🇦🇺 Educational University Immersion Trip Down Under To Perth, Australia, In April 2017 ~ Section 1 🇦🇺

Welcome to this brand new Down Under trip report detailing my recent educational university immersion trip Down Under to Perth, Australia, in April 2017. This new Down Under educational immersion trip report shall consist of three segments, for which, this will be the first segment of the immersion trip report. There will be two core focus topics, excluding the opening sequences, that shall be covered in this first section of the trip report. They will mainly be the in-bound afternoon Down Under flight to Perth and the trip to the Hotel Novotel Perth Langley.

All the educational university immersion trip videos featured in this new immersion trip report may also be accessed via my YouTube channel. However, please be aware that certain safety and security guidelines apply. For safety reasons, no one is allowed to post or leave any user comments for any of my videos posted publicly on YouTube. Violations, even if it is attempted, could result in the removal of the posted user comments and / or other potential consequences. You may, however, post your comments in the commenting boxes located at the end of each trip report section.

Part 1 ~ The Opening Sequences

After receiving my decent GCE 'A' Level examination results in February, both my parents decided that the best place for me to have my university education would be overseas in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. Based on their experiences from their university education days, they knew that the education systems in Singapore were rigid unlike Australia. To ensure that I could gradually adjust into the university educational systems well, my parents had decided that it would be best for me to do a 10-month university foundation course before moving on to a formal university to study psychology.

To get an insight of my prospective university options, my mum decided that it would be best for me to undertake a university immersion trip to Perth with my dad at the earliest possible time. Since my parents were against the idea of me having to stay so far away from home during my coming university education years, we all knew that Perth in the state of Western Australia would be the best and closest place for my university studies. However, my younger brother could not follow us as he would be having his GCE 'O' Level internal mid-year examinations upon our return from Perth.

I was proud to be proclaimed as a university student after completing 15 years of formal education in Singapore. However, this new discovery was overshadowed by a certain degree of nervousness and trepidation as I wondered in deep thought what academic life would be like in Australia as compared with Singapore. In such cases like this, my parents opted to take turns in spending some months with me in Perth to ensure that I could adapt to the culture and lifestyles of the Australians.

On the morning of Sunday (23 April), I woke up bright and early at around 8.15 a.m. after having a well-earned good night's sleep. Having a shower and changing into my attire for the coming day, I proceeded to prepare the last remaining portions of my lighter baggage in preparation for the coming educational university immersion trip to Perth, Australia. With just my dad and I going Down Under to Perth, my mum had opted to take us to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 9.15 a.m. later that morning.

For the in-bound afternoon flight Down Under to Perth, both my dad and I would be flying directly with Scoot on flight TZ 008 bound for Perth, which would depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 12.20 p.m., and arrive at Perth Airport at 5.25 p.m. later that evening. Given that all Business Class seats on Singapore Airlines had already been sold out, we both knew that Scoot was the nearest option available for the two of us. Though we were skeptical about low-cost carriers due to their reputation of having lower safety standards, with some having poor safety records, this would be an exception since Scoot is completely owned by Singapore Airlines.

With all the preparations already completed, the time had come to finally depart the familiar surroundings of our house at nine o' clock. Once my housekeeper had helped to load our baggage into the boot of our white family car, my dad started up the main engine before departing for the early morning trip of just 20 minutes to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2. My mum then opted to drive the car on her own home once we had arrived at the airport. With everything safely secured, we finally departed the familiar compound of our house at 9.10 a.m. for a routine and short early morning road trip of 20 minutes across MacPherson Road and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.

Soon enough, we finally arrived outside the departures and drop-off point located at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 9.30 a.m.. While my dad went to get a baggage trolley to load our baggage, I helped to unload all our baggage from the rear boot of our white family car. With my mum seeing us off and promising to fetch us upon our return from Australia, we proceeded into the departures and check-in hall to the ScootBiz check-in counters to check in for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth. Arriving at the ScootBiz check-in counters at 9.35 a.m., my dad and I went to check in for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth, which took just five minutes.

Scoot (Japanese: スクート; Hangul: 스쿠트; Chinese: 酷航) is a long-haul low-cost carrier owned by Singapore Airlines in the Republic of Singapore. Maintaining its headquarters in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, the airline maintains its central and largest hub at Singapore Changi Airport, with its operations based out of Terminal 2. The airline offers 24 destinations around Asia and Oceania at lower costs than its own parent company, with a majority of its operations centred in Australia and Mainland China, using a pure wide-body fleet consisting of solely Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which replaced its fleet of Boeing 777-200/ERs that were transferred from Singapore Airlines by the end of fiscal 2015.

The airline was established on 1 November 2011 by Singapore Airlines with the intention to provide medium-haul and long-haul routes at low prices for a full-service carrier in Asia and Oceania. It commenced operations on 4 June 2012, initially using a fleet of six Boeing 777-200/ERs transferred from Singapore Airlines. From 2 February 2015, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, entirely replacing its fleet of Boeing 777-200/ERs by the end of fiscal 2015, thus resulting in Scoot the first airline to have an all-Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. From 16 May 2016, it became a member of Value Alliance, the world's largest low-cost airline alliance, also sharing the same frequent-flyer programme, KrisFlyer, like Singapore Airlines.

The departures and drop-off points located outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly after we had arrived in the morning

The interior of the departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the morning

Finally arriving at the ScootBiz check-in counters located in the departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the morning

After completing the entire check-in process for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth at the ScootBiz check-in counters located in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, both my dad and I finally received our boarding passes at 9.40 a.m.. The check-in agent then informed us that for today, Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth would be scheduled to depart at 12.20 p.m. from Gate No. E20. Boarding would commence at 11.50 a.m., which was approximately half an hour before the scheduled time of departure.

With that, we thanked the ScootBiz check-in agent for her services and headed to the Changi Recommends Overseas Wi-Fi counter located just near the departure entrance to claim our portable Wi-Fi Internet router. Upon claiming our Wi-Fi Internet router, we walked across the departures and check-in hall in the direction leading to the departure immigration checkpoints. Arriving at the departure immigration checkpoints, my dad and I used the automated thumbprint checkpoint reserved for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents, thus clearing the process in less than five minutes.

Soon enough, we were finally inside the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 9.50 a.m.. Given that it was still early before our early afternoon flight Down Under to Perth and that we had no airline lounge access, my dad decided that it would be best for us to look for a nearby airside restaurant or cafeteria for some breakfast first. With that, we walked across the main airside in the direction to the observation deck to search for a nearby cafeteria for some breakfast.

A bowl of wonton noodles and some hot Chinese tea, together with a cup of Hong Kong Iced Milk Tea and some siu mai dim sum dumplings, at Hong Kong Sheng Kee Dessert cafeteria located near the observation deck in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the morning

The view of Hong Kong Sheng Kee Dessert cafeteria located near the observation deck in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the morning

Overlooking the main airport tarmac from the observation deck in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the morning

The view of the observation deck in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the morning

Preparing the first segment of the educational university immersion trip report on my blog near the observation area in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2. This is the first original trip report on my blog to use Century Gothic as the main font

Reading "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" on iBooks near the observation area in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, while in the chapter where the Weasley children reveal the real reason to Harry as to why Percy broke up with his family

A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 787-8H6(WL), registered 9M-MSC, resting at Gate No. E3 in Concourse E at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving from her regional morning flight from Malaysia as Malaysia Airlines flight MH 611 from Kuala Lumpur. She will then return home to Malaysia later that afternoon as Malaysia Airlines flight MH 614 bound for Kuala Lumpur

A Tigerair Airbus A320-232, registered 9V-TAU, resting at Gate No. E2 in Concourse E at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving back home from her regional early morning flight from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Tigerair flight TR 2059 from Hong Kong

A Korean Air Airbus A330-323X, registered HL8001, taxiing across the main airport tarmac past the main passenger terminal building at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her long early afternoon return flight back home to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as Korean Air flight KE 648 bound for Seoul (Incheon)

An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered JA890A, taxiing across the main airport tarmac past the main passenger terminal building at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her long early afternoon return flight back home to Japan as All Nippon Airways flight NH 842 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)

A SilkAir Boeing 737-8SA(WL), registered 9V-MGM, taxiing to her assigned arrival gate at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving back home from her regional morning return flight from the Kingdom of Thailand as SilkAir flight MI 749 from Phuket

A SilkAir Airbus A320-233, registered 9V-SLL, taxiing to her assigned arrival gate at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving back home from her regional morning flight from Malaysia as SilkAir flight MI 345 from Penang

Part 2 ~ The Flight To Perth

Airline: Scoot
Flight No.: TZ 008
From: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore
To: Perth Airport (PER / YPPH), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Registration No.: 9V-OJD (Named "Big Yella Fella")
Class: ScootBiz (Business Class)
Seat No.: 3A
Date: Sunday, 23 April 2017

After spending approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of resting and having some light afternoon refreshments near the observation deck located in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, the clock was showing 11.25 a.m.. Given that boarding for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth would commence in 25 minutes' time, we packed our belongings and departed the SATS Premier Lounge for Gate No. E20. The entire walk from the SATS Premier Lounge to Gate No. E20 located in Concourse E took not more than approximately five minutes.

