On the third day, Rachel’s friend, Neeni, came to pick up us with her boyfriend, Ben, to show us around for the day. Neeni is a journalist, specialising in the lifestyle beat for a Madame Figaro, a magazine in Thailand. She also writes novels on the side and has published seven novels before. Her boyfriend, Ben is an engineer.
The two of them were wonderful hosts, attentive to all our needs. We were a bit paisay that they kept insisting on paying for all our meals and expenses. Hopefully, the two of them will visit Singapore soon too and we can have the honour of hosting them in return.
We visited the Chatuchak weekend market (จตุจักร) in the morning and had a heavy breakfast there. Neeni and Ben took effort to request for less chili in our orders, bearing in mind that Rachel cannot take spicy food.
![Breakfast for Champions! Breakfast for Champions!](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3689216091_8c23318b26_o.jpg)
![Soft shell crab salad Soft shell crab salad](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3689216589_86c29f0954_o.jpg)
![Mango salad and fried chicken Mango salad and fried chicken](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/3689215101_f73f4ffc44_o.jpg)
![Roast pork - I love this Roast pork - I love this](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3689216277_a7b90b48c1_o.jpg)
![Neeni recommended us to try this - she said she eats it everyday Neeni recommended us to try this - she said she eats it everyday](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3690016292_7d5e68d3fd_o.jpg)
![Delicious street snack made of flour with pork filling Delicious street snack made of flour with pork filling](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3690019332_488cd559e9_o.jpg)
![Coconut ice cream! Neeni and Ben had one of this each, Rachel and I were too full Coconut ice cream! Neeni and Ben had one of this each, Rachel and I were too full](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3689219743_35b28d6f9a_o.jpg)
Then came the shopping after our meal. During my previous visits to Bangkok, I can spend an entire day shopping at Chatuchak and still not get tired. This time round however, we quickly went through the pets section, a few clothing shops and we were off. Maybe it’s the weather… or age is catching up with me.
![The pet zone in Chatuchak The pet zone in Chatuchak](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3689218677_166f020591_o.jpg)
![Kittens getting blown dry Kittens getting blown dry](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3689222585_2d73a7dcc8_o.jpg)
![Puppy with a princess crown Puppy with a princess crown](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3690016498_a8abf13ab2_o.jpg)
![Window decor in a trinket store Window decor in a trinket store](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3689218029_bd56c192c9_o.jpg)
![Train-shaped bracelet Train-shaped bracelet](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3690019060_aa62a7ed0c_o.jpg)
![Rachel bought two tops from here Rachel bought two tops from here](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3690021848_44bcf8be69_o.jpg)
![Old magazines store - Ben and Neeni informed us that this celebrity couple is very hot in Thailand now Old magazines store - Ben and Neeni informed us that this celebrity couple is very hot in Thailand now](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3689212693_01422d2796_o.jpg)
![Evil version of Sponge Bob Square Pants? Evil version of Sponge Bob Square Pants?](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3689213507_ce3b64824a_o.jpg)
![Organic soap bars - we bought a bunch of these Organic soap bars - we bought a bunch of these](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3690021666_cb153d9a83_o.jpg)
![Rice milk soap bar Rice milk soap bar](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3690018532_ef6a13d78e_o.jpg)
![Chatuchak as seen from the overhead bridge Chatuchak as seen from the overhead bridge](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3689211723_967e94888d_o.jpg)
After roughing it out shopping at an outdoor market, Neeni and Ben brought us shopping in air-con paradise at Central Plaza till around 3pm.
At Central Plaza, we checked out an interesting Thai designer brand, FLY NOW and then had lunch at a restaurant in the basement level. We also bought a fair bit of health and beauty products at BOOTS, one of Rachel’s favourite store sin Bangkok. BOOTS is unavailable in Singapore.
