21 November 2025 – Day 8 — Toothpaste Trouble, Temples from the Sky & Lamborghini Dreams
We said goodbye to our Chiang Mai condo at 8:30 am, bags zipped, spirits high, and that familiar “new chapter” feeling in the air. An inDrive whisked us to the airport for the princely sum of 76 baht — about AUD $3.50. Thailand really knows how to make you feel like royalty on a budget.
Security, however, had other plans for Alison. Her ongoing feud with airport screening continued when a rogue tube of toothpaste was discovered in her carry‑on. The guards were polite, the rules were firm, and Alison just sighed — sometimes travel insists on keeping you humble.
Our flight, TG103 with Thai Airways, was a pleasant surprise. The A320‑200 had roomy seats, and being in the first row of economy felt almost luxurious. The plane even looped out over the Gulf of Thailand before turning back toward Bangkok, giving us a bonus coastline view — a little scenic flourish to start the day.
Once we landed, the city train carried us into Bangkok for 45 baht each, rain streaking the windows as the skyline rolled past. A quick MRT swap later, we stepped into the Eastin Grand Hotel — our Bangkok home away from home. The welcome was as warm as ever: Eve downstairs, Claire and Aof on the executive floor, and new trainee Aom alongside Fluke and Mint. Hugs, smiles, and that familiar sense of being looked after.
After settling in, we headed out for a walk into the city centre. Bangkok never disappoints. Within minutes we stumbled across a bright yellow Lamborghini gleaming in the drizzle like a jewel someone had dropped on the pavement. Naturally, we stopped for photos — it would’ve been rude not to.
By late afternoon we were back on the 32nd floor for drinks and nibbles. Jaijai joined us for a long chat, and the staff surprised Steve with a birthday cake and a chorus of “Happy Birthday.” It was one of those lovely, unexpected moments that make you feel like part of the family.
Earlier in the flight, Alison had spotted Dhammakaya Cetiya temple from the air — the massive golden dome we visited last year. Seeing it again from above reminded us just how enormous it is, stretching across the landscape like something from another world.
To hit our 10,000 steps, we walked into Bangkok’s CBD. The Lamborghini made a second appearance (still dazzling), and we wandered into Centara Pattana — a brand‑new mall that had been a construction site last year. Inside, we admired a bottle of French red wine priced at 44,999 baht (just over $2,000 AUD) .. Vintage 2005. We admired it from a safe distance.
By evening, we took the BTS back to the hotel for coffee. Tong, in her first week on the job, made our cappuccinos with careful concentration. She was nervous but sweet, and the coffee was perfect.
With our steps complete, our tummies happy, and our hearts full, we ended the day feeling like Bangkok had welcomed us back in style.
22 November 2025 – Day 9 — Boats, Broken Glasses & Bangkok Buzz
The day began with breakfast and a cheerful catch‑up with Roong, who proudly announced her house build was finally finished. Her excitement was contagious — nothing like someone else’s milestone to give your morning a little sparkle.
By 9:15 am we were out the door and walking to the bus station to catch the BRT. A quick hop off at Nararam Lii and suddenly we were boarding a small boat headed for Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market. The ride was short, breezy, and charming — the kind of simple moment that makes you think, yes, this is why we travel.
Somewhere along the canalside walk, Steve discovered his new glasses had lost a lens. One minute they were fine, the next minute they were doing their best pirate impression. Classic travel moment — equal parts annoying and funny, and absolutely inevitable. Fortunately we were able to find the lost lens, which was then safely stowed away for later repairs.
The market itself was huge, sprawling along the waterways. Despite the name, it wasn’t exactly floating — more “enthusiastically attached to the edges of the canal” — but it was lively, colourful, and full of friendly energy. We wandered for ages, weaving through stalls and soaking up the atmosphere.
The journey home became its own little adventure:
– 10 baht truck ride back to the ferry
– 6 baht ferry across the water
– 8 baht truck to the BTS
– and finally a train from Bang Na
A full sampler platter of Bangkok transport, all before lunch.