Soon enough, we arrived at the main entrance to Gate No. E20 at 11.30 a.m., which was in good time for boarding for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth to commence in 20 minutes' time. With a rapid and simple security check, my dad and I were finally in the passenger waiting area of Gate No. E20 at 11.35 a.m.. Observing the number of passengers waiting in the passenger waiting area at Gate No. E20, I could deduce that Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth would be close to being filled to the brim, with most of the passengers being Australians heading back home to Perth.

For today, Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth would be operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, registered 9V-OJD and powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, also named "Big Yella Fella". 9V-OJD was delivered to Scoot on 29 May 2015 as the fourth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and as the fourth Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the entire airline company. The overall delivery would make the aircraft approximately 1.9 years old today. This flight would also mark the first time I would fly on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The view of Hong Kong Sheng Kee Dessert cafeteria located near the observation deck in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly before we departed for Gate No. E20

Bypassing the miniature tropical rainforest pond in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on route to Gate No. E20 in Concourse E

Walking across the passageway leading to Gate No. E20 at Concourse E in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the passenger waiting area at Gate No. E20 at Concourse E in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

The passenger waiting area at Gate No. E20 at Concourse E in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 filled with waiting passengers for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth

Our aircraft for today, 9V-OJD, being serviced at Gate No. E20 at Concourse E in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her early afternoon flight Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth

A closer view of 9V-OJD being serviced at Gate No. E20 at Concourse E in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her early afternoon flight Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312, registered 9V-SYF, being serviced at Gate No. E11 at Concourse E in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional early afternoon flight to the Republic of Indonesia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 958 bound for Jakarta

The passenger waiting area at Gate No. E20 at Concourse E in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly before the first boarding calls for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth were made

After spending almost 15 minutes of anticipated waiting in the passenger waiting area at Gate No. E20, the first boarding calls for Scoot flight TZ 008 bound for Perth were finally made at 11.50 a.m.. The ScootBiz passengers, including the passengers requiring priority assistance, were called out to board the aircraft first. Given that both my dad and I were among the first passengers being called out to board the aircraft first, we rolled up at the front of the line with our belongings for the boarding process to progress smoothly.

Walking across the main jet bridge, we were finally on board 9V-OJD at 11.55 a.m., which was just in good time for a 12.20 p.m. departure. At the entrance to Door A, two flight attendants welcomed us on board and showed the direction to our seats in the ScootBiz cabin. Stowing all our belongings into their respective storage areas, we settled down into our assigned Seats No. 3A and 3D for the early afternoon flight of 5 hours 05 minutes across the Java Sea and Indian Ocean to the modern but laid-back city of Perth in Western Australia.

The flight attendants then. Braised chicken with rice.

After the clock struck exactly 12.20 p.m. sharp, all the aircraft doors were closed, and the aircraft finally pushed back from Gate No. E20 located at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, which was just as scheduled. As the safety briefing demonstation was being shown, we began to make its way across the airport tarmac to its assigned runway in preparation for its rainy and damp afternoon departure to Perth located in Western Australia, also taxiing past Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 en route.

It was not long until we finally reached our assigned runway for the early afternoon departure to Perth in Western Australia. Soon enough, the two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines spooled into action, and the aircraft finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at 12.30 p.m. for its routine early afternoon flight of 4 hours 35 minutes over both the Java Sea and Indian Ocean to the state capital city of Western Australia. Both my dad and I climbed into the bright but damp afternoon sky for an early afternoon flight of 4 hours 35 minutes across the Java Sea and Indian Ocean to the state capital city of Western Australia.

Braised chicken with rice.

In accordance with the Western Australian Standard Timing, the seatbelt signs were switched on again at 4.45 p.m., which was approximately 20 minutes in preparation for the descent into Perth Airport. Since we had less than half an hour before our early evening arrival into Perth, we promptly stowed away our belongings back into their respective storage spaces and buckled our seatbelts in preparation for the aircraft to commence its one final approach into Perth Airport.

The early evening sun was shining brightly across Western Australia as the aircraft began to commence its final approach into Perth Airport. After a routine early afternoon Down Under flight of 4 hours 35 minutes over the Java Sea and Indian Ocean from the island-city state of the Republic of Singapore located in the surroundings waters of the Malaysian Straits near the South China Sea, we finally touched down into Perth Airport at 5.05 p.m., approximately 20 minutes ahead of schedule. We then taxied across the airport tarmac to our assigned arrival gate at Perth Airport Terminal 1.

Perth Airport (Japanese: パース空港; Hangul: 퍼스 공항; Traditional Chinese: 珀斯機場) is a major international and domestic Australian airport located in the local suburbs of Redcliffe and Perth Airport, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. It is the fourth-busiest airport in the Commonwealth of Australia and the largest and busiest airport in the state of Western Australia, with approximately 13.8 million passengers using the airport in fiscal 2016. The airport serves as a hub for Alliance Airlines, Cobham, Network Aviation, Qantas, Skippers Aviation and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, and as a major focus city for Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia.

After flying with a particular airline on a certain flight sector, an airline will receive an individual scoring report. The purpose of having this system is to help me determine whether that particular airline is worth flying on for that particular route. The scoring report comprises of five in-flight components, which are the seating, food catering, in-flight service, aircraft cleanliness and legroom space. Each in-flight component weighs 20 points, thereby tallying up to a total of 100 points.

To attain a pass, an airline must obtain an aggregate overall score of at least 45% or above, implying at least a 'D' grade or better. Grades 'A+' and 'A' denote quality passes, while a Grade 'B' denotes an acceptable pass. Grades 'C' and 'D' are then classified as borderline passes. Grades 'E' and below are considered below passing grades, with 'U' being considered ungraded. As of 1 April 2017, the airline grading system for my trips are as follows:

A+: 85% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)
A: 75% ~ 84% (Airline has a very good rating and performance)
B: 60% ~ 74% (Airline has a good rating and performance)
C: 50% ~ 59% (Airline has a satisfactory rating and performance)
D: 45% ~ 49% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)
E: 35% ~ 44% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)
S: 20% ~ 34% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)
U: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the pre-requisite for the minimum grade)

Scoot Flight 008 Score Report

Seat: 12 / 20
Food: 7 / 20
Service: 11 / 20
Aircraft cleanliness: 14 / 20
Legroom space: 12 / 20
Total: 56 / 100
Grade: C (Borderline Pass)

On a final note, Scoot has managed to obtain a total aggregate score of 56% for the in-bound segment from Singapore to Perth, implying that they have a 'C' grade attained, constituting a borderline pass. But, then again, a low-cost carrier, even if owned by a full-service carrier, would attain a 'C' grade at best due to their nature. In the long run, I personally believe that there are much better carriers that have a better sense of in-flight service, such as Qantas and Singapore Airlines, between Singapore and Perth.

Part 3 ~ The Journey To The Hotel Novotel Perth Langley

Shortly after disembarking from Scoot flight TZ 008 from Singapore at Gate No. 50.

Belt No. 2.

Room No. 1004 on the tenth floor.

11.15 p.m..

Mini-Shopping Holiday in Bangkok in March 2013 (Enhanced Version) ~ Section 4

Mini-Shopping Holiday in Bangkok in March 2013 (Enhanced Version) ~ Section 3

Mini-Shopping Holiday in Bangkok in March 2013 (Enhanced Version) ~ Section 2

Welcome to the second segment of my second edition of my short mini-shopping vacation in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2013. There will be a total of two main focus topics that will be covered up in this segment of the report. They will mainly be our downtown shopping at Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK Center, and travelling along the rough-riding segway tour near the Royal Grounds and Chao Phraya River.

Part 1 ~ Downtown Shopping Around Siam Paragon, CentralWorld & MBK Center

The next morning, which was Saturday (16 March), I woke up at around 9.30 a.m. after I had a well-earned good night's rest the previous night. Rising out of bed, I had a nice, hot shower and changed into my attire for the day prior to doing anything else on my laptop. Just about 1 hour 15 minutes later, all of us were finally awake by 10.45 a.m.. Since this was our first day in Bangkok, we decided to go shopping downtown first.

With that, we prepared all of our necessary belongings for the day and took the elevator down to the main hotel lobby, eventually arriving there by noon. Our first shopping destination of the day would be Siam Paragon to have lunch first. To access Siam Paragon, we decided to take the BTS Skytrain to Siam BTS Station from National Stadium BTS Station, which was located just nearby. We then left the LIT Hotel Bangkok at 12.05 p.m., with the entire walk to National Stadium BTS Station taking no more than just ten minutes.

The Bangkok Skytrain (BTS Skytrain) (Thai: รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอส) is an elevated rapid transit system operating in Bangkok, Thailand. Opened on 5 December 1999, it is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC). The BTS Skytrain system consists of two lines, the Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line, with the two lines connecting each other at Siam BTS Station via a cross-platform interchange.

After a short walk of just 10 minutes from the LIT Hotel Bangkok, we finally arrived at the main entrance towards National Stadium BTS Station at 12.15 p.m.. Entering the station concourse, we headed over towards a nearby ticketing machine to purchase our BTS Skytrain tickets for the short hop towards Siam BTS Station, which would be the closest station connecting Siam Paragon.

