Sri-Pat Guest House comes highly recommended when searching for a comfortable accommodation in Chiang Mai. In fact, all of the travel forums i had visited have positive comments and stories of excellent experience from staying at the said guest house.

Soi 7, alley outside Sri-Pat Guest House

While most of the young backpackers looking for some fun in the more happening part of town, around the Night Bazaar where there are pubs and restaurants, we had chosen the more serene area within the old city’s wall. Not that we are old and wrinkly and boring but because of Sri-Pat’s good reputation.

The guest house is located at Soi 7, a rather peaceful and quiet area, just 10 minutes walk from the Night Bazaar. Not quite far from the major attractions and eateries but away enough for a unobtrusive stay.

Sti-Pat Guest House

Sri-Pat Guest House is no run-in-the-mill guest house. In fact, this quaintly and charmingly decorated guest house provides the most excellent service and so comfortable, you can’t help but feel right at home.

The moment i got down from the tuk-tuk and saw the guest house i knew we made the right choice. The veranda was stylishly done, the polished matte wood and brown bricks, green plants and umbrella reminded me of a resort  or a spa parlor more than anything.

Veranda

Entering into the guest house, you will get a rough idea of the carefully designed interior of the building. From the matte-finish wood, the celadon/ceramic tiled hallways to the thoughtful placement of striking furniture, all exude charm and elegance.

Breakfast at the cafe

At 900Baht per night for a double/twin bed, you get top notch facilities too. The price is excluding breakfast but there is a built-in cafe cum restaurant at the lobby lounge which you can buy yourself a Thai as well as English cuisine at a reasonable price.

Double bed

Other than that the rooms have equally elegant design with full amenities such as air-con, mini-fridge, hair-dryer, telephone and television. I must mention the bathroom because it was super clean and comfortable to use with hot shower and basic toiletries such as shampoo, soap, ear buds and sanitary bags. Please take note that not all guest house provides this so it was pleasant to see that it was available.

Free internet access is available downstairs at the lobby. A single laptop to share but it’s alright since there won’t be a long queue. If you are in a hurry i bet you could ask the reception to use the internet at their workstation too. The staff are very accommodating.

Facilities

The room comes with a balcony but not much of a view though, facing the next building. But at least the sunlight could come in and you get to see the courtyard below. That’s for rooms with air-con which is fortunate because in during the summer (which is when we were there) the sun could get the room pretty warm. For a cheaper price you could get a room without air-con but i heard the rooms are dark because it’s at the back of the complex.

An ash-tray was on the table to hint that smoking is for outdoors only.

Balcony for a smoke?

Sri-Pat doesn’t have pick-up services but you could always get a tuk-tuk to and from the airport or to any other destination. Make sure you ask the front desk about the appropriate transportation price to avoid getting ripped off.

You can also arrange for tours through the front desk. It’s very convenient and they will make sure everything is in place for you.

Courtyard

Once again i must say i am in love with the green celadon tiled hallways. It makes it very picturesquely dreamy don’t you think?

Green celadon tiles

Sri-Pat is family oriented and the staff is very friendly and helpful. They speak very good English too. It’s not surprise since they would happily sit down at the guest house cafe and chit-chat with you (if you have got the time) to polish up their English or to teach you some Thai language.

If you need anything at all, just ask because they are exceptionally hospitable and sincerely concern about you having a good stay in their guest house. There are a few girls we met working at the front desk that looked much alike, i suspect that they are siblings, part of the family running the guest house. Anyway, they are the cutest ever and very friendly too. I was having fever that very first day i arrive in Sri-Pat and they were so concern about my sickness, i felt really touched.

Nicely furnished hallways

If you are concerned about safety, then be rest assured that Sri-Pat is totally safe to stay. The area around the guest house is practically safe too at night. The staff usually isn’t around by night time but there is a security guard placed at the lobby to make sure everything is alright. If you are to venture out of the guest house for some night activities, then you’ll need to leave the room key on the coffee table before going out so you will be accounted for.

