Bangkok Day Trip 1 - Floating Market, Batik Painting Lessons, Herbal and aroma sticks making, Thai cooking

Bangkok Day Trip 1 - to Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, Batik Painting Lessons, herbal and aroma sticks making, Thai cooking

Bang  Nam Phueng Floating Market (28 kilometers from Bangkok; 40 minutes drive) Bang Kobua, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan, Tel. 02-819 6762

1. This is a weekend floating market with food and desserts from the local area and more than 200 shops and eateries.
2. It is located 40 minutes from Bangkok and is famous among local Thai residents.
3. You can rent bicycles (Baht 100  or US$3.50 per half day)  and hire boats to row along Klong Bang Nam Phueng

4.  Parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis
5.  Batik painting for children is available
6.  Community karaoke at the market ground

Batik Painting Lessons, Herbal and Aroma Sticks making and Thai Cooking offered in a nearby facility from the floating market (10 minutes walk from the floating market)

1.  Above activities are offered by Otop Products Company: Baam Toob-Hom whose facilities are located 10 minutes walk from the end of floating market.

2. Visitors have a choice of any or all of the following activities --- batik painting lessons, herbal sticks making or  Thai cooking. Lessons are personally conducted by the owners and their family.

3. For batik painting lessons, you will pay for the cloth you decide to use. Prices are as follows: batik making lesson - free; square size - Baht 60 per (US$2) ; triangle scarf - Baht 80 (US$2.6) ; t-shirt - Baht 180 (US$6). Once painted, you will wait for your materials to dry under the sun - square and triangle (20 minutes), t-shirs (4 hours).

4.  You can decide to take lunch at the dining facilities within the compound and cook your own food as part of the Thai cooking lesson.  Menu includes sweet and sour pineapple, pork with cashew nuts and Thai pork curry.  Cold drinks including local beers are available.  Meal is inexpensive. Full lunch for 3 persons, including drinks and free soup and dessert costs Baht 310 (approx US$11).

5. You need to reserve ahead so that painting and cooking materials can be prepared. Call owner Khun Toy at 02-8150729 or 081-8013702 who speaks English.

6. There is parking at the entrance of the facility but you still need to walk (3 minutes)  using the boardwalk/bicycle lane to reach the facility.  Author suggests that you park at the floating market and just walk to the facility.  Ask for directions from the stalls at the floating market or the tuk-tuk boys waiting at the far end of the floating market.  They know the facility well.

Dinner on your way home

1. About 7 kilometers from the floating market on your way home to Bangkok, try Rabeang Rimnum seafood restaurant located at 458 Srikuengkum Road, Phapradaeng, Samutprakan 10130; Tel. 0-2463-5642 or 0-2463-2540.
2. Restaurant is  fronting the Chao Phraya River with the good view of the Bhumibol Bridge
3. Street parking is available.
4. Do your reservations early.
5. From the restaurant, you will pass by the main street of the  Samut Prakan market on your way out to the expressway.

 

Airport Transfers in ASEAN countries

Dear Friends,

This posting will give you practical tips to assist you manage your travel, particularly on your travel from an airport upon arrival and upon your return,  in any of the ASEAN countries.  The post will be updated from time to time.  best - Manuel

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 

Bandar Seri Begawan

1. Airport is approximately 10 minutes from the center of the capital
2. There are regular taxi (metered) services to and from the airport.
3. There are also regular public bus services which goes to the capital.

