Krung Thep is never just about Songkran.

Back in the days when AirAsia was a very small airline, in 2001 I still remember, I made my first trip to Bangkok.. That opened up an myriad of international flying.. But that was then..

Only 18 years old, Bangkok excites the gay in me.. Fast forward 14 years and 16 Bangkok trips later, I am still excited over Bangkok, a short trip is always welcomed.. I am not sure if I would want, or even survive a longer stay..

My last Bangkok trip was in Oct 2013, so when my buddies and I decided we should go Bangkok together, I jumped at the thought, and quickly we were making plans and off we went last weekend..

They flew from Singapore while I flew from Kuala Lumpur.. Friends from across the Causeway, divided by the distance but never the friendship..


I bought my flight on Thai Airways on the lowest fare basis - apparently only for online booking - on 24 July and back on 27 July.. TG420 from KL to Bangkok was operated by an Airbus A320 featuring "premium economy" and economy seats..

Only because the A320 is a 3-3 config, the "premium economy" seats functions like a business class seat would, only that the middle of the 3 abreast is kept vacant.. And the passengers enjoy full business class privileges..

No - I didn't fly business.. I booked the cheapest restricted ticket.. Haha.. but with the complimentary seat assignment, I assigned my own seat to be the first economy row, just behind the "premium" seats..

Flight 420 depart KL at 0805am. I was already in KLIA at 5.30am.. But it was delayed a little because the runway was congested..

Row 34, right after "premium economy" seats

Boxed breakfast set 

Neatly arranged. All in cardboard boxed with plastic cutleries.

Descending into Bangkok - the city centre skyline seen in the horizon

Near Survanabhumi Airport

Landed in Bangok about 9.30am local time.. I straightaway headed out and bought DTAC simcard at THB299 for 7 days with 1.5GB data and hopped on to the public cab right away..

Traffic along the Bangna Tract Road was heavy heading into Bangkok on a very hot and bright Friday morning.. I was sweating in the cab.. The journey took about 1.5 hours and when I arrived at Quad Suites, my friends have already checked-in USING my name ON my behalf.. I was amazed how they did it and how the hotel could allowed that.. But they didn't collect any payment as I was the one responsible to pay as my credit card was held in guarantee..

Quad Suites Silom

Living room

Kitchen

Bedroom 1 

Toilet 1

Bedroom 2

Toilet 2

Hallway

Quad Suites was our stay for 2 nights - a 2 bedroom serviced apartment just at Chong Nonsi BTS, conveniently located and with some restaurants and a local food court, 7-11 and McDonald's around it, Dean & Deluca opposite it and some others.. Fitness First Sathorn Square is just across the road..

Pool

Super small studio

Super small gym with enough room for 2 machines. Only.

Airwell and lift

The suite comes with a living room and a fully equipped kitchen, with 2 bathrooms and one of it with a bathtub.. with an occupancy of 4, only 2 key cards were given, and I was not happy the video intercom wasn't working as we tried to unlock the door from the suite.. The intercom kept dialling but in the suite, there was no response..

On the 3rd night, I moved next door to Holiday Inn Express Sathorn.. Always have been delighted by an IHG property, I made the right decision to stay there.. Holiday Inn Express Sathorn is really a gem, fabulous staff so much so I remembered a few names.. Nice cosy room and all the better it comes with breakfast and on the such dirt cheap rate as a privileged travel agent..

Holiday Inn Express Sathorn facade

You can choose to take out your breakfast

No. The guy in the back is not breakfast. 

I await my return flight Thai Airways Flight 419 to Kuala Lumpur on Monday, also on the same A320.. I took the aisle seat, leaving the middle seat vacant while a hot muscular Thai boy occupies the window seat.. I only managed to snap a photo of him from behind..

Managed to check-in my bags at the very minute before it's closed. 

Muscular Thai boy

Dinner box set

More or less the same.. sandwich again..

In the next few days, I will write more in details of the trip, covering Pla Tong Mookata, Babylon Foam Party, DJ Station and my Amazing Race to the airport, and how I ran through the terminal, custom and immigration to the gate in half an hour.

Come back soon :)