Mini-Shopping Holiday in Bangkok in March 2013 ~ Section 2

Welcome to the second section of my vacation in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2013. This section will mainly cover our days of shopping around Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK Center and the 'Bumpy Ride on Rotten Roads and Paths' on the Segway near the royal grounds and the Chao Phraya River.

Part 1 ~ Shopping Day in Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and MBK Center

The next morning, which was Saturday (16 March), I woke up at around 9.30 a.m. after a well-earned good night's sleep. To begin the day, I had a nice, hot shower and changed into my day's attire before doing my own personal stuff. Soon enough, we were all up by 10.45 a.m.. According to my parents, we had plans of going shopping around Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK Center today. After getting all our necessary belongings prepared for the day, we took the elevator down to the ground floor, arriving there by noon.

Upon reaching the ground floor, we made a plan on how to begin our shopping trip. In order to get to Siam Paragon, we decided to take the Bangkok Skytrain (BTS Skytrain) Silom Line from National Stadium BTS Station to Siam BTS Station. Knowing that National Stadium BTS Station was located quite near the LIT Hotel Bangkok, we decided to walk over to the station, leaving the hotel at 12.05 p.m., with the walk taking about only five to ten minutes.

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 Silom Line. The station is connected directly to MBK Center via a pedestrian footbridge and provides easy access to the National Stadium, Siam Discovery Center, Bangkok Art & Culture Centre and Siam Square.

The view of my room shortly after I woke up

The curtains in my room still mostly-drawn in the afternoon

The main hotel lobby of the LIT Hotel Bangkok in the afternoon on our first day

The exterior view of the LIT Hotel Bangkok in the afternoon on our first day

Walking along the alley towards National Stadium BTS Station

The busy afternoon roads of Pathum Wan district of downtown Bangkok

The view of Siam Discovery Center in the afternoon

The stairway to the footbridge towards National Stadium BTS Station by a tuk-tuk stand

On the footbridge towards National Stadium BTS Station

The view of MBK Center in the afternoon on the footbridge towards National Stadium BTS Station

The entrance to National Stadium BTS Station

After a short walk of just 10 minutes from the LIT Hotel Bangkok, we finally arrived at the entrance to National Stadium BTS Station at 12.15 p.m.. As we went into the station's main ticketing concourse, where we purchased our BTS Skytrain tickets towards Siam BTS Station from a nearby automatic ticketing machine.

Upon purchasing our tickets, we went up towards the station platform towards Talat Phlu, where a four-car BTS Skytrain was awaiting departure from National Stadium BTS Station. Without wasting anymore time, we immediately boarded the train just in time for the short one-minute journey towards Siam. Soon, once the train doors closed, we were on our way for a very short journey towards Siam BTS Station.

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 system consists of two lines, the Silom and Sukhumvit Lines, with both lines providing connections with each other at Siam BTS Station.

The ticketing concourse in National Stadium BTS Station

The BTS Skytrain Silom Line concourse of National Stadium BTS Station

The station platform of National Stadium BTS Station towards Talan Phlu with a BTS Skytrain about to depart the station

The interior of the BTS Skytrain towards Talan Phlu on the Silom Line

Bangkok Skytrain Silom Line ~ National Stadium (W1) to Siam (CEN)

After a quick one-minute ride on the BTS Skytrain from National Stadium BTS Station, we finally arrived at the Siam BTS Station at 12.20 p.m. on the lower platform level. Upon alighting the train, we took the escalator down towards the main station concourse and exited the station through the main ticket gates.

Once we had exited Siam BTS Station, we walked towards one of the entrances to the Siam Paragon, where we walked from place to place towards an escalator towards the lower floors of the mall. Feeling very hungry, we decided to head down to the ground floor, where all the restaurants were located. Meanwhile, an open-mall restaurant, named L'Espace by Mandarin Oriental was closed for renovations.