Back in the city, Alison attempted to renew her Rabbit Card — and thus began the saga. One BTS station said no. Another said no. Even with passports in hand, the scanners refused to cooperate. Eventually we were told we’d need to go six or seven stops away to try again. A tomorrow job, clearly.
Next stop: St Louis Hospital, where Steve’s glasses were fixed quickly and kindly. Lens back in place, crisis averted, spirits restored.
By late afternoon we were back at the hotel for happy hour, catching up with Shin over drinks. The conversation flowed easily, the skyline glowed, and the city settled into its evening rhythm.
A short walk after sunset wrapped up the day — neon lights blinking, scooters humming, Bangkok doing what Bangkok does best.
Day 9 had its hiccups — lost lenses, stubborn Rabbit Cards — but it also had boats, markets, friendly faces, and the kind of small victories that make travel fun.
23 November 2025 10 — Cold Showers, Rabbit Cards & Roaring Trucks
Up early this morning and greeted by what can only be described as a “refreshing” cold shower. And by refreshing, I mean absolutely not. Thankfully it was fixed soon after, and we headed upstairs for breakfast, thawing out with coffee and warm food.
The Rabbit Card saga continued. Determined to finally sort it out, we took the BTS to Phaya Thai and were directed to the Rabbit Card Centre. Success at last — a new card issued for 100 baht. Back at the station we added 200 baht to it, though the staff warned we’d need a passport every time we topped it up. Fingers crossed that’s not true, because that could get old very quickly.
Back at the hotel, we paused for coffee and a catch‑up with Kukkai, who was celebrating her birthday. It was lovely to reconnect and share a few smiles before the big adventure of the day.
By 12:30 pm, with Budget Rent‑A‑Car just around the corner, it was time to head downstairs and begin the drive to the long‑awaited truck festival. The hotel staff, ever thoughtful, packed us ice and drinks for the journey — perfect for braving Bangkok traffic.
After a 2.5‑hour drive, we rolled into CWR Speedway around 3:30 pm. The place was already alive. Trucks kept arriving, but plenty were already lined up on the strip, engines idling like caged beasts. The track felt less like a racetrack and more like a festival ground for heavy metal — rows of hulking rigs, chrome gleaming, paint jobs screaming for attention. People wandered between them, swapping stories, checking engines, posing for photos beside tyres taller than most humans.
The air was a cocktail of diesel and hot rubber. Black smoke curled and hung low, coating everything in a gritty film; every inhale tasted like the race itself. When a truck launched, the smell sharpened into something almost edible — burning rubber and raw fuel — while the tyres spat rubber crumbs across the tarmac. Messy, primal, addictive.
But the sound… that was the real show. At idle the engines rumbled; at full throttle they roared like thunder. You felt the power before you heard it — a pressure wave rolling through your chest, making your teeth buzz. Trucks ripped down the strip in short, violent bursts, each run a tiny apocalypse of speed and noise. The crowd whooped, laughed, and cheered; drivers grinned like kids who’d just lit the biggest firework.
Alison’s win of a Thai shirt was a bright, human moment amid the mechanical chaos. She came back grinning, shirt in hand — a small victory that somehow belonged to the whole day.
By 5:30 pm the music took over. One truck, fitted with a monstrous speaker rig in its tray, became the unofficial DJ. The bass wasn’t just loud — it was a physical force. Even with earplugs, the low end thumped through your ribs, syncing the whole crowd into one vibrating organism. People danced in little clusters; others just stood and let the vibration wash through them. Classic Thai festival energy — bigger, brasher, and more immersive than you expect.
As night edged in, the crowd swelled. More trucks arrived, more lights flicked on, and the party mood deepened. Food stalls fired up, neon signs glowed, and the whole place took on a carnival feel. We left around 7:00 pm while the scene was still building — thousands of watts of sound, a sea of people, and trucks lined up like sleeping giants ready to roar again.
We pulled back into the hotel at 9:45 pm, exhausted but buzzing. From cold showers to Rabbit Card victories, birthday hugs to roaring trucks, Day 10 was huge — the kind of day that leaves you grinning even as your head hits the pillow.