The guard will know if you never made it back *touch wood!*.

The lobby during night time

Oh and one more thing, Sri-Pat looks great at night

Continuation from:-
Hour Past Midnight
Along Chao Phraya
The Grand Palace, Bangkok
Majestic Wat Pho
Culture Shock
Euphoric Chatuchak Weekend Market
Patpong District

1st March 2009
============

At dawn we bade farewell to my parents and siblings, they were due to fly back to Malaysia already. I was feeling rather down and sad but at the same time awfully glad that we were left alone to enjoy the last day in Bangkok before heading to Chiang Mai, sometimes family could get a little bit annoying and stressful if you know what i mean.

However, it was horrible to hear dad had to use the airport wheelchair because his feet were too swollen and excruciatingly painful to walk. I had no idea that gout patient can’t take too much of seafood and neither did he. Tears trickled down my eyes when i saw the sms.

It was good to know that the airport staff did their very best to make my dad comfortable. I found out later from mom that the guy who helped push my dad’s wheel chair to the departure gate was more concerned than she was. Thai hospitality at its best.

Bangkok city

After taking a shower and another few round of sms-es with my sister to make sure everything at home is alright, it is time to make a last minute exploring and most important, shopping.

Busy street

The city seemed a little different today. I suspect it’s less stressful because my parents were not with me so i wouldn’t need to constantly worry about them but also because the weather seemed exceptionally agreeable, slightly cloudy and breezy. A very welcome change to the blistering sun.

Cineplex

The city appeared less suffocating and less maddening too compared to the first impression. Don’t get me wrong, Bangkok would never ceased to be an extremely busy city. The roads were still lined with vehicles, drivers trying to survive the massive jam, streets still filled with pedestrian talking aloud animatedly. But the shock wears off pretty quick and i was starting to think i could get used to this kind of lifestyle.

Yeah, i still can’t get over how fast the escalators are compared with Malaysia’s… as a matter of fact, as with everything compared to my country. -_-”. People walk much faster in Bangkok too you know.

Mini concert

It’s a Sunday and the streets were overflowing with teenagers especially enjoying the weekend. I’ve never seen such a crowd on the street except for new year in Malaysia. I only could guest how crazy it could get in a city such as Bangkok on celebration day like the New Year’s eve.

Within these 2 days i’ve witnessed about 3 mini concert or celebrities road shows. One at Siam Paragon the other day, another under the bridge across the road from the cineplex today and later where i jumped excitedly and glee before rushing to the entrance of Ripcurl shop in Siam Center because i thought there was a mega sales going on but disappointingly passed after finding out it was some celebrity doing a road show or something.

Which celebrities i could not tell since i didn’t exactly get to see their faces amidst the screaming school girls but i guest they were some Zac Efron type judging from my near damaged ear-drums.

Girls going ga-ga over yogurt boys LOL

Bangkok has dozens of decent shopping malls particularly located at Siam Square which connects important shopping centres by sky bridge. To name a few, the Siam Paragon for luxury and upscale stuffs and for more affordable brands the Siam Center, Emporium or Siam Discovery, and for cheaper bargains ala Sungei Wang Plaza is the Mah Boon Krong or better known as MBK Shopping Center.

Within Siam Square itself is a whole shopping district by itself with handful of fashion boutiques, bookshops, record stores, restaurants and cafe. Every nook and corner is occupied by these colorful shops bringing in local customers of all ages as well as tourists.

I wondered along the alleys beneath the sky bridge with a smile permanently plastered on my face. Amazed is an understatement, i was in love. Yes, i could really get use to life in Bangkok. When all else fails, i shall sleep in Siam Square and stare at the endless window displays. Pure bliss.

Celebrity madness

This is the second visit to MBK Center. Last night we were here and managed to grab a few shopping goodies for everyone. Some merchandises are much more cheaper than those in Malaysia. Definitely worth a visit. So here we are again at MBK because my shopaholic sister forgot to purchase something last night and i had to get it for her today.