National Stadium BTS Station (Thai: สถานีสนามกีฬาแห่งชาติ) is a BTS Skytrain station located in the Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located in Rama I Road and serves as the western terminus for the BTS Silom Line. The station is directly connected towards MBK Center via a pedestrian footbridge and provides easy access to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, National Stadium, Siam Discovery Center and Siam Square.

Siam Paragon (Thai: สยามพารากอน) is a large luxury shopping mall located in Rama I Road, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. Opened on 9 December 2005, it is one of the largest shopping malls in Southeast Asia and is owned by The Mall Group and Siam Piwat. The mall houses a large number of specialty stores and restaurants, and a multiplex movie theatre. The mall is also known for housing Siam Ocean World, Southeast Asia's largest public aquarium.

Mini-Shopping Holiday in Bangkok in March 2013 (Enhanced Version) ~ Section 1

Welcome to the first section of my mini-shopping vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2013. This will be a revised edition of the existing report, which was published in March 2013 itself, and will be divided into a total of four sections. There will be two main focus topics that will be covered in this segment, which will mainly be the in-bound flight towards Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and the journey towards the LIT Hotel Bangkok.

All of the vacation videos posted onto this report may also be found on my YouTube channel. However, please take note that for the safety and security of my YouTube videos and channel, the publishing of comments on any of these media is strictly disallowed at all times, as is the displaying of advertisements alongside them. If any user is determined to be in violation of these strict policies, they will have their comments deleted and will be dealt with accordingly.


Part 1 ~ The Opening Credits




After spending several weeks of careful decision-making on where to travel overseas for the one-week school vacation during my first year in pre-university college in March, my parents finally decided on a mini-shopping vacation towards Bangkok, Thailand. I soon became rather excited since Bangkok was a metropolitan city that I had known and been to many times in my life since young, and I mainly went there to shop.


On the morning of Friday (15 March), all of us woke up at around 10.45 a.m. to pack up our remaining baggage in preparation for the trip towards Bangkok. The very first thing we did was to have a nice, hot shower and to change into our attire for the trip. My parents had packed most of their baggage the night before the trip, and had arranged for a MaxiCab to come and fetch us to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at one o' clock later that afternoon in advance.


Our itinerary for the regional in-bound journey towards Bangkok would be to fly with Thai Airways International on flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), which would be expected to depart Singapore Changi Airport at 3.55 p.m., and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5.15 p.m.. We would then arrange for a cab to take us to the LIT Hotel Bangkok, where we would spend the next six days of our mini-shopping vacation in Bangkok.


As soon as all of our baggage had been packed and laid out in the house living room, our pre-arranged MaxiCab finally arrived at the doorstep of our home at 12.55 p.m.. The driver of the cab immediately got out and offered to load our baggage into the boot of his cab, while we boarded for the journey towards Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1. Soon enough, once all of us were on board with our baggage loaded, we finally departed the compound of our home at precisely one o' clock, with the entire journey towards Singapore Changi Airport taking no more than just 20 minutes.


Upon arriving at the departure and drop-off area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 1.20 p.m., the MaxiCab driver went to get a couple of baggage trolleys for us, as we unloaded our baggage from the boot of his cab. Paying the MaxiCab driver our fare, we thanked him for his warm and kind services and went into the departures and check-in area towards the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge to check in for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi).


Terminal 1 is currently the oldest airport passenger terminal building operating at Singapore Changi Airport today. The terminal was opened on 1 July 1981, in collaboration with the opening of Singapore Changi Airport on the same date. Singapore Airlines used to operate out of this terminal until Terminal 2 was opened in the early 1990s, where it shifted all of its flight operations to Terminal 2, with its long-haul operations moving to Terminal 3 in early 2008.


A majority of foreign carriers (i.e. Air France, Cathay Pacific, Emirates) serving Singapore utilise Terminal 1 today. However, between the late 2000s and early 2010s, some foreign airlines shifted their operations to either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 to offer improved facilities to their passengers. Philippine Airlines re-located from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 on 28 October 2013. As of 1 May 2014, the following airlines used to operate out of Terminal 1 prior to shifting to Terminal 2 or Terminal 3:


1) Air India (Future Star Alliance carrier - Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009)


2) Air India Express (Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009)


3) All Nippon Airways (Star Alliance carrier - Moved to Terminal 2 on 1 October 2008)


4) Asiana Airlines (Star Alliance carrier - Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009, Later to Terminal 3 on 30 September 2013)


5) China Eastern Airlines (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)


6) Garuda Indonesia (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)


7) Jet Airways (Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)


8) Korean Air (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009)


9) Lion Air (Moved to Terminal 3 on 18 October 2013)


10) Qatar Airways (Oneworld carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)


11) Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)


12) SriLankan Airlines (Oneworld carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)


13) United Airlines (Star Alliance carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)


14) Vietnam Airlines (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)

After walking through the departures and check-in area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 for approximately five minutes, we finally arrived at the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at 1.25 p.m.. Entering the lounge, a few check-in lounge porters came over to assist us with our bulky baggage, while we went towards the Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class check-in desk to check in for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). While we had some light beverages in the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge, the entire check-in process took no more than approximately 10 minutes.

Thai Airways International (Thai: บริษัท ภารบินใทย จํากัต) is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Kingdom of Thailand. Maintaining its central hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the airline offers a variety of destinations within Asia, Africa, North America, Oceania and the European Union, using a mixed fleet of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft Airbus and Boeing. The airline is a co-founding member of Star Alliance, the world's first and largest airline alliance formed on 14 May 1997, with its regular-flyer program being Royal Orchid Plus.

Thai Airways International, together with Air Canada, Lufthansa and United Airlines, worked together to form Star Alliance, which has a total of 26 pure members, as of 1 May 2014. The airline also used to offer long non-stop flights from Bangkok to Los Angeles and New York with its Airbus A340-500s. However, due to rising fuel costs and the planned withdrawal of aircraft, the airline terminated its New York service in 2008, and had its services to Los Angeles make a brief stopover in Seoul (Incheon) using a Boeing 777 aircraft since 2012.

The SATS Premier Check-in Lounge is a special premium check-in lounge that is operated by Singapore Airport Terminal Services Limited (SATS Ltd.), or most commonly known as simply SATS. This special and exclusive check-in lounge is available only in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and is mainly used by certain foreign carriers for their First & Business Class passengers.

In Terminal 1, certain foreign airlines, such as British Airways, China Southern Airlines and Turkish Airlines, are among the participating carriers to use this special check-in lounge for their First & Business Class passengers. In Terminal 2, certain foreign carriers, such as All Nippon Airways, Korean Air and Lufthansa, are some of the participating carriers for their First & Business Class passengers.

As of 1 May 2014, the following foreign airlines make use of the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 for their First & Business Class passengers:

1) Air China (Star Alliance carrier)

2) Air Niugini

3) British Airways (Oneworld carrier)

4) China Southern Airlines (SkyTeam carrier)

5) EVA Airways (Star Alliance carrier)

6) Japan Airlines (Oneworld carrier)

7) Myanmar Airways International

8) Qantas (Oneworld carrier)

9) Thai Airways International (Star Alliance carrier)

10) Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance carrier)

11) Xiamen Airlines (SkyTeam carrier)


Part 2 ~ The Flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)


Airline: Thai Airways International

Flight No.: TG 414

From: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore

To: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK / VTBS), Bangkok, Thailand

Aircraft: Airbus A340-642

Registration No.: HS-TNE (Named "Nonthaburi")

Class: Royal Silk Class (Business Class)

Seat No.: 20A

Date: Friday, 15 March 2013

After spending about 1 hour 25 minutes of relaxing and having some light beverages in the Royal Silk Lounge, the clock was finally showing 3.05 p.m.. Knowing that boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would commence in 25 minutes' time, I packed up my belongings and decided to proceed to Gate No. D34 first, with my family agreeing to catch up with me later on at the gate. Without wasting anymore time, I left the Royal Silk Lounge by 3.10 p.m..

The entire walk between the Royal Silk Lounge and Gate No. D34 took no more than just 10 minutes. Soon enough, I finally arrived outside the entrance towards Gate No. D34 at 3.20 p.m., which was just in good time for boarding to commence in 10 minutes' time. Once my family met up with me outside the entrance to the gate, we headed in for a hassle-free security check and were finally in the passenger waiting room of Gate No. D34 by 3.25 p.m., just five minutes before the first boarding calls were made.

Today, Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be operated using an Airbus A340-600 aircraft, registered HS-TNE and named "Nonthaburi". It was also powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 556A2-61 engines. HS-TNE was delivered new to Thai Airways International on 9 December 2005 as the fifth Airbus A340-600 and the ninth Airbus A340 for the airline. The overall delivery would make the aircraft approximately 7.3 years old at that time. Thai Airways International is one of the very few airlines that names its aircraft after certain cities.

