QUICK LOOK:
Location: Phra Khanong
Main Attractions: Terminal 21, EmSphere, Central World, W District, Pratunam
Transportation: BTS
Holidays: H.M. Queen’s Birthday
BANGKOK - Thailand has such a special place in my heart. Being a Thai/Chinese American (I used to call myself “Thainese” or “Chai”), I grew up learning to truly appreciate my Thai heritage whether it was at home, at the Thai temple, or when visiting family in Thailand. Don’t get me wrong, it was confusing at times when I noticed differences among my friends’ practices or when my lunches seemed different than others’. That being said, overtime, I truly came to appreciate my Thai heritage (my Chinese heritage, too, but both my parents were born and raised in Thailand; so, that side resonates with me more).
It actually wasn’t until my early adulthood that I realized Thai restaurants were becoming more popular. It wasn’t about just Chinese takeout anymore; it was also about Thai. It wasn’t just about soy sauce; it was also about fish sauce. Bangkok was developing and now on the map for people to visit more. I will be honest, I was starting to become more proud of my background. I was never embarrassed about it before, but I used to have to explain myself a bit more when I said “I’m Thai.” Most thought Taiwanese, which is great on its own but not the same.
Now when I speak to people, I feel so happy to hear that they love Thai food or that people in Thailand were so kind to them or that they had the best time there. All this to say, I am simply grateful for my family and heritage. So, even if I never lived in Thailand, it feels a bit like home coming here.
Getting to Thailand from Morocco was no easy trip, but I was impressed with the girls (and Brad). Brad calculated that we traveled about 28+ hours. First, we took a 3-hour drive (we opted for a private car instead of the bus for ease and comfort) from Essaouira to Marrakech. Saying goodbye to the Wallace's was hard and there were even tears, but we left grateful for the special time we had with them. After our drive (we were all so sweaty because drivers seem to prefer opening windows versus turning on the air conditioning and the air from outside was nearly 100 degrees farenheit), we checked in with Qatar Airways for the shortest flight ever (only 27 minutes) to Casablanca. I just need to say that Qatar Airways is a wonderful airline. I can see why it is considered one of the top airlines. The seats were comfortable, they provided basic comfort amenities (including socks), they gave our girls activites (the girls recieved their own little backpack filled with activities and fidget toys. The backpacks were perfect for exploring Bangkok since the backpacks were light and airy), the food was quite good and they gave the girls snack boxes (these snack boxes had fig bars, chocolates, crackers, juice boxes, fruit, and more. They were legitimate), and the flight attendants were kind.
After our first flight to Casablanca, we were asked to remain on the plane during the 1 hour and 45 minute layover. That being said, Qatar Airways made it quite comfortable serving us beverages and snacks as we waited. Then, we took off for a 6-hour flight (thankfully, the girls slept about 5 hours) to Doha, Qatar. Like the airline, Hamad International Airport was very nice and modern. Thankfully, we got to relax in a lounge for a little before boarding for our third and final flight to Bangkok. The 6.5-hour flight went smoothly (girls played and ate and then napped for 2 hours). However, as we descended into Bangkok, we flew through a thunderstorm with lightning flashing around. Not going to lie, it was smooth but a bit scary seeing lightning all around. Thankfully, we landed safely (applause for the Captain, co-Captain, flight attendants, and all involved). However, we had to wait about an hour on the plan while they figured out how to get the jetway to our plane. Once we got off, we had to wait another hour or two for our bags. Due to the weather, bags were delayed. We overheard a girl concerned about missing her connecting flight.
Thankfully, we were in contact with our driver (thank you, Mom and Dad, for helping even though it was super early in the morning for you all) and host and they were so flexible and patient. When we finally arrived at our condo, it was such a lovely feeling. It felt like home.
Our first week in Thailand was a transitional period for us. We weren’t running to see all the historical sites or new places. We were simply settling into our new “home” and getting a feel of our nearby neighborhoods. The BTS (Bangkok’s sky train system) became our best friend and the girls became very adept in using the system. Our main things were shopping centers, food, swimming, and gymnastics class.
SHOPPING CENTERS
Shopping centers are prevalent in Bangkok. Growing up, we often visted them simply to get out of the heat, but they also have great shopping, activities, and food. Yes - their food courts are visited by locals and foreigners alike. Here is a peak at the few we went to in just one week:
W District - The W District is more of a food district, but it is worth noting because 1) it is, literally, around the corner of our condo and 2) it has great food. It is a little more expensive than the mall food courts or street stalls, but it is still good and convenient.
Terminal 21 - Terminal 21 has many locations and was new just a few years ago. That being said, the Asok location has some of the least expensive dishes. The theme, as you might guess, is airport. This particular location dedicated each floor to a different city. Two floors are dedicated to San Francisco and there is even a model of the Golden Gate Bridge. The girls enjoy seeing every time. EmSphere - This one was new for us. We had heard of and seen EmQuartier and Emporium (more on these later), but we had never seen this one. It is actually connected to the Marriott Marquee, which is where we stayed last year. We recall it being built last year, so I guess it finally made its debut. And it has an IKEA, which is always fun to just walk around. EmQuartier and Emporium - These malls are connected and host many luxury brands. The main food court is on the EmQuartier side, which is new for me. When I was younger, the food court was in Emporium. Obviously, a lot has changed since I was younger and even just in the past few years. We didn’t spend long in these two, but they are worth mentioning. Big C - The Big C is more like a Walmart or Target. Honestly, we went mainly to find a puddle jumper, which we didn’t find. However, we quickly discovered how crowded it gets on a weekend and right before a major holiday (Her Majesty the Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana‘s birthday). It definitely has a lot, but you have to be mentally and physically prepared for the masses.