Siam BTS Station (Thai: สถานีสยาม) is a BTS station located in Rama I Road in the Siam area in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is the largest and busiest BTS station, with 40,000 to 50,000 passengers passing through the station daily, and provides cross-platform interchange for the Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line. The station is also directly connected to Siam Paragon and Siam Center via a pedestrian skybridge.

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, the largest public aquarium in Southeast Asia.

The lower level platforms of Siam BTS Station during the early afternoon rush hour

The busy station concourse of Siam BTS Station during the early afternoon rush hour

The entrance to the Siam Paragon from Siam BTS Station

Walking along the main floor of the Siam Paragon towards the escalators

The ground floor of the Siam Paragon where all the restaurants are located

A small indoor pond below the escalators on the ground floor of the Siam Paragon

An open-mall perfume shop area with a pond containing koi fish

After looking through the various restaurants available on the ground floor, we managed to stumble upon a Japanese restaurant known as The Grill Tokyo, a restaurant I discovered with my dad back in September 2012. With that, we went into the restaurant and requested for a table for the four of us. With that, a waitress welcomed us and ushered us to a table.

Distributing the food and beverage menus, we decided to make a good review through the food and beverage menus to see what seemed appetising to us. After having a good review through the food and beverage menus, a waitress finally came to our table to take our orders for lunch. We ordered several stuff that seemed to be that of our likings. Soon, we had a sumptuous lunch at The Grill Tokyo Japanese Restaurant.

The exterior view of The Grill Tokyo Japanese Restaurant in the ground floor of Siam Paragon

The interior of The Grill Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

The leather cover page for the food and beverage menu of The Grill Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

Reviewing the food and beverage menu of The Grill Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

A plate of crisp salad on our table

A small platter of salmon sashimi

A set of seafood sushi for my parents

A bowl of karubi don for myself

A sliced pork mini shabu-shabu hotpot for my brother being brought to the table

Two plates of fried shishamo on our table

A plate of sliced pork for my brother's mini shabu-shabu set

A plate of assorted sausages

The first platter of beef tongue shio yaki

The second platter of beef tongue shio yaki

An assorted seafood sashimi set to be shared among us

After having a sumptuous lunch feast at The Grill Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, the clock was already showing 1.30 p.m.. Wanting to head to CentralWorld to shop for some footwear, we paid our bill and left the restaurant by 1.35 p.m.. We then took the escalator up to the main floor, where we exited towards Siam BTS Station. From Siam BTS Station, we walked along the skyway bridge linking towards CentralWorld from Siam Paragon.

As soon as we reached CentralWorld at 1.50 p.m., we entered the mall. The first thing we did while my mum went to do her own shopping was to follow my dad and brother towards a shoe shop to purchase some new pairs of footwear. Upon purchasing our new pairs of footwear, my dad and my brother decided to have something light to eat.

With that, we headed over to a Häagen-Dazs ice-cream parlour, via a stop to buy some fastfood for my brother at MOS Burger. As soon as we arrived at the Häagen-Dazs ice-cream parlour, we requested for a table for the three of us, and were ushered to a table. With the food and beverage menus distributed to us, we made a review to see what dessert items seemed to be appetising to us.

CentralWorld (Thai: เซ็นทรัลเวิลด์) is a large shopping mall and complex located in Rama I Road, Pathum Wan District, Thailand. Opened in 1990 and owned by Central Pattana, it is the sixth-largest shopping complex in the world with a total floor area of 187,046 square meters. The complex is notable for housing the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

On 19 May 2010, a large portion of the mall was severely damaged during the 2010 Thai political protests, with the Zen department store sustaining the most damage. A large portion of the mall was re-opened again on 28 September 2010 after four months of extensive repair works. The Zen department store was then re-opened again on 6 January 2012 after 20 months of extensive repair works.