![Theres a sale going on in Central Plaza Theres a sale going on in Central Plaza](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3689223607_ec2c127a6c_o.jpg)
![The carpark The carpark](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3689216473_8214cc1a73_o.jpg)
![Neeni and Rachel, posing outside the flamboyant store front of FLY NOW Neeni and Rachel, posing outside the flamboyant store front of FLY NOW](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3689217295_20dd5e37e4_o.jpg)
![Seriously, you cant miss the FLY NOW shop when you walk past it! Seriously, you cant miss the FLY NOW shop when you walk past it!](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3690015416_1f7e835dbb_o.jpg)
![ICEE! We used to have this in Singapore till they were phased out by 7-11's Slurpee ICEE! We used to have this in Singapore till they were phased out by 7-11s Mr Slurpee](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3690016380_cb00474a66_o.jpg)
![Restaurant where we had our lunch Restaurant where we had our lunch](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3689217965_b85d037e1c_o.jpg)
![The stalls in the restaurant sold different cuisines from Thai to Italian to Chinese The ordering is done with a common card, given to every patron. Payment is only made upon leaving the restaurant.](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3690015586_d585d37e7b_o.jpg)
![My Thai fried rice My Thai fried rice](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/3689215225_d14d7a1c50_o.jpg)
![Rachels roasted duck rice Rachels roasted duck rice](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3690017016_57871d026a_o.jpg)
After a light lunch, we proceeded to visit some Wats (temples) and the Museum of Siam Discovery
We were unable to enter most of the Wats as we were not properly attired (long sleeves and covered-toes shoes are a must). Nonetheless, there was a Wat housing a giant sleeping Buddha (Wat Pho) that did not enforce a strict dress code and we went in to take a look.
![A clock tower A colonial-like building](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3689222101_9d917a12de_o.jpg)
![A military building A military building](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3690024718_802f1a5dc2_o.jpg)
![The military academy The military academy](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3689213745_2ed3787cbb_o.jpg)
![Exterior wall of a giant Wat Exterior wall of a giant Wat](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3689209867_1d0522b8a9_o.jpg)
![The wall is neverending The wall is neverending](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3690024220_532e00beea_o.jpg)
![Sneak peep inside (we were not allow to go in as we were not properly attired) Sneak peep inside (we were not allow to go in as we were not properly attired)](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3690029448_f86b1bd577_o.jpg)
![Told you the wall is neverending! Told you the wall is neverending!](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3690020380_a93cb7c946_o.jpg)
![Pointy roof design Pointy roof design](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3690024994_2c99ca6c19_o.jpg)
![One of the many Wats One of the many Wats](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3690026642_e5b9edb610_o.jpg)
![Another Wat Another Wat](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3689214261_0c075f29eb_o.jpg)
![Chinese-looking statue in the Sleeping Buddha Wat Chinese-looking statue in the Sleeping Buddha Wat](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3689220729_cb33d48fd9_o.jpg)
![More Chinese-looking statues More Chinese-looking statues](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3689217765_c860f46c34_o.jpg)
![The entrance The entrance](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3689211861_c60969e944_o.jpg)
![Close-up of the roof Close-up of the roof](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/3690023104_18d3fc2106_o.jpg)
![Neeni and Ben with the sleeping Buddha Neeni and Ben with the sleeping Buddha](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3690027576_3afda3faff_o.jpg)
![Golden face of the sleeping Buddha Golden face of the sleeping Buddha](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3689214501_3bebf74a8c_o.jpg)
![Giant golden feet Giant golden feet](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3689218215_f6ec443f87_o.jpg)
![Nice tattoos on the feet Nice tattoos on the feet](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3689219509_d73b35e24a_o.jpg)
![On closer inspection, the tattoos were made from Mother-of-Pearl On closer inspection, the tattoos were made from Mother-of-Pearl](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3689217683_f0a0a682c4_o.jpg)
![Paintings and gold platings on the walls Paintings and gold platings on the walls](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3690022490_44f7a5a6ec_o.jpg)
![Even the ceilings were all covered Even the ceilings were all covered](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3689215729_6777268351_o.jpg)
![Close-up of a small portion of the giant wall mural Close-up of a small portion of the giant wall mural](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3690017986_3f96f4cf8f_o.jpg)
![Another section of the wall Another section of the wall](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3689212113_b3dc1486f4_o.jpg)
![There are rows of alm bowls in front of the sleeping Buddha for making donations There are rows of alm bowls in front of the sleeping Buddha for making donations](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3689220577_ac601cd46c_o.jpg)
![Me dropping in loose changes Me dropping in loose changes](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3690025904_24a9ece235_o.jpg)
![Neeni making donations Neeni making donations](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3690028698_07fc2f3ecd_o.jpg)
![Devotees pasting gold flakes onto various Buddha statues Devotees pasting gold flakes onto various Buddha statues](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/3690020884_fffc7bb1a5_o.jpg)
The museum was a great experience for Rachel and I. The exhibits are a bit like those at the Living Gallery in the National Museum of Singapore and we wondered if the same vendor designed both of them.
