen is Chinese in Thai language. Hence, Kanom Jeen is also sometimes translated as Chinese noodles/pasta.
I have a feeling that our Singapore's Peranakan Laksa is somehow related to Thai Kanom Jeen.
Table for two: No details
My verdict: To be honest, I haven't had much experience with Kanom Jeen. But the first impression of this riverside eatery gave was orderly and, to some extend, neat. My self-made dish was inviting, although the curries were really spicy.
Recommended: Nil
In a nutshell
Likes:
> Simple, unpretentious dining place by the river
> Fresh ingredients
Dislikes:
> Nil
The eatery ...
Name: Ko Kred (Kred Island)
Remarks: -
Originally posted: April 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: May 2008
Ko Kret is an inland island about 18km to the North of Bangkok. Because of its close proximity to the Capital, it is a popular destination for weekend getaway. On weekdays, this island is, otherwise, tame.
Many of the inhabitants on the island are of Mon origin. The main attractions on the island include Wat Poramai Yigawat and its iconic leaning Chedi, OTOP villages which serve to marvel the pottery skill and products. More details of this man-made island can be found on the Wiki links at the bottom of this page.
Getting there ...
1. By car - For this road trip, we were invited to join a local Thai friend and his partner for this weekend escapade. It took us approximately 45 minutes to arrive at Wat Sanam Nua where the river-crossing pier is adjacent to it.
2. By ferry - Alternatively, on weekends, there are package tours, originate from Central Pier, to Ko Kred conducted by ChaoPhraya Express Boat Company. Although weekday ferry services to Pak Kred are made available recently, the upstream trip is only available in the evening which makes an eventful day trip impossible. These trips are scheduled for the benefits of the island community who works in the city center. In any case, as mentioned earlier, I was told that the island is pretty much inactive on weekdays. Blogger ThaiTransit has more information on this newly added ferry service.
3. By cab - I reckon that it will probably cost the same amount to Ko Kred as to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
At the near bank ...
1. The first picture is the Bell Tower of Wat Sanam Nua adjacent to the mainland jetty.
2. The congested pier.
3. The leaning Chedi of Wat Poramai Yigawat is clearly visible across the water on the RHS.
4. The last picture depicts the view of our landing pier across the river.
Name: Sukhumvit House Number 1
Cuisine: Thai
Address: No 1, Sukhumvit Soi 14, Bangkok
Tel: (02) 653 3900
Open: Daily 11am to 1am
Payment: Cash and major credit cards
Web: http://www.skv1.com/
Remarks: -
Originally posted: March 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: May 2008
Table for two: It was a table for three this time and the bill came up to THB3084 (~SGD134). No alcoholic drink and excluding tips.
My verdict:
Recommended: Nil
In a nutshell
Likes:
> Impeccable & attentive services
> Above average foods
> Great ambiance
Dislikes:
> Performers actively solicit tips
The restaurant ...
Façade:
Name: The Krok, Thai Isan Restaurant
Cuisine: Northeastern Thai - Isaan
Address: Soi 2, Siam Square, Bangkok
Tel: (02) 251 9916
Open: (to be updated)
Payment: Cash and major credit cards
Web: Nil
Remarks: -
Originally posted: March 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: January 2009
This was my maiden visit to an Isaan restaurant. The Krok is located at Siam Square. They are not as popular as the much sought after Som Tam Nua @ Siam Square Soi 5. But the latter is also notorious for letting diners queuing up for as long as 30 minutes or longer outside its restaurant. We gave it a miss since time wasn't on our side, as we have a movie to catch later. While we prowled lane by lane for food, we chanced upon The Krok at Soi 2.
The three-storey restaurant, serves mainly Isaan cuisine, is minimalist in design. Each storey has its color theme which is eye-catching and loud. The ground floor was painted in my favorite lime green color.
Name: Ging Kalpapruek
Cuisine: Thai
Address: Basement, Siam Paragon, Bangkok.
Tel: -
Open: (to be updated)
Payment: Cash and major credit cards
Web: -
Remarks: -
Originally posted: March 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: December 2008
Our first dining at Ging Kalpapruek was dated back in 2006. I recalled that we unknowingly ordered a potage with coagulated pork blood which both of us are absolutely not in to it. Otherwise, I haven't had much impressions after that.
I was at the food court of Siam Paragon on the New Year eve. The place was over-crowded and it was difficult to reserve/find a seat since I was alone. Eventually, I settled for a dine-in at Ging Kalpapruek Thai Restaurant which was also on the same floor. It could be a little more expensive but I know I don't have to queue for food and compete for a table.
Name: ก๋วยเตี๋ยวปู 2491 / Crab Meat Noodle 2491
Cuisine: Chinese
Address: Thanon Ratchawong, Bangkok.
Tel: Nil
Open: (to be updated)
Payment: Cash
Web: Nil
Remarks: ก๋วยเตี๋ยว is 'guay tiao' which is noodles in Teochiew, ปู means 'crab'.