24 November 2025 – Day 11 — Slow Starts, City Strolls & a Sunset Reset
We woke a little tired this morning — the kind of tired that feels earned after a big, noisy day. Two coffees at breakfast fixed most of it: one to wake up, one to feel optimistic. By the time we finished, the whole day felt softer, slower, like someone had turned the heat down to a gentle simmer. There’s something lovely about those quiet hotel‑breakfast mornings: the clink of cups, other guests drifting in and out, and the comforting knowledge that there’s nowhere urgent to be.
Handing back the Toyota Corolla at Budget felt almost ceremonial. That little car had been a steady companion — easy to park, steady on the highway, and perfectly suited to our plans. Returning it was oddly satisfying: a quick walk‑around, a thumbs‑up from the attendant, and the click of keys handed over. You notice how much freedom a set of wheels gives you… and then you’re quietly relieved to be rid of the logistics again.
Back at the hotel, we grabbed a hot shower — thankfully fixed this time — and set off on foot toward Icon Siam. The walk along the river was pleasant, the city buzzing with its usual slightly frantic energy while the river offered a calm counterpoint. Icon Siam itself was bright and polished, a world away from the raw chaos of the truck festival. We wandered, admired a few displays, and let the river breeze cool us down.
Alison was flagging, so we didn’t push it. There’s an art to knowing when to stop, and today that meant heading back for a proper nap. The kind of nap that actually resets you — no guilt, no alarms, just a soft collapse into bed while the city hummed outside. Waking up felt like opening a fresh page in the day.
Happy hour arrived like a reward. We found a comfortable spot, ordered something cold, and watched the light shift over the skyline. The terrace filled with that easy end‑of‑day chatter — people unwinding, sharing stories, letting the city’s evening rhythm take over. The sunset was gentle, all soft pinks and golds melting into the skyline.
We lingered, talking about the week so far: the markets, the truck festival, the little mishaps that somehow turn into the best stories. Travel has a rhythm — part chaos, part ritual — and tonight the ritual was winning. Small things stood out: Tong making cappuccinos with careful concentration, familiar hotel faces greeting us like old friends, the way the city smells after a light rain.
Dinner was simple and unhurried, just something nearby that felt warm and familiar. Walking back, the streets were alive but not overwhelming — vendors calling softly, scooters weaving through gaps, neon signs blinking like punctuation marks in the night. We were also honored to meet General Manager of Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn – Khun Chuleekorn Mungsunti…(Emmy) – she was lovely.
By the time we were back in our room, the day felt complete: a tidy mix of errands done, a little shopping, a restorative nap, and a sunset that asked nothing of us but to watch. Proof that travel isn’t always about big moments — sometimes it’s the small, well‑timed pauses that make the trip feel full.
25 November 2025 — Day 12
Big Buddhas, Milk & Honey, and a Well‑Timed Nap
The day began with one of those small, perfect gestures that stays with you. As we settled into breakfast in the executive lounge, AOF — who has looked after us with the kind of kindness you can’t manufacture — appeared with a shy smile and a little gift for Alison: a tetra pack of milk and honey, because she remembered how much Alison loves it. A tiny thing, but it landed like a warm hug.
With that sweetness setting the tone, we eased into the morning and mapped out a gentle plan: head toward Bang Wa to finally see the newly completed giant Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen. No rush, no big agenda — just a simple outing.
By 10:00 am we were stepping off at Wutthakat station and wandering through the narrow backstreets. Shopfronts were yawning open for the day, scooters zig‑zagged with casual confidence, and the canals caught little flashes of light as we crossed them. It was one of those walks where the city feels like it’s waking up alongside you.
When the massive Buddha finally came into view, it was breathtaking — serene, towering, and somehow gentle despite its scale. We circled the grounds, watching families light incense and leave flowers, the whole place humming with quiet devotion. Temples have a way of slowing your pulse without asking permission.
By early afternoon we were back on the SRT, gliding above the city, and by 1:00 pm we were in the room with plates of fried rice — simple, comforting, exactly right. Alison drifted into a proper nap, the kind that resets the whole day. Steve read, enjoying the rare stillness.
Happy hour rolled around like a soft celebration. We found a spot upstairs in the executive lounge, watched the skyline shift colours, and let the conversation wander — temples, markets, trucks, and the tiny mishaps that somehow become the best stories.