Anyway, the Museum of Siam Discovery is a museum that seeks to answer the question “What is Thai?” It goes about doing so with tech gadgets and interactive video installations.
We learn quite a bit about Thailand’s anthropology, history, culture and traditions through the tour. We took a lot of fun photos too.
![Museum of Siam Discovery Museum of Siam Discovery](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3689218395_2df227cace_o.jpg)
![Huge arches in front of the museum, probably an installation artwork Huge arches in front of the museum, probably an installation artwork](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3689212359_8080af7318_o.jpg)
![We had some iced beverages at Black Canyon before going into the museum We had some iced beverages at Black Canyon before going into the museum](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3690016084_0e02a60ec9_o.jpg)
![A musical performance was going on in the museum A musical performance was going on in the museum](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3690018262_1c99e96e11_o.jpg)
![What is Thai? What is real Thainess?](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3690030002_9c952832d6_o.jpg)
![Plastic red figurines hanging from the ceiling - the figurines represent various galleries in the museums Plastic red figurines hanging from the ceiling - the figurines represent various galleries in the museums](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3689223995_e357bc8d0f_o.jpg)
![Rachel posing with a street vendor statue Rachel posing with a street vendor statue](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3689223805_c7ea5625dd_o.jpg)
![Various Thai symbolism Various Thai symbolism](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3690025708_c595e0de4e_o.jpg)
![More Thai symbolism More Thai symbolism](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3689214197_1441015570_o.jpg)
![Many different groups of people of different nationalities resided in ancient Siam Many different groups of people of different nationalities resided in ancient Siam](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3689222447_f17d085c0b_o.jpg)
![Intereactive game where you can play a trader of various nationalities Intereactive game where you can play a trader of various nationalities](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3689219217_fea76284af_o.jpg)
![An interesting video depicting the legend of the battle between the Toad Prince and the Rain God An interesting video depicting the legend of the battle between the Toad Prince and the Rain God](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3690022364_0f27e32c75_o.jpg)
![Different kinds of Thai ships and boats Different kinds of Thai ships and boats](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3690028840_8832d52e5b_o.jpg)
![A long boat model A long boat model](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3689214807_546917f6e9_o.jpg)
![Model depicting ancient Siam Model depicting ancient Siam](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3690023540_3948166954_o.jpg)
![Another picture of the model Another picture of the model](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3690022550_02f864cdca_o.jpg)
![Cattles and street scene Cattles and houses](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3689215809_85248f0f68_o.jpg)
![Rachel was mesmerised by the various well-made interactive videos Rachel was mesmerised by the various well-made interactive videos](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3689213351_bc1b9cb702_o.jpg)
![At one point in history, Thai civilians were not allow to eat the carp fish because the king likes to eat it At one point in history, Thai civilians were not allow to eat the carp fish because the king likes to eat it](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3689216947_bd8377fda1_o.jpg)
![Watching a video on minerals extraction Watching a video on minerals extraction](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3689210999_8621cb86ba_o.jpg)
![War attire War attire](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/3689210249_795ef4ce4e_o.jpg)
![A canon firing game A canon firing game](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3690026988_24eb821b58_o.jpg)
![A holographic battle scene A holographic battle scene](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3689213929_8f93165a15_o.jpg)
![Me looking stupid Me looking stupid](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3690028570_e9d453b57e_o.jpg)
![Rachel looking intellectual Rachel looking intellectual](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3690026094_45d1e832b4_o.jpg)
![Old propaganda posters Old propaganda posters](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/3689218785_b74da06976_o.jpg)
![Western influence seeping in Western influence seeping in](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3690019646_6ea79028cf_o.jpg)
![Agriculture gallery Agriculture gallery](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2593/3690025552_c2a3436edc_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I on camera Rachel and I on camera](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3689221693_9157513fb1_o.jpg)
![Ben and Neenis turn to go on air Ben and Neenis turn to go on air](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/3689215871_0aa66fb4e3_o.jpg)
![Rolling 70s gallery Rolling 80s gallery](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/3689223147_ac9a783e02_o.jpg)
![Neeni and Ben back in the 70s Neeni and Ben back in the 70s](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3690018602_ac2ce78def_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I were there too Rachel and I were there too](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3690018162_7c94d7388f_o.jpg)
![Aspiring car models Aspiring car models](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3690018888_f47df4fa66_o.jpg)
![Pretending to be a bartender Pretending to be a bartender](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3690024828_c87500ffba_o.jpg)
![The future gallery - which as usual with all "future" exhibits around the world, crap The future gallery - which is as usual with all other future exhibits around the world, crap](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3689214617_a2f35cd1bc_o.jpg)
At night, we shopped at posh Siam Paragon for a while and had our dinner at a restaurant in Siam Square that serves traditional Thai dishes. By coincidence, we spotted Singaporean actress, Ruien (瑞恩), dining at a table behind us in the same restaurant. Not wanting to appear like stupid TV junkies, we left her and her companion alone and did not try to gawk at her or take her photo.
