Brett and Bernii

Since arriving back in Bangkok, we have spent time staying in and exploring different areas of the city.

Last Wednesday evening we made our way to PAT Stadium to watch Port FC take on the Lamphun Warriors in the Thai football league. It was a home game for Port FC who are based in the Khlong Toei district of Bangkok – the same district that we usually stay in when we are in Bangkok. So naturally we are now Port FC supporters.

The atmosphere before the game was electric, with supporters enjoying the street food stalls and beers outside the stadium. This carried over to the game where there were large groups of fans singing and dancing to a drumbeat throughout the entire match, which Port FC won 2-1.

The following day, we caught the BTS to Krung Thon Buri and walked to the Ibis Bangkok Riverside where we stayed for 3 nights. During this time, we explored the local area.

We caught a hop-on hop-off tourist boat from Sathorn Pier to Phra Arthit. The ticket cost us 150THB (AU$7) each and was valid for the day.

We had lunch at a highly recommended restaurant near the Wongwian Yai BTS station called Original Pad Kra Pao 1993. As their name suggests, they specialize in Pad Krapao and it was definitely one of the best we have tried so far.

In the evening, we went to a rooftop bar called Palate near Saphan Taksin BTS station. The food there was amazing, and it was the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

On Sunday, we had plans to spend two nights at a backpacker’s hostel near Khaosan Road, however two days before we were due to arrive, we noticed that they have an age restriction that only allows guest aged 18-35 (it was not mentioned during the booking process). As we are both in our early 40’s this was going to be a problem. To make matters worse, the window for free cancellation had passed the day prior. We sent a message to the hostel on Booking.com and tried to call them, but it went through to voicemail. After no reply, we requested an exception to the cancellation fee through the Booking.com app (which was going to be the full cost of the two nights’ accommodation) and awaited their response. Fortunately, the following day the hostel agreed to waive the cancellation fee.

Instead of going to Khaosan Road, we changed plans and booked two nights in Silom. Yesterday we packed up our things and moved to the Ibis Styles Bangkok Silom. It is across the road from the famous Patpong Night Market. We enjoyed a few beers at some nearby rooftop bars, including Unculture (formerly Trok) and Heaven. The views were spectacular, and we will return again tonight.

We have decided to head north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai before making our way to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. This Thursday we will depart Bangkok for at least two months to travel around Southeast Asia.

Travel Tip – Read your booking confirmation emails. They might contain some important information 🤯