Thursday, November 24, 2016

Two Bangkok Hotels


I stayed in Bangkok a total of 2 nights before moving on to Chiang Mai. The first hotel I booked was Thong Ta. It is located a few minutes away from the airport and I was glad that I would not have to spend another hour after all the traveling I had already done. The real main reason I chose this place was because not only was it cheap (around USD $20), but my booking came with a free 24 hour shuttle. I am so thankful, because I could just hop on the shuttle after some 21 hours of traveling, and then be in bed only a few minutes later! The staff were pleasant, and the room was clean. Slippers and towels were provided and the room even had a hairdryer and fridge. There was a continental breakfast, but of course I didn't eat it. I did, however, check to see if there were any fresh fruit or vegetables, but there was only bacon and eggs.


 

includes toiletries such as q-tips and a shower cap

After I checked out, I took the free shuttle back to the airport to catch the train taking me to my next hotel. I first had to take a sky train from the airport and then transfer to the subway before I finally got to my next hotel, the Train Guesthouse. Located next to the main railway station, it was the perfect place for me to be to catch my train to Chiang Mai. The room was also extremely clean. I walked barefoot and my feet did not even pick up any dirt! Even the shared bathrooms were cleaned throughout the day. The blanket probably wins the Guinness Record for the largest beach towel because that's what it felt like. Light and airy, it probably is that way to soak up the sweat occurred from the hot and humid Bangkok weather. I can't even begin to describe how kind and helpful the staff were. Not only did they store my luggage for the time between when I checked out and when my train was leaving, but they even helped bring my luggage to the station! The only possible downside is that you have to provide your own towels. Of course you can always use the blanket... ;)
I would be very happy to stay here again and vary well may do so, depending on what the plans end up being for my last few days in Thailand.





All in all, I am very pleased with my choices of accommodations as they were perfect for what I needed.

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Rough Breakdown >>>

Thong Ta Resort and Spa:
US$20 | Near airport | 24 hour shuttle
Air conditioned room

Train Guesthouse:
US$10 | Next to Hua Lamphong Railway Station | Extremely kind staff
I chose the slightly cheaper room with a fan and no tv, which was all I needed (those who know me well know I usually don't like air conditioning).
*I don't remember if the sign said "Train Guesthouse" or "Train Inn." Either way, it should be the first one you come across walking from the subway station.

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Next post...
A quick day in Bangkok

Previous Adventures HERE


Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Welcome to Thailand!

Didn't see any northern lights, but still got some
pretty views!

My trip started on Asiana's A380. I remember learning about the largest passenger plane being designed in current events and it sounded really exciting! It was even more exciting to fly in it, especially since it was my first time in the plane. It certainly is larger. There is more space between one's head and the ceiling. There was no separate air conditioner vent for each seat so you have to be satisfied with the temperature in the cabin. The entertainment system was nice and new (well, so was the whole plane - even the windows were large and scratch-free). I felt the music choices could have been a bit more extensive especially to cater to non-Koreans. However, the choice of movies made up for the lack of music.There were a number of newly released films and even numerous classics.

Entertainment system with a USB port.

Handy device I picked up on a previous flight.

The last time I flew Asiana there were sets of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. I don't know if this flight was stocked with them, but by the time I got to the restrooms, there were none in sight and I didn't ask for any. Maybe it was because I got sick...yes, I got fever a couple of hours into the flight. Usually I feel great flying, even if I am sick right before. I guess it was my time to be like normal people, so I took a tylenol, stayed well hydrated, and tried to get as much sleep as I could. And thankfully it worked! Shortly before we landed I was feeling almost completely better which was good because I still had one more flight left to take to get to Bangkok.

At Incheon International Airport, South Korea: A fun place for
children to stretch their legs, and hopefully a respite for their parents!

Once we landed I got a sim card and a few maps and then took the free shuttle bus my hotel offered. It was just a few minutes drive which was really good because after almost 24 hours of traveling, I was exhausted!


Next post...
Two Bangkok Hotels

Previous Adventures HERE