Thursday, November 20, 2014

Bangkok 2014 Day 2: Or Tor Kor Market and Asiatique The Riverfront

Day 2: 4 May 2014 (Sun)

Or Tor Kor Market

We "escaped" into Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station. You can come here for aircon or a toilet break. If you want to go Or Tor Kor Market which is just opposite Chatuchak, you can pass through here, there's a sign that directs you to an underground mall. After walking through till the end you will reach another exit 3. Come out you will see the big Or Tor Kor Market sign.



This place is like our wet market here. It is big, clean and spacious. They have wet market stalls and also dry market where fresh fruits and dried goods are sold.


Mangoes everywhere! You can pack a big box home like what wiffygal did.


Dried goods and snacks. We got the Thai dried longan here, cheaper than Singapore.


I fell in love with Thai durians. They are so sweet, thick and creamy. The durians are all individually wrapped! I posted this on Instagram and someone told me that the name of this variety is called "Khan Yao" and it is considered one of the top and most expensive ones. Second best to this will be "Morn Thong". We chose the most expensive one at 180 baht, the seller offered us at 150baht (~$5.94). It was so cheap and there were 8 big fleshy with very small seeds. Taste superb. Durian is the one we missed most for this trip instead of mangoes. :)


There are also many cooked food stalls here. You can feel free to 打包 (buy and takeaway). Unlike in Singapore, when you tabao from the mixed vegetables rice stalls, they just scoop everything into a styrofoam box. Here, they pack the rice and vegetables individually. I do find it better, rather than mixing all the food together.



Spent about an hour there and then took a taxi back 100baht (~$3.96) to our hotel to rest and refresh ourselves.

Asiatique The Riverfront

After a short break in the hotel room, we left at about 6pm in the evening to Asiatique The Riverfront night market. Took BTS to Saphan Taksin station. Go out from exit 2, keep to the left and look out for the signs for the free shuttle boat at Sathorn Pier.


In fact, this was what greeted us once out of the BTS station, the looong queue... aiyo!



Admiring the scenery while waiting for the boat.


Here comes the boat!


We boarded the boat. Very crowded and had to stand. Sorry for the blur photo as the boat kept shaking. Lol. I took a video for the entire boat trip. It takes about less than 10 minutes to reach Asiatique. Hold the camera properly ok. :)


The sky darkened during the journey. You know you are near when you see the big ferris wheel.


Reached!


Another shot of the FREE shuttle boat. :)


The touristic photo shot.


Big ferris wheel. Didn't go up though.


Asiatique The Riverfront is an open-air night market converted from warehouse. The area is not too big, divided into 4 districts and 10 sections. You can do shopping here at more than 1500 boutiques from fashion, craft, souvenir to furniture. For dining, there are around 40 bars and restaurants with international cuisines and alfresco dining. Other activities to do here besides shopping and eating - go up ASIATIQUE SKY, the highest Ferris wheel in Thailand, watch Muay Thai live, enjoy Calypso cabaret show, a 4D cinema at Ymax, and etc. Opening hours is from 5pm-midnight.


Didn't do much shopping here as we were here more for a sightseeing place. Compared to Chatuchak, the prices were higher, the sellers were more willing to give better discounts. Designs were better and more upscale. There is a Naraya shop here where ladies will scream for the pretty and affordable bags. I saw many men standing by the side waiting. Haha!


Bye to Asiatique as we returned to hotel after a tiring day of shopping. Looking foward to the half-day tour tomorrow morning.


Next: Half-Day Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour