๐น๐ญ Lunar New Year Family Shopping Vacation To Bangkok, Thailand, In January 2017 ~ Section 1 ๐น๐ญ
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 ๏ฝฐ 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: ใทใณใฌใใผใซ่ช็ฉบ; Chinese: ๆฐๅ ๅก่ช็ฉบๅ ฌๅธ) 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 in Concourse F 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. E4 in Concourse E 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 ๏ฝฐ "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 ๏ฝฐ The Flight To Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
Airline: Singapore Airlines Flight No.: SQ 972 From: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Changi, 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 new to Singapore Airlines on 2 July 2002 as the 29th 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F at 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F at 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
My normal pre-departure glass of orange juice during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Reviewing the KrisShop in-flight duty-free shopping magazine during the boarding process at Gate No. F50 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Awaiting pushback from Gate No. F50 in Concourse F 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 in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
A Korean Air Airbus A330-323X, registered HL7720, being serviced at Gate No. F40 in Concourse F at 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 (Capital)
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
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 ๏ฝฐ "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 (529051)
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: เธ่เธฒเธญเธฒเธเธฒเธจเธขเธฒเธเธชุเธงเธฃเธฃเธเธ ูเธกิ) 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
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 Rรฉunion in the Indian Ocean as Air Austral flight UU 888 bound for Saint-Denis de la Rรฉunion
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 in Concourse E 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 in Concourse E 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 in Concourse C 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 in Concourse C 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, in 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% ๏ฝฐ 84% (Airline has a very good rating and performance) B: 60% ๏ฝฐ 74% (Airline has a good rating and performance) C: 50% ๏ฝฐ 59% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance) D: 45% ๏ฝฐ 49% (Airline has a satisfactory rating and performance) E: 35% ๏ฝฐ 44% (Airline has a fair rating and performance) S: 20% ๏ฝฐ 34% (Airline has a poor rating and performance) U: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the pre-requisite for the minimum grade)
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 ๏ฝฐ 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: เนเธญ็เธกเธเธงเธญเนเธีเธขเธฃ์) 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: ๆ่้ ๅฎถ; Simplified Chinese: ๆๅ ด้ ๅฎถ), 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 sautรฉed 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.
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