Walking past a Thai craft shop in the ground floor of the Siam Paragon

A koi fish pond in the ground floor of the Siam Paragon

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafeteria in the ground floor of the Siam Paragon

One of the lobbys in the Siam Paragon

An indoor maze-like pond structure near the entrance on the main floor of the Siam Paragon

The busy ticketing concourse of Siam BTS Station crowded with hundreds of passengers

The BTS Skytrain flyover tracks near Siam BTS Station

The busy afternoon traffic on the roads of the Pathum Wan District in downtown Bangkok

The long skyway bridge below the BTS Skytrain tracks

The view of the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, where we previously stayed at in September 2011 and August & September 2012

Walking along the skyway bridge towards CentralWorld

Approaching the entrance to CentralWorld

A lineup of shops near the overbridge entrance to CentralWorld

Several cafeterias in CentralWorld

Arriving at the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour in CentralWorld

The main counters at the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour in CentralWorld

Looking up towards upper floors for the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour in CentralWorld

The open-mall interior of the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour in CentralWorld

The cover page for the food and beverage menu of the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour in CentralWorld

Eyeing my most intended dessert in the food and beverage menu of the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour in CentralWorld

After looking through the food and beverage menus of the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour, a waitress came to our table to take down our dessert orders. My dad ordered a hot chocolate cappucino, along with a Love In Belgium chocolate dessert set for myself. With our items delivered to us in a few minutes, I enjoyed my Love In Belgium chocolate dessert set that afternoon.

After finishing off our afternoon tea at the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour in CentralWorld, the clock was finally showing 2.40 p.m.. As I had plans to continue my shopping day towards MBK Center, my brother decided to head back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok for a rest, where my mum was back in. With that, we paid our bill and headed out through the same main entrance, where we came through. There, we walked via the skyway bridge towards Siam BTS Station.

A lovely Love In Belgium chocolate dessert set for myself

A glass of hot chocolate cappucino for my dad

Looking through the many floors of CentralWorld

The view of Siam Paragon from the walkway towards CentralWorld

Beginning to walk along the skyway bridge from CentralWorld

Midway through the skyway walk between CentralWorld and Siam BTS Station

The BTS Skytrain viaduct towards Siam BTS Station

After a short five-minute walk along the skyway bridge from CentralWorld, we were finally at the ticketing concourse of Siam BTS Station at 3 o' clock. To get to MBK Center, we decided to take the BTS Skytrain Silom Line all the way back to the National Stadium BTS terminal station. With that, we went towards the ticket vending machines to purchase our tickets, and climbed the escalators up to the uppermost platforms of Siam BTS Station.

Once there, we waited for the BTS Skytrain bound for National Stadium to arrive. After a few minutes of waiting on the upper level platform of Siam BTS Station, a four-car BTS Skytrain Silom Line train bound for National Stadium finally arrived at the station. Immediately, we boarded one of the carriages for the journey. Soon enough, we were finally on our way for a short one-minute ride towards National Stadium BTS Station.

The busy ticketing concourse of Siam BTS Station

The ticketing concourse from the escalators up to the uppermost platforms of Siam BTS Station

Riding the escalators up to the uppermost platforms of Siam BTS Station

The lower level platforms of Siam BTS Station

The upper level platforms of Siam BTS Station

The interior of the BTS Skytrain towards National Stadium on the Silom Line

Bangkok Skytrain Silom Line ~ Siam (CEN) to National Stadium (W1)

After a very short one-minute train ride on the BTS Skytrain Silom Line from Siam, we finally arrived at the National Stadium BTS terminal station at 3.05 p.m.. Upon exiting from the train, we walked down via the staircase towards the main station concourse. It was then that my dad accompanied my brother back towards the LIT Hotel Bangkok.

There, while I decided to continue on into MBK Center, my dad opted to meet me at a popular hobby shop known as Toy Studio on the second floor, after he escorted my brother back to the hotel. With that, while my dad escorted my brother back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok, I continued on to MBK Center to do my aircraft model shopping.

The arrival BTS Skytrain Silom Line platform of National Stadium BTS Station

The relatively crowded station concourse of National Stadium BTS Station

A lineup of shops in the station concourse of National Stadium BTS Station

The footbridge linking towards MBK Center from National Stadium BTS Station

A lineup of various shops on the second floor of MBK Center

Gazing towards the upper levels of MBK Center

The entrance to Toy Studio hobby shop on the second floor in MBK Center

After looking through the various shops very carefully, I finally arrived at my intended shop, Toy Studio, on the second floor at 3.20 p.m.. I then entered the hobby shop, finding various new aircraft model releases on display. The owners of the shop seemed to be very familiar with me, since a few years ago, when I discovered the shop, I became a regular customer on my trips to Bangkok.

Toy Studio is a hobby shop in Bangkok, Thailand, with two branches in MBK Center and MEGAbangna. There used to be a branch at CentralWorld, but was closed down following the 2010 Thai political protests and the CentralWorld arson attack in May 2010. Toy Studio is a suitable place for aviation fans, since they sell various types of aircraft models.

While shopping at Toy Studio at MBK Center, I managed to purchase six brand new Herpa Wings Scale 1:500 commercial aircraft models at a total price of ฿8,040 (S$402). After purchasing my Herpa Wings commercial aircraft models from Toy Studio, my dad met up with me at the shop at around 3.40 p.m..

I thanked the owners and promised to come again before I left the shop. Wanting to buy some new casual clothes, my dad and I decided to head up to the sixth floor, where all the clothes were on sale. On the sixth floor, we purchased several T-shirts that could easily fit our sizes. Soon, we decided to have something to drink after doing some busy shopping around MBK Center.

As for the my Herpa Wings Scale 1:500 commercial aircraft models, they were as follows:

1) Air China Boeing 777-39L/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (518994)

Air China Boeing 777-39L/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (518994) 

2) Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-323X Herpa Scale 1:500 (520935)

Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-323X Herpa Scale 1:500 (520935)

3) Emirates Boeing 777-31H/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (518277)

Emirates Boeing 777-31H/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (518277)

4) Etihad Airways Airbus A330-343X "Visit Abu Dhabi 2011" Herpa Scale 1:500 (523066)

Etihad Airways Airbus A330-343X "Visit Abu Dhabi 2011" Herpa Scale 1:500 (523066)

5) Finnair Airbus A340-313X "Angry Birds" Herpa Scale 1:500 (523202)

Finnair Airbus A340-313X "Angry Birds" Herpa Scale 1:500 (523202)

6) Thai Airways International Boeing 747-4D7 Herpa Scale 1:500 (507899)

Thai Airways International Boeing 747-4D7 Herpa Scale 1:500 (507899)

Riding up the escalators from the second floor to the sixth floor

The sixth floor of MBK Center, where all clothes are sold

As soon as we were back on the second floor, we stopped by a small cafeteria, by the name of Caffé Nero. We then sat down at a table and looked through the menus to see what drinks seemed to be appetising to us. Not long enough, a waitress came by to see what drinks we wanted to order.

So, with that, we placed our orders and had a well-earned drink at Caffé Nero on the second floor of MBK Center. While my dad had a glass of fresh orange juice, I just had a simple glass of chocolate milkshake. I found the milkshake to be very refreshing, especially on such a hot day like this.

Outside Caffé Nero on the second floor of MBK Center

Inside Caffé Nero on the second floor of MBK Center

A simple glass of chocolate milkshake for myself

After having a well-earned drink at Caffé Nero, the clock was finally showing 4.45 p.m.. Feeling exhausted after spending the afternoon shopping around downtown Bangkok, we decided to head back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok for a well-earned afternoon rest.

With that, we left MBK Center by 4.50 p.m. and decided to walk back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok, since it was located across MBK Center and National Stadium BTS Station. The walk between MBK Center and the LIT Hotel Bangkok took approximately 10 minutes.

