backpack boy: Family in Bangkok

I am currently on a business trip here in Bangkok, Thailand. I flew in last Monday but this time, since Roshie is still on resting leave from a recent operation, she accompanied me on the trip together with Ethan as a small getaway.

Our flight was in the morning and departed as expected. Ethan was asleep most of the time throughout the duration of the flight. He fell asleep with music on his ears (through the headphones).

Since he was asleep, then we had time to eat the food served to us by the Philippine Airlines crew. No wiggly toddler to tend as we ate!

Just minutes before the initial approach to Bangkok, Ethan woke up and seems happy with what he's hearing over the headphones.

From the airport, we took a cab to Conrad Bangkok, where we will be staying for a few nights this week. The taxi fare and toll fees costs around THB400 or so one-way.

Due to room availability I had to book for a King Bed Deluxe Corner Room, at corporate rate of THB6200++/night inclusive of breakfast and internet. It is a 53sqm of space and for us travelling as a family, it is definitely a welcomed treat. There were a couple of couches, a working desk and ample space for Ethan to move around.

A plush purple elephant toy was sitting on top of the bed. I was informed by colleagues that receiving this plushie nowadays has been a hit or miss at the hotel.

There were also some fresh fruits at the table which I ate all later on.

The bathroom is large and spacious as well. The separate bathtub is seating beside the window so anyone having a dip at it would have a good view of the place outside. There was a separate shower enclosure so we can do both at the same time as a family. Toiletries were complete too!

The view from our room overlooking the surrounding areas and some Bangkok skyline is also good.

coffee and mini bar counter

walk-in closet and storage room

After settling in, we took the hotel shuttle that goes to BTS Phloen Chit station back and forth. From there we took the train to Siam station (THB20). I have to show the areas around to my wife so she knows what to do when I'm at work and she's alone with Ethan.

From Siam, we went to see some of the malls (just browsing) and walked back towards Pratunam area. On the way, we passed by CentralWorld, a huge shopping mall in the city.

Roshie and Ethan

Ethan

Walking further towards Pratunam, we chanced upon some shrines at CentralWorld where passers-by and believers are offering flowers and prayers.

I'm quite familiar with Pratunam as we stayed in this area near the market back in 2007 with my mom and Julie.

We had an early dinner at the Food Center inside Platinum Fashion Mall. We forgot that Ethan cannot take a lot of spicy food and we had a hard time finding the right food for him.

coconut and tom yum goong

spicy beef noodle soup

chicken with basil

Then we walked further towards Pratunam Market, mostly shopped on the stalls and shops outside the street. We did bought a few items, mostly clothes, as Pratunam is a garment and clothing flea market.

Nearby is Big C Supercenter so before we headed back to the hotel, we bought a few items at the grocery, mostly drinks and snacks. These will make me awake throughout those nights when I need to prepare for the next morning's session.

And before we slept, we passed by a supermarket just downstairs at Tops Market to buy something to eat as we felt a bit hungry due to super early dinner that day.

Our office is actually just next building connected to the complex where the hotel we are staying is so I didn't have to rush through the traffic in the morning. As I left the room Tuesday morning, Ethan is awake and is already making himself entertained in the bathtub.

We had dinner Tuesday night at KFC. I know it's a bit cheap and we could have gone somewhere else, but due to luxury of time (Ethan is sleeping being lugged around), we took the one nearest, safest and most convenient when we got dropped off by the hotel shuttle in BTS Phloen Chit station. The meal (good for a family) had nuggets, fried chicken, some fries as well as drinks. Forgot to order steamed rice though. For all, it cost THB314.

Unfortunately they don't serve gravy for chicken here in Thailand. Either ketchup or sweet chili sauce only. I miss the taste of KFC chicken and the gravy back home specially when I pour it over my steamed rice. Yum!!

This morning (Wednesday), before heading to the office, we had breakfast together at Café@2. The breakfast spread was complete and I didn't have a hard time choosing and eating different things daily which I hate in some hotels where I have to eat the same thing over and over again for a week. It is definitely one of the best places in a hotel I had breakfast so far, rivaling those from Shangri-La hotels.