Originally posted: February 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: January 2009
I wasn't hunting for food when I walked down Thanon Ratchawong. But the framed newspaper cuttings hung on the small pushcart of "ก๋วยเตี๋ยวปู 2491" caught my attention and there, I stopped to take a look at this roadside vendor which serves crab meat noodles. The setup looks clean and they were really busy. I didn't exactly know what to order, so I told them I wanted a bowl of noodle soup and insisted that it must come with crab meat. And voila, few minutes later my order came. The noodle soup was accompanied by char siew (หมูแดง / roasted red pork), wonton (เกี๊ยว), shredded chicken, fresh veg and most importantly, crab meat. Well, the combo looks great but I find the noodles a tad too tough and the soup was also rather mild. I also had a Thai Oliang (Iced Black Coffee) which is, typically, very sweet.
Name: Mont Nom Sod
Cuisine: Snack
Address: 160/1-3 Dinsor Rd, Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200.
Tel: 02 224 1989, 02 224 1147
Open: Daily from 2pm to 11pm.
Payment: Cash.
Web: Nil
Remarks: Nom Sod (นมสด) is Thai for fresh milk.
Originally posted: February 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: 30th January 2009
My several recent visits to Mont Nom Sod were also met with setback. Recalling being there on my NY countdown trip, I was met with a notice on their shuttles that said "Renovation". Repeated visit on the 3rd day of CNY also met with the same fate as to Thipsamai. Moral of the story, stick to the central if you are coming to Bangkok during the CNY period. ^_^"
For the uninitiated, Singapore's homegrown Toastbox (sister chain of Breadtalk) takes after Mont Nom Sod, although the former failed completely as far as foods are concerned.
Apart from fresh milk, Mont is also known for their thick bread toasts which can be served with a great selections of spread ranging from butter to chocolate, condensed milk to peanut butter. But among all, the absolutely 'to-die-for' topping is none other then their fresh and heavenly Sungkayah (Jam made from Pandanus leaves and coconut). Or what is known as Kaya in Singapore.
There are some distinct differences between Singapore Kaya and Thai Sungkayah. Our Kaya is thick and concentrated. It is also usually dark and dull in color and has a strong taste of sweetness. Thai Sungkayah, on the other hand, is comparatively dilute (i.e. lower viscosity), less sweet, has smooth texture that comes in an inviting green. I prefer the latter. To appreciate how good this is, one should not give their steamed bread with Sungkayah dip a miss. The sungkayah is served warm in a small bowl.
Name: Thipsamai Pad Thai
Cuisine: Thai
Address: 313 Mahachai Rd. Samranrat, Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200.
Tel: (02) 221 6280
Open: Daily from 5pm to 3am.
Payment: Cash.
Web: http://www.thipsamai.com/
Remarks: This eatery has been colloquially known as Pad Thai Pradu Phee (ผัดไทยประตูผี).
Originally posted: February 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: 29th and 30th January 2009
My attempted visit to Thipsamai on the 3rd day of CNY was discouraging and almost uneventful. When we were at the vicinity, only 2 eateries out of the block of shophouses were opened for business. One of the two was selling Pad Thai and we were misled by the long queue awaiting outside this eatery. As the shop was small, all seats were taken. We were left standing outside contemplating our next move. I quickly noticed that the Pad Thai served by this eatery were soggy and it didn't seem to be as good it should be. I reflected this to my Thai friend who, after looking at the shop sign, realized that he has mistaken the shop for Thipsamai which is just 2 doors away. After getting our bearing right this time, what greeted us at Thipsamai was an half-shut shop! We asked the young lady who manned the partially-opened shop and was informed that they were observing CNY celebration. The eating place would not be opened until the next day (4th day of CNY). Although during this time, the shop continued to sell their famous orange juice (nam som). Eventually we left the place with empty stomach but not without a big bottle of fresh OJ which was really good. ^_^"
Undeterred by my fruitless trip, I returned to Thipsamai on the following evening and was duly rewarded.
On the day of my successful visit, I had their famous Pad Thai Song-Kreung (ผัดไทย ทรงเครื่อง THB150). I picked the Woon Sen (glass noodle or 冬粉 in Chinese) version. In this special order, one gets a big portion of Pad Thai with fresh shrimps topped with sliced green mangoes, thin strips of crispy cuttlefish and a generous serving of crab meat. The delicacy was then added with bean-sprouts, Chinese chives, coriander, lime juice, sprinkle of fish-sauce and finished it with some grind groundnuts before tossing it like Chinese Yu Sheng (鱼生).
Originally posted: February 2009
Last updated: -
Date of visit: 27 January 2009
I visited the Yaowarat bazaar in the day and left the place for a dinner appointment before dusk. After the meal, my Thai friends suggested to visit Yaowarat. Here I am, re-visiting the same place the 2nd time on the same day.
