Showing posts with label Street Market. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20151111 Walking Street @ Koh Lipe, Thailand


Koh Lipe is a relatively small island and the locals cleverly developed the Walking Street in Koh Lipe is the centre of attraction of tourism for the whole island, creating lots of commercial value to sustain the economy for the island.

It stretches from the Pattaya beach front until the middle of the island, which connects to the main road. You can basically find everything you need on this island from the Walking Street from convenient store, pharmacy, clinics, street food, restaurants, massage parlours or even night bars.

While the main activity starts in the night, the Walking Street during day time is still active with basic needs such as convenient stores and clinics opened. Some restaurants are also opened for breakfast and lunch. You may also book your island hopping or diving tours via the various travel agencies at the Walking Street.

There are a few interesting bars with very unique characters which opens until late. Food option are abundant with selections from authentic Thai food, Western, Italian, BBQ. Halal food are also available with a few stalls and restaurants operate by Muslims. The one and only 7-11 store is also located at the Walking Street.

The shops in Koh Lipe seemed to have a mutual agreement and a fixed price policy whereby everything (souvenirs) sold here are fixed price with no discount. Yes, no "wholesale" here. However, you may try your luck for some "free gift" instead which some stalls are kind enough to give. Prices of massage services are also fixed with typical Thai and oil massage at 300 Baht. No discount even if you come in group.

Koh Lipe Walking Street
Opening Hours: 6:00pm until 12:00am

TO GO


Koh Lipe is so small that you basically don't need a map to travel around because theoretically you won't get lost in this small island. Besides, you definitely won't miss the entrance of the Walking Street as it's fronting the Pattaya beach or the main road of the island.

Tip: Do remember to get a local tourist map from your hotel or travel agency as it will have the latest map with ads and promotion for various services.



ATTRACTION



The walking street during day time is rather quiet which most shops and stalls were closed.


On and off there are some interesting decorations along the walking street that offers a photospot for visitors.


Koh Lipe's very own garbage truck. What's special about this truck the engine is modified from a boat's engine and is exposed directly. A very simple and straight forward design that serves its purpose.


One of a few clinics available on the island. If you are having any illness or food poisoning, you know where to head to.


While most of the stalls are closed during the day, there are still a few stalls opened with some mouth watering street food.


The coconut ice cream is surprisingly good and cheap with option to choose from small to big. 5 big scoops of the ice cream cost 60 Baht. The ice cream is very flavourful compare to those in Bangkok. Not as creamy and bit coarse but the strong coconut flavour overcomes the shortcomings.

The Pattaya Beach fronting entrance arch

Night time is where all the fun starts. Most restaurants and shops open at 6pm, welcoming the crowd especially during the peak season from Nov to May every year.


Many interesting bars and cafe around, like the one in the picture above known as Maya Bar.


Each bar has their every own style and design to attract patrons. Some have interesting bartenders, while others might have live band, some even have live performance to keep us entertained. While the interior and design plays a big role, the most important is the feel and atmosphere that counts.


The one and only 7-11 on the island, with prices slightly more expensive than Bangkok as expected. The dogs here are very clean and obedient. 


Some Halal restaurants around serving Malay style ayam percik for Muslim tourists.


The yoohoo aunty who operates a pancake stall (roti canai alike) who will keep "yoohoo" to attract people to patronize her stall.


The big boob Ms Aiwa statue in front of a souvenir shop is another photospot. Many people like to, erm, you know, pose with Aiwa.


Some travel agencies around that offers island hopping or diving packages which are very affordable in my opinion. You wouldn't want to miss out snorkelling in such crystal clear water, so it is a must do in Koh Lipe.


We booked our tour earlier in the afternoon this agency called Dayatravel which located next to Limoncello restaurant near the inner entrance. Mahadee is able to speak decent English and is very friendly and kind to explain the difference of the trip. We booked the highlight tour which covers most of the key spots for a day trip and managed to negotiate a good price due to travelling in a big group. Free advertisement for Bro Mahadee for him and his staff's hospitality and service during the trip. Their facebook address: https://www.facebook.com/daya.travel.koh.lipe/


SUMMARY


A very interesting street that has all to offer. Some very good restaurants around like the Rak Lay Seafood is one of the must try around. The bars and cafe are good place to hang out after dinner to catch up with your friends or family, or even to know new friends. One minus point will be the price fixing for souvenirs and massage, which can be a good or bad thing, depending your point of view.


Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
very lively and interesting street
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Sandy but overall clean
Entrance Fee
Nil
Opening Hours
Night life starts 6pm until late
Wifi
Selected outlets
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 6.487026, 99.304568
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[PLACE] 20150114 Khaosan Road @ Phra Nakhon, Bangkok


Khaosan Road or Khao San Road was once a main rice market, suggested from the name "Khaosan" which literally means "milled rice". It is now a famous night market and backpacker's street with cheap accommodation which attracts many backpackers from around the world.

