TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs
Traveling

Birthday Walkabout Oct 16, 2018

Birthday Walkabout

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Walkabout
It was my birthday and I didn't want to get stuck on my laptop like I use to. I decided to just walkabout around Bangkok - I'll a tourist again. First order of the day was finding a popular pad thai resto in town as I had been craving for pad thai the last few days.

Thip Samai Pad Thai
On Google search, it seems the runaway pad thai bestseller is Thip Samai. I took the #59 bus using Via Bus app/Google Map/Maps.Me. I little walk and I was there. How was the pad thai? Read the verdict here.

Mahakarn Fort
Continuing my walk around the neighborhood after the pad thai, I came upon a manicured park that used to be a fort - Mahakarn Fort. You could see the white meter-wide wall and the canons. It was impeccably maintained...almost like a museum piece. The park system was calm and serene with winding walkways for joggers and promenaders. I saw this particular tree that seemed to have many branches coming out of the ground and merging with itself - very interesting. I think I've seen this type of tree in Cambodia before...in Siem Reap.

Klong Boat Ride
Just by the fort corner lies a river intersection with public-utility commuter boats - the klong. Nice! I checked-out my map on where I could go from there. Ah...to Ratchathewi. Just timely as it was getting dark. Talking to a local, I got some tips on the klong system. I noticed that locals are always willing and ready to help. You have to love that about the Thais. The boat ride was fast and creating big wakes along its path. Of course, it was a wonderful departure from the traffic and polluted bus rides. Fare was less than B10.

Motorcycle Accident
Upon alighting from the boat at the Hua Chang Ferry Terminal, an unpleasant spectacle befell me. Laying on the ground was a bloodied female motorcyclist who figured in a road mishap. She was being helped by a lot of people. There were a few other motorcycles spewed on the road. Seemed like a 3-motorcycle smash. Not long after, a policeman arrived.

Blessings to everyone's well-being. When you are connected to the universe, you are essentially connected to everyone else. You also feel their pain.

Ratchathewi area
I continued my walk towards Ratchathewi. First time I came to Ratchathewi was with Mar and the Amphawa crew. It looked animated and promising. Now, I got my chance to explore. Except for that busy plaza where you have Skate Bar and Clockwork Cafe, there wasn't much about the place. I found the street posters more interesting. I was actually a little disappointed. It was time to head out to Siam and see what's happening.

Siam
Siam is perhaps the heart of Bangkok. This is where the 2 main train lines intersect (BTS and MRT), this is where you see the most prestigious malls and this is where most of Bangkok's major happenings take place. This place is glitzy, glamorous and yes, expensive. If I want to while away time walking, this is one of the places where I know I'll never run out of mall pavement.

Ending Thoughts
Birthday abs
Okay, I'm not exactly a spring chicken anymore, I know that. But am I old now? As a kid, I conjured imagery of what it's like to be old. And how I feel now isn't exactly anywhere near that. Hmmm...let me take stock of how I am (here is where I show-and-tell but with a point...just bear with me). At an age where my peers would lug about with their beer bellies, I do crazy abdominals to sculpt my 6-pack. When they walk with a slight drag on their feet, I can do 20-mins of non-stop rope skipping. When they go for their monthly medical check-up, I go backpacking with 25 kilos on my back (because I don't get sick). When they consume a handful of pills and medication per day, I just do my pranayama for that surge of strength and power. When they talk about Viagra, I...hmmm....errr....okay, I'll join them on that conversation..LOL !!!

But seriously, all I'm saying is that age is something you don't have to take passively. Age is just a number you can manipulate. You can empower yourself to retard the ageing process and keep your youth, your bounce and your verve. I'm not just saying that...I live it! So here's to all of us in keeping fit and healthy for a good quality of life ahead.

Thank you to all who greeted me on this special day. My merit, my love and my affection go to all of you. Hugs and kisses to the beautiful ladies and touch-fist to all the Bros out there...LOL !!!!

--- TheLoneRider
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



Reader Comments:

Valerie SharpeValerie Sharpe
(Oct 23, 2018) HERE!!! HERE!!! Age IS just a number!!! Love you to bits and continue doing what you do that has got you this far...and it will continue to do so...I know many a people who feel like they should act or be a certain age or way but they look like crap and are not happy! Stay active keep smilin' ... After all it's your heart that we see pumped up fit and keeps you shining!

TheLoneRiderTheLoneRider
(Oct 23, 2018) ...love you, Val

Jim WardJim Philippines
Thai Plum Village
(Oct 23, 2018) Age is a number to be manipulated. Agree ! Muscle up....happy birthday buddy!

Leave a comment?

Birthday Blogs

  1. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
  2. Birthday Walkabout Oct 16, 2018
  3. 2008 Birthday Drift Oct 16, 2008
  4. Birthday Mountain Bike Climb to Mount Ampacao Oct 16, 2007
  5. Birthday Ride: No Dismount Ride Sagada-Dantay and Back Oct 16, 2006
  6. Induction Climb at Mount Pulag Oct 16, 2005

Next stop: Pad Thai at Thip Samai, Bangkok


Bangkok Map
Google Map

Bangkok, Thailand

hotels in Bangkok HOTEL

Adventure Hostel Bangkok - N7 BTS train stop, dorm rooms, great for solo travelers, laundry, roof deck, entertainment center, kitchen, all-day tea-coffee, fridge, clean
1541 Phahonyothin Rd. Payathai

restaurant in Bangkok RESTAURANT

Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant - N7 BTS train stop, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, clean & hygienic, fresh green leafy vegetables
195 Soi Pradipat 19, Pradipat Road, Phayathai

spa and wellness in Bangkok SPA / WELLNESS

Bangkok Float Center Bangkok Float Center - experience a surreal sensory immersion as you effortlessly float on 10 inches of water, 5-stars from 524 Tripadvisor reviews
99/6-9 SHOW DC Retail and Entertainment Mega Complex (4th Floor)

gyms on On Nut, Bangkok GYM| gyms on On Nut, Bangkok YOGA

Now's Fitness Bangkok - gym equipment, yoga, Muay Thai, boxing, fitness trainer, cafe, healthy food
726 Soi On Nut 14 Rd, Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250


Useful Information

Bangkok Blogs by TheLoneRider
  1. Bangkok in Pictures Mar 17-21, 2021
  2. Bangkok for Passport Renewal Mar 17-21, 2021
  3. Bangkok with $19 Dec 8-11, 2018
  4. 30 Days - Goodbye Bangkok Nov 8, 2018
  5. Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018
  6. Food and Friendship at Dalad Vietnamese Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018
  7. Movie Review: First Reformed (2017) Nov 6, 2018
  8. Doing Online Work at The Work Loft Nov 5, 2018
  9. Window Seat [His Precious] Nov 1, 2018
  10. Surreal Odyssey at Bangkok Float Center Oct 29/31, 2018
  11. Bangkok Halloween with Rinna and Steve Oct 27, 2018
  12. Push-Ups Oct 22/24, 2018
  13. Pad Thai at Thip Samai, Bangkok Oct 16, 2018
  14. Birthday Walkabout Oct 16, 2018
  15. Coming to Terms with Donations Oct 14, 2018
  16. Feelin' Da Blues at Adhere the 13th Blues Bar Oct 12, 2018
  17. Visiting the Grand Palace of Thailand Oct 12, 2018
  18. A Web Mandate in Bangkok Oct 8, 2018
  19. 29 Days in Bangkok: Thank You and Goodbye Aug 27 - Sep 24, 2018
  20. Calling the Bangkok Police Sep 23, 2018
  21. Movie Review: Mindfulness and Murder (2011) Sep 22, 2018
  22. Yoga Inversions at Now's Fitness Gym Sep 19, 2018
  23. Flow Yoga with Teacher Kea at Now's Fitness Sep 18, 2018
  24. Movie Review: Under Construction (2015) Sep 15, 2018
  25. Walking Tour of Little India Sep 15, 2018
  26. Vinyasa Yoga with Teacher That at Now's Fitness Sep 14, 2018
  27. Abs Workout with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 13, 2018
  28. Vinyasa Yoga with Teacher That at Now's Fitness Sep 14, 2018
  29. Abs Workout with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 13, 2018
  30. Exercise Ball Workout with Teacher Bie at Now's Fitness Sep 11, 2018
  31. Exploring the Amphawa Floating Market Sep 9, 2018
  32. Exploring the Tree-Engulfed Wat Bang Kung Temple Sep 9, 2018
  33. Parting of the Maeklong Railway Market with a Passing Train Sep 9, 2018
  34. Exploring Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Sep 9, 2018
  35. Horse Racing at the The Royal Bangkok Sports Club Sep 8, 2018
  36. Fight Class with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 7, 2018
  37. Exploring the Bangkok Art Book Fair 2018 Sep 6, 2018
  38. Circuit Training with Mild at Now's Fitness Sep 5, 2018
  39. Gentle Flow Yoga with Nuch at Now's Fitness, Bangkok Sep 4, 2018
  40. A Yogi Lost in a Modern Gym - Now's Fitness Sep 3, 2018
  41. Abundance at On Nut, Bangkok Aug 30-Sep 1, 2018
  42. Outside Looking In Aug 29, 2018
  43. Back in Bangkok After 5 Weeks Aug 27, 2018
  44. 15 Days in Bangkok July 10-24, 2018
  45. Peoplescape: Bangkok July 10-24, 2018
  46. Hatha and Yantra Yoga Fusion July 10-24, 2018
  47. Revisiting Terminal 21 Mall, Bangkok July 23, 2018
  48. Rope Skipping, 4mins Full-on July 22, 2018
  49. Sunday Visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market July 17, 2018
  50. Fork on the Road: Abundance or Poverty by Choice? July 16, 2018
  51. Loving Bangkok All Over Again Feb 22-26, 2016
  52. Hotel Review: Adventure Hostel Bangkok July 11, 2018
  53. Hotel Review: Riva Surya Bangkok Oct 20, 2014
  54. Exploring the Shopping Malls of Bangkok Oct 6-20, 2014
  55. Bangkok's Street Food Delight Oct 6-20, 2014
  56. Bangkok Revisited 3 Oct 6-20, 2014
  57. A First Timer in Bangkok December 31, 2005 - January 3, 2006
Bangkok Cost Index

as of Sep 4, 2018: US$1 = Baht 32 = Php 53

  • Bht 60 sm, 90 big one mug draft beer
  • Bht 13 1.5 liter drinking water
  • Bht 220 one hour massage
  • Bht 60-80 muesli breakfast
  • Bht 60-80 tom yum soup in modest eatery
  • Bht 25-30 coffee
  • Bht 30-50 pad thai
  • Bht 350 Adventure Hostel lodging
  • Bht 20-30/load laundry, coin operated machine
  • Bht 7 bus ride
Transport Maps of Bangkok
  1. Chao Phraya Express, MRT, BTS, Khlong boats, Airport Link
  2. Bus Routes: 1-14
  3. Bus Routes: 15-30
  4. Bus Routes: 32-49
  5. Bus Routes: 50-70
  6. Bus Routes: 71-88
  7. Bus Routes: 501-516
  8. individual bus routes
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

  1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
  2. Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
  3. daily train schedule:
    • 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
    • 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
    • 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
    • 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
    • 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck

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Currency Converter


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