Alternative Thailand: Maeklong Railway Market

The Maeklong Railway is a  railway that services the route btween Wongwian Yai, Bangkok, and Samut Songkhram in Central Thailand. The railway is most famous for the portion of it's route through the Maeklong Railway Market, affectionately nicknamed Talad Rom Hoop, or ''Umbrella Pulldown Market', which derives from the action of the stall owners scurrying to pull down and keep the tentages/plastic shelters to make way for the train to pass.

A couple months back the bf and I visited Maeklong Railway market as part of a 2D1N trip from bangkok along with Ampawa (review here) as we wanted something a little different from the usual shopping/eating Bangkok trip. Despite being incredibly touristy and crowded, it didn't disappoint. 

How to go: There are regular van services from beneath victory monument flyer over. details here. You can also choose to go via bus, train, details here. For a timetable of when the train passes the station, refer here. 

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Alternative bangkok: Old siam plaza

Ranked by lonelyplanet at a modest #310 of 792 things to do in Thailand, the Old siam plaza seldom tops tourists' lists of must-go places in  bangkok. However, if you have a weakness for sweet things/pastries, and like retro-style things/architecture, this is the place for you. 

Admittedly this wasn't originally in our itinerary, but had been included as a nice-to-have when I realised the our Bangkok lodging was located a mere 10 minutes walking distance to it. Coincidentally i also have a huge weakness for desserts and all things sweet, so on a late weekday morning we made the visit.

How to go: The nearest train station is Hua Lamphong MRT, after which you need to take a cab ride lasting about 10 minutes, or public bus. You can consider visiting the plaza on the same day as Wat Pho and the grand emerald palace, which are located in the vicinity. For a map, refer here

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Alternative hotels: The Asadang, Bangkok

If you've been following my blog, you'd know I visited Bangkok this June with the boyfriend on a short 1 week trip. During our trip, we stayed at the lovely Asadang, a small quaint bed and breakfast sitting by the side of a canal, a mere 10 minutes away from Wat Pho. Though I'm not paid to write this review, the staff and our stay was so lovely that I am compelled to write a review on it. And here it is, along with a couple of photos of our stay there.

Sao, one of the lovely staff in the dining area of the Asadang

Aside from the cheap food & shopping, the main draw of bangkok to me is really Thai hospitality. It is unassuming, gentle, thoughtful, and sincere.
That, in essence, is exactly what the Asadang is.

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Picture post: Bangkok

The last 2 weeks has been a bit of a whirlwind...
If you're curious, I'm currently now in Seoul, but after my full day of work tomorrow I'll be flying back on Friday evening... only to fly off to UK on Saturday! Talk about being a jet-setter...
The bf is pretty miffed at having to settle for skype for now, so will have to spend more quality time together when I get back...

Anyway enough of my mumbling and let these outtakes from our Bangkok trip do the talking:

the amazing Ratchabopit room 

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Alternative bangkok: Talad Rod Fai

Bangkok is the darling of all destinations for long weekend trip out of Singapore. Besides the Wat pho, grand palace, and crazy shopping at Platinum Mall/Siam area, there's a lot more you can explore. I was looking for a different kind of experience in Bangkok when I chanced upon Talad Rot Fai last year.

image credit to Soo Huey Fen, the BFF. 

Talad Rod Fai, or 'train market', is a flea market that's located on the grounds of a old set of train tracks. The old coaches and warehouses are now home to one of the many stalls and stores that sell things ranging from vintage cameras, typewriters and handmade designer goods. The market is the brainchild of Thanayut 'Troy' and Khun Phirot, two Thai antique lovers.

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