The eight stories high shopping mall is a legendary shopping haven that houses more than 2,000 shops selling all type of merchandises ranging from clothing, fashion accessories, mobile phones, handbags, electrical appliances, sports attire and equipments and even furniture that i must admit comes with an insanely affordable price.

Table aquarium

I had set my eyes on the quirky glass table cum aquarium but the thought of having to change the water diligently before it stank the whole living room kind of put me off. For those who wants to know it’s priced at 9,900 Baht or about RM990… not really cheap for 5 slabs of glass right? Yes? No? I’m no expert, i don’t know.

Chaowdin Buffet

MBK Center is geared with 2 food courts; the Fifth Avenue on the fifth floor also known as the International Food Court because of the variety of international cuisine available and the more subtle MBK Food Centre on the sixth floor.

A word of caution though if you happen to be interested for a visit to the Chaowdin Buffet (Khanom Jin). They may offer an out-of-this-world price of 590Baht (RM5.90) for an all-you-can-eat buffet but you should know that it’s some kind of an authentic Thai noodle buffet so it might taste a little weird and raw.

Thai rice noodle

Be careful with the chili broth too. It could get nasty! LOL.

Nasty chili!

Being it our last day in Bangkok, i couldn’t help but feel a little melancholy. We had too much of a blast in the city of entertainment. There were too much to see but too little time.

Alas, we had bought tickets and the train was to depart in the evening. We had no choice but to pack our bags for hopefully another fun and exciting adventure in Chiang Mai. With a heavy backpack strapped to each of our tired shoulders we trudged to the MRT station.

Hua Lamphong station

Our station was the last, the Hua Lamphong station as was most of the passengers on the MRT. All of us proceed through the underground tunnel to reach the Hua Lamphong Railway Station (where we were supposed to board our train). The northern line were to take us all the way to Chiang Mai.

The crowd

The railway station was impressive not solely because it was the first time for us taking a train but also at the hugeness of the entire place and the enormous crowd. Hua Lamphong Railway Station is the main railway station in Bangkok with 14 platforms and 26 ticketing booths, carrying about 60,000 passengers on over 130 train stops every single day. Besides the many locals traveling back and forth the region, it’s like every backpacker in Bangkok were there, some standing, waiting impatiently, some sitting in a self-made camp circle protecting their bags while resting anticipating a rough day ahead.

At the platform

It was a particularly memorable day at the railway station. First we had a chance to witness the inspiring Thai patriotism then we (especially Mr. Bf) we filled with joy getting more than a minute glimpse of the Eastern & Oriental Express.

An experience unlike no other.

Passenger train

When the clock stroked 6pm, the national anthem was loudly broadcasted for the entire railway station to hear and to my surprise each and everyone at the station and platform stopped what they were doing and got up to pay respect to the music.

It was really something. In Malaysia, i don’t think anyone would have bothered to stand up or even noticed that the national anthem is playing… well, except for when in school assemblies where we were given the ultimatum either to stand still or risk being punished by being dragged and embarrassed on the school stage.

Ok, i found out later that the Thailand national anthem is played 8am and 6pm everyday and it’s the law to stand up and show respect. But that doesn’t change my perception on Thai patriotism. The locals really did looked sincere while they pay respect to the anthem, even bowing their head and closing their eyes while miming the lyrics.

There’s a difference between patriotism and just abiding the law. The last time i heard the national anthem was when i was in school and i recall being fidgety and the only thing on my mind then was what i was going to have for lunch later in the noon.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Having the Eastern & Oriental Express right in front of our eye was mind-blowing. There’s no way we could afford a ride on the luxury train, it cost around an insane USD2,000-USD4,000 per pax, so having the chance to see the outer interior of train itself was already a rare privilege!