Pratunam - Close to the Siam and Chit Lom BTS stations, Pratunam is one of Thailand’s cheapest outdoor (and some indoor) shopping areas. One indoor section has three floors of fabrics. I even bought myself a pair of comfortable walking sandals for about $13. There were definitely cheaper ones available, but these were just what I needed and in my size.
Note: we, technically, went to Central World, Paragon, and Gaysorn; but we didn’t explore them much. Most likely, we will have more on them later. I hear Central World has a free indoor play area for kids we plan to check out.
FOOD
How can you not talk about food when you’re in Thailand?? Thai cuisine is probably one of the biggest draws to the country. Over my lifetime, I have seen it expand throughout America and other locations in the world; but, nothing is quite like having it in Thailand (even if it’s in a food court sometimes). Some of our favorites this week:
Yentafo - Yentafo is a pink noodle soup made from red bean curd and, typically, made with fish balls and an assortment of seafood. I love yentafo, but I didn’t realize our girls, especially Noe, would fall in love with it. I think she’s gotten it, at least, four to five times. And she now likes fish balls! Even Vienna likes the fish balls.
Pad Thai - Yes, even in Thailand, pad Thai is still a good go-to. The girls have always enjoyed it, but now they LOVE it, especially Vienna. Honestly, I had to start ordering other things without them knowing so they wouldn’t only have yentafo and pad Thai. Vienna even likes the fresh spring onion on the side. She eats it with a soy sauce vinegar sauce (Thai people love their sauces).
Pomelo - I had been waiting so long to get pomelo. I know pomelo is found in other parts of the world; but, in Thailand, it’s pre-peeled and often sold with a chili sugar salt dip. There’s a fruit stand outside our condominium, but it doesn’t always have pomelo and the pomelo doesn’t always come with the chili dip. Also, I like to get it early when it’s fresh and then put it in the refrigerator so I can have it chilled. Finally, I found another fruit stand on the way home from Pratunam and got to eat my chilled pomelo in the morning the next day. It was so lovely. The girls even enjoyed it!
Yakult - I know you can find Yakult nearly anywhere these days, but I loved these growing up, especially on my visits to Thailand. This has been a great treat for the girls on especially hot days (it’s about a high of 92 degrees Fahrenheit or 34 degrees Celsius with 85% humidity and rain in between) and after their new gymnastics class.
7-11 - I just have to mention 7-11 because, if you have ever been to Bangkok, you know there are 7-11's on nearly every street. They have quite a variety and they are a great way to get out of the heat for a moment.
Speaking of gymnastics, the girls’ two main physical activities (aside from walking) have been swimming and gymnastics.
Swimming - we have a gorgeous infinity pool that is not often crowded. The host left us a puddle jumper and we had two small donut floaties from Montenegro (we didn’t swim in Montenegro. We just found them for cheap there). The first day we went swimming, Vienna put on that puddle jumper and jumped right on in! We were so surprised. If you know our girls, you know they are “selectively sensitive.” They have progressed, but they still don’t love getting water in their eyes, ears, or nose. So, to see Vienna jump right on in was so great. She was feeling brave. She even started stroking and kicking more properly. Noe is still more hesitant, but she also started using the puddle jumper to swim across from one end to the other. I think it’s important to recognize that each child is different and this was a win for them. Our two friends, Larissa and George, have both shared this quote with me at different times (you might recognize it):
“Popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, in the same oil. Yet, the kernels do not pop at the same time. Don’t compare your child to other children. Their turn to pop is coming.”
-Unknown
As a parent, it’s easier to say this than to put into practice when you want so much for your children. But, it’s such a great reminder that what we want isn’t always what they need at that time. We can encourage, but we can’t control. Sometimes we just have to wait for them to “pop.”
Gymnastics - The girls started a new gymnastics class at Universe Gymnastics. It’s geared toward competitive rhythmic gymnastics, so we didn’t know how the girls would like it. When we went in, we discovered it is in a yoga studio and cafe with great vibes. The teacher’s daughter kindly invited the girls in and made them feel so welcomed. I couldn’t watch, but the girls came out sweaty and smiling and wanting to tell me all that they had done. They liked it and are already excited to go next week.
Bangkok International Church - We ended our week at a church about a 30-minute walk away (we got ice cream bars on the way back home). The people were so welcoming and kind and the kids enjoyed the children’s programs and fellowship meal. We plan to return.
Our first week in Bangkok has already been a blast. Thank you, Bangkok, for welcoming us and making us feel like we are home.
สวัสดีคะ (Swasdee Ka)
Your first week in Thailand sounds wonderful-home away from home. The girls are being exposed to so many amazing cultures and sights.
Hugs and kisses to all.