TUKTUK IN BANGKOK

The Thai tuktuk is one of Bangkok's icon.

It was not only because we wanted to experience the Tuktuk. The taxi queue was too long and so we decided to go to the tuktuk queue.

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

The auto rickshaw, called tuk-tuk (Thai: ตุ๊กตุ๊ก, pronounced "took-took") in Thailand, is a widely used form of urban transport inBangkok and other Thai cities, as well as other major Southeast Asian and South Asian cities. It is particularly popular where traffic congestion is a major problem, such as in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. The name is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a small (often two-cycle) engine. An equivalent English term would be "putt-putt."

Bangkok and other cities in Thailand have many tuk-tuks which are a more open variation on the India auto-rickshaw. There are no meters, and trip costs are negotiated in advance. Bangkok fares have risen to nearly equal normal taxis due to uninformed foreigners willing to pay the asking price, but leaves passengers more exposed to environmental pollution than taxis. 

So we rode the Tuktuk!

Interesting ride, huh!

Actually, he wanted to increase our fare because he said the three of us were bigger than others.

And here is the smile of the Tuktuk driver as he left us at the hotel!

We also have tuktuk-type of ride in the Philippines which we call tricycles. 

However, they usually ply the smaller roads.

The Bangkok tuktuks traverse the main roads with the larger transportations cruising through.

And so you can see our hands strongly clinging to the steel on the side.

Now, I know why the tuktuk queue was shorter... everyone wanted a safer ride!!!

FAI SOR KAM @ SIAM PARAGON, BANGKOK Part 2

After the sumptuous lunch, we moved on to the Handicraft side of FAI SOR KAM!

Just before and as we enter, we could already appreciate huge wooden carvings and unique pieces.

I had the time of my life taking pictures of Northern Thai handicrafts, which they called the Lanna style home textiles, scented candles and fragrant products, which are usually seen in the Chiang Mai area.

Handicrafts.

Scented candles.

 

 

Carvings.

Home textiles.

 

While I was busy shooting, our friend Rema also had the time of her life shopping!!! I guess I was allowed to shoot because Rema was buying so many things... although, really the lady in Fai Sor Kam was a very friendly person.

To prove this, they shared the Camanchile with us. Since we were waiting for Rema, we enjoyed the Camanchile... for free!!!

I enjoyed their traditional Thai handicraft products and really liked the people in Fai Sor Kam!!!

SIAM PARAGON, BANGKOK

The Siam Paragon is listed as the 32nd largest malls in the world. We maneuvered our way from MBK throught Siam discovery and finally, found our way to Siam Paragon! (Our SM North EDSA ranks no. 3 and SM Mall of Asia ranks No. 10)

From Wikipedia:

Siam Paragon (Thai: สยามพารากอน) is a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. Opened on December 9, 2005, it includes a wide range of specialty stores and restaurants as well as a multiplex movie theater (consisted of 15 large size theaters with one of them having the biggest screen and seating capacity in Asia) and the Siam Ocean World (Underwater world) aquarium (the largest aquarium in South East Asia) and an exhibition hall and the Thai Art Gallery and also an opera concert hall. It also has a large bowling alley and karaoke center. 

Siam Paragon has become since its opening the place to be for Thailand's upper class, tourists, and locals who come to be seen and to see what Thailand has to offer. However, despite its reputation for showcasing one or two cars over $300,000 each, and some pushing a million dollars, its crosstown rival Gaysorn has remained the most popular spot for rich foreigners, especially from the Middle East. Paragon remains among the most popular shopping ground for the small number of Thai elite (and the vast number of elite pretenders), without excluding everyday commonplace and popular Thai items.

Siam Paragon is on Rama I Road in Pathum Wan district, and is adjacent to other shopping areas. It is next door to Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center and opposite Siam Square. MBK Center is also nearby. An elevated walkway beneath the BTS Skytrain tracks links Siam Paragon to the Ratchaprasong intersection, where CentralWorld, Gaysorn and several other shopping malls and hotels are located.

Just want to share how it looks in some areas!

The fountains as we enter.

Inside the Siam Paragon. Not necessarily the Deparment Store.

at the food court.. notice Mac Donald!

 

 

 

We did not eat at the Ground Floor where the foodcourt is. We moved to the Fourth Floor to look for a restaurant. Our friend wanted to try an authentic restaurant other than the street food!

Fai Sor Kam... will have a separate blog on this!

I enjoyed the fourth floor!

As we left Siam Paragon... to where we would find our ride home!

Nice place!