![Hungry Ben and Neeni Hungry Ben and Neeni](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3690018712_5baeb7447a_o.jpg)
![Hungry Alvin and Rachel Hungry Alvin and Rachel](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3689213245_8dc17e49e8_o.jpg)
![Coconut stuffed with seafood Coconut stuffed with seafood](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2452/3690019384_f91670332f_o.jpg)
![Pandan chicken Pandan chicken](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3690022090_227cf53d96_o.jpg)
![Sweet and sour steamed fish Sweet and sour steamed fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3689217073_8dfd0a2837_o.jpg)
![Fresh university graduates taking photos outside Siam Paragon Fresh university graduates taking photos outside Siam Paragon](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3689210077_664feba4b8_o.jpg)
![Inside Siam Paragon Inside Siam Paragon](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3690016776_a699d542e4_o.jpg)
![Go Green Go Green](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3689223313_1819392022_o.jpg)
![Very beautiful visual merchandising Very beautiful visual merchandising](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3689212027_f794e41a4a_o.jpg)
![We initially wanted to catch a movie at Siam Paragon, but went to MBK instead as they were only showing one movie in every single theatres! We initially wanted to catch a movie at Siam Paragon, but went to MBK instead as they were only showing one movie in every single theatres!](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3690027310_da23766db1_o.jpg)
We then had desert at Cream & Fudge before we bid farewell to our lovely hosts, Neeni and Ben. It was raining when we got off Ben’s car to walk to MBK, and they actually gave us their umbrella -that’s how sweet the two of them are.
![Our ice cream Our ice cream](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3689211307_a48c7ea9fe_o.jpg)
![The only group photo with all four of us in it, taken before we part ways The only group photo with all four of us in it, taken before we part ways](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3690021590_aed6097231_o.jpg)
Thanks to their umbrella, we managed to stay dry for the rest of the night. Rachel and I caught the Pixar animation, UP!, in 3D at MBK. It was SUPERB!
![Superb movie - die die must watch! Superb movie - die die must watch!](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3690024530_d529c454ce_o.jpg)
![UP publicity standee UP publicity standee](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3690023856_9ab987133a_o.jpg)
![Rachel in 3D glasses Rachel in 3D glasses](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3690024616_9371591269_o.jpg)
![Credit still Credit still](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3689215477_5101c17642_o.jpg)
![Credit still: The two lead characters Credit still: The two lead characters](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3689217575_4d718c366a_o.jpg)
![I want to fly up into the sky too! I want to fly up into the sky too!](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3689220891_f317c77816_o.jpg)
We went in tired and expected little much besides a few laughs. How wrong were we. The movie has an endearing storyline about an old man who set off to fulfill the childhood wish of his late wife and in the process, discover life and adventure.
It’s so wonderful that Rachel and I vowed to catch it again in Singapore’s cinema when it arrives. Seriously, do not miss this movie! It’s the best animation we have seen since Finding Nemo!
After the movie, we walked back to our hotel, sharing an umbrella in the light drizzle. That ended our third day in Bangkok. 🙂
Technorati Tags: จตุจักร, chatuchak weekend market, chatuchak market, bangkok travelogue, thailand tour, bangkok tour, museum of siam discovery, siam paragon, sleep buddha, siam square, traditional thai food, ruien in bangkok, living gallery, national museum of singapore, UP, pixar UP, UP in 3d, finding nemo, UP movie review, cream & fudge bangkok
hey guys where’s the thai restaurant that you mentioned? any names @ siam square?
thanks
Forgot the name, but it’s in most guidebooks.