Bangkok (28-31Aug11)

The previous time I was in bkk my friend recommended a tailor who's supposedly really good. There are many tailors in bkk but the choices are so endless that it's hard to differentiate one over the other. How many times would you go there to custom make your clothes anyway? Surely you don't want to end up paying for a job poorly-done. Hence this recommendation was very much appreciated. You can opt for 2 fittings for precision and the final product can be delivered to your hotel. I was very satisfied with the workmanship and snug fit of my first made-to-measure suit and shirt!

Naturally I returned to them during this trip to have more shirts and pants done. The outcome wasn't as good as expected as the 3 pants varied from one another (fits quite differently) even though they were supposed to be the exactly the same, just with different fabric. Oh well, the lack of consistency put me off a lil but based on overall quality I'd probably still return. Prices from 1000THB (~S$40) for pants and 1500THB (~S$60) for shirts.

Name: Pinky Tailor (website)

Location: 888/40 Ploenchit Road Pathumwan, Bangkok

(Near skytrain station E2 Ploenchit. Once you see Mahatun Plaza Arcade, turn and walk all the way in)

For cheap shopping, head to Platinum fashion mall. Several small store units selling casual wear & accessories. Almost like a cleaner/organized version of the well-known Chatuchak market which is hot, humid, dirty, messy & crowded. If it's your first time here, manage your time properly! For meals, the foodcourt (top floor) offers a cheap option with decent variety & quality. For breaks, grab a original coffee at Black Canyon Coffee. Not cheap cheap but surprisingly fragrant.

Save some time to go to another nearby shopping center - Central World. What I always do is buy Triumph/Wacoal lingerie in the Isetan there. Half the price you get in Singapore! Never been interested to explore this place much but apparently it is huge. Lots of high street fashion brands + 3 department stores. It's your preference. Read more about bkk's shopping malls here.

Oh I forgot to mention, situated in front of the mall are 2 shrines: Phra Trimurti (The God of Love) on the left and Ganesh Shrine on the right. I pray, offer some incense, and make a small donation.

Evening came and how better to end the day than a nice soothing massage? The Asia Herb Association (website) is one parlour that I frequent because it's big, has 4 branches along Sukhumvit road (I've only been to Soi 24), uses individual "huts" for massage rooms, looks clean (if you know what I mean) & professional. More importantly, the masseuses are consistently highly-skilled. That's what I like. To know for sure that you won't get a crappy massage. Prices at 650-1200THB (S$26-48) for a 2hr full body massage. Do book in advance to avoid being turned away.

Oh, massage session didn't end the day; seafood did. =D At a convenient location just 5mins' walk further into Soi 24. Found the restaurant on the internet. Was pretty fun "shopping" around for our seafood & vegetables as you can see from the shopping cart. If unsure, you can ask for help from one of the many staff. **Please take note that the prices shown (by weight) DO NOT include cooking services. You have to pay additionally according to size of dish & style of cooking.

Found the restaurant too touristy and as a result, expensive by bangkok standards. Ingredients were fresh but the cooked dishes tasted bland. I'm sure there are many other seafood places in bangkok that can top this. Also, their tagline "If it swims we have it" is total bullshit!

Name: Seafood Market

Location: 89 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok

Expenditure: 5000THB for 4 (S$50 pp)

You know what? I'm so guilty of being a glutton (or gourmand if I may). Despite being stuffed with seafood, I insisted on packing dessert back to the hotel. Not just any dessert mind you. It had to be mango sticky rice, and only from this particular roadside stall at Sukhumvit Soi 38. The best I've ever tasted and I'll never stop going back. There's a really good pad thai stall opposite as well. But nah, I'm greedy but I'm not a monster.

More shopping the next day at Mah Boon Krong (MBK) shopping center. The 3 aunties seem to prefer this to Platinum shopping mall. It's more spacious and carry a wider variety of goods. Pad thai at the foodcourt was pretty good too. Spent a significant amount of time there, then off to Pinky's 2nd fitting, then to Siam Paragon shopping center.

On the last day I brought them to Chinatown (Yaowarat road) to buy some fruits, veggies & local foods. If you wish, visit the Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha) at the start of the road and from there walk all the way down. Try spotting a stall that sells superbly tasty roasted water chestnut. Go for the mini chestnuts instead of the normal-sized ones. Will end off with a photo of the 3 aunties I've been talking about - my mum & her two sisters :)