BKK: Day 1 (Part 1) Check-in & Taxis

My Aunt had been asking me to go on a holiday for the longest time, so finally, we made plans and I'm glad my sis shared the "task" and came along. The last time I was at BKK was some nine years ago. I don't know where Time has gone to.

We took the 9.45am flight from T2, it was delayed till about 10.15am and I didn't bother to monitor the time after that.

We booked the Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam, which was best suited for shopping and eating. 

(cost est. S$1,000++ for three nights; three pax (with one extra, rolled-out bed) and breakfast for three. My sis researched and recommended that we get the Traveller SIM card so that we could Whatapp and call each other at low prices (use stored credit on pre-paid card). Unlimited Data means  I could receive Whatsapp calls from Maricar whenever KiCo calls. (card cost est. S$12 per card for 7 days) You can get this from the airport and have the counter staff do the settings on your phone but you've got to be patient because there's queue, plus it takes a long while to set the phone. In total, I think we waiting for over 30 mins.

We tried to do a GrabCar booking because there was a queue at the taxi lobby but the driver couldn't understand where "Soi 24" was (lane 24). He kept speaking Thai and we kept speaking English until we eventually gave up and took the taxi instead. The taxi fare by meter to hotel was roughly 300 Baht (est. S$12) but do prepare more cash in case the drivers prefers a quoted price. 

In Bangkok, the traffic jam could take 30 mins and beyond, the taxi meter doesn't jump much when the taxi is moving by the inches hence most drivers flatly decline to go by the meter. So first, you just ask for the meter. If the driver declines, then ask "How much?". If the price quoted is something you can live with, then just haggle a little to close the deal because if you wait, wait and wait some more, there may or may not be a taxi willing to go by the meter. After 1 or 2 trips, you will get the hang of it.  We had one driver who agreed to go by the meter but ended up driving past our hotel and acted as if he didn't know where we were heading when we confronted him. Hence, to strike a balanced deal is the best deal.

 The room is normal, reasonably comfortable but bring your toothbrushes & toothpaste.

 I took the roll-out bed nearest to the window.

Enjoying our Welcome Drink at the lounge.

Look at their busy streets

At the lift lobby. 

The streets next to my bed.