Amazing THAILAND (Part 2 of 2)
One of the best things to try and worth exploring in Thailand is the local FOOD. The herbs and spices in Thai Cuisine are simply irresistible however, liking them might be selective and acquired unless you're an adventurous foodie. The most common ingredients used for cooking are Lemon grass, Galangal, Kaffir lime leaves, Chili, Coconut Milk and Bean Sprouts. The aroma of these herbs and spices lingered all over the place. For me, the must try Thai foods are the following:
1. TOM YUM SOUP / NOODLES
I'm so unlucky this time I didn't have the opportunity to sample this one. I have tried the Chicken and Seafood Tom Yum before during my first visit in Thailand but that was years ago already. That's why it's so unfortunate to have missed this one great dish. When you travel to this country, make sure you try this national dish.
2. PAD THAI NOODLES
3. RED CURRY (Pork)
4. GREEN CURRY (Chicken)
Other interesting foods I find are these Thai desserts called LAR and CHAN.
CHAN (meaning layered), is a steamed delicacy made from tapioca starch, coconut, pandan juice and sugar. It's similar to our very own sapin-sapin. Sweet and tasty!
Another fascinating sight is the Thai Noodle Cart. It's a good D-I-Y Food concept. You choose your own ingredients and your own kind of taste. The food being prepared right in front of you made it even more interesting. By the way, it's quite common to find dumplings, meat and seafood balls in Thai noodles and soup. The best type of noodles for me is Hofan, it's suitable and tasty for both soup and dry application.
Aside from Food, the next best thing to do in Thailand (which most travelers look forward to) is of course SHOPPING! Thailand has a very convenient mode of transportation thus, going places is not so difficult to do. Most of the BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) stations are connected to the shopping malls and commercial arcades. All you need is a map, a well conditioned feet and you're all set! Depending on your needs and interests, try to maximize your time on the places you really want to visit. Here are some of my suggestions:
1. PANTIP PLAZA
How to get there: Take BTS (Sukhumvit Line) and exit at N1 Ratchathewi Station. Head to Petchburi Road, Pantip is at the right side of the street near Indonesian Embassy. From Ratchathewi exit, you may opt for a taxi or Tuktuk if you're not willing to walk and you want to reserve your energy for shopping.
2. THE PLATINUM
Platinum Fashion Mall, is a shopping center next to Pantip Plaza. If you're looking for wholesale prices of clothings, this is the place to be! Wholesale here means minimum of 3 pieces, not bad at all! There are a lot of shirts, kids apparel, ladies wear, bags and other fashion accessories inside the mall.
3. PRATUNAM CITY COMPLEX
4. SIAM PARAGON
To go to Siam Paragon: Take BTS (Sukhumvit Line) and exit at SIAM. Just a few walks and you're already at the entrance door of the mall.
5. CENTRAL DEPARTMENT STORE (BANGNA)
6. CHATUCHAK & MBK
Chatuchak is known as the best and the largest bazaar in Asia or probably even in the whole world. Thousands of stalls can be found here selling all kinds of things, practically anything that you can think of. If you're looking for goods with rock bottom prices, this is your kind of market. However, due to its location and size a whole day should be alloted. More so, considering that it's only open on weekends from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, you really have to make a special time for it. Besides, a visit to Chatuchak will require real good stamina as shopping here may become too exhausting with the ambiance and the number of visitors flocking the area.
How to get there: Take BTS (Sukhumvit Line) and exit at N8, Mo Chit Station. Chatuchak is just a walking distance away.
MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Center, the lifestyle shopping center of Bangkok. It's an 8-storey building that can be a good alternative to less comfortable outdoor markets for great bargain shopping. This is my best pick for a place to buy those Thai novelties and delicacies at affordable prices. Simply the place to be for getting your pasalubong! This is the mall where asking for discounts is not considered taboo. However, since most merchandise are imitations (especially for leather goods) you must have an eye for quality. Some items I bought here in my first two visits didn't last long. In terms of durability, some hand bags are even inferior than those made in China.
How to get there: Take BTS (Silom Line) and exit at W1, National Stadium. Use Tokyu Department Store as your gateway to MBK. If you're using Sukhumvit Line, exit at SIAM and walk through the bridge going to National Stadium.
If you intend to shop in Thailand, you might want to schedule your trip at the end of the month. This is the period where most shopping malls go on-sale. They also have this so called "Happy Hour" promo. Happy hour is the shopping hour/s where shoppers get additional discounts on top of the discounted price. Normally it's from 12:00 o'clock to 2 in the afternoon and from 6 pm until closing time. With all these choices, there's no doubt Thailand is indeed a shopping haven! And for that, a trip to this country will always be amazing!
Comments
Yeah, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful shopping experience there :-)
Hi Raqgold,
I'll try to find that dish when I get back on January. Cheers!
Yeah, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful shopping experience there :-)
Hi Raqgold,
I'll try to find that dish when I get back on January. Cheers!
Soooo excited na!!
Thanks for sharing ah!