CAMBODIA 

Phnom Penh's  Pochentong International Airport

1. Metered taxi are available outside the arrival area.  Taxi to town is approximately US$9.00.
2. Visa upon arrival available at US$25 just before the immigration counters
3. Left luggage facilities available is going to other places (UD$0.50 per hour if more than 6 hours)
4. International airport tax - US$25 upon departure (applies to everyone).
5. Amata Massage and Treatment at departure area (seated massage and foot massage available).
6. Good selection of shops at departure hall
7. Free WiFi at departure area but no electrical outlets
8. Food and drinks at airport (FCC Bar, Deli Paris, the Blue Pumpkin, Taste of Asia
9. Nearest hotel from the airport
1. CCC Hotel (1.8 km)
2. 9 Dragon Hotel and Restaurant (2.5km)
3. Hi Land Hotel (4.4 km) 
10. Shopping tips:  Russian Market; central market 

Siem Reap International Airport

1. Busiest airport in Cambodia in terms of passenger traffic
2. airport's new terminal was inaugurated in 2006
3. All taxi (no meter taxi available) to town at US$5.00; airport pick-up by hotel is US$10; tuk-tuk one way is $5
4. travel takes 20-30 minutes to town from airport
5. Nice little airport with reasonable prices at shops
6. Visa on arrival at US$25 (you need a passport-sized photo otherwise additional US$2.00)
7. Shopping tip: Pub Street at Night Market; old market

INDONESIA - Jakarta International Airport (Soekarno-Hatta) Indonesia

1. Visa upon arrival - available before the immigration area. Visa fee of approximately US20 is applicable.

2. Taxi Service from the airport - It is highly  recommended that you take the Blue BirdTaxi (metered) as they are accredited and controlled by the Government. The company has good reputation of good and honest service. Ask for the location of their taxi stand just outside the terminal building.  Don't be deceived:  another taxi company named Silver Bird is widely available to passengers.  This company, though offering more luxurious cars/limo and uniformed drivers, charges higher fees though metered. Alternate good taxi recommended  is "Express" in white color.

Note: There are many Taxi Stands for each taxi company immediately outside the arrival area. Be selective and wise in choosing your taxi.  Make sure you choose a metered taxi and pay only the amount reflected in the meter when arriving at the your destination.  However, if there is known  traffic (e.g. during rush hours), you might be better agreeing to a negotiated flat fee so the driver can take you to your destination using a different route and avoiding the traffic.  Avoid dealing with colorum operators for your own protection.

3. Toll fees from the airport to the downtown area are at driver's cost. Passengers should not pay these.

4. Taxi rate (metered) to downtown:
               Airprot to Sari Pan Pacific Hotel - approximately $12-$15 depending on the traffic. 

5. Departure fee paid at the airline counter at the airport during check-in: US$15

6. Shopping tips: Tamrin City; Sarinah Department Store; Plaza Indonesia

LAO PDR - Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)

1. Visa upon arrival - $20-$30 ($30 for Philippine passport holders)
2. Arrival: strict monitoring of exist stamp at passport from country of origin
3 Taxi from airport to town: approximately US$7; metered taxi available
4. Airport to town: approximately 15 minutes travel
5. As airport is small, there are long lines at departure airline counters and immigration
6. Shopping tips: go to Morning Market (9am to 5pm daily)



MALAYSIA - KLIA

1. Arrival Form for passengers  (local and foreign) - not required

2. Taxi upon Arrival - just after the customs area (as you move out to the public area), there are taxi counters/ stands where you can contract metered or not metered taxi to town.  Line up to take a ticket for a non-metered small (bantam) taxi which will cost you 75 Malaysian Ringgit (RM) or approximately US$ 25 excluding tip.  Non-metered taxi is advisable if you are anticipating traffic to town or if you are not familiar with directions to your hotel or destination.  Bigger taxi/limousine cars are available for added cost. Once given your ticket, proceed to Gate 3, give your ticket to the dispatcher and will be guided to your taxi.  Note that there may be some lines for taxi during peak hours.

3.  Return Taxi to Airport  - My experience of cost for a metered taxi from downtown to the KLIA was RM 85  or approximately US$28 (inclusive of luggage fee and toll but exclusive of tip).  Most hotels offer non-metered taxi service. Ask the hotel concierge for their rates and make sure you book ahead as services to the airport may be limited during peak season.

