J Babies' Dad: Floating Market

First time we planned for a double family trip, Kuan & Lee. 6 adults and 2 children, flying SQ (first time for quite a few of us) to the land of smiles, Thailand Bangkok.

Too bad it was a last minute decision and we can only squeeze in 3D2N itinerary. But to be thankful, we did have a good time enjoying so form of family bonding over meals, shopping and massages. Since we are quite a big group, it made sense for us to book an apartment rather than staying in a hotel. With some recommendations from friends, we got a 3-room penthouse apartment which totally exceeded my expectations. The place was huge and clean.

Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok

The rooms were very nice too, I think we were so impressed that it was almost tempting enough to stay indoor and not go out for the shopping and massages.

This is the master bedroom which everyone was kind enough to give it to Kless and me with Jayne.

The other two bedrooms where the rest of the family rested.

While we were unpacking, the girls took the chance to enjoy a bit of sun and time on their iPad and Galaxy Tab. Both items are a must to bring for holiday, the sure way to keep any child entertained when we need some peace and rest.

Oh, did I forget to mention that there is also a small balcony outside our room? For those romantic couples, maybe a drink under the starry night is your cup of tea.

Living on the highest level in this apartment also means that our access to the infinity pool is just a few steps away (same level).

But sad to say, even though we have such a nice living room in the apartment, we have close proximity to the pool, we did not spend much time on either. Basically, it was rushing from dinner place to night market, then head back for the night. The next day, an early morning trip to the Railway Market and Floating Market, then to Platinum Mall, to another night market and sleep. Last day was a trip to Chatuchak and it’s time to go home.

Did we enjoy ourselves? Yes! The best trips are not about the amount of time but the things we do that bond people during the trip.

Here are some of the family activities I would recommend if you are traveling with 2 young kids, 2 older mothers and 1 young dating couple.

Dinner at Audrey Cafe

This restaurant is slightly out of the usual district where you have Platinum Mall, Pratunam Streets, or the night markets. We took about 60mins on cab to reach the place but that is during peak hour traffic. Another thing I have to mention about the traffic in Bangkok, it was far worst than one year back in 2013. The traffic jam was horrendous, almost every place we went to on cab took us more than an hour or so. Which eventually prompted us to take the BTS (aka MRT) on the last day to Chatuchak, which only costs us THB42 per pax and the journey was only 20mins.

Well, back to Audrey Cafe … the restaurant serves a fusion of American, Asian, French & Italian food. For the amount of time spent to reach this restaurant, I have to say we were not too disappointed. The food were up to the standards of the 2 mothers, enough said.

For dessert, I will recommend the Thai Tea Crepe Cake (left) and the Double Choc Fudge Cake (right).

It was one of those meals where something seems to be missing, but still I can only thank God for the opportunity to see my family together for a meal like this. I promised myself that this will not end for sure.

Railway Market

Welcome to the amazing railway market. This was a hit for the 2 mothers, not so much for the marketing, but for the excitement of seeing the train up close and personal. Maybe it will remind them of the times when they were little and how they used to play around the train tracks.

Look at the crowd that gathered in front of the market waiting for the train to arrive. It’s as if they are waiting for some VIP to arrive, with the nearing of the train, the people spilt towards each side to just have a glimpse of the train and probably say hi to the passengers aboard.

“What are you guys looking at?”

For the kids, they can have a taste of sitting on a real train and not the MRT. There is just something different about trains. Everybody loves it.

A group photo before we leave for the next destination.

Floating Market

How many families get to sit on a sampan together in city life? This was truly a rare chance for us to treasure.

I especially like such activities, as it’s a great chance to enjoy the simplicity of nature.

Nigel with Hua Hsuan.

Mummy and Mother.

Jayne is such a darling, always with the most natural and beautiful poses.

The beauty of the floating market is not just the river cruise, but also the portion where we get to walk around the market place where the locals were piling their trades.

Our mothers were so happy to see all the fruits, we bought about 5kg of various fruits. No joke. We basically had lots of fruits for the next 2 days, morning, afternoon and night. Quite sure our vitamin C was filled to the max.

Not only were the adults excited, but the kids were equally excited to find the highly anticipated coconut ice cream. Definitely the best dessert to eat on a hot day.

One of our family’s favorite activity in Bangkok was massage! Even on a floating market, you can enjoy such a pleasure.

For those who do not know Kless’s mother, now you can see where Kless inherited that cuteness. My MIL is truly a fun and cute traveler to have on this trip.