Points to Note
One
Bangkok is an hour behind of Singapore. If Singapore is 10am now, Bangkok is 9am.
Two
Effective 1st July 2022, Thailand Pass is no longer required to enter Thailand. Just proof of vaccination will do or negative Covid test results within 72 hours before departure.
Three
Check out Visa Exemption rules here.
Singaporeans are exempted and can travel to Thailand for up to 45 days. But
to always check on the regulations again before travelling.
Four
On arrival back to Singapore, you will need to submit SG Arrival Card within 3 days before arriving back to Singapore here.
Five
There
are still lots of people wearing masks and being very kiasi we brought
along the type FFP2 ones (leftovers from our Netherland's trip in June).
We sanitised our hands as and when too.
Travel Essentials
SIM Card
I used to rent portable wifi from Changi Recommends but the FUP (Fair Policy Usage) to Thailand has been changed whereby the said 'unlimited data' speed will slow down after reaching 500MB per day.
Thankfully, I found an alternative to buy DTAC SIM cards from Changi Recommends here. Just collect from the 24hours counter before departure, insert the SIM card to your phone during flight. No set-up is required and off you go being able to surf the net the moment you reach Thailand.
Travel Insurance
Same for travel insurance where I purchase from Changi Recommends as well here. Due to Covid, I have always been getting the Superior+ package.
Currency Exchange
Changi Recommends also provide currency exchange service here. Just pay via paynow and collect your cash on-the-go before your flight.
Airport Transfer
Due to our cheap Jetstar flight this time round at SGD300 during Sep school holidays, the timing wasn't great. 6:30am flight and return at 9:30am which means we are too tired to even travel on airport express, then change train to MRT.
Since we already saved quite a bit on air tickets, so we just splurge on airport transfer this time round. The date I booked was about SGD28 per trip from airport to our hotel at Terminal 21. Check out from Klook here but please remember to get a confirmation from service provider for the car plate no. and driver's name.
BTS
Get BTS rabbit card from Klook here as well to save the hassle and collect from BKK's airport upon arrival. To check on the routes and fares, refer to here.
MRT
For those travelling via MRT, life has never been easier as you can now travel using credit card as long as there is a 'wave' function. Note that I tried Apple Pay but doesn't work so only physical card for now. MRT routes and fares, check out here.
YouTrip
YouTrip card is also acceptable to travel on MRT since it has a 'wave' function. I brought along my card for Ethan so if he loses the card, I'm not too worried.
YouTrip card to be applied here.
You just need to link your credit card to YT
and it works like a debit card whereby you top up SGD amount via an app.
The card could not be deducted as long as no money is being topped up.
Any transaction made would be notified via YT app.
The exchange rate is as good as the
money changer in Arcade. Bank's rate is very low so if you want to
compare, just use normal credit card for one payment and YT for the
other.
Flight
Check out air tickets from various airlines via Sky Scanner here. The good thing is you can look for cheapest month and by month as well to see the lowest fare.
I'm surprised that Jetstar is now providing passengers with a muffin and bottle of mineral water. Good job for a budget airline.
Accommodation
Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 Bangkok
2 Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Wattana), Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
GCPT21 is the best hotel I have ever stayed in Bangkok in terms of the location and buffet breakfast spread. Centara Watergate Pavillion has great breakfast too but the location is not near BTS but rather a MRT station. Sukhumvit Suites has a great location near BTS & MRT but the breakfast spread not that much (I have not tried though).
GCPT21 is just right in front of Asok BTS station and opposite of Sukhumvit MRT station. Terminal 21 Shopping Mall is right below the hotel so on the days you don't feel like travelling, just do your shopping or grab some foods from there. I didn't have time to check out hotel's facilities but they do come with outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room, gym, mini golf and jogging track etc.
Our room was upgraded from Superior to Deluxe Premium where the former is 32sq.m and the latter at 40sq.m. Room costs about SGD150 per night and given the spacious room, huge bathtub, large bed and awesome city view plus great buffet spread.. the price is really worth it. We even have a microwave and super big fridge.
The buffet breakfast apart from usual salads, fruits, breads, sausages etc.. other menus changed every day even to the cooling drink. I remembered lemon grass, chrysentymum and roselle tea.
Massage
Massage @ Le
19, 19/1-3 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Operating hours: 10am to 12am daily
My to go massage whenever I visit Bangkok as it is affordable and just 5 mins walk from Terminal 21. Ethan got the foot massage with scrub while hubz had Thai massage with hot herbal compress. I prefer aromatheraphy.
If you are unable to make booking on their website eg. fully booked, just facebook message them. They will arrange a slot for you.
Food, Food and More Food
The Best of Noodle Boat aka Pa Yak Boat Noodle Shop (near Victory Monument BTS)
Ratchawithi 10 Alley, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Operating Hours: 9am to 9pm daily
First stop is always Best of Boat Noodles at Victory Monument BTS station. The exact route on how to go you may check out my 2017's BKK trip here. The route doesn't change so I can walk there with my eyes closed.
Thanks to Wat Mangkon MRT station, we are now able to travel conveniently to Yaowarat. In the past, we had to tuk tuk there and the traffic in Bangkok is my tian very jjaammm. Note that shops' pictures are taken from Top Travel Foods as I followed their blog here. If you are starting from Nai Mong Hoi Thod first, then it would be exit 1.
Nai Mong Hoi Thod
539 Phlap Phla Chai Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Operating hours: 10am to 7pm, Wed to Sun | Closed on Mon & Tue
PGR5+C84 ถ. เยาวราช Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand (this is the actual address on Google Map)
Operating hours: 7pm to 12:30am, Tue-Sat | 7pm to 12am, Sun | Closed on Mon
The queue was too long so we dabao instead and just picnic next to MRT station. Others did the same when they saw us sitting down on the floor. Lol.. The broth was extremely peppery and your first mouthful would definitely be choked but not to death.
Street foods are the best and not only those popular ones. We bought deep fried yam & sweet potato balls and fish maw soup along the way. They were so so good!
63 ซอย Plaeng Nam Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Operating hours: 10am to 11pm daily
We ordered the normal and blood bird's nest. Yes, they were good but I read from blogs that we could choose from 300Baht to 2000Baht depending on the quality. But we were only provided an option as 500Baht and I find the attitude from Chinese lady boss not that great.
So that would be our first and last try. Bye!
112, 1 Ekkamai Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Operating hours: 10am to 5pm (rest between 2:30pm to 3:30pm), Wed to Sun Closed on Mon & Tue | Do check with them on timing again
Reservation is a must and I was glad I made one. Super long queue and we walked all the way for 1.5km from Ekkamai BTS station. Lol next time just tuk tuk here. Crab fried rice damn worth it, ours was small portion okay and just nice for the three of us. Grilled lobster also very fresh.
Jodd Fairs
Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
Exit 2 from Phra Ram 9 MRT and cut through Central Plaza Grand Rama 9 Shopping Mall
Operating hours: 5pm to 12am daily
An alternative to Talad Rod Fai Ratchada since they closed down. Jodd Fairs does not have as many street foods as Talad Rod Fai, but still acceptable. Since it is near Sukhumvit MRT station, so all good for us.
Cha Tra Mue
Terminal 21 Shopping Mall Bangkok (Ground Floor)
Operating hours: 10am to 9pm daily
We never miss Cha Tra Mue's milk tea or soft serve. Best ever!
Dairy Queen
Terminal 21 Shopping Mall Bangkok (Ground Floor)
Operating hours: 10am to 9pm daily
Lovely ice-cream, must try when you are here.
Platinum Fashion Mall Food Center222 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Operating hours: 9am to 8pm, Mon-Tue & Thur-Fri | 8am to 8pm, Wed, Sat-Sun
Food court is still the same, exchange your cash for a card to pay at each food stalls. Return card to get your balance back. We happened to check out street foods right outside Platinum Mall so yup our dinner was settled.
Terminal 21 Bangkok
We made one last round of shopping and ended up buying so much snacks even after our Japanese ramen for dinner.
Shopping
Big C Supercenter
You may check google map for various locations. I would usually go to the one next to Platinum Mall. Just exit from Chit Lom BTS station and follow the sheltered walkway to Platinum Mall. On your way, you will pass by Big C.
Platinum Fashion Mall
I'm not kidding you when I say you need a whole day to visit this mall. Look at all the shops!! They have everything for everyone! Only my pair of rainbow sandals was bought from Terminal 21 Shopping Mall.
Terminal 21 Shopping Mall
Special mention about the bath foam we got from Boots. Did not buy any bath bombs since our superior room comes with only shower. But our room was upgraded to Deluxe Premium and there was this huge tub. We simply need to do bubble bath!