4.  Special taxi rate  -  If you are taking the taxi to the airport between 12 midnight to 6AM, metered taxi will charge you 50% additional fare.  Hotels offer flat rate of RM150 or approximately US$50 one way inclusive of tolls, luggage fees).

5.  Airport Rail System from the Airport and back - service is available from the airport terminal itself. Travel to city take only 25 minutes as there is not traffic and train stops are minimal.  Inquire on rates from the ticketing counter.

6.  Airport ride to town or back will take you at least approximately 45 minutes depending on the traffic situation.  Make sure you give yourself enough time on the day that you depart for the airport. At least three (3) hours before travel time is suggested.  

  
MYANMAR

Nay Pyi Taw City

1. Naypyidaw International Airport is located 16 kilometers from the capital; travel time is 30 minutes
2. No metered taxi available.  Taxi charge flat rate of US$30 one way.
3. Airport is very new having opened only in December 2011; arrival and departure facilities are nice
4. Bangkok Airways passengers enjoy use of lounge with free food and drinks at departure area

Mandalay  (MDL)
1. Mandalay International Airport is located 35 kilometers froom the city. Allow at least one hour of travel time through the expressway.
2. Airport is one of only three international airports in Myanmar. It is the largest and most modern airport in Myanmar
3. Airport taxi counters are located outside of the baggage claim area. One way taxi fares from the airport are fixed: $4 for shared taxi; $12 for private taxi; $15 for private taxi with AC

Yangon 
1. Yangon International Airport is located in Mingaladon, at 15 kilometers of downtown.  It is the third largest airport in Myanmar after Mandalay.
2. Allow at least one-hour travel time to and from the downtown area because of heavy traffic.
3. No airport or terminal fee
4. Shops selling lots of gems and souvenir at the departure area after immigration
5. Check-in counters of airlines tend to be very crowded. Internet check in lane is available.



PHILIPPINES - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

1. There are three international terminals at NAIA (1) Terminal 1 for all international flights except Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacificl (2) Terminal 2 for all flights of Philippine Airlines; and (3) Terminal 3 for all flights of Cebu Pacific and other airlines.  Each terminal is distant from each other but there is a free shuttle bus service between them.

2. Metered Taxi service is available just outside each of the Terminals.  Cost of taxi from airport to Makati City is approximately Php 200 (US$5.00), to Greenhills, San Juan Php 400 (US$10). Make sure you take the accredited taxi line from the taxi stand.  Dispatcher is expected to ask you for your destination and will give you a paper indicating the plate number of the taxi you will be taking.

3. Terminal fee - Php 550 or US$ 13 paid just before the immigration counter. Payments are receipted.

4.  Grab and Uber transport - There is a Grab counter in each of the three terminals located just outside the Arrival Area.  Uber vehicles may be accessed through the internet. Make sure you indicate your exact location at the airport for pick-up.  Rates for Grab and Uber vary depending on destination and time of travel.

On your departure

4. . Know which terminal you are going. There are three terminals in Manila which are NOT connected and linked together. You need to take a taxi or airport shuttle to move from one terminal to the other.

• Terminal 1 is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which caters to all airlines except Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.  This Terminal is undergoing renovation. Expect delays at the airline check-in counters and at the immigration area. Be at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Ask your hotel concierge as to your needed travel time to the airport.
• Terminal 2 is used exclusively for flights run by the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.
• Terminal 3 is the newest and the biggest of the three terminals but remains to service only a few international airlines which changes from time to time. 

5. Travel Tax -  Filipino travelers are expected to pay their travel tax (Php 1650)  at the designated counters before checking in at the airline counters.

6. Airport Terminal Fee - Except for Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) every traveler should pay Php 500 (or approx US$12) as airport terminal fee.  Collecting counters are located before the immigration area.

7. Shopping tips:  Mall of Asia (at Roxas Boulevard, Manila); Shoe Mart Department Store (Makati City); Greenhills Pearl Center (Ortigas Avenue in Mandaluyong City)


SINGAPORE - Chiangi International Airport

1. Shuttle service vans to the city are available from the transpo counter in the arrival area.  Cost of shuttle service (van) is only US$7 per passenger.  Make sure you tell the counter staff that you want the shuttle van otherwise they will offer you a limousine car which will cost more.

