Here a few photos I have of Thailand from last weekend. I didn't have time to take lots of picture, because I had to carry way too many shopping bags, even over my shoulders. So I'm sorry if it's not enough to satisfy all the reader. Enjoy :)

Before I post my photos, here are some tips from me. Thailand is a simple country, it's not like in Singapore, too many rules and etc. So if you're planning to go to Thailand, hopefully this will help you.

1. First thing to do when you arrive at the airport, buy AIS prepaid sim card for your Blackberry service in Thailand. The AIS registration is easier than TrueMove.

2. In Bangkok there are already metered taxis that begins from 35 baht (IDR 10.500). Don't forget empty taxis can be recognized by the red light in front of their windshields, and also you can stop a taxi everywhere (in Singapore you have to be at the taxi-stop).

3. The food in Thailand is so cheap and the most important thing it's all delicious, but for muslims beware of pork (ask if it is 'moo' or not, means pork in Thai).
Mostly when you eat in a food hall around shopping centers or malls, it will only cost you 50-100 baht (IDR 15.000-30.000).

Must try food in Thailand
Som Tam (spicy papaya salad), be careful with the super hot spicy one.
Tom Kha Gai (chicken soup with coconut milk), in Indonesia it's more like an Opor Ayam (coconut chicken curry).
Khao Niao (sticky rice), almost like cold rice and hard to chew, but I like it.
Tom Yam Kung (hot & sour soup with seafood), the real Tom Yum soup you can only get in Thailand.
Khao Niao Mamuang (Thai mango with sticky rice), good dessert.
Chao Kuai (grass jelly served with only shaved ice and brown sugar), a refreshing one.
Bhan Kanom (crispy crepes), a very messy snack.
Cha Yen (Thai iced tea).

4. You should find a hotel around the Pratunam and Siam area, if you stay for shopping. It's a big shopping district in Bangkok. Every corner in this area are shops, markets, malls.

5. You should carry pen and notes everywhere you go, it's really helpful, because all the names in Thai are so hard to remember, mostly they look quite similar.

6. Try to explore Bangkok using the BTS Skytrain. Not only it's a fast transportation, also it can help you avoid the traffic jam. Must try the Chao Praya River boats. The fare based on distance, 15 - 25 baht (IDR 4500-7.500). You can visit lots of beautiful sites near the river, like The Grand Palace.

7. Bangkok may not be the warmest city in the world, but based on my experience, Bangkok is very hot and humid. Wear clothes made from cotton. I was sweating a lot in Bangkok, day and even night because of the weather.

8. Do not exchange your Rupiahs for Baht in Thailand. It is better to bring dollars or baht from Indonesia.
In Indonesia IDR 300 = 1 baht, so IDR 1.000.000 = around 3330 baht.
The reality in Bangkok, IDR 1.000.000 = 2000 baht, so you'll lost like IDR 400.000!!.

9. Are you brave enough to travel solo? At first I wasn't sure about travelling by myself. A lil bit scared but actually there's nothing to be scared of. Thailand is so different, not like here in Jakarta. The people are friendly and orderly. You're not going to find "Mas-Mas Tengil" even one. The streets looks safe but just be careful in the night, the atmosphere is so quite.

10. Shopping Centers and Markets open earlier around 7 AM , and remember Markets closed around 4-5 PM, Big Shopping Centres around 8-9 PM.

11. If you have an International Driving License, it will be easy for you to drive a car in Thailand. And if you get a speeding ticket, you can pay the bribe around 50-100 baht (the same thing, like here in Indonesia).

12. All the prices in Thailand are cheap (know how to convert quickly into your own currency), so if you want to bargain, don't be too low, or the seller will 'kick' you. Mostly they'll say, "Find another shops, Madam". Blah!

13. Thai massage is a must, but if you hate gymnastic don't even dare to try. Because it's all about letting someone else do yoga with your body. Presing, pulling, folding, stretching, cracking, ouchhh.

14. Dont forget to bring a folded canvas tote bag. Too many plastic bags will kill you, period. I always have my tote bag inside my bag, so if I had too many plastic bag in my hands, simply put everything there, and also if I have to go to big malls like Siam Paragon, you're not going to be embarassed.

15. Tuk-Tuk is more expensive than taxi. So if you just want to try, it's okay, but not for daily transportation (bajaj vs taksi, in Jakarta).

16. Food centers always use coupon and card. So you have to go to the counter first and deposit your money, after that you can take a look around and pay using coupon and card (in Jakarta it is like Urban Kitchen, but you have to deposit some amount of money first, it's unlimited). Don't forget to refund your money after you finished.

17. All of my taxi driver cannot speak English, and it's hard to explain everything. Even Left, Right or Stop, he just don't understand. Use your hand if you want to point something out (map in Thai & English language might be very useful).

18. Dress properly if you plan to visit cultural sites. No legging, because that's what happened to me. They stopped me at the front gate, and they said I have to wear pants or skirt.

19. Shopping in Thailand might make you forget about excess baggage. My luggage is overweight around 7 kgs, and I had to pay around 1200 baht (IDR 360.000), also because of that I had to carry my other heavy bag, sigh.

20. Last but not least. Travelling without planning is not a good idea, so whether you're planning to have a tour or not, just remember, you already know what to do in Thailand. Surf the Google so you can find out interesting places in Thailand. Make a simple itinerary.

Bonus Tips :
This is my favorite shopping destinations in Bangkok, from the cheapest to the not even cheap.
Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday only).
Pratunam Area (Markets and Shops).
Platinum Plaza.
Siam shopping area.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar.
Siam Paragon Mall (esp the Gourmet Market).

Go to the cinema, you'll find some surprising facts. I watched a box office movie, remember do not forget to ask if it is a dubbed film or not, and you'll see what happen next :)


Enjoy your holiday in shopping paradise, Bangkok :)
I spent 8 days in Bangkok, it's almost 30.000 baht for everything (exclude flights).

(A special thank you to Fahdli and Hanifa).


Please do not copy/paste this post.

Its been a very wonderful experience for me, 8 days of amazing Thailand. I only had a chance to go to Bangkok and North Thailand. Too bad, in the end I didn't use my Bangkok-Phuket-Bangkok tickets (warm sandy beaches would've been nice). Soon I'll post my photos and stories.

PS
Travelling alone doesn't mean being lonely, even there's no one to share your experience with at that time. That is the reason why my Twitter always updated! hoho (blabbering always makes me feel better, lol).


Here are some snippets from Twitter

"I met a beautiful girl from JKT at the bride's house in the small village Kalasin, North Thailand, around 500 km from Bangkok. Unbelievable!"
8:03 AM Jan 29th

"I think I already miss my Phillippino friend. Travelling alone means forces me to meet a new people and make new friends. A great experience."
9:43 AM Jan 30th

"I still can't believe it why I'm here, it has been the longest week in my life (so far). Anyway, rah dtree sawat, tweeps."
10:00 AM Jan 30th

"Seharian di Chaktuchak dr baru buka sampai mau tutup, sendirian muterin area raksasa. Pulang2 bawaan entah berapa kilo. Murahnya parah bgt."
5:52 AM Jan 31st

"At Siam Paragon, melihat ikan2. Naik perahu kaca diatas aquarium raksasa, jalan2 liat lab aquariumnya, wish u were here @BobsAlvianto.."
8:43 PM Jan 31st

"They're feeding the penguins. Ohhh cuteee. They're going to feed the shark at 1 pm."
8:48 PM Jan 31st

"I'm a pisces so I always loooveee fish. What a great underwater world :) you should come to Siam Paragon, it's a seaworld under the mall."
8:51 PM Jan 31st

"Aduh ga enaknya travelling sendiri ga ada yg motoin huhu.."
9:34 PM Jan 31st

"Oh my God, sharks feeding show is so keeeewl. Tegang abis. Merinding juga. Bukan cuma ngasih makan, tp beneran kayak ntn pelm :p"
10:08 PM Jan 31st

"Ternyata cinema 4Dnya ngagetin bgt, hahaha siaul gue ngakak setiap kursinya bergoyang dan nyemburin angin. "
10:53 PM Jan 31st

"Ke Grand Palace naik BTS dari Siam smpai Taksin lalu naik feri. PR juga sih jd lbh jauh, tp seru. Travelling without planning ini mah."
12:34 AM Feb 1st

"Naik taksi ke Grand Palace sama aja harganya drpd naik BTS nyambung lg naik fery, ingat tutupnya jam 4 sore."
1:41 AM Feb 1st

"It's time for Thai Massage, huaa.. And after that Foot Massage.."
2:07 AM Feb 1st

"Thai Massage = badan dilipat-lipat mjd 3 bagian -_-' lalu ditekan dan dilipat, aduh bak olahraga senam :p"
2:25 AM Feb 1st

"With Fahdli and his Girlfriend, miss U (its her nickname) otw to SuanLum."
6:04 AM Feb 1st

"Oow wrong outfit, I feel like I'm going to somewhere classy, having dinner at sum nice good lookin place. They are wearing shorts and shirts, hihi"
6:08 AM Feb 1st

"Even Thai people could get lost finding a famous place. Using their GPS and calling their friends isn't working at all. Hihi funny situation"
6:18 AM Feb 1st