The Airbus A340-600 is the latest and most stretched version of the Airbus A340 family. The aircraft is powered exclusively by four Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines, like the Airbus A340-500, and is the second-longest aircraft in the world after the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. Its main competitors from Boeing are the Boeing 777-300 and the Boeing 777-300/ER. The Airbus A340-600 may eventually be succeeded by the upcoming Airbus A350-1000, which will also compete with the Boeing 777-300/ER.

While the Boeing 777-300 is powered by three choices of two General Electric GE90-92B or -94B, Rolls-Royce Trent 800 or Pratt & Whitney PW4090 engines, the Boeing 777-300/ER is powered exclusively by two General Electric GE90-115B engines, which are some of the most powerful jet engines on the planet. Due to limited powers of the CFM International CFM56 engines used to power the existing and older Airbus A340-200 and Airbus A340-300, Airbus selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines to power the Airbus A340-500 and Airbus A340-600.

After spending just five minutes of anticipated waiting in the passenger waiting room, the first boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were finally made at 3.30 p.m.. The Royal Silk Class passengers, and the Royal Orchid Plus club members, along with the passengers in need of special assistance were called to board the aircraft first. It was now and then that I knew that I would be ready for my first flight on an Airbus A340 and the -600 series.

With the first boarding announcements being made, we held on to our belongings and rolled up for the boarding process to go through smoothly. Given the large number of passengers in the waiting room, I knew that Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be filled to the brim. As we walked along the jet bridge towards Door A, we were finally on board HS-TNE by 3.40 p.m., which was just in good time for a 3.55 p.m. departure.

At Door A, a cheerful-looking stewardess extended a very warm welcome to us on board and showed us the direction to our seats in the Royal Silk Class cabin. Bypassing the Royal First Class cabin, we saw that the Royal First Class seats were sold as Royal Silk Class seats given the short distance between Singapore and Bangkok. Arriving at the Royal Silk Class cabin, we stowed away all of our belongings and settled down into our assigned Seats No. 20A, 20B, 20E and 20F for the short regional journey of 2 hours 20 minutes towards Bangkok.

The Royal Silk Class seats we would be using for short regional journey towards Bangkok were the first new generation of angled shell designed seats. The first new generation of these seats were introduced following the delivery of Thai Airways International's fleet of Airbus A340-500s in 2005. They were then rolled out on the Airbus A340-600s, certain Boeing 747-400s and Boeing 777-200s. These seats are capable of reclining up to 172º.

At exactly 3.55 p.m., all the aircraft doors were closed, and we finally pushed back from Gate No. D34, which was just as scheduled. While the safety briefing information video was being shown on our front video screens, the flight attendants went around the aisle to take down the main meal orders in preparation for the in-flight afternoon tea later on. When a flight attendant came by to our seats to take down our main meal orders, I opted to have the grilled beef with port wine sauce, roasted potatoes, carrots and green beans.

Once all the main meal orders were taken, we began our taxi towards our assigned runway for take-off, taxiing past several aircraft parked at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 along the way. After a relatively long taxi along the tarmac for approximately 25 minutes, the four Rolls-Royce Trent 556A2-61 engines spooled into action, and we finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at 4.20 p.m.. We then climbed into the bright late afternoon sky for a regional flight time of 1 hour 50 minutes over the South China Sea and the Malaysian straits towards the capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand.

In accordance with the Thailand Standard Timing, the seatbelt sign was switched on again at 4.55 p.m., approximately 15 minutes in preparation for descent into Suvarnabhumi Airport. Knowing that it would not be a long time before arrival into Bangkok, we immediately stowed away all of our belongings and buckled up in preparation for the descent into Suvarnabhumi Airport. After a short regional flight time of 1 hour 50 minutes over the South China Sea and Malaysian straits, we finally touched down in Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5.10 p.m., just five minutes ahead of schedule.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูนิ) is one of the two airports serving the Bangkok Metropolitan Area in Thailand. It is the largest and busiest airport in the Kingdom of Thailand, and the central international airport serving the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Opened on 28 September 2006, the airport took over a majority of the international flights previously operated at the older Don Mueang International Airport.

However, on 28 October 2012, all low-cost international flights moved back to the older Don Mueang International Airport. The airport serves as the central hub for Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai Airlines and Thai Airways International. As Bangkok plays a key role in Southeast Asian market, the airport is an important focus point for certain foreign airlines such as Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.

Part 3 ~ The Evening Journey Towards The LIT Hotel Bangkok


After disembarking from Thai Airways International flight TG 414 from Singapore, we had to walk along a movable staircase at a remote stand and board a free airport terminal shuttle bus to access the main passenger terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport. I personally think that this is very troublesome as walking down a movable staircase with lots of disembarking passengers is like struggling down a crammed rabbit hole.

Arriving at the foot of our remote stand by 5.20 p.m., we boarded the airport terminal shuttle bus for the short ride towards the main passenger terminal building of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Once all of the passengers were on board and accounted for, we finally departed our remote stand at 5.25 p.m. for a short airport terminal shuttle bus ride of just five minutes towards the main passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Soon enough, we finally arrived at the entrance to the arrivals and transit mall located near Concourse D at 5.30 p.m.. Alighting from the bus with our belongings, we took the escalators up to the arrivals and transit mall of Suvarnabhumi Airport before heading to the immigrations area. The immigrations area was relatively crowded that evening, with lots of foreign travellers coming to Bangkok either for leisure or for official business.

Upon clearing the immigrations process, I immediately headed over towards the baggage belt information screen to check which baggage belt our bulky check-in baggage would be arriving at. According to the baggage belt information screen, all check-in baggage from Thai Airways International flight TG 414 from Singapore would arrive at Belt No. 10. Without wasting any time, we grabbed a couple of baggage trolleys and proceeded to Belt No. 10 to claim all our bulky check-in baggage.

This officially brings the second edition of my mini-shopping vacation in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2013 to a formal conclusion. Questions and / or comments will always be open to all trip reports. The remaining three segments of the report once photographs and videos of better standards have been selected for them.

🇹🇭 Lunar New Year Family Shopping Vacation To Bangkok, Thailand, In January 2017 ~ Section 1 🇹🇭

Welcome to this new Lunar New Year special trip report showcasing my Lunar New Year family shopping vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, in January 2017. This new trip report will consist of a total of three sub-sections, for which, this will be the first section of the entire Lunar New Year trip report. There will be a total of two core focus topics, excluding the opening sequences that help to commence this trip report, that will be covered in this very first section of the entire trip report itself. They will mainly be the in-bound early morning flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and the trip to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok.

As with every other existing trip report, all the vacation videos featured in this trip report may be accessed directly via my YouTube channel. However, please be aware that some safety and security policies apply. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to post or leave any user comments for any of my videos uploaded onto my YouTube channel. Violations, even if it is attempted, may result in the removal of posted comments and / or other potential consequences. You may, however, leave your comments in the commenting boxes located below each section of the trip report.

Part 1 ｰ The Opening Sequences

After spending the last weeks of 2016 and the first week of 2017 on deciding where to travel to for the coming Lunar New Year season, my parents decided to take us on a Lunar New Year mini-shopping vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, for some shopping and reunion gatherings. For the coming weeks, I was quite excited by this, knowing that it would now be safe to travel to Bangkok again after a spate of terrorist attacks, such as the 2015 Bangkok terrorist bombing incident at the Erawan Shrine in August 2015.

In the wee hours of the early morning on Thursday (26 January), I was still up and about preparing the remainder of my baggage in preparation for the trip to Bangkok. To make sure that I was well-rested, I managed to get some sleep the afternoon before the trip. My parents had also arranged for a MaxiCab to come and take us to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at seven o' clock a few days before the trip in advance, given that it would be expensive to leave any of our own private cars at the airport, even if it is for a few days.

For the in-bound morning flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we would fly with Singapore Airlines on flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), which would depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 9.45 a.m., and then arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11.10 a.m.. This would be one of the positive points for the coming trip since by flying with Thai Airways International, there was a high possibility of arriving at or departing from remote open-air airport stands instead of a proper enclosed boarding gate at the airport.

With all Singapore Airlines flights bound for the ASEAN region departing from Terminal 2 at Singapore Changi Airport, my parents personally preferred the older Terminal 2, as compared to Terminal 3, since there were more duty-free shopping facilities in its main airside. Furthermore, my parents had arranged for a five-star hotel accommodation at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok as part of the trip. This was also another plus point for the trip, knowing that we could use our Hilton HHonors rewards points earned from our five-star hotel accommodation at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo in December 2016.

Soon enough, the entire house was finally awake and prepared by 6.15 a.m.. With my baggage packing already completed, I laid my baggage out in the main garage before assisting my parents in bringing all their bulkier baggage down to the main garage. My housekeeper also did a security check around our bedrooms on the upper floors to see that they were locked while we were away in Bangkok, while we sat in the main garage to await our pre-arranged MaxiCab to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.

Later on, our pre-arranged MaxiCab to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 ultimately arrived at the front gate of our house at 6.55 a.m.. The cab driver, who was a Malay gentleman, got out and assisted us in loading our baggage into his rear MaxiCab boot while we boarded for the early morning trip to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2. Once everything had been loaded into the rear boot, we finally departed the familiar surroundings of our house at seven o' clock for a short early morning MaxiCab trip of 25 minutes across the Central and Pan Island Expressways to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.

Soon enough, we finally arrived at the departures & drop-off area located at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 7.25 a.m.. While both my younger brother and I went to get two baggage trolleys, the MaxiCab driver assisted my parents in unloading our baggage from the rear cab boot. Thanking the MaxiCab driver for his kind and warm services, we went to the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters located in the departure & check-in hall to commence the check-in for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), which took less than approximately five minutes.

Singapore Airlines (Japanese: シンガポール航空; Chinese: 新加坡航空公司) is the flag carrier and the largest airline of the Republic of Singapore. Having its headquarters at the Airline House in 25 Airline Road, the airline maintains its sole and primary hub at Singapore Changi Airport and flies to 64 destinations around Asia, Africa, Oceania, North America and the European Union, using a purely wide-body fleet of Airbus A330s, Airbus A350s, Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. The airline plays a key role as a major competing airline in the Kangaroo Route between Australia and the United Kingdom via the Eastern Hemisphere.

The airline was founded on 1 May 1947 as Malayan Airways, until it was split up directly into Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines in 1972. Progressively developing its operations, it flew the world's first Airbus A380 passenger flight from Singapore to Sydney, having taken delivery of its first Airbus A380 on 15 October 2007. Singapore Airlines is one of the nine airlines to receive five-star rating from Skytrax, having won the 'Airline of the Year' award in 2004, 2007 and 2008. The airline operated the world's two longest non-stop flight services between Singapore, Los Angeles and Newark, using a dedicated fleet of five Airbus A340-500s, but these services ended in November 2013 following the return of its Airbus A340-500s to Airbus.

However, the airline resumed its non-stop services to the United States from 23 October 2016, with a daily direct flight between Singapore and San Francisco using its Airbus A350s. The airline is expected to commence more regular non-stop services to the United States from 2018 with the continuing delivery of its Airbus A350s. Singapore Airlines has been a member of Star Alliance since 1 April 2000, maintaining codeshare agreements with most fellow Star Alliance carriers, with its frequent-flyer program being known as KrisFlyer.

The departures & drop-off area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hour shortly after we had arrived

Overlooking Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from the departures & drop-off area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hour

The departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hour

The departure flight information screens in the departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hour

Finally arriving at the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters in the departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hour

Overlooking the restaurant level from the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters in the departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hour

After completing the entire check-in process for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) at the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters located in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, we finally received our boarding passes at 7.30 a.m.. The check-in agent then informed us that today, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would depart at 9.45 a.m. from Gate No. F50. Boarding would also commence at 9.15 a.m., approximately half an hour before the scheduled departure timing.

With that, we thanked the Singapore Airlines check-in agent for her selfless services and retrieved our belongings before heading over to the passport control area. Arriving at the passport control area, we saw that it was quite crowded with travellers, given that the Lunar New Year travel season was reaching its peak period. However, the passport control and immigration process took not more than approximately five minutes. Clearing the pre-departure procedures, we were in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 7.35 a.m..

Given that we had plenty of time left before our regional mid-morning flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we decided to head up to the Silver Kris Lounge for some light morning refreshments first. However, due to the nearest escalator being closed due to renovation works, we knew that we had to find another way to access the Silver Kris Lounge. With that, we took the escalator leading to the restaurant and food court before walking over to the passageway to the airline lounge area.

My boarding pass for the in-bound segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

The departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 as we make our way to the passport control points

Finally approaching the entrance to the passport control points in the departures & check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Finally inside the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hour

Taking the escalator up to the restaurant level near the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Bypassing a food court in the restaurant level near the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Overlooking the SATS Premier Lounge in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Overlooking the miniature tropical rainforest pond from the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on route to the Silver Kris Lounge

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

After walking across the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 up to the airline lounge level for approximately five minutes, we finally arrived at the entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge at 7.40 a.m.. Proceeding to the main lounge reception counter, a lounge receptionist examined our boarding passes before allowing us to enter the main lounge area. Positively identifying us, we headed into the lounge and secured a good seating area located close to the self-service refreshment corner before taking out our electronic devices for our own use, while I had some hot cocoa to warm up for the day.

Realising that I had still yet to change some Singapore dollars into Thai baht, I decided to head down to the main airside to search for a currency exchange counter. My parents also agreed to take care of my belongings until I returned to the lounge. With that, I left the lounge at 7.55 a.m., and took the escalator down to the main level of the airside to look for a nearby currency exchange counter. I then did some morning plane-spotting on route to a nearby currency exchange counter located near Concourse F.

Soon enough, I arrived at a currency exchange counter near Concourse F at 7.55 a.m.. At the currency exchange counter itself, I changed S$720.80, thus receiving ฿16,920 in return. Once I was completed with my currency exchange process, I walked across the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 and took the nearby duty-free shop escalator back to the airline lounge level on the upper level of the airside, eventually arriving back at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge at 8.05 a.m..

Once I was safely back in the Silver Kris Lounge, I went over to the bar table near the self-service refreshment corners, where I helped myself to some more hot cocoa to warm up for the morning. Mid-way through the lounge, I shifted over to the main seating area and secured an empty seat for myself. Settling down, I took out my laptop for my own use, where I was given another warm mug of hot cocoa by a lounge attendant who happened to bypass my seating area and asked me whether there was anything else I wanted.

The interior of the main seating area of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly after we had entered the lounge

The self-service refreshment corner in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly after we had entered the lounge

My first warm mug of hot cocoa in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

The main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 as I make my way down to the main airside level

Walking through the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the direction leading to Concourse F

The observation deck in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the direction leading to Concourse F

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered 9V-SSF, receiving her last minute servicing at Gate No. F31 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional early morning flight to the popular Indonesian island of Bali as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 938 bound for Denpasar (Bali)

The overall tarmac view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on a relatively cloudy early morning

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered 9V-STW, being serviced at Gate No. F31 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional early morning flight to the popular Indonesian island of Bali as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 942 bound for Denpasar (Bali)

One of the departure flight information screens in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 near Concourse F

Bypassing some duty-free shops in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the direction leading to Concourse F

Finally arriving at a nearby currency exchange counter in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the direction leading to Concourse F

Bypassing some duty-free shops in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the direction leading to Concourse E and the airline lounge level

Taking the escalator back up to the restaurant level near the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Bypassing a liquor and wine duty-free shop near the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Overlooking the miniature tropical rainforest pond from the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on route back to the Silver Kris Lounge

Finally arriving back at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

The self-service refreshment corner in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly after I had returned to the lounge

The interior of the main seating area of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly I had returned to the lounge

My second warm mug of hot cocoa in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Planning out to the first section of the trip report on my blog with the Futura typeface invented in 1927 by Paul Renner in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Reading through the first chapter of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' on iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon throws a temper tantrum at the breakfast table after Harry tries to teach Dudley some manners by saying 'please' to get more bacon ｰ "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN OUR HOUSE?!"

My third and final warm mug of hot cocoa in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

The interior of the main seating area of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly before I began to make my way to Gate No. F50

Part 2 ｰ The Flight To Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight No.: SQ 972
From: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore
To: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK / VTBS), Bangkok, Thailand
Aircraft: Boeing 777-212/ER
Registration No.: 9V-SRL
Class: Business Class
Seat No.: 16A
Date: Thursday, 26 January 2017

After spending approximately 1 hour 10 minutes of relaxations, having some light bites and using our electronic devices in the Silver Kris Lounge located in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, the clock was finally showing 8.50 a.m.. Given that boarding for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would commence in 25 minutes' time, I promptly packed my belongings and left the Silver Kris Lounge for Gate No. F50. My family also agreed to meet me at Gate No. F50 five minutes before boarding. The entire walk linking from the Silver Kris Lounge to Gate No. F50 took not more than approximately 10 minutes.

Soon enough, I finally arrived at the main entrance to Gate No. F50 at nine o' clock, which was just in good time for boarding for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to commence in 15 minutes' time. With a simple and rapid security check, I was finally in the passenger waiting area of Gate No. F50 at 9.05 a.m., with my family meeting me at the gate at 9.10 a.m.. Observing the number of passengers inside the passenger waiting area at Gate No. F50, I could deduce that Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would have a full load today.

Today, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be operated with a Boeing 777-200/ER aircraft, registered 9V-SRL and powered with two Rolls-Royce Trent 884 engines. 9V-SRL was delivered to Singapore Airlines on 2 July 2002 as the 30th Boeing 777-200/ER and as the 36th Boeing 777 for the airline. The overall delivery would make the aircraft approximately 14.5 years old today, and is one of the very few Boeing 777-200/ERs in the fleet to be fitted with the old regional cabin configuration.

One final view of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly before I proceeded to Gate No. F50

Overlooking the miniature tropical rainforest pond from the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on route to Gate No. F50

Bypassing a Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant in the restaurant level near the airline lounge level in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on route to Gate No. F50

Walking through the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the direction leading to Concourse F on route to Gate No. F50

Bypassing some duty-free shops in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in the direction leading to Concourse F on route to Gate No. F50

Finally approaching the main entrance to Gate No. F50 at Concourse F in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Our aircraft for today, 9V-SRL, being serviced at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional morning flight to the Kingdom of Thailand as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

A closer look at 9V-SRL being serviced at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional morning flight to the Kingdom of Thailand as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

The passenger waiting area at Gate No. F50 at Concourse F in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 filled with waiting passengers for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

An additional view of 9V-SRL being serviced at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional morning flight to the Kingdom of Thailand as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312, registered 9V-SYH, being serviced at Gate No. F41 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional morning flight to the Republic of the Philippines as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 910 bound for Manila

The passenger waiting area at Gate No. F50 at Concourse F in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly before the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were made

After spending almost 10 minutes of anticipated waiting in the main passenger waiting area at Gate No. F50, the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were finally made at 9.15 a.m.. The Business Class passengers, together with the KrisFlyer Gold club members and the special needs passengers, were called to board the aircraft first. Since we were among the very first passengers being called out to board first, we rolled up at the front with our belongings for the boarding process to commence smoothly.

Walking across the aerobridge at Gate No. F50, we were finally on board 9V-SRL by 9.20 a.m.. At the front entrance to Door A, two flight attendants warmly welcomed us on board and showed us the direction to our seats in the Business Class cabin. Stowing all our belongings into their respective storage spaces, we settled down into our assigned Seats No. 14A, 14C, 16A and 16C for the short regional morning flight of 2 hours 25 minutes to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). The Business Class seats we would be using for this flight to Bangkok were the old regional Ultimo business class seats, which are found on only two Boeing 777-200/ERs used on regional flights.

The flight attendants then went about distributing the pre-departure beverages and free newspapers to the Business Class passengers. I had my normal glass of orange juice and settled in for the flight to Bangkok. I then looked through the KrisShop in-flight duty-free shopping magazine and filled an order coupon for a Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 XWB Scale 1:500 aircraft model. Later on, the head captain made an announcement that due to the heavy air traffic congestion in view of the Lunar New Year travel season, the flight would be delayed by approximately 15 minutes, with the new expected departure time shifted to ten o' clock instead.

A view of my seat, 16A, during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Reviewing the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

My normal pre-departure glass of orange juice during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Reviewing the KrisShop in-flight duty-free shopping magazine during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Reviewing the wine list section of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the aircraft doors were closed for pushback from Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Awaiting pushback from Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

After the clock struck around ten o' clock, all of the aircraft doors were closed, and the aircraft finally pushed back from Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, approximately 15 minutes behind schedule. With the safety briefing information video being shown on the big front screen at the front of the cabin, we began to make our way to our assigned runway for the regional morning departure to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), taxiing past several aircraft parked at the remaining gates of Concourse F at Terminal 2 and the upcoming Terminal 4 en route.

It was not long until we reached our assigned runway for our regional morning departure to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). Soon enough, both Rolls-Royce Trent 884 engines spooled into life, and the aircraft finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at 10.20 a.m. for its regional morning flight of two hours over the South China Sea to the modern and colossal metropolitan capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand. We then climbed into the bright morning sky for a routine regional morning flight of two hours over the South China Sea to the modern and colossal capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Finally pushing back from Gate No. F50 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

A Korean Air Airbus A330-323X, registered HL7720, being serviced at Gate No. F40 in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her long afternoon return flight back home to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as Korean Air flight KE 648 bound for Seoul (Incheon)

Taxiing away from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 for our morning departure to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered A6-BLD, taxiing across the main airport tarmac to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving from her long overnight trans-Indian Ocean flight from the United Arab Emirates as Etihad Airways flight EY 470 from Abu Dhabi

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312, registered 9V-SYJ, resting on the tarmac near Singapore Changi Airport Terminals 2 and 4. She would soon have a long late afternoon flight to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 806 bound for Beijing

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWI and painted in the white "Star Alliance" livery, taxiing across the airport tarmac to her assigned runway in preparation for her long morning flight down under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 211 bound for Sydney

Taxiing to our assigned runway in preparation for our morning departure to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat while taxiing to our assigned runway in preparation for our morning departure to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-SQL, gaining speed across her assigned runway for her long morning flight down under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 223 bound for Perth

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841, registered 9V-SKK, getting ready to take off for her long morning flight to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 830 bound for Shanghai (Pudong)

Finally approaching our assigned runway in preparation for take-off

Singapore Airlines Flight 972 ｰ Bright Morning Departure From Singapore Changi Airport

Finally climbing into the morning sky shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport

Shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport, the seatbelt signs were turned off at around 10.30 a.m., which was approximately 10 minutes into the flight. While the flight attendants sprung into action to commence the in-flight brunch service, I headed to the lavatories and got my laptop out for my own use during the flight. Upon returning from the lavatories, one flight stewardess appeared at my seat containing my light meal tray. She had heard about my in-flight meal order via the 'Book the Cook' service, which I had made some days earlier. For the main course, I would have the Chinese style cod served with seasonal oriental vegetables, Chinese black mushrooms and egg-fried rice by Chef Zhu Jun.

To accompany my main in-flight brunch course, I promptly requested for a glass of 2015 Mug House Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand white wine. Once my glass of white wine was delivered to my table, I promptly tucked into my in-flight brunch course. The Chinese style cod tasted refreshing, smooth and tender, with the fried rice and most of the vegetables, including the white wine, being the perfect accompaniments to a good in-flight light brunch service. The chocolate ricotta cheesecake was also one good dessert to end off a light meal service.

Once I was finished with my main in-flight brunch course, the flight stewardess came over to clear my used meal tray and asked whether there was anything else I wanted. To end off the in-flight brunch service, I requested for a Baileys Irish Cream as a form of a simple liquor dessert. Settling down to use my own laptop for the flight, the flight stewardess came by to me seat again to deliver my Baileys Irish Cream. With my dessert liquor in hand, I sat back to enjoy my drink while surfing on my portable laptop at the same time.

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after take-off from Singapore Changi Airport

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin shortly after take-off from Singapore Changi Airport

A view my seat, 16A, shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport

Crusing over Malaysia between Malacca and Kuala Lumpur

My main course: Chinese style cod served with seasonal oriental vegetables, Chinese black mushrooms and egg-fried rice by Chef Zhu Jun

My meal tray shortly after I had finished off my main in-flight brunch course

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat during the in-flight brunch service

The flight route indication map on the massive front screen indicating our cruising altitude over Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh

Overlooking the Andaman Sea while cruising over Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh

Planning out to the first section of the trip report on my blog during cruising altitude over Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh

Reading through the first chapter of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' on iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon throws a temper tantrum at the breakfast table after Harry tries to teach Dudley some manners by saying 'please' to get more bacon ｰ "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN OUR HOUSE?!"

About to enjoy my glass of Baileys Irish Cream

After spending approximately 35 minutes of using my electronics and enjoying my glass of Baileys Irish Cream, a flight attendant finally appeared at my seat with my KrisShop in-flight duty-free shopping bag containing my Airbus A350 XWB aircraft model at 11.25 a.m.. Informing me that the airline currently does not accept Thai baht for its in-flight duty-free shopping payments, I opted to use my VISA credit card instead to pay for my new aircraft model, with the Airbus A350 XWB exclusive aircraft model costing me S$59.

The VISA credit card payment was a simple process, allowing me to complete my in-flight duty-free purchase at 11.30 a.m.. Asking me whether there was anything else that I would like, I politely declined since I was already feeling stuffed to the brim. Once I had gotten my Airbus A350 XWB exclusive aircraft model, I headed over to the lavatories and used my portable laptop for the remainder of the flight until I packed it away into my baggage in preparation for the seatbelt sign to be illuminated for descent.

As for my new exclusive aircraft model I had purchased, the details are as follows:

1) Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Herpa Scale 1:500 (529051)

Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Herpa Scale 1:500 (529251)

My newly-purchased Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 XWB Scale 1:500 exclusive aircraft model from the KrisShop in-flight duty-free shopping service

The flight route indication map on the massive front screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere close to Phuket

Cruising over the South China Sea somewhere over Phuket as the aircraft enters Thai airspace

A view my seat, 16A, during cruising altitude over Phuket

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over Phuket

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over Phuket

Cruising over some Thai settlements as the aircraft gets closer to Bangkok aft of Phuket

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the seatbelt signs were illuminated for landing into Suvarnabhumi Airport

In accordance with the Thailand Standard Timing, all the seatbelt signs were illuminated once again at 11.05 a.m., which was approximately 15 minutes in preparation for the descent into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). Given that we had less than half an hour left before our arrival into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we promptly stowed our belongings back into their respective storage areas and buckled up our seatbelts in preparation for the aircraft to commence its final descent into Suvarnabhumi Airport. The flight attendants also went around the cabin conducting their pre-arrival safety checks at the same time.