2.  Return travel to airport. Three ways: (1) you can ask your hotel to book you for a shuttle service van to the airport. Cost is approximately US$7 per passenger;  (2) by regular metered taxi which will cost approximately US$15; or (3) regular bus which will take you approximately 1.5 hours to the airport (regular travel time by taxi or shuttle is only 40 minutes).

3. By train - To get to the city by train, passengers need to transfer to the west bound train at Tanah Merah train station.  The last train service leaving the airport to the city is at 11:18 pm.   Trains to the airport from the city starts at 5:26am on Monday to Saturday and 5:45am on Sunday and public holidays.

THAILAND 

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi International Airport

1. Airport is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Bangkok.

2. Airport Limousine - can be arrange from a special counter beside the Baggage Claims and Arrival Halls exists (Channel A, B and C).  Airport limousine is available 24 hours with various kinds of cars from bantam to vans including luxury cars. For a regular sedan car (Toyota Camry or Nissan Teana), rate from the airport to Bangkok is about Baht 1,700 to 1,900 (US$ 53 - 60). Travels to Pattaya and other cities in Thailand can also be arranged.  Use of limousine service is safe and monitored with GPS for the security of passengers. Information at Tel. +66 2 134 2323 5. Advance booking via internet available.

3. Taxi Service - Proceed to 1st Floor  (outside Gates 4 or 7) of the Terminal Building to get a metered taxi to town or elsewhere.  This is a 24 hour service and is provided under the new automated system.   Line up to the taxi counter towards the digital ATM-like  machines. In any of the machines (usually an airport staff is assigned beside the machine to assist passengers) , press the screen and it will give you a taxi form which indicates the lane number of your taxi. The taxi form would also contain the plate number of the taxi and name of the driver. In getting your taxi, make sure you are in the right lane and getting into the right taxi. Telephone numbers are indicated in the taxi form  in case you need to file a complaint or provide the airport management of your comments.  Note - you can show but don't give your taxi form to the driver. Some drivers ask for this taxi form  to avoid being reported for their misbehavior or infraction of rules.
         Cost of taxi - Approximately Baht 200 - 250  (US$6.50 - 8.00) to downtown Bangkok depending on the  traffic conditions and your final destination.  Upon paying the driver, you should add the standard  surcharge of Baht 60 (US$2.00) over the actual meter reading.   In addition, passenger is expected to pay the actual cost of each toll with is approximately  Baht 50 (US$1.50).

4. Shopping tips:  MBK, Center World, Siam Paragon, Chatuchak Week-end flea market, Union Mall,  Bobbae Wholesale Shopping Complex, Platinum Mall (at Pratunam), Old Siam (good place for buying textile)

Chiang Mai
1. Chiang Mai International Airport is adjacent to the Domestic Airport. Airport is a major gateway to Northern Thailand hosting over 2 million tourists each year

2. Aiport is approximately 10-15 minutes by taxi to the city center. Taxi meters are available. Private taxi are available from the airport and at major hotels.  Cost for one way is Baht 90-100 ($2.50) per person. Hotel taxi airport for two is Baht 200 ($5.50) excluding tip for the driver.

3. At the domestic airport, departure area has lots of shops and restaurants, including Burger King, Mc Donalds, Dairy Queen, etc.  Airline service and information counters are also available.

4. Departure lounge or waiting area is small but clean. Toilets are clean.

VIETNAM

Da Nang Airport

Hanoi
1. Non-metered taxi/limousine  from the airport can be arranged through the Tourism Counters inside the arrival area of the terminal.  Cost of one-way travel from airport to city is Dong 19 (approximately US$16).  Note - Tourism Counters offer special rates for roundtrip bookings.

Ho Chi Minh Airport