Morning Majesty: The Bangkok Grand Palace Visit

Eager for a change of pace, we set off early to explore the Bangkok Grand Palace. Just steps from our hotel, we found a convenient tuk-tuk ride for 100 Baht, whisking us away to this historic landmark. The 500 Baht entry fee per person was a gateway to the past, revealing the grandeur and intricacy of Thailand’s royal heritage. As we strolled through the palace grounds, we were captivated by the stunning architecture and the rich tapestry of Thai history.

Google Maps Link to Bangkok Grand Palace: Bangkok Grand Palace

A Refreshing Breakfast at Slowbar

Post-palace, we ventured to Slowbar, a delightful café we discovered on Google Maps.

Google Maps Link to Slowbar: Slowbar

Here, we indulged in a culinary surprise – fresh fruit bowls and smoothies. The berry bowl with cocoa, an unexpected twist of blended bananas and berries with cocoa powder, was a revelation. Dana’s mango smoothie was equally impressive, a testament to the café’s commitment to quality and freshness.

Afternoon Work Session

Our afternoon was a blend of work and relaxation. Dana found comfort working in the hotel room, while I headed to the Samsen Café, a perfect spot for digital nomads with its friendly service, reliable Wi-Fi, and ample power outlets.

Google Maps Link to Samsen Café: Samsen Café

Evening of Surprises

The evening brought unexpected delights. Initially planning to meet a friend at a rooftop bar, we shifted gears when we learned it was an hour away by taxi. Instead, Dana surprised us with an impromptu dinner with friends living in Cyprus, who happened to be nearby.

Dinner at Madame Musur

We strolled to Madame Musur, located on the enchanting Ram Buttri Alley, for dinner. The ambiance and company more than made up for the just-okay food.

Google Maps Link to Madame Musur: Madame Musur

A Secret Rooftop Bar Discovery

Post-dinner, our friends introduced us to a secret rooftop bar near Olive Kitchen. The journey there was an adventure in itself, passing through secret doors and creatively decorated rooms. Once there, we lounged on an old metal bed transformed into a seat, enjoying cocktails and the unique atmosphere.

Google Maps Link to Secret Rooftop Bar: Secret Rooftop Bar

Planning the Next Leg of Our Journey

As our stay at Chillax Resort was coming to an end, we pondered our next move. With inland flights being pricey, we decided to extend our stay in Bangkok. A chance conversation with our friends led us to consider traveling by bus, a new adventure in itself.

A Late-Night Excursion and Bus Booking

On our way back to the hotel, Dana spotted a small shop offering excursions. A friendly local gave us valuable tips for exploring non-touristic islands and recommended a secret island. Initially planning to book a 24-seater VIP bus, a last-minute clarification led us to book the trip through the ‘book a way’ platform, securing a VIP bus ride for 47€ per person.

Conclusion

Day 4 in Bangkok was a tapestry of cultural exploration, delightful encounters, and unexpected turns. From the grandeur of the Bangkok Grand Palace to the hidden rooftop bars and the excitement of planning our next journey, each moment added a unique flavor to our adventure. Stay tuned as Dana & Wild continue to explore the vibrant streets and hidden corners of Bangkok, sharing their stories and tips along the way!

#BangkokGrandPalace #BangkokAdventures #CulturalJourney

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A Morning of Surprises: The Jet Lag Jive Continues

Our day kicked off with the quirky rhythm of jet lag. After a night of work till the dawn (I worked until 6:00am in the morning), I (Wild) crashed into a brief slumber, while Dana ventured off in search of the hotel’s early morning charms. The clock struck 10:05 AM, and I dashed down to catch the tail end of the Chillax Resort’s breakfast buffet – a symphony of flavors awaiting our taste buds.

A few moments later Dana appeared and we had the chance to get a taste of Chillax’ breakfast. 
The breakfast is ok, you will find pretty everything you want: fresh fruits, Thai food, bread, tea, coffee, eggs in some variations etc. It costs 250 Baht per person – a bit too much in our opinion.

Google Maps Link to Chillax Resort: Chillax Resort

The Breakfast Encore

Joining me at the breakfast table, Dana shared tales of her gym and pool escapades. The resort’s gym, a haven for fitness enthusiasts, had been her morning muse. Together, we indulged in a spread that ranged from sweet pastries to savory Thai dishes, fueling up for another day of urban exploration.