The early afternoon sun was shining very brightly over the seaside suburbs of Thailand as the aircraft commenced its one final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport. After a routine regional morning flight duration of two hours over the South China Sea from the island city-state of the Republic of Singapore in the waters of the Malaysian Straits, we finally touched down into Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11.20 a.m., which was approximately 10 minutes behind schedule. We then taxied across the main airport tarmac to our assigned arrival gate at the Main Terminal building.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ) is an international airport complex in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli District of Samut Prakhan Province near Bangkok, Thailand. It is the central international airport serving the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, and one of the two international airports serving Bangkok along with Don Mueang International Airport. It is also the world's 20th-busiest airport, Asia's sixth-busiest airport and Thailand's busiest airport, with at least 53 million passengers passing through the airport in fiscal 2015. The airport currently serves as a hub for Asia Atlantic Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Jet Asia Airways, Orient Thai Airlines, Thai Airways International, Thai VietJet Air and Thai Smile.

The airport was opened for revenue service on 28 September 2006, replacing Don Mueang International Airport as the central international airport serving international flights coming in and out of Bangkok. From 24 March 2007, Don Mueang International Airport was re-opened after major extensive renovations, catering to mostly domestic flights and regional low-cost international flights. It gained railway access from downtown Bangkok with the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) from 23 August 2010. Currently, Bangkok serves as an integral Asian market for most foreign carriers, including Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Airways, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines. The airport also houses the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in its complex.

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seatbelt signs were illuminated for landing into Suvarnabhumi Airport

Cruising above some landscapes close to Bangkok and the South China Sea as the aircraft commences its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport

A bird's eye view of Suvarnabhumi Airport as the aircraft makes a go-around to commence its final approach into the airport

Overlooking some settlements facing the South China Sea as the aircraft commences its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200/ER Regional Business Class cabin from my seat as the aircraft begins to commence its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport

Overlooking the South China Sea as the aircraft commences its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport

Cruising above some housing and farming settlements close to Bangkok as the aircraft commences its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport

Singapore Airlines Flight 972 ｰ Bright Morning Arrival Into Suvarnabhumi Airport

An Air Austral Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered F-OLRB, taxiing across the main airport tarmac of Suvarnabhumi Airport to her assigned runway in preparation for her long early afternoon return flight back home to the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean as Air Austral flight UU 888 bound for Saint-Denis de la Réunion

Taxiing across the main airport tarmac to the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly after we had landed

An Air France Boeing 777-328/ER, registered F-GZNG, being serviced at Gate No. E8 at the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport in preparation for her long early afternoon trans-Indian Ocean return flight back home to France as Air France flight AF 165 bound for Paris (Charles de Gaulle)

A British Airways Boeing 777-236/ER, registered G-YMMC, being serviced at Gate No. E7 at the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport in preparation for her long early afternoon trans-Indian Ocean flight back home to the United Kingdom as British Airways flight BA 010 bound for London (Heathrow)

An Etihad Airways Boeing 777-3FX/ER, registered A6-ETJ, resting on the main airport tarmac near the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport long after arriving from her long overnight trans-Indian Ocean flight from the United Arab Emirates as Etihad Airways flight EY 406 from Abu Dhabi

A China Airlines Boeing 747-409, registered B-18207, being serviced at Gate No. C8 at the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport in preparation for her early afternoon return flight back home to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as China Airlines flight CI 834 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)

A Thai Airways International Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered HS-TQF, awaiting pushback from Gate No. C3 at the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport in preparation for her regional early afternoon flight to the Republic of Singapore as Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore

Finally docking onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. C1, at Concourse C at the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

After taxiing through the main airport tarmac of Suvarnabhumi Airport for approximately 10 minutes, we finally docked onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. C1, at Concourse C at 11.30 a.m.. Once the seatbelt signs were switched off, we unbuckled our seatbelts and retrieved our belongings from their respective storage spaces in preparation for the disembarkation process to commence. We then checked around all our seating areas to ensure that there was nothing left behind on board the aircraft cabin.

Once the aircraft doors were opened, we rolled up behind some passengers for the disembarkation process to commence smoothly. As we disembarked from the aircraft via the frontmost exit door, the flight attendants thanked us for our patronage with Singapore Airlines and wished us a pleasant Lunar New Year family shopping vacation in Bangkok, Thailand. We then walked across the jet bridge of Gate No. C1 to the passageway leading to the main arrivals and immigration checkpoints in the Main Terminal building.

After flying on a particular flight segment, every airline will receive a grade for each of the individual segments. This assists me in deciding whether the airline is worth flying with on that particular route. There are five grading sub-sections classified under the seats, food and drink, in-flight service, aircraft cleanliness and legroom space. Each of these five segments weigh 20 points, tallying up to 100 points. To attain a pass, an airline has to attain an overall grade of 'D' or above (45% or higher).

The airline grading system is as follows, as of 1 January 2017:

A+: 85% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)
A: 75% ｰ 84% (Airline has a very good rating and performance)
B: 60% ｰ 74% (Airline has a good rating and performance)
C: 50% ｰ 59% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)
D: 45% ｰ 49% (Airline has a satisfactory rating and performance)
E: 35% ｰ 44% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)
S: 20% ｰ 34% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)
U: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the pre-requisite for the minimum grade)

Singapore Airlines Flight 972 Score Report

Seat: 17 / 20
Food: 19 / 20
Service: 16 / 20
Aircraft cleanliness: 15 / 20
Legroom space: 19 / 20
Total: 86 / 100
Grade: A+ (Quality Pass)

In a holistic point of view, Singapore Airlines has managed to attain a total aggregate score of 86% for the in-bound flight from Singapore to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), thereby attaining an 'A+' grade, which is the highest airline quality passing grade in the airline grading system. Although the seats look outdated from their appearances, they are still good enough for short-haul regional flights for not more than three hours. The airline, however, should actually consider using aircraft fitted with newer regional cabin products for more positive customer feedback.

Part 3 ｰ The Journey To The Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

After disembarking from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 from Singapore at Gate No. C1, we walked across the passageway leading to the main arrivals and immigration checkpoints. The entire walk from Gate No. C1 to the main arrivals and immigration checkpoints took not more than approximately five minutes. Soon enough, we finally arrived at the main arrivals and immigration checkpoints at 11.40 a.m.. Given that we were issued Premium Lane passes to clear the immigration checkpoints, we proceeded over to the Premium Lane clearance checkpoint, where we cleared the immigration in under five minutes.

Upon clearing the arrivals and immigration checkpoints via the Premium Lane, I went to check the baggage claiming information screens to see which baggage belt our bulkier check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 from Singapore would arrive at. According to the baggage information screens, all check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 from Singapore would be scheduled to arrive at Belt No. 11. Without wasting anymore time, we went to claim two baggage trolleys and headed to Belt No. 11 to claim all our bulky check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 from Singapore.

Walking across the moving passageway in Concourse C in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly after disembarking from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 972 from Singapore at Gate No. C1

The massive international arrival flight information screen located close to the arrivals and immigration checkpoints in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The baggage claiming information screens located in the baggage claiming hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The baggage claiming hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early afternoon rush hour

After claiming our bulkier check-in baggage from Belt No. 11 and loading them onto the baggage trolleys, we were finally in the arrivals and meeting hall at 11.50 a.m.. A female Hilton Hotel staff member then met us in the arrivals and meeting hall to assist us with our baggage. While my parents went to the post office in the departures and check-in hall to collect our Internet Wi-Fi routers for our use during the vacation, my younger brother and remained in the arrivals and meeting hall to keep watch on our baggage until they had safely returned.

Once they had returned with the envelopes containing our mobile Internet Wi-Fi routers, we were escorted out to the pick-up area outside the Main Terminal buuilding, where we found a black limousine cab bound for the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok waiting for us. Boarding the limousine, the driver helped us to load all our baggage into the limousine's rear boot for the road trip to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok. With everything safely loaded in, we finally departed Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.20 p.m. for a short afternoon road trip of 45 minutes to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok.

The arrivals and meeting hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early afternoon rush hour

The massive international arrival flight information screen located in the arrivals and meeting hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Overlooking the passageway leading to the departures and check-in hall from the arrivals and meeting hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early afternoon rush hour

Walking across the footbridge linking to the arrivals and pick-up area outside the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The black limousine cab that would soon take us to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok waiting outside the arrivals and pick-up area outside the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Finally departing the arrivals and pick-up area outside the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Travelling on the first sector of the Suvarnabhumi Expressway shortly after departing Suvarnabhumi Airport

Travelling parallel to the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (SARL) on the Suvarnabhumi Expressway shortly after departing Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing some old shophouses by the Suvarnabhumi Expressway on route to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok after departing Suvarnabhumi Airport

Travelling adjacent to some flyover bridges the Suvarnabhumi Expressway on route to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok after departing Suvarnabhumi Airport

Travelling on the road leading to the Din Daeng district after exiting the Suvarnabhumi Expressway on route to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok after departing Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing a large shopping mall in Petchaburi Road on route to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Bypassing the Let's Relax Spa Sukhumvit 39 in Sukhumvit Road on route to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Bypassing a small traditional Thai massage parlour in Sukhumvit Road on route to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Travelling across the busy roads of Sukhumvit Road located close to Phrom Phong BTS Station and The Emporium on route to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Travelling on another narrow roadway of Sukhumvit Road while approaching the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

After a routine afternoon hotel limousine trip of 45 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport via the Suvarnabhumi Expressway, we finally arrived at the main front entrance to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok at 1.05 p.m.. Two hotel staff then came out with a large baggage trolley to help us unload all our baggage from the rear limousine boot. Entering the main hotel lobby, a hotel receptionist met us and told us that we would be allocated to Rooms No. 2103 and 2104 for the next five days, holding our room keys as well, with our rooms directly connected to each other from the inside.

With the hotel receptionist escorting us to the 21st floor via the elevator lobby, we finally arrived at our Rooms No. 2103 and 2104 at 1.10 p.m.. Our rooms had two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room. Before leaving us to rest for the afternoon, the hotel receptionist informed us that our baggage would be brought to our rooms soon. Once our baggage had been brought to us, we sorted out our clothes for the coming days, set up our electronics for our own entertainment use and had a shower before having a nice well-earned rest for the rest of the afternoon.

The interior of the main hotel lobby at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok shortly after we had arrived at the hotel

The first view of the living room area in Room No. 2103 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

The first view of my parents' bedroom in Room No. 2103 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

The first view of my bedroom in Room No. 2104 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Overlooking The Emporium and The EmQuartier from my Room No. 2104 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Overlooking the skyline of downtown Sukhumvit Road from my Room No. 2104 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

After spending the rest of the afternoon having a well-earned rest in our hotel rooms, the clock was finally showing 6.45 p.m.. Given that we were already beginning to feel quite hungry, we decided to head to The EmQuartier located across Sukhumvit Road for to find a good restaurant for dinner. With that, we grabbed all our required belongings and left our Rooms No. 2103 and 2104 at seven o' clock before taking the nearby elevator down to the main hotel lobby. Exiting the hotel, we walked across the streets of Sukhumvit Road close to The Emporium before crossing the footbridge near Phrom Phong BTS Station.

Soon enough, we finally arrived at the entrance to The Glass Quartier at The EmQuartier at 7.10 p.m.. Entering the mall, we went up to the second floor and headed to The Helix Quarter section of the mall, where most of the restaurants and cafeterias in the entire mall complex were located. Proceeding over to the nearby elevator lobby, we promptly took the elevator up to the seventh floor, and had a good look across the various restaurants and cafeterias available before choosing the one that would suit us the most.

The EmQuartier (Thai: เอ็มควอเทียร์) is a large shopping mall complex located across The Emporium in 689, 693 and 695 Sukhumvit Road, Watthana District, Bangkok, Thailand. Operated solely by The Mall Group, the mall was opened for service on 25 March 2015, and is directly connected to The Emporium via a pedestrian footbridge, also being easily accessible Phrom Phong BTS Station. The mall complex consists of three sections, which are The Helix Quartier, The Glass Quartier and The Waterfall Quartier, with the Bhiraj Tower located in The Glass Quartier of the entire mall complex.

The interior of the main hotel lobby at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok at night as we begin to make our way to The EmQuartier

The entrance and curb side outside the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok at night as we begin to make our way to The EmQuartier

Walking across the busy narrow street of Sukhumvit Road on route to The EmQuartier shortly after departing the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

About to walk up the pedestrian stairway leading to Phrom Phong BTS Station on route to The EmQuartier shortly after departing the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Finally arriving at the main entrance to The Glass Quartier at The EmQuartier during the evening rush hour

The interior of the first floor of The Glass Quartier at The EmQuartier during the evening rush hour

Finally arriving at the entrance to The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier during the evening rush hour

Looking through some restaurants and cafeterias on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier during the evening rush hour

Finally arriving at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier during the evening rush hour

After looking through the various restaurants and cafeterias on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier, we finally stumbled upon a Chinese restaurant, known as Four Seasons (Traditional Chinese: 文興酒家; Simplified Chinese: 文兴酒家), at 7.20 p.m.. Entering the restaurant itself, we requested for a table for the four of us, where we were soon directed to an empty window view table by one restaurant waitress. Once we were seated down, we had a good look through the main menus provided before placing our main meal orders for dinner.

Once we were ready to eat, a waitress came by to take down our main meal orders for dinner. We ordered several authentic Chinese dishes that would suit our own tastes and preferences, like crispy pork belly, authentic Four Seasons roasted duck, together with some local Thai iced milk tea. With our main meal orders arriving gradually, we all had a filling and decent Chinese dinner at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant, which was quite a decent way to commence the Lunar New Year festive season for us in Bangkok.

Upon finishing off dinner at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor, the clock was ultimately showing eight o' clock. Given that there was still some time left for us to shop at the EmQuartier, we decided to shop for some treats first before heading back to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok for the night. With that instant, we paid our dinner bill and took the escalator down to the second floor of The Helix Quarter before crossing the footbridge linking to The Waterfall Quartier, thus reaching there by 8.40 p.m..

At The Waterfall Quartier itself, we bypassed several retail outlet shops and took the escalator to the ground floor, where the Gourmet Market Thailand supermarket was located. Soon enough, we finally arrived outside the main entrance to the Gourmet Market Thailand supermarket at 8.45 p.m.. Upon entering the supermarket itself, we promptly got a grocery shopping basket and looked at the many treats available for sale before choosing the snacks that would suit our tastes and preferences amongst the Lunar New Year rush sales.

The main entrance to the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier during the evening rush hour

The interior of the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier during dinnertime hours

The cover page for the main menu at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

Reviewing the main menu at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

The open-air dining area at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

Overlooking Phrom Phong BTS Station and Sukhumvit Road from the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

Overlooking the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok from the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

A platter of Four Seasons roasted duck to be shared among us at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

A platter of crispy roasted pork belly to be shared among us at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

A platter of sautéed sliced beef with scallions and vegetables to be shared among us at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

A platter of deep-fried sliced pomfret fish and vegetables to be shared among us at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

A platter of shrimp wonton noodle soup for my mum at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

A platter of Yangzhou style fried rice for my younger brother at the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

The interior of the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier shortly after we had finished dinner

The main entrance to the Four Seasons Chinese restaurant on the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier upon leaving the restaurant

Taking the escalator down to the sixth floor from the seventh floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

Taking the escalator down to the fifth floor from the sixth floor of The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier

Overlooking The Waterfall Quartier from the The Helix Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

Bypassing the Qurator fashion design shop in The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier

Finally approaching the Gourmet Market Thailand located in the ground level of The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier

The interior of the Gourmet Market Thailand located in the ground level of The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

After spending the whole early evening of shopping for light snacks and having dinner at The EmQuartier shopping mall, the clock was finally showing nine o' clock. Since the bags we were carrying were rather heavy, we decided that the best way to head back to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok would be to hail a cab from the mall to reduce the time needed to return to the hotel. With that, we promptly paid up for our light groceries and walked out to the cab stands outside the entrance to The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier.

Soon enough, a red cab finally arrived outside the cab stands near the main entrance to The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier at 9.05 p.m.. Boarding the cab with all our bags loaded into the rear boot, we quickly informed the driver to take us back to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok located further down Sukhumvit Road. Once everything had been loaded in with all of us on board, we finally departed The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier in less than a few seconds for a short and quick late night cab trip of not more than approximately five minutes across Sukhumvit Road back to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok.

The cab stands located outside the main entrance to The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

The red cab that would soon take us back to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok at the cab stands located outside the main entrance to The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

Finally departing The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier at night

Travelling across the busy roads of Sukhumvit Road located close to Phrom Phong BTS Station and The Emporium on route back to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Travelling on the narrow roadway of Sukhumvit Road on route back to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

Finally arriving back at the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

The interior of the main hotel lobby at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok at night shortly after we had arrived back at the hotel

The view of the living room area in Room No. 2103 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok shortly after we had arrived back at the hotel

The view of my bedroom in Room No. 2104 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok shortly after we had arrived back at the hotel

After a short and routine evening cab trip of not more than approximately five minutes from The Waterfall Quartier at The EmQuartier, we finally arrived back at the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok at 9.10 p.m. Upon paying our cab fare, we promptly checked to see that there was nothing left behind on board before alighting from the cab and thanking the driver for his services. Heading into the main hotel lobby, we took the nearby elevator back up to our Rooms No. 2103 and 2104 on the 23rd floor, arriving back there by 9.15 p.m..

Given that there was nothing much left to do for the remainder of the night, we had a nice, hot shower and changed up into our pyjamas before settling in for the night. We then spent the remainder of the night using our own electronic devices for our comfort, also deciding to have a Western-style reunion dinner at The EmQuartier again for the following evening. Soon enough, since I was feeling quite exhausted from the trip from Singapore, I finally turned in before 11.30 p.m. for a well-earned good night's sleep.

This officially brings the first section of my mini-Lunar New Year family shopping vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, in January 2017 to a formal closure. As with all other trip reports, questions and / or comments will be more than welcome, by using of the comment boxes located at the end of each trip report section. The remaining two sections of the Lunar New Year trip report will be posted once I have selected the best quality photographs and videos have been selected for each section. Please do be patient as this requires a certain amount of time and effort to be published.