"You sure or not? One week? Got things to do meh."
"Aiyo, no need go so long lah.. Nothing one."

That was what I initially thought when we settled on a one week trip to Khao Yai last December (I know it's been half a year since then but still... it's a nice place)

Most of you might not know but I've been writing articles for Goody25.com. For the Chinese version of this post, click here. I guess that's one of the ways to continue practicing my written Chinese after high school.

Khao Yai is part of a national park in Nakhon Ratchasima (a.k.a. Khorat), located approximately 3 hours away from Bangkok. December is probably the best time to travel there as the weather is cooler.
It is possible to travel there on a tight budget as things are not too expensive over there.



Day 1: K.O.-ed



We had some issues with the trip from Don Mueng Airport in Thailand to our resort in Khao Yai. Clearing customs took a little more than an hour, and we were all starving by the time we got on the van so we made a lunch stop which delayed our trip to Saraburi Sunflower field and it was cancelled in the end.

The two van drivers are from Bangkok so they were not quite familiar with the area so we also spent a good deal of time getting lost but thankfully we managed to find the resort around 8pm.

At least they had A&W.. and sunsets there are magnificent (#nofilter).



Day 2: Chocolate Factory, Lookkai Restaurant, Primo Piazza
What a blunder! Turns out that the Chocolate Factory wasn't actually a legit factory producing different kinds of chocolate, like this one here.
It was actually a chocolate-themed restaurant WITH a mini workstation. Not complaining though, the chocolate is good.



Model of the day going for that Korean look but had to hurry in cause it was scorching hot outside.



We got some chocolates (there were so many to choose from!). Flavours include Earl Grey, Pistachio, and Passionfruit.




We also visited some other stores and cafes nearby.
Only watched an episode of MLP so far but still.. they are a sensation (hah).



I'm guessing that this is a second-hand store. Too much going on though. You could practically find everything from action figures, to clothes and bags, to pots and pans.

Sawadee ka is a traditional Thai greeting.

This is going to be another photo post. :D

These are from my trip to Bangkok a few weeks ago. Most people go to Bangkok for shopping but also, there are still those must-visit tourist attractions like temples and the palace.

Somewhere in the outskirts of Bangkok...



lies the traditional Damnoensaduak Floating Market..





I may have posted some on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. The crocodile above is an example. The quality may not be too good as I took it from my Instagram photoroll.







Random shots everywhere. :P but being spontaneous is good sometimes, especially in taking photos. You get to see things from a different perspective.









The Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho is considered to be the the largest one in the world.





The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a place full of tourists and I have to say, the architecture is pretty impressive. Coated in gold, the structures there have a royal look to them. The place is huge!







I'm just so frickin random. D: snapping photos pretty much everywhere







Left to right: Me, Ryan and Joey. And Wat Arun for the background.





Climbing up Wat Arun is hard work as the stairs are quite steep.
Same goes with success. In order to achieve success, hard work is required. You may only have the ability to reach the half-point at this time but after trying countless times, you'll surely be able to reach the top, someday. That someday will come sooner or later, depending on how hard you try.

Guess that's all for now. :)
My trip to Bangkok was fully utilised and of course I would love to visit it again. Maybe next year?

Spent Day 2 in Bangkok shopping!



I've never been to Bangkok before but my aunt lives there so transportation's not a huge problem as she has a chauffeur. Unfortunately, those who have been to Bangkok is pretty aware that the traffic jam in the streets of Bangkok is freaky. It could take you an hour to get to a place which is only a few kilometers away.



The Platinum Fashion Mall is a highly recommended shopping place in Bangkok as there are 6 floors and 2,350 shops to choose from, and there's also an extended 4 floors next to it! Awesome news, huh?



It's more of a wholesale centre. Shoes, bags, clothes, accessories... Some items are cheap but some are not quite so. Be rational when you spend your bahts (Thai currency). Do not just spend without looking at the price. Some stuff are just a little overpriced for my taste.



Eat before you shop. It'll save some time and leaves more time for your shopping. There's a food court on the 6th floor.



For first timers, you'll have to go to the counter and get a card that looks like the one above. Insert some credit into it and you'll be able to swipe it to buy food. It works like a debit card and you can cash the remaining credit after finishing your food.

While waiting for lunch..



Okay. Enough narcissistic time.



Off to shop! Men's apparels are only on one floor, if I'm not mistaken. But still, there are lots of choices to go for.



Since it's a wholesale center, you get to buy some items at wholesale prices. For example, you see a bracelet that you like but it's selling at 100bahts. You may get a few similar bracelets at 75bahts each. People seldom bargain much here, unless you're buying something quite expensive or if you're buying a lot.



Also, remember to check your purchases before you leave and make sure that it's not damaged.



There's also this stall which sells those denim bags and stuff. Oh gosh, I love the designs. And the bags are not too expensive either. It's located somewhere in the 4-storey extension.. forgotten which floor though.



Some of the bags are quite.. cute. Microwave bags, radio bags, TV bags.. I even came across a bag that also acts as a speaker that could be connected to your iPhone/iPod/. Oh gosh.

And also, there are no fitting rooms there. Some vendors allow you to put them on while others don't. Some also allow you to try them on in the washroom after you paid them. If you're not satisfied with it, you can exchange it for another item.

There are also street vendors outside the place. No, along the stretch of road. Some items are cheap and adorable. You can buy them if you feel that the price is affordable.



We didn't buy much. Just these:





And only these are mine. Sad case.



We bought quite a lot of jewelleries though. More than 1000bahts spent on jewellery. Damnnn.



Got myself a new purse. LOVE IT.



And also a new bag. (actually two)

Well, quite satisfied with this shopping trip. For a first timer, it's considered quite good. Will definitely head back next time for more shopping, and armed with cash. :D