Dinner was close by and easy, but the real surprise came from the Kukkai and a few of the other wonderfulls: a few of them approached with big smiles and presented Alison with another six‑pack of milk and honey. Completely unprompted. Completely delightful. It felt like the universe doubling down on kindness.
We walked back through softly lit streets, the city moving at a slower pace, and the day settling into that warm, contented glow.
Day 12 was gentle and golden — a towering Buddha, a good nap, and the kind of thoughtful gestures that make travel feel personal. Milk, honey, and a whole lot of heart.
26 November 2025 – Day 13 — JJ Mall Wanders, Pet Market Surprises & Curry Comforts
Today had that easy, unhurried Bangkok rhythm — the kind of day where nothing dramatic happens, but everything feels pleasantly familiar.
After breakfast, we headed out to JJ Mall, one of our long‑time favourite places to wander. The trip there was smooth: SRT from the hotel to Mo Chit station, the city rolling past in its usual mix of concrete, colour, and chaos.
Chatuchak Markets were officially closed, but the pet markets were open — and honestly, they’re always a show in themselves. Hedgehogs, lizards, fish, sugar gliders… every year we’re amazed all over again at the variety. It’s like walking through a tiny, slightly chaotic zoo where everything is for sale.
We strolled through to JJ Mall and spent a lovely stretch of time wandering, browsing, and just enjoying being there. Even managed to squeeze in KFC for lunch — because some traditions are sacred.
By mid‑afternoon we headed back to the hotel for a rest. The day had that soft, lazy feel, and leaning into it felt exactly right.
Late afternoon meant happy hour — the golden time of day when the city softens, the skyline glows, and the drinks taste just a little better. After that, we wandered off to Bangkok Café for dinner: Panang Curry and Massaman Curry, both delicious and comforting.
We couldn’t help noticing that the staff there seem a lot less friendly than in years past. And the owner — the one who used to play music and give the place its warm, quirky charm — hasn’t been around for a while. Places change, people move on, and sometimes you just feel it.
Still, the food was good, the evening was gentle, and the walk back to the hotel wrapped the day up neatly.
Day 13 was simple, familiar, and quietly satisfying — a little shopping, a little curry, a little nostalgia, and the comfort of returning to places that have been part of your story for years.
27 November 2025 – Day 14 — Ferries, Friendly Faces & a Sunset to Finish
After a casual breakfast, we set off for a classic Bangkok adventure: the yellow‑flag ferry from Sathorn Pier all the way to Nonthaburi. The yellow flag is the express version of the river boats — half the stops of the orange flag and twice the satisfaction of gliding past traffic instead of sitting in it.
The river was high today, swollen from recent rains. Along the banks, huge pumps were working overtime, sending water back into the Chao Phraya with the determination of someone trying to finish laundry before a storm hits. We love this part of Bangkok — the mix of chaos, calm, and pure practicality.
Once we arrived at Nonthaburi Pier, we wandered through the local markets, soaking up the friendliness that always seems to come so naturally here. A wrong turn (or two) led us on a scenic detour before we eventually found ourselves at River Plaza Nonthaburi for lunch. Today’s choice: pad krapow moo khai dao — spicy pork with a fried egg on top. Absolute perfection.
Alison picked up a new shirt commemorating the passing of the King’s mother — a beautiful, meaningful find. RIP Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
After lunch, we hopped back on the yellow‑flag ferry to Sathorn and decided to walk to the hotel, letting the afternoon unfold at its own pace. The rest of the day was blissfully easy: reading, resting, and enjoying the quiet comfort of being exactly where we wanted to be.
We caught up with Jhajah and were relieved to hear her daughter — who’d been sick with a 40°C fever — was finally on the mend. Good news always lands a little softer when you’re travelling.
Pretty soon it was happy hour, and we settled in to watch the sun melt over the city. Bangkok does sunsets well — warm light, soft haze, and that feeling of the day exhaling.
Day 14 was gentle, friendly, and full of small pleasures — ferries, markets, good food, good news, and a sunset that wrapped everything up with a quiet glow.