3 Local Night Markets in Bangkok (other than Chatuchak!)

  Recently I came across an article on places to visit in Bangkok. To my surprise, there are many local (read: less touristy) markets in Bangkok that I have yet to visit.

  No more planning my trip to fit in the weekend market at Chatuchak, next trip I'm going to try these markets in Bangkok!

1.  Talad Rod Fai (Night Train Market)

Picture sourced from here

  A big ship-like sign marks the entrance to the Night Train Market with narrow walkways, an outdoor market, warehouses, shops, bars and restaurants. Besides the usual night market fare of T-shirts and toys, the Night Train Market has shops selling retro memorabilia and European antiques. 

  Why "Night Train Market"? Despite having shifted locations from it's original location to the suburbs, this flea market maintains it's original design and set up with the consistent theme of a night train with the vibe of a true, Thai market.

  The market operates from 5pm to 12am and is accessible via buses 133, 537 or 182 alighting at Seacon Square, or a short taxi ride from the city centre (Udom Suk BTS station) for 60-70 baht.

2.  Liab Duan Night Market

(picture sourced from here)

  The Liab Duan Night Market seems to be the newest addition to the night market scene in Bangkok. While seemingly very inaccessible, this probably also means that the market is less of a tourist trap with it's main clientèle being the locals. Spanning a large open space, the market is divided into 3 zones - food, second-hand items and apparel.

  Being the newest kid on the block, the Liab Duan Night Market is said to offer a wider range of delicacies, on top of having a row of bars and pubs which provide live music.

  Please note, however, that this is a weekend market (so don't try to find your way there on a weekday!).

3.  Huai Khwang Night Market

(picture sourced from here)

  At the Huai Khwang market are cheap apparel and shoes for women and is said to be Thailand's version of the Ladies' Night Market in Hong Kong, targeting the middle-income locals. Street food is said to be one of the main attraction of this market, with girls from the red light district as their patrons after 'working hours'.

  To reach the market, you'll have to take the MRT to Huai Khwang station (exit 3). This market only opens at 10.30pm.

  With all the cheap shopping available at night, it's a wonder people travelling to Bangkok get to sleep at all. Then again, maybe they sleep in the day.

  Which markets have you been which are worth a visit for the long weekend?

On Fatalities & Injuries

5 Things To Do in Johor Bahru (JB)

'Ohmygod! So cheap!!'

Since the exchange rate makes things in JB seem so much more affordable, we frequently travel in for the day, or even late at night for supper or just to service the bike. Below are some things we usually do while we're there! =)

On Dirt Biking at Tristan Park

I can't really recall what was it I expected, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't soft sand, muddy pools, slush, rocky grounds and potholes, all of which played a part in upping my heart rate and swear rate (defined as the number of times/minute you say 'F***' in your mind...or otherwise).

Looking for Quarters @ Clarke Quay, Singapore?

So, I'm envious much about this new venture my old classmate has started.

It's slightly annoying how we all started at the same place (school) and I'm still kind of finding my way while he has a whole place set up from scratch and will soon be building a life together with his fiancée but I claim glory by association.

4 Places to Visit in Berastagi

We took a minibus from the Pinang Baris bus terminal (read about that experience here) for 25,000 Rp each and arrived at the picturesque town of Berastagi, up in the Karo highlands, 70km from Medan.

There are few activities in the town of Berastagi that would cost a lot if you do not go through a tour agency.

Medan - Grand Stay at Hotel Aryaduta

This is what we found on Agoda based on 879 reviews (I'm assuming later customers were not deterred by reviews from the earlier customers).

We were pleasantly surprised when, upon arrival, the receptionist (who spoke great English, by the way) offered us a free upgrade to a pool terrace room, which would normally cost double what we paid for!

Berastagi - of Riding with Torches and Gunung Sibayak

Tip #1: Never Trust the Tourist Office

Between being quoted 500,000 Rp for a Gunung Sibayak trekking guide/transport, 700,000 Rp to leave at 4am to make it for the sunrise and finally showing us a documented exact same itinerary with a 300,000 Rp quotation, we decided we would manage on our own, thank you very much.

Thus began our adventures..(no regrets).

Medan - Unimpressed with Hermes Palace Hotel

• First Impressions - Having a certain amount of expectations from the name of the hotel, we were disappointed that the lobby of the Hermes Palace Hotel was dim and small. Also, while we had requested for early check-in, indicating our time of arrival at the hotel of 10 am, we were informed that the rooms have not been cleaned and check-in was only at 1 pm. While I would think that they would then offer us the first room available given we had arrived, we truly only managed to check-in at 1 pm.

Berastagi - of Public Buses and the Town

Medan - of Minibuses to Berastagi

Without a motorcycle, we opted for a minibus from the Pinang Baris bus terminal.

Tip #1: Always Know How Much You Should Be Paying

The local rate for a minibus ride from Medan to Berastagi is 10,000 Rp (Source: Wikitravel) for a local person and 25,000 Rp for a foreigner.

Tip #2: Write Down The Price Before Agreeing to Pay

While a youngster told me 'twenty five!', it was written on his palm '250,000'. Stick to your guns on the price you are willing to pay and if he does not agree, walk out.

Medan - of Optimistic Itineraries

It all started from $67 plane tickets...

..and involved repeating in half a day a conversation that sounded like:

"No no, I'm not going to Bali. I'm going to Medan."
"No, not going back to my home town, I'm going for holiday."
"Do what? Erm...trekking up a volcano, visit a hot spring, visit Orang Utans?"

And I'm somewhat unsure if people think I'm Indonesian but just not from Medan.

Anyway the plan was simple and efficient: