SIMPLY (t)RAVELLING

Chatuchak Market

 

Check-in completes, we leave our bags and without wasting time quickly headed back to the Sam Yan MRT to board the train to Chatuchak. We only have a few hours before the market close. In Bangkok, it is custom that you need to bypass the metal detector upon entering their MRTs and once it’s beeping, be ready to let your bags scrutinized by the guards. It is quite an inconvenience affair; but we are somehow getting used to it after a while.

 

The exit to Chatchucak Market via the Kamphaeng Phet station. There are ways of coming here, you could also stop at the Chatuchak Park station or Mo Chit Station (if you are taking BTS) however a bit of walk is required. Kamphaeng Phet is the easiest; the market is just a step outside the station.

 

The sun is unforgiving, and lunch is already overdue. A halal joint selling snacks is really a savior.

 

Chocolate coated banana. Yummy! (Another version of Indonesia cheese coated banana).

 

Young busker with an instrument similar to our own native Sarawakians.

 

Let the bargain hunting begins!

 

Handicrafts, religious artifacts, food, clothing, household items, plants, pets.. you name it, they got it. Ladies would go crazy.

  

From beaded necklace…

 

to intricately carved elephants…

 

 Chatuchak is also the home of this feline family.

 

Takraw balls, played in a traditional ball game of flying kicks. A favorite sport shared by both countries – Malaysia and Thailand.

 

Sawadeeka…

 

Religous workmanships.

 

Our stroll inside the Chatuchak maze bring us to the clock tower in the middle of the market, of where we come across an eatery with moon and star symbols – a relief to our hunger pangs. Chocolate coated banana is simply not enough for us, food lovers.

 

We ordered spicy thai beef noodle (I simply point it out as it looks marvelous in the picture) and kah feh yen (iced coffee) for lunch. The meat is tender and the soup is delicious (a bit hot, but that’s okay!) – an awesome combination, and halal too! Recommended if you are looking for halal food at Chatuchak.

 

Lunch over; we continue with the shopping spree. I spotted a girl deeply occupied with her doll and pay no heed to the chaotic surrounding – but soon she realize that I am about to take her photo, she smile and pose! Such a cute, beautiful smile and that really makes my day!

(Her genuine smile reminds me of my kids and I wonder how they are doing…I’m making mental note to call them tonight.)

 

Soi cowboy?

 

Since the market only opens on weekends, the place is flooded with people that wish not to miss the good bargain.

 

We decide to leave the spot as the day is getting late and many stalls have starting to pack up and close. On the way, we bypass a food stall with heap of salads and fresh veggies. That is really too much of a good thing!

 

We later find out that the salads are actually condiments for the hot beef soup – which is free flow, and patrons can add in as much as they like!

 

Has BN extended their political territory? Green tinted some more, a union with PAS at last?

 

While looking for direction, I stumble into Thai’s ubiquitous transports. The sun is almost down, and while waiting for passenger to finish with their shopping, it won’t hurt to loosen up a bit.

 

We walk across Chatuchak park to the Mo Chit station, and by the time we reach there it is already nightime.

 

Exit at National Stadium Station.

 

Mah Boon Krong Mall is adjacent, and that is where we are going next.

 

Inside, a typical shopping complex. The ambience is similar to our own Berjaya Times Square in KL, and likewise it is swarming with tourists – especially the Arabs.  Westerners are less likely to be seen, perhaps they are mostly occupied at the ‘red’ area or the backpackers street.

 

Apart from visiting the complex which has been claimed as the most visited in Bangkok, our main intention is to visit its food court. Our first try of the yellow rice – they said it is chicken curry but the taste is far cry from it. Nevertheless, since halal food is scarce, the plates are emptied in mere seconds. Huhu.

 

Bangkok, the city of life. The MBK is about to close just after we finish our late dinner, and as usual DH will go for the after the meal puff. We walk to the nearby Bangkok Art & Culture Center, and while waiting for him I just enjoy nightime in Bangkok. We straight back to the hotel afterwards and have a good rest; we need to wake up early for tomorrow’s agenda.

 

>> Next: The Train Trip to Ayutthaya