Unexpected Culinary Twists

Our gastronomic journey took a sudden twist.
The aftermath of yesterday’s food garden adventure had us making frequent sprints to the restroom – Bangkok’s culinary surprises coming full circle in the most comical way.

Tech-Savvy in Bangkok: The eSIM Experience Continues

Post-breakfast, we settled back into our room, our laptops becoming our portals to the world.
The eSIM from Maya continued to be our digital lifeline, keeping us connected as we navigated our work amidst Bangkok’s pulsating energy.
Our reliance on this tech gem became a testament to the modern traveler’s needs.

An Evening of Discovery: Exchange Rates and Street Life

Venturing out in the evening, we stumbled upon an exchange office offering an attractive rate: 37.90 Baht for 1€. This discovery led to a spontaneous decision to exchange €200, a move that proved to be financially savvy compared to ATM withdrawals. Such are the small victories in the life of a traveler!

And always remember to have cash of your home currency with you, because the cheapest way of getting a foreign currency is mostly exchanging cash into the foreign currency on location!

If you withdraw money from the ATM in Bangkok, they take 220 Baht network fee. If you withdraw 10.400 Baht, that’s 2%. If you take a smaller amount, that’s a huge fee!

Exploring Thanon Ram Buttri

Our exploration took us to Thanon Ram Buttri, a vibrant street paralleling the famous Khaosan Road. Here, the pulse of Bangkok was tangible, with a myriad of restaurants and street food stalls painting a lively picture of the city’s dining scene.
It’s right next to the Khaosan road, which is well known.

Google Maps Link to Thanon Ram Buttri: Thanon Ram Buttri

A Lesson in Culinary Choices

Our dinner choice, a fusion of curiosity and hunger, led us to a Thai restaurant serving pizza. The experience was a humorous reminder – when in Thailand, stick to Thai cuisine! The frozen pizza, at 290 Baht, was a far cry from the local flavors we had come to adore.

Developing a Dining Strategy For Thailand

From our recent dining experiences, we crafted a simple yet effective dining strategy:

1. follow the inviting aromas and your nose
2. trust your instincts about the ambiance of the location (it should make you feel good)
3. always check Google reviews.

This trifecta became our guide in the culinary labyrinth of Bangkok.

Conclusion in Exploring Bangkok

Day 3 of ‘Exploring Bangkok’ was a blend of work, whimsical culinary experiences, and urban discoveries. Each moment, from the humorous to the enlightening, added depth to our Bangkok story. Join us, Dana & Wild, as we continue to navigate the vibrant streets, uncovering the city’s hidden gems and embracing its endless surprises. Stay tuned for more tales of laughter, learning, and artistic adventures in the heart of Thailand!

#ExploringBangkok #BangkokCulinaryAdventures #UrbanExploration

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Morning Rhythms: Jet Lag and Digital Connectivity

Our second day in Bangkok started with the amusing dance of jet lag. I (Wild), energized and refreshed, contrasted with Dana, who was still attuned to Austrian time.
Amidst this comical flip, we faced a traveler’s modern dilemma – staying connected. Enter the eSIM solution: a digital lifeline in the heart of Thailand.
We discovered “Maya”, a US company offering a seamless eSIM service – 5 GB for just €11, 10GB for 17€. This tech-savvy move not only kept us connected but also marked our first step in ‘Exploring Bangkok’ with the pulse of the digital world at our fingertips.

Google Maps Link to Samsen Center: Samsen Center

The Beat of Bangkok Streets: A Tuk-Tuk Symphony

Venturing into the heart of the city, we experienced Bangkok’s streets through the vibrant lens of a tuk-tuk ride. The bustling lanes, a kaleidoscope of sounds and colors, were our canvas, each turn adding a vivid stroke to our urban exploration. The city’s rhythm, ever-changing and exhilarating, pulsed around us, offering a symphony of everyday life and the essence of ‘Exploring Bangkok.’

Cultural Connections: Community Meeting

The day’s highlight was a community gathering, a blend of diverse narratives and laughter.
Here, amongst fellow travelers and expatriates, we exchanged stories, shared laughs, and learned essential Thai phrases, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Bangkok’s social fabric. This cultural exchange, an integral part of ‘Exploring Bangkok,’ was not just about places but the people who bring the city to life.

