I always love finding unique boutique hotel and my recent discovery was The Great Madras Hotel. Located in the familiar Bugis-Little India precinct, this quaint hotel is located 15 minuted from the famous Orchard Road. Quite convenient, eh? Read more to see my complete review of this boutique hotel in Singapore.






The Great Madras Hotel Singapore is conveniently located behind the new Rochor Downtown Line MRT. With Wes Anderson vibes the moment you stepped in, there's no reason to not fall in love with the facade design. The lobby is decorated with floral wallpaper and an open air dining area. In the middle of the building is the elevator and a little barber shop. Upon walking to the back area, you can find a washing machine / dryer also a quiet reading nook.






The check in was a breeze and I immediately ushered to our room in the second floor. The superior room can be occupied by two person and is equipped with an ensuite bathroom and sink. There was a little sofa in the corner of the room and a window facing the pool. Room was moderately lit and the vintage wallpaper stole my heart.





The hotel is equipped with a swimming pool. It was not crowded the moment we stepped in, so we were happily swam around. The hotel also provides breakfast in the morning or you can also have a various breakfast in the area. 




With moderate price in low season, this Singapore boutique hotel can be an alternative the next time you visited Singapore. Which part of the hotel is your favourite?


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Hi guys! How is your weekend so far? I'm back with another blog post about Bangkok! Something that I have had in mind for a while but really haven't got a time to do so! I'll be heading to Bangkok again next month, so make sure you check back this space for an update!

What to do in Bangkok

Wat Arun and Wat Pho
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok
Two of most well known temples in Bangkok, these two places are a must visit for cultural excursion. Wat Pho is known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and is located at the south of the Grand Palace. It is one of the largest temple complex in the city. On the other hand, Wat Arun known as the Temple of Dawn is located across the river. You can take a boat that stops at pier 8 Sappan Takshin Boat Pier. The entry is 100 baht and is open from 08.30 to 17.30 daily.




The Grand palace 
1 Na Phra Lan Rd
The Grand Palace was built in 1782, and has been a home to Thai King, Royal Court and Government for 150 years. The grand palace consist of a complex of different buildings. You can also find one of the most important temple in Bangkok, the Temple of Emerald Buddha. Ticket costs 500 baht. Remember to dress properly and wear enclosed shoes.



Asiatique The Riverfront
2194 Charoen Krung Rd
Asiatique is a fun complex of Bangkok Riverside shopping, night market, and playground. Located facing the Chao Praya River, it is one of the must visited spot spot for friends and family. We visited the Asiatique when we stayed at the Riverfront area, just a stone throw away (10 min walking distance) from Chatrium Riverside. We were fascinated by the ferris wheel, a great way to see Bangkok from above. Ticket costs 400 baht. There are a lot of food and snacks as well. Opens from 17.00 - midnight. Easiest way to get there is by Grab/ Taxi/ BTS to Saphan Taksin Station then take Shuttle Boat from Sathorn Pier.





The Commons

335 (Thonglor 17), 55 Sukhumvit Rd. Nearest BTS Thong Lo
This open air concept mall draws a lot of people since it is opened. The sort of picnic in an eco friendly building is a one of a kind theme in this busy city. Find various local boutiques, florist, coffee shops, and restaurant. Our favourite is Roast located on top of the building (see the food guide)




Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre
Nearest BTS National Stadium
A modern and contemporary place for exhibition, the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre showcases different artists on rotational exhibition. Located just across the famous MBK and nearby National Stadium, it is a must visit for the art goers. There are also numerous art shops and cafes inside.

Where to Shop in Bangkok

Platinum Fashion Mall Pratunam area
222 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon. Nearest BTS Chit Lom



Chatuchak Weekend Market
Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak. Nearest BTS Mo Chit
Friday (6 pm to 12 am) Saturday and Sunday (6 am to 6 pm)

Chang Chui Plane Night Market
Sirindhorn Road.
An upbeat scene of art, music, and shopping, Chang Chui Market is a hipster market wirth visiting. Opens 16.00 - 23.00 Tuesday to Sunday.
Rod Fai Train Night Market Srinakarin
Soi 51 Srinakarin Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet, 10250. Behind Seacon Square.
Opens 17.00- 00.00

Talad Neon Night Market
Petchaburi Road Pratunam. Opens wed - sun starting from 4pm until midnight
Famous for its instagrammable food, Salad Neon is a mix of food, shopping and fun fair. Think of the Ramadan Bazaar in Singapore. Located downtown, this market is arguably one of the most famous in social media at the moment.

Pak Khlong Talat Floral Market
116 Chakkraphet Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, 10200
This is the famous flower market in Bangkok. Find glorious orchids, marigold, and all sorts of flowers.

Lhong 1919
248 Chiang Mai Road, Bangkok Riverside. Nearest BTS Saphan Taksin
An old warehouse and chinese mansion turned into a shopping complex, Lhong 1919 is a one of a kind experience in Bangkok. Find Local brands from homewares,  candles (like Karma Kamet) and other apparel brands.

Malls:
Aside from traditional market and food stalls, Bangkok is also filled with malls especially in the Central area. You can find various brands from mid-range to high end labels. Don't forget to visit their famous department store, Central. 



Siam Square
Nearest BTS Siam
The Central Embassy
Nearest BTS Phloen Chit

Em Quartier

Nearest BTS Phrom Phong

Bangkok Food Guide

Bangkok Street Food

Palladium Night Market
One of the oldest night market in Bangkok, located at the Pratunam area, Palladium Night Market serves everything from clothes, trinkets, to food, and snacks.



Khaosan Road
Famous among backpackers, Khaosan Road is fully alive at night. With rows of food, bars, and massage parlours, Khaosan is definitely of the liveliest spots in the city. If you fancy some out of ordinary picks (like fried insects) you can find them here.




