Chatuchak: Thailand's Weekend Market

Day two of our Bangkok Trip was a Saturday. Weekends in Bangkok would mean we can go to Chatuchak Market and buy stuff at tremendously low prices. Our call time was 8:00AM. Dearest friend was preparing breakfast at the kitchen. The Dining Table was ready when we woke up:



Dearest friend prepared porridge for breakfast. He has this porridge maker where he leaves the rice over night to cook for perfect consistency. And this is what you get:


And the finish Product: He incorporated crab cakes, chicken breast, dried fish, peanuts, ginger, corriander and finely chopped green onions... Oh! Plus hidden in the porridge is the most perfect hard boiled egg! :)


And for dessert: Yougart with fresh fruits


Now, off to Chatuchak:

Chatuchak or Jatujak is the largest market in Thailand that covers more than 141,000 square meters and have over 5,000 stalls. Retailers/Wholesalers from all over Thailand would come to Bangkok during weekends and share their goods to about 300,000 visitors daily. Just imagine human traffic.... So crowded and hot!

The gang ready to shop at Chatuchak: Donits and Super Mowdil posing outside our "Pink" taxi... How redundant. :)


Braving the crowd...


Some of the stalls on the outside part of Chatuchak:


Love the reclining Buddha:


Juice Vendor:


I bought two similar silver bowls like this for less than 300bht each, I think:


Before we knew it, it's lunch time. There's no better way to experience authentic thai cooking than in the side streets; in this case, we had lunch inside Chatuchak:

Stir-fried Prawns:


Broccoli with garlic and Salt fish: YUM-OH!


Beef Curry:


Crab Meat:


And Guess How much I paid for lunch? 500Bhat only! And it covers all four of us! Imagine how affordable street food is. Not to mention that the taste is fantastic.

Our journey didn't end here. After lunch we headed to their wet market. Look how clean and organized their market is.

Super Mowdil taking a photo of me while I'm taking a photo of him:


Their own version of liempo: TDF!!! I bought two kilos of this!


Dried everything...


Turo-turo: Point Point...


Ripe Mangoes: YUM!


Chorizo and grilled cuttlefish:


River Prawns and crabs: Anton bought a larger pack of river prawns which will be our breakfast for the following day. hehehehehe!


The oldies got tired from all the walking and went straight to Anton's Apartment to get some much needed rest for our night out. Abangan! :)

Remembering Bangkok

Super Mowdil (Jaf), Donits (Donny) and I went to Bangkok last October 2009. This is my fourth visit. Yet, Bangkok as always is refreshing to visit. *wink*



Before departing, you have to fill out a departure card. Of all times why did I forget to bring a pen! I borrowed a pen from a guard but is asking money in return. I ended up giving the guard P20 for using his pen. Imagine how sucker for money people here are. This is sad.

We took PAL. The flight was smooth. I had an arguement with a stewardess. Before landing in Bangkok (we were not descending yet, we were still cruising at an altitude of god knows how high), we had to fill out an Arrival Card and all the details of my passort are saved in my iPhone. I took my iPhone from my pocket and this "old schooled" stewardess gave this poker face look and said "Ay sir! Hindi Pwede yan. You know the rules right?" I was trying to explain myself that prior to coming inside the aircraft my iPhone was on "Airplane" mode - meaning, the cellphone options are disabled. I cannot text or call. But she wouldn't listen to me. She kept on cutting me off and spoke over me everytime I explained it to her. So annoying! I think they needed to be educated on the latest gadgets and it's functionalities STAT. Grrr... what a way to start my vaca!

I look so "bangag" due to lack of sleep. The eyes! Yuck! Look at those dark rings around my eyes! How gross!!


Super Mowdil: Too much exhaustioin the previous night, slept almost the entire flight:


The flight was a little over three hours. Upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the three pimps got excited and pumped.

We wasted no time: Had some photo op done before passing immigration:



Donits: All smiles and excited to explore the beauty of Bangkok:


Donits took this photo: What's up there? hmm...... Remember, Mowdil?


Immigration: Super Mowdil waiting for his turn:


We are staying at one of my dearest friend's apartment. So, after passing immigration we headed straight to the car rental desk. They had a promo! Drop off is 100% charge while pick up is at 50% off.

Waiting for our Limo (NOT!): We rented a Toyata Camry.


The ride from the airport to Dearest friend's apartment took almost 45minutes. Upon arrival at his apartment we were all in awe with the stuff he has acquired through travel all over the world. From the Chinese Wedding Cabinets to the Java Clay Pots... it was simply amazing. It was five star at its finest!

Main Door of the Apartment:


Upon entering you will be greeted by a short black bench on the left with a jar and some foreign magazines:


On your right, a wide mirror adorns the bare white wall. A black wooden cabinet is topped with an amber vase and vanilla-scented candles:


This is the living area:


This is his personal desk: artistically positioned right behind the living area


Chinese Wedding Cabinets:


Living area: Love the lamps!


Here we have the Imported Helpers posing beside the lamp:


On the second floor you will find three bedrooms - The master's bedroom and two guestrooms.

There's also a living area on this floor:



The gang posing in the master's bedroom:


One of the guestroom's have a queen sized bed. This is my room:


Super Mowdil and Donits were room mates. They were assigned to the guestroom with two double beds. I forgot to take photos of their room. I was totally relieved that I was not Donits roommate because i can't stand his snorring. He snors like a lion's roar.

Back to the living area, we were served with Thai's own version of chicharon with green chili paste:


Neem: Thai Pork Sausage eaten with lime, chili, ginger and cashew nuts


These "pika-pika" (appetizers) were served with a bottle of Asahi beer. Donits and I were ready to call it a night but Super Mowdil was so eager to got out and party. Super Mowdil wont stop "bribing" Donits to join him. Donits was too tired and ignored him. And of course super mowdil had no choice but to sleep. Thank God I slept alone in my room. Peace!