Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Bangkok Travel Guide - Erawan Shrine

It must be my lucky day! There were a big sale promo from Singapore Airlines, so I am going to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Yeay...!

So, these time I am going with my parents and our main agenda is going to Erawan Shrine or also known as 4 Faces Budha.  This shrine houses a small statue of Phra Phrom (Brahma) it maybe a little weird because actually it's dedicated to Hindu's God,but the relation of this 2 religion is close to each other, so there might be some integration.
The Four Faces Budha / Erawan Shrine
The area is crowded with worshipers day and night and always wafting with incense smoke. It is also common to see people bowing as they pass by bus, taxi or above by skytrain. Many believer from around the world believe that if they pray here at Erawan Shrine, they will be blessed and their prayer will come true. 

The shrine is located by the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, at the Ratchaprasong intersection of Ratchadamri Road in Pathum Wan district. It is near the Bangkok Skytrain's Chitlom Station.
The area has many shopping malls nearby, including Gaysorn, Central World and Amarin Plaza.

How to get there: You can take the BTS to Chit Lom Station and follow the sign " Erawan Bangkok" or "Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok"

Erawan Shrine opening hours: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m

How to pray at Erawan Shrine :
1. Buy a set of incense, candle and flower
A lot of stall outside the shrine but maybe it's cheaper inside the shrine. It's 25 Bath for the small set. 




2. Start to pray 
Normally we pray clockwise starting from the front, which is the side that's facing to the entrance. 
Every side of the Buddha represents different elements :
Front view: Business and Wealth
Left hand side: Wisdom
Back view: Health
Right hand side: Relationship and interpersonal
Light the candle, pray with the incense and then put the flower at the fence in every side of Budha

3. If you want to donate more for your wish, there are also a dancer in this shrine that will dance and sing while you pray. You need to buy a ticket for 2/4/6/8 dancer, and wait for your turn to pray. 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Where to stay in Bangkok

If you looking for a good price hotel with a shopping heaven right in front of your hotel, uncountable food stall and restaurant, many convenience store and a shopping mall

Here are your answer : Baiyoke Boutique Hotel 


 


I found this 3-star hotel at Agoda and when I already stay there, I found that it is really a good deal. This old hotel maybe old. but it's clean. Their staff speak good English. And the location : SUPER!

You will not get any trouble finding this hotel because it's right behind Baiyoke Sky Hote/ Baiyoke Sky Tower II , the tallest building in Thailand who also have a 360-degree revolving roof deck on the 84th floor and fine dining restaurant.

The airport-rail link to Suvarnabhumi International Airport is accessible via the Rajprarop station, which sit about 150 meters away and can be reached by the hotel’s shuttle bus. The shuttle also transports guests to the Chatuchak Weekend Market and to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

The hotel is convenient for those looking to explore the largest fashion square in downtown Bangkok Pratunam Market, as well as the shopping and entertainment centers of Central World, Gaysorn Plaza, and the Peninsula. 


Pratunam Market in front of the Hotel
Pratunam Market is already open at around 5 a.m. Oh my...can't open my eyes, but I have to see it. And when I go out at 6 a.m. it's already full of people. Most of them sell with wholesale system.

Near this hotel I also found a quite unique and very creative market at Paladium DIY market in front of Paladium Mall. It's open at around 6 p.m. For you who love the art and DIY things, it's a MUST! It's crowded and full of people until almost midnight. 
Put name and accessories for your passport cover, notebook, key chain,etc   
Handmade key chain with your name

Enjoy your stay in Bangkok, and Happy shopping!! Cuteness overload!