Travelling: CHIONG Bangkok 2018

SQ 982 was slightly delayed before arrival at Bangkok because of heavy air traffic. The plane had to circle around in the sky before landing. We Khoon and Brennan booked two Uber taxis to ferry us from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Compass Skyview Hotel. With these two wise men, we did not have to bother about how to find the ways around because of their GPS skills and navigation capabilities. As it was quite late in the night, we rushed to the nearby Restaurant (Another Hound) at the Emporium Shopping Mall for our dinner. The waiter politely requested us to make all our orders at once early before the closing time. The dishes were served quite quickly because the staff had to make preparation to close the restaurant that night. Unaware of the need to finish our food in a short span of time, we actually overshot their operating hours. The food was delicious and the culinary presentation was good on the table. Sorry and Thank you were the only way to appreciate their kindness in serving us on a Friday night.

All the seven stars decided to meet for a chat on high floor at the Banyan Tree. Vertigo TOO offers an exceptional bar experience on the 60th floor. We decided to have high tea here while relaxing ourselves at the arch-shape lounge with a panoramic view of the Bangkok cityscape and the Chao Phraya River below us. The waitress recommended their signature pastries. Attires for the visitors were strictly smart casual but no shorts, sleeveless shirts, sandals or flip flops. A local Thai singer entertained us for the entire afternoon. Song requests were made including a special Birthday dedication. The external view under the bright sunshine was a joy to us.

The Uber taxi came to pick us up from the Compass Skyview Hotel. Without a word of English, the driver moved towards our destination where we were about to enjoy a lunch at the District. We Khoon being familiar with his GPS navigation skills was able to guide the driver as and when necessary. We arrived at the COMMONS 335 Thonglor Soi 17, Sukhumvit 55. Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 for lunch. There were many choices of set meals and a variety of cuisine including Italian food. Roast, an American restaurant is located at The Commons Level 4, 335 Thonglor Soi 17. It was about 1.5 km away from BTS Thonglor Station. Quite a famous Café in Bangkok, many tourists also preferred to come here. The interior of this building is uniquely designed to enable visitors to experience a nice indoor architectural setting with stair cases made visible from all angles. Library and study rooms were also available. Food was good and it was well patronized by locals and tourists. Special thanks to our tour companions, We Khoon and Ser Hiang for recommending that outing for us.

The Compass Skyview Hotel was cozy with facilities to enable us to enjoy our pleasant overseas stay. Sunrise, breakfast, gym and the sky bar. The night view of the cityscape was interesting with We Khoon showing us the Jupiter and other stars appearing around the full moon at 35th storey. It was not easy walking in dim lights near 50 steps above level 32.

The Train Night Market was a place to visit on a moonlit night. Walking made the sightseeing more interesting though very crowded. Travelling in long distance was not easy with long traffic jam.