It is also a travel hub where many travel agents providing cheap and affordable tours to various destination around Thailand and even outside Thailand with one stop Visa application services. My half day trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is also arranged by one of the travel agent from here.

At night, the street transforms into a very happening place with street vendors, food stalls, pubs and other entertainment. Khaosan Road is considered to be a more hippy place and is flooded with more foreign tourists than any other night market around Bangkok.

You may find many interesting in Khaosan Road that you may rarely encounter else where like makeshift mobile pubs, campervan pubs, edible bugs stalls etc.

Khaosan Rd Khet Phra Nakhon Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200 Thailand
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: Nil

TO GO


Khaosan Road is not near to any BTS nor MRT stations and mostly you would need to grab a cab to reach here.



ATTRACTION


Khaosan Road is more lively at night with the variety of pubs and cafe. It caters more for the younger market with its strong music and adventurous offerings such as on-the-spot tattoos, fried scorpions on-the-go, street challenges etc.


More than half of the visitors here are foreigners and mostly staying nearby at the backpackers' lounge or hotels.


Temporary or permanent tattoos stalls are commonly seen here in Khaosan Road and they will do it on the spot like a free show.



Not forgetting the traditional Thai massage, from the cheap open air mass-production type, to the slightly premium air-conditioned parlours along the streets. A great way to pamper your foot after a long walk.


The Khaosan Road expands into the alley from the main street which will lead you to the other side of Khaosan Road where they are more restaurants and pubs awaiting for you.


In contrast to the more happening main street, the side walk is more cozy and relaxing with pubs and restaurants if you are looking for a bite.



The BBQ seafood is very tempting and inviting with the aroma. If it wasn't because I was still full from the earlier seafood dinner at T&K Seafood, I might end up having my dinner here instead. Probably next time.


Further down the streets, the crowd became lesser and the streets are quiet and dark. However, this is where all the cute little campervan bars are located. The locals creatively transformed these old campervan into vibrant and colourful road side bars. Each having its own distinctive characteristics.


Some with loud techno music while some others with soothing chillax melodies.


Some cuter version of the campervan bars.


No campervan? Nevermind, old pick up trucks will do just fine.


Towards the very end of the street, there's this red looking cafe with some tents outside for those who are looking for a quiet environment away from the busy streets.


SUMMARY


Khaosan Road caters more to youngsters who are more adventurous and active with a variety of unique experience. It is a relatively short street but a more hipster area compared to other night markets and it is very lively. It is known as the backpacker's street with many backpacker's lounge established within the vicinity. Here is also one of a few places that you are able to find exotic bug/insect snacks for those who dare to try.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
very lively and happening street.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
Nil
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Limited
Website
Nil

GPS: 13.759012, 100.497098
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[PLACE] 20150114 Chinatown @ Yaowarat, Bangkok


The Chinese community long set foot in Bangkok during the mass migration to South East Asia back in the old days. The Chinese traders initially gathered at a site where the current Grand Palace is locate before being relocated further away to the East. The Chinese traders then settled down at Sampaeng Lane before a petition for a wider street, hence the relocation to Yaowarat Road, which evolves to be what it is today, i.e. Chinatown of Bangkok.

Unlike our own Chinatown in Malaysia, i.e. Petaling Street which has lost most of its authenticity, the Chinatown in Bangkok still preserves the originality with majority of the Chinese communities and traders still residing at Chinatown.

Besides that, there are also many Chinese temples around here along with some old traditional buildings that adds to the heritage value of Bangkok's Chinatown. Colourful neon signboards that reassembles those in Hong Kong, thou not as many, lights up the busy street of Yaowarat during the nights. Street vendors along with shops and restaurants offering both goods, and food.

You may find variety of things like traditional Chinese products and food along the 1km stretch including very oriental delicacies such as sharkfin's soup (Not promoting nor supporting on consumption of shark's fin), bird's nest soup, fish maw stew, roast duck etc etc.

The best time to visit Chinatown is during Chinese festive seasons such as the lunar new year.

Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Nearest MRT Stations: Hua Lampong Station
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: Nil

TO GO


You have a few options i.e. by water, road or rail to get to Chinatown. Taking a cab will bring you directly to Chinatown but be mindful of the nasty Bangkok jam and some cab drivers might not want go during rush hours.

If you are taking the waterways, alight at Pier 5 (Ratchawong Pier) and walk further up to Yaowarat Road.

Alternatively, the MRT Hua Lampong station would be the nearest rail station and requires another 10 minute walk to Yaowarat Road.



ATTRACTION



The busy street of Yaowarat Road with colourful and bright sign boards that reassembles Hong Kong.


Some local names like 林真香 operated by local Chinese that sells traditional local specialities food products such as dried pork skin, pork floss, dried mango, dried longan etc. These shops have some other outlets at other areas as well if you are not coming to Chinatown.


Dried or smoked duck meat sold in the shops that is traditional to the Chinese community.