Some Thai Phrases

Here are some phrases you can use all the time during your Thailand trip:

• “Kop Khun Ka” (say this as a woman) or “Kop Khun Khap” (say this as a man) = “Thank You”
• “Sawatdee Ka” (say this as a woman)or “Sawatdee Khap” (say this as a man) = “Hi” and “Bye”
• “Sabai Dii Mai?” = “How Are You?”
• “Sabai Dii Ka/Khap” = “Thanks, I’m well”
• “Mai Sabai” = “Not well”
• “Thamai Mai Sabai?” = “Why are you not well?”
• “Check Bin Ka/Khap” = “The bill please” (in a bar)
• “Kep Tang Ka/Khap” = “The bill please” (in a restaurant)
• “Sanuk Mai?” = “Do you have fun?”
• “Sanuk” or “Sanuk Mak” = “It’s a lot of fun” or “I’m enjoying myself”
• “Narak” = “Cute”

Culinary Adventures: The Highs and Lows

Our culinary journey through Bangkok offered a mix of hits and misses. Embracing local flavors led us to delightful Thai dishes, while a foray into non-Thai cuisine provided a humorous lesson – when in Thailand, stick to Thai!
This gastronomic exploration added a flavorful dimension to our experience of ‘Exploring Bangkok.’

Navigating Bangkok’s Streets: Grab vs. Metered Taxis

Navigating transportation in Bangkok was an adventure in itself.
We compared the structured melodies of Grab fares with the improvisational tunes of metered taxis, learning the nuances of the city’s transport system. This exploration was a practical and enlightening aspect of ‘Exploring Bangkok.’

Evening Reflections: The City’s Nocturnal Beat

As night fell, Bangkok transformed into a nocturnal symphony. The streets, alive with a different energy, offered a mesmerizing blend of lights, sounds, and movement. We immersed ourselves in this nighttime sonata, each moment adding a vibrant note to our story of ‘Exploring Bangkok.’

Conclusion

Day 2 of ‘Exploring Bangkok’ was a delightful mix of digital connectivity, cultural engagement, and urban exploration. From the energetic streets to the intimate community encounters, every experience added depth and color to our Thai adventure. Join us, Dana & Wild, as we continue to dance through the melodies of Bangkok, discovering its art, humor, and endless surprises. Stay tuned for more tales from the Land of Smiles!

#ExploringBangkok #BangkokAdventures #CulturalJourn

The post Exploring Bangkok ‘s Beat: A Day of Discoveries And Thai Language Learning – Day 2 appeared first on DANA & WILD - The Bonnie & Clyde Of Music.

Sky-High Antics: A Flight of Opposites

Our flight from Vienna was like a classic duet with contrasting melodies. While I (Wild) dozed off into dreamland, Dana was on high alert, her eyes wide with anticipation. It’s funny how we musicians find our rhythm even thousands of feet up in the air!

Touchdown in Bangkok: First Impressions

Landing in Bangkok was like the opening notes of an exciting new song. The buzz at Suvarnabhumi Airport was infectious, a mix of languages and cultures creating a melody of its own. We were immediately swept up in the rhythm of this dynamic city.

Google Maps Link to Bangkok Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport

Navigating Bangkok: Taxi Adventures

Our first task? Figuring out the local transport.
With a quick wit and a nod to our budget, Dana found us a Grab – an app like Uber – for 460 Baht.
Our ride to the hotel was less about the destination and more about tuning into Bangkok’s unique pace – a bit like improvising a new tune on the go.

Checking in: Chillax Resort

We checked into Chillax Resort, ready to unwind. At 60€ a night, it was our peaceful haven amidst the city’s hustle. Here, we could lay back, relax, and plan our urban escapades – or maybe just catch up on some sleep!

Google Maps Link to Chillax Resort: Chillax Resort

A Day of Contrasts and Laughs

As Dana set off to explore, I embraced the comfort of our room due to my stomach .
Isn’t it funny how explorers can be so different? One’s ready to conquer the city, while the other’s battling the urge to nap.
That’s us – always on a different beat but being in sync either way.

Summary

Our first day in Bangkok was an eclectic mix of travel tunes – some familiar, some completely new. From our airborne antics to our first taste of the city’s lively tempo, it was the perfect start to our Thai symphony. Stay tuned for more stories, laughter, and discoveries from Dana & Wild as we continue ‘Bangkok Day 1’ and beyond!

#BangkokTravel #ThailandJourney #TravelTips

The post Our Thailand Adventure Begins – From Vienna to Chillaxing: Day 1 appeared first on DANA & WILD - The Bonnie & Clyde Of Music.