"Bkk and Jkt have the same thing in common, traffic jam!! It's 9.30 PM and the road is driving me krezihh."
6:23 AM Feb 1st

"Next trip, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai. Hubby please you should take time as sick leave rather than annual leave :p"
6:29 AM Feb 1st

"SuanLum is the best shopping place in BKK. Everything is so kewl. Not like Pratunam area, in here it happens to be the best closet ever."
6:50 AM Feb 1st

"I bought a nice real leather shoes for hubby, and I talked to the young handsome good looking designer himself, the shoes are custom made."
7:12 AM Feb 1st

"Lots of cutting edge boutique here in SuanLum, lots of young talented designer and artist. Its a must place to shop in bkk."
7:15 AM Feb 1st

"Termurah hingga ga ada murah2nya fav saya di Bkk: Chatuchak-PratunamMarket-PlatinumPlaza-SuanLum-CentralPlaza-SiamParagon. Slamat mencoba :)"
8:13 AM Feb 1st

"Having a great dinner with Fahdli and Ms. U, next trip if Bobby also here, we'll have a romantic dinner at the Chao Praya cruise, okay."
9:27 AM Feb 1st

"Tomorrow will be my last day in bkk, it has been a wonderful journey. Now I have new friends from all around south east asia. 8 amazing days"
9:31 AM Feb 1st

"Heading to Flower Market :) almost midnite and that's the best time to go there."
9:48 AM Feb 1st

"Lots of story about Thai ppl to share. About their habbit & their vision of life. That's why Indonesia will not be able to move forward :("
10:20 AM Feb 1st

"Tweeting all day :p Sorry guys hihi. Well since I had no one to share here, so I will share my thoughts to ppl who might need the info."
10:47 AM Feb 1st

"Stay in a hotel around Pratunam area (esp Petchburi Rd), the best spot for shopping in Bangkok. A very busy place & near to the BTS Skytrain"
6:39 PM Feb 1st

"Mostly the market and malls in Bangkok are closed around 5-7 PM. But they open early in the morning."
6:44 PM Feb 1st

"All names in Thai are so hard to remember. Don't forget to bring pen & notes. You might get lost easly."
6:46 PM Feb 1st

"The weather in Bkk is freakin hot, it's not so different like in Jkt. Wear something made from cotton. You'll be sweating all the time :("
6:49 PM Feb 1st

"Try to explore Bkk by yourself rather than using tour guide, not only it is fun but also it's not that hard finding a good place to visit."
6:52 PM Feb 1st

"At the Grand Palace for the third time huahahaha."
6:52 PM Feb 1st

"You HAVE TO wear skirt to the Golden Palace, if you don't wear it you can borrow the skirt for 200 baht."
6:57 PM Feb 1st

"Pants are okay but no leggings for sure (Golden Palace)."
6:58 PM Feb 1st

"Umbrella also important. The sun seems like only 10 inches from your head. HOT!"
7:01 PM Feb 1st

"The good thing about travelling alone, I don't have to wait for others :) Happy explorer. I think I'll join that group, melimpir2 dikit."
7:16 PM Feb 1st

"I wonder what it will be like in hell? I think this is the hottest weather I've ever experienced in my life. SO F* HOT (pengen buka baju)."
8:07 PM Feb 1st

"When I sent him the photo, my father said "Where are u, is it in Egypt?" Hahaha. And he asked lots of questions after that. I love u dad."
8:10 PM Feb 1st

"I wish I had a grand golden palace just like this in my hometown. Breathtaking sight, amazing place, wonderful experience. Monas garing :("
8:17 PM Feb 1st

"Did u know, u can find ankle boots or other "masa kini" shoes all over Bkk for IDR 120k. And that Lady Gaga puff shoulder shirts for IDR 25k"
9:15 PM Feb 1st

"Having lunch in every mall, plaza and food hall, mostly cost 50-80 baht = IDR 15-24k. Imagine if you buy the street food, 20-50 baht :)"
9:37 PM Feb 1st

"The first thing u should do at the airport, buy AIS simcard, so u can use yer BB here. 30 baht/day=IDR 9k. TrueMove cant provide BB service"
9:41 PM Feb 1st

"In love with Gourmet Market at Siam Paragon. Lots of Thai snack with a nice packaging. Good for gift." 11:09 PM Feb 1st

"Argh kelebihan 7.5 kg, perasaan pas brangkat setengah kosong :( chargenya 1150 baht pula, argghhh.."
3:13 AM Feb 2nd

"Byebye Thailand :) it's been a wonderful 8 days. Thank you Fahdli and Hanifa. HUGS"
4:46 AM Feb 2nd