Chinatown / Yaowarat
Hua Seng Hong Restaurant
Went here as i passed by their stall and saw the row of dim sum. We had no expectation, but their dim sum turns out to be amazing! We ordered the lava dimsum, siew mai, har gau, also duck rice and noodle. The duck was tender and rich and the noodle has a very nice springy texture with balanced seasoning. The place is full air conditioned, a nice place in the midst of busy hot Chinatown.



Lek and Rut Seafood
It is a nice place for an affordable seafood dining. We went here for dinner and ordered fresh oysters, grill prawns, and garlic seared morning glory. Oysters are succulent and delicious, so as their prawns. Like the other traditional food stalls in Chinatown area, it is located at a road junction and the seats are outdoor. Service was fuss free and food was served immediately.




Street Food in Thong Lor
Thonglor Area, across Akyra Thonglor hotel.
Honestly, we found this while walking outside of our hotel, finding a place for late lunch. Apparently, this hidden gem noodle stall is just across! Love how cheap it is and it has quite a big portion! (can choose small or big)





Pad Thai Thipsamai
313-315 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10200
This restaurant is a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot, serving the iconic Thai dish, Pad Thai. Expect to queue especially during dinner hour.


Ran Jay Fai Com Chien
327 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200
This restaurant is a local and tourist favourite. The 1 Michelin Star spot serves crab curry, crab omelette and congee with affordable price.

Pe Aor Tom Yum
68/51 Soi Phetchaburi 5, Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, 10400
First of all, the place is not the easiest to find. We stopped at the main road, then walked into the narrow lane of houses and all. Fortunately this is one of the best Tom Yum we have ever tasted! A balance mix of sweet, sour, and salty makes this heartwarming dish a number one on our list.

Bangkok Restaurant

Soul Food Mahanakorn (Thai)
56 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thong Lor
This restaurant receives Michelin Bib Gourmand 2018. Offering no fuss Thai cuisine in good value, it is a truly homey restaurant where you want to have a good dining experience and chill night. The restaurant also has a mini bar if you want to sip a glass of cocktail or two after dining.


Nobu (Japanese)
414 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thong Lor
Thong Lor is blessed with many Japanese restaurants and they are all packed. Seems like a lot of Japanese stay in this area. Nevertheless, Nobu is our favourite. This mid price restaurant offers fresh sashimi, as well as simple yet delectable sushi.

Bangkok Coffee Shop

Hands and Heart
33, Sukhumvit 38 Alley


Toby's
75, Sukhumvit 38 Alley

Roast
The Commons. 335 (Thonglor 17), 55 Sukhumvit Rd. Nearest BTS Thong Lo





Rocket Coffeebar
147 Soi Sueksa Witthaya 2, Silom. Nearest BTS Chong Nonsi

Casa Lapin X26
51, Sukhumvit 26 Alley. Nearest BTS Phrom Phong



Shuga Dessert Bar
27 The Residence at 61 Building, Shukumvut 61 Alley, 10110. Nearest BTS Ekkamai

Forrest Bake
224/3 Soi Ma Seuk Sukhumvit 22




Ampersand Gelato
Central World 7th floor. Nearest BTS Chit Lom.

Bangkok Best Bar

Vesper
0/15 Convent Rd, Khwaeng Silom

Evil Man Blues
72, 55 Sukhumvit Alley. Nearest BTS Thong Lo




The Iron Fairies
394, 55 Sukhumvit Alley. Nearest BTS Thong Lo

Seen Space
Thong Lor soi 13
A curated space of several bar and restaurants. Order the oysters from Belon and draft beer from Brew Pub across.



Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree
21/100 Sathon Tai Rd, Silom
Opening hour starts from 5pm till late.



Sky Bar the Dome at Lebua
1055 Si Lom, Khwaeng Silom
Opening hour starts from 5pm till late.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Anantara Siam Bangkok

Stayed here for the yearly World Gourmet Festival, you can check my full review of Anantara Siam Bangkok here. It is located right at the heart of Bangkok at Ratchadamri road, Pathum Wan area, just five minutes to Ratchadamri BTS station (Silom Line). The hotel has eight dining options including Biscotti for Italian cuisine, Madison, Spice Market for Thai food, and Shintaro for Japanese.

Chatrium Hotel Bangkok Riverside

Perhaps the most convenient hotel if you intend to visit the Asiatique as It is located 10 mins walk from the place. The hotel itself is like an ensuite apartment. It has living room, kitchen, balcony, one bedroom and ensuite bathroom with bathtub. I personally love it as it gives a different approach of staying in Bangkok. The balcony is facing the river, so you can enjoy the view.

Pan Pacific Service Suite Bangkok (now Akyra Thonglor)

Located in one of the hip and high end neighbourhood in Bangkok, this hotel is great choice if you want to explore the Thong Lor area. It was personally my favourite hotel, but apparently I just found out that they have changed to Akira Thonglor. 

Happy Three Hotel

The minimalist designed hotel is located centrally in Central area, a 10 min walk to Siam Square. The room is equipped with wooden furnitures and has a little balcony. 

Luxx Hotel XL

Perhaps my other favourite hotel for staying in Bangkok. It is located in Langsuan area which is quiet and not really a bustling tourist spot. The Japanese zen inspired hotel has quite a huge room compared to those in Bangkok. The interior is filled with wooden furniture and parquet, very warm and cozy. The hotel also has a swimming pool downstairs.

Tints of Blue Residence

Located right in the heart of the city, 10 minutes away from Asok BTS, this quaint boutique hotel is convenient and fuss free. The hotel also has a mini gym and swimming pool at the roof top, a great choice if you want to relax in the city.






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