But food is the main attraction of Chinatown with traditional Chinese cuisines such as roast duck, Peking style.


Or some local seafood stalls that serves fresh river produce or seafood, grilled right in front of you.


The famous T&K Seafood Restaurant is also located in Chinatown. Read more about T&K Seafood in my separate post.


There are also many street stalls or restaurants selling bird's nest soup, which is also a local product of Thailand along with other South East Asian countries. Street stalls selling at much cheaper price while restaurants charge a higher premium for their bird's nest soup. Read more about my experience with Nam Sing Bird's Nest in a separate post.


Some other street vendors like the juice vendor above that are commonly found around Bangkok's streets.



Some Chinese cuisines that are not found at other areas of Bangkok. There's so many to try but so little space in your tummy.


Fish maw stew sold by the street vendors are commonly found in Chinatown but not at other areas. The gluey thick texture reassembles shark fin soup but using fish maw instead of shark's fin.


There are many road side stir fry stalls as well along the main street that you can order Chinese-Thai fusion food.

SUMMARY


Overall, the Chinatown of Bangkok still have the presence of the Chinese community in contrast to our Malaysian Chinatown which is now invaded by many foreigners and lost it's authenticity of a Chinatown despite a few well known names are still around. The abundance of street food and local food will not give a chance for your tummy to rest. 

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Presence of Chinese community still available with variety of merchandise and food
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
Nil
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Limited
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.741206, 100.508264
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[PLACE] 20150112 Pratunam Market @ Pratunam, Bangkok


Pratunam morning market is one of Bangkok's main market place and also Thailand's largest clothing market. The famous Platinum Fashion Mall is also evolved from this clothing market.

It spans across roads, streets, corridors and even back alleys. Price ranges from the cheapest garments, as low as 30 Baht up to few hundred Baht. You will be able to find all sorts of clothings and apparels here, mostly made in Thailand like t-shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, Thai silk handkerchiefs, under garment etc. However, the fashion or design is pretty much...individual taste.

The morning market start as early as 5am and then the vendors will pack up around 8am and move to some other market while the next vendor will move in and set-up to continue the afternoon market. What impresses me is the way Thais make use of every possible opportunity to make money, be it from creativity or through hardwork.

The morning market is located right under Baiyoke Tower I and Tower II, in between Ratchadamri Road and Phetchaburi Road. Besides clothings, the market also sells various souvenirs, handicrafts and not forgetting street food.

Pratunam Morning Market
Nearest BTS Station: Nil
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: Always (Retail is from 10:00am until 09:00pm)

TO GO


Unfortunately there's no direct access of BTS to Pratunam area and the nearest BTS station will probably be Ratchathewi Station (Sukhumvit Line), but that will also take about 15 walking to reach the station. Taking public cab or tuk tuk will probably be a better option if you dislike walking but be mindful of the traffic as well as the price charged by your tuk tuk driver.

If you are travelling on foot, the market is located right opposite Platinum Fashion Mall, Just set Baiyoke Tower as your landmark as you definitely cannot miss the 85-storey building from afar.


ATTRACTION



Street vendors are seen every where, carrying various merchandise like handicraft, souvenir or food to be sold to the public.


The market starts from the wider streets in the open air and slowly span into each corridor and alley. Not a single space was spared.



Narrow passage in between clothe stalls selling cheap knock off or locally made shirts. 


A street vendor pushing his cart to his designated location during the shift.


Well, here's one of your landmark. It's the rainbow coloured Ibis hotel, if not mistaken.


Not forgetting food vendors selling breakfast along the streets, which is also my main reason here because my hotel is just nearby the market. It's breakfast time!!


Thai version of nasi lemak? It's actually stir fried minced meat with rice and egg.


Aunty, your grilled fish looks tempting but too heavy for breakfast!


At last I settled down at this stall because there's no other place where I can sit and eat. Noticed that many tourists also stopped at this stall probably also due to the same reason. It was quite an unique experience to sit just right beside the hawker.


Nothing fancy about this soup noodle, at least the toppings are generous enough.


The juice stall is just next to the noodle stall, so I bought a pomegranate juice to compliment my breakfast. Nothing to complain for a 40 Baht juice. This type of juice stall is very common around the streets of Bangkok. 


Stumbled across this fried pork belly stall nearby. The locals will usually accompany this fried pork or grilled pork with sticky rice. It's sold by weight and I bought a small packet to try out. Nothing fancy about this stall, maybe will try another one to benchmark. It's similar to our Chinese style five spices fried pork, minus the five spices.

SUMMARY


Cheap clothes for everyone! This is what Pratunam market has to offer but its design might not suit for those who are in the fashion front. However, normal casual wear can be found here and with the price of below 200 Baht for most of the items, it's a steal. Oh ya, not forgetting the options of breakfast too if you are staying nearby.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
cheap clothes, cheap product.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
It's a market!
Entrance Fee
Nil
Opening Hours
Everyday, 24 hours
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.752662, 100.539746
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