Getting there ...
The sky was dark and ferry services have stopped by then. We took a train to Hualamphong station. After which, it was 10 - 15mins walk from the metro station to Thanon Yaowarat. On tour way, we paid homage to Wat Traimit but that's another story.
Landmark & Map ...
Unlike my day trip which I began at the intersection of Grand China Princess Hotel, our walk now begins at the Odeon Gate, near Wat Traimit. See a map here.
Originally posted: February 2009
Last updated: -
Date of visit: 27 January 2009
Undeterred by the current economic climate, and blessed by cheap tickets offered by the 3 budget airliners, many Singaporeans continue to celebrate festive seasons, e.g.Lunar New Year, abroad.
For those who headed Bangkok last week for the CNY long weekends, the most commonly-asked question was, "Is Yaowarat open during CNY?". A short answer is, Yes and No.
No, the entire Yaowarat Road is cordoned off and closed for vehicular traffic.
No, most shophouses along the road, less the eateries, are closed.
Yes, Yaowarat is very much alive and kicking throughout the celebration.
Name: Kaiton Pratunam Chicken Rice
Cuisine: Chinese
Address: Petchburi Soi 30, Bangkok.
Tel: Not available
Open: Open daily. Close at 3am.
Payment: Only cash payment.
Web: Nil
Remarks: Chicken rice in Thai is khao mun kai (ข้าวมันไก่)
Originally posted: January 2009
Last updated: February 2009
Touted as the best chicken rice in Bangkok, the eatery is close to Pratunam Intersection and directly across the derelict Pratunam Center which construction on the higher levels has halted for quite some time.
Not to be mistaken as the smaller chicken rice stall seated right at the corner of this intersection. Our subject is a minute walk away and located at the mouth of Petchaburi Soi 30. The stall helpers, all donning pink, are easily identified from afar.
I picked a small table at the inner corner of the eatery. Once seated, everything rolled out systematically. A waitress, who speaks no English, took my order which I have to complete entirely in my broken Thai. The chicken rice was served by another helper shortly.
Originally posted: January 2009
Last updated: February 2009
To be exact, I am referring to ATM cash withdrawal with Singapore issued ATM cards. What are the usual concerns if one were to withdraw Thai Baht out of any ATM machines in Thailand, will the inter-bank rates be favorable? What are the applicable charges?
For a start, I did a little experiment when I was in Bangkok a few weeks ago (Jan'09). Armed with an UOB ATM card issued in Singapore, I withdrew THB6000 from an UOB teller-machine along Silom Road. It was an arbitrary amount. And UOB (Thailand) was chosen because this serves a good baseline for future comparisons against other local Thai banks.
This is a continuation from my lengthy blog which I, previously, wrote about our pilgrimage to the 9 sacred temples on the New Year day. In this blog post, I shall explain the things that devotees usually do when making merits in temples.
Typically, on important days when influx of crowd is expected and to facilitate monetary collections, donation booths are setup near the entrance of temples.
At the booth, devotees place their contributions in to a donation box. A token amount of 20B is common, although it is always welcomed to contribute more. In return, the temple helpers at the booth pass you a few items for offering to Lord Buddha.
Originally posted: January 2009
Last updated: -
On the day of New Year, we paid homage to the 9 sacred temples right in the heart of Bangkok. While I may have already been to quite a few of them. It was my first attempt to visit all 9 of them within a single day.
The map below depicts our route of advancement (in ascending numerical order).
Map by ThinkNet
From the map, it can be seen that 3 out of the 9 temples, namely Wat Kanlaya, Wat Arun and Wat Rakhang, are on the western bank of the timeless Chao Phraya River. The rest lays solemnly on the eastern bank and either within or not too far from the old Ko Rattanakosin area.
About THAIoholic
THAIoholic, the blog, is setup with the initial intention of keepsake. As time goes by, I find it harder and harder for my gray cells (of what left) to remember traces of great places we have been to, good foods we savored but missed, details that I should remember but they slipped away unknowingly.
Then, we have also friends and folks asking little details I thought I should blog them here, because my pea brain is simply no good at recollections.
My partner is a devoted Buddhist, his religion forbids him, and therefore me, from taking beef. As such, it's unlikely that there will be any info about beef dish found in this blog.
About BODYholic
BODYholic, also known affectionately as
moo ooan (a.k.a fat pig) by his little kratai noi (a.k.a little rabbit), has intense interests in Thai foods, traditional Thai architecture, coffee and cheesecakes. I've to add that I'm not a prolific blogger.
Disclaimer
The author reserves the right not to be responsible for the topicality, correctness, completeness or quality of the information provided. Liability claims regarding damage caused by the use of any information provided, including any kind of information which is incomplete or incorrect,will therefore be rejected.
All offers are not-binding and without obligation. Parts of the pages or the complete publication including all offers and information might be extended, changed or partly or completely deleted by the author without separate announcement. More