I wonder when i’ll get the opportunity to set foot on the glamorous train… sigh…

Outer interior

That’s me having a fever and waiting at the platform despite being suffocated by fumes and poor ventilation.

It’s really a not a good idea to wait at the platform if your train is not departing too soon, rather i suggest to wait outside the platform area where it’s more airy if you don’t mind crashing on the floor.

Waiting game

That’s Mr. Bf guarding our backpacks while i went to get some snacks and hopefully magazines to fill our time. Unfortunately they do not have English magazines or books. None that i could find. Remember to pack some books or mags to avoid boredom alright? Ho ho ho.

Oh, and just so you’d know, the toilets at the railway station is really clean despite the many passengers using it before boarding their respective train. There’s even shower rooms available for a small price should you like to freshen up before a long journey.

Waiting again

I was surprised at how comfortable the seats were in the 2nd class carriage. I had expecting hard seats and a narrow and cramp bunk but it wasn’t bad at all.

A few sip of beer and even my fever seemed bearable.

Beer anyone?

A lady came over to offer a menu to us. We were to order our dinner and also tomorrow morning’s breakfast in advance so it would be served right after we had woken up from slumber.

Dinner

Not bad

The dinner was quite alright, not as bad as i had expected, surely not 5-star restaurant rate. Haha i always expect the worst when it comes to food served on planes, trains or buses.

Time to sleep…zzzzzzz

At about midnight the staff goes around the carriage to set the beds. The 2 seats were joined to become a bed for the lower bunk while the upper bunk’s bed were pulled down from the wall.

I slept in the lower bunk while Mr.Bf on the upper. The lower bunk is more spacious and with the window view while the upper bunk is a little narrow and confined. But the beds are comfortle enough to rest. There’s a reading light too should you need a read before going to bed.

I made a promised to Mr. Bf that i’ll wake him up as soon as dawn breaks so we could enjoy the view. With a pop of Paracetamol and the rocking motion of the train i slid into slumber dreaming of elephants in Chiang Mai…

To be continued at:-
Good Morning Chiang Mai

Note:
All photos are taken with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8.

Thanks to colorless and cold English breakfast in the Bangkok hotel, i had to rob the serving line and smuggle a bagful of Ritchesse Yogurt into my room.

My best friend the yogurt

For the next couple of day this was my breakfast, lunch and possibly mid-night snack.

Continuation from:-
Hour Past Midnight
Along Chao Phraya
The Grand Palace, Bangkok
Majestic Wat Pho
Culture Shock
Euphoric Chatuchak Weekend Market

28th February 2009
===============

After an exhausting but satisfying day at the Chatuchak Weekend Market we were more than ready to return to the hotel for some well earned rest. So utterly tired were we that we didn’t even have the energy to look for food.

Clockwise from top right: Seafood rice, pork ball noodle, oyster omelet, roadside hawker

So, we just crashed on the first hawker stall we encounter which was not a bad idea. The food proved to be absolutely good.

Pepsi!

I knew we had bought a whole lot of stuff from the market including packets of Thai instant noodle from the departmental store nearby but when we spread all our buys on the bed i was surprised by the lot. Bangkok has a special something that would tempt even the most reserved shoppers. Heck, i sure couldn’t control my urge to buy everything i set my eyes on.

After freshening up, we ventured out looking for a good massage parlor. It’s a pity that Dad had a sudden bout of gout attack and had to stay behind to rest. If there’s any consolation, the massage wasn’t that good anyways. We went for a group massage but the technique wasn’t great and we spent half the time laughing because it was so ticklish. My masseur went to the toilet and stayed there for quite sometime too so my massage was cut short. Totally not worth the 30Bath at all

Otherwise, Bangkok is truly amazing. In the day it’s the modern city and shopping paradise where else as the night approach the city is transformed into a totally unrecognizable entertainment hub, full of night markets, dodgy massage parlour, pubs and clubs.

Patpong red light district taken from: http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/