A raffle being held below the footbridge towards MBK Center

The view of National Stadium BTS Station as we head back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok

Walking along the alleyway towards the LIT Hotel Bangkok

Approaching the LIT Hotel Bangkok in the late afternoon

Finally approaching the main entrance to the LIT Hotel Bangkok

The pink LIT Hotel Bangkok four-ride tuk-tuk parked by the main entrance to the LIT Hotel Bangkok

After a short 10-minute walk from MBK Center, we finally arrived back at the main entrance of the LIT Hotel Bangkok. Feeling exhausted after spending the entire afternoon shopping, we took the elevator back up to our sixth floor rooms and had a well-earned rest throughout the entire afternoon.

Soon, night fell at around 7.30 p.m.. At around 8 o' clock that night, we were feeling pretty hungry and decided to head out to dinner. We decided upon Siam Discovery Center again to see what other restaurants were there. With that, we headed down to the lobby and decided to take the pink four-ride tuk-tuk to the Siam Discovery Center. The tuk-tuk could only go as far towards below National Stadium BTS Station, which took only approximately just five minutes.

The front view seat of the pink LIT Hotel Bangkok four-tide tuk-tuk

Driving along the dim alley near the LIT Hotel Bangkok at night

Passing by a car shop in the Pathum Wan District

After a short five-minute ride on the pink LIT Hotel Bangkok four-ride pink tuk-tuk, we finally arrived by the bridge towards National Stadium BTS Station at 8.15 p.m.. Being free of charge, we thanked the driver and walked up towards the Siam Discovery Center.

Upon entering the Siam Discovery Center, we headed up to the sixth floor and seventh floor (the top floor) to see what restaurants were there that seemed to be our desired try for dinner.

The pink LIT Hotel Bangkok four-ride tuk-tuk below National Stadium BTS Station at night

The pedestrian bridge towards National Stadium BTS Station at night

The BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line viaduct towards Siam Station at night

Approaching the bridge entrance towards Siam Discovery Center

Several lineups of shops located on the three upper floors of Siam Discovery Center

Looking towards the lower floors of Siam Discovery Center

The escalators towards the sixth floor where all the restaurants are located

Bypassing 9th Cafeteria on the sixth floor

A lineup of restaurants on the sixth floor in Siam Discovery Center

After looking through the various restaurants available, we went up the top floor, and found a Local Thai restaurant by the name of Red Sun by Tawandang. This restaurant specialises in local ethnic Thai cuisine. With that, we asked for a table for the four of us, and were ushered into the open restaurant.

At the front of the restaurant, there was a stage where jazz and music players can perform during clubbing hours. With the food and beverage menus given out to us, we made a good review through them before placing our orders for dinner.

The logo of Red Sun by Tawandang on the seventh floor of Siam Discovery Center

The interior of Red Sun by Tawandang on the seventh floor of Siam Discovery Center

The cover page for the main meal menu in Red Sun by Tawandang

Reviewing the main meal menu in Red Sun by Tawandang

The cover page for the main beverage menu in Red Sun by Tawandang

Reviewing the main beverage menu in Red Sun by Tawandang

After having a good review through the food and beverage menus, a waiter finally came along to take our meal orders. We ordered some of the food items that seemed to be that of our likings. We then had a generally good dinner at Red Sun by Tawandang that night.

A platter of fried rice for my brother

A platter of hor fun to be shared among us

Assorted sausages with mashed potatoes

An overall view of our dinner at Red Sky at Tawandang

A platter of spare pork ribs for myself

The bar area of Red Sun by Tawandang

After having dinner at the Red Sun by Tawandang, the clock was finally showing 9.40 p.m.. Knowing that the mall would be closing in 20 minutes' time, we had the decision of heading back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok. With that, we paid the bill and left the Siam Discovery Center 10 minutes before the scheduled closing time.

Upon exiting the mall, we walked along the skyway bridge, and went back via the same way we came to the mall, but on foot. Up until tonight, all the roads were still lively with traffic.

The exterior night view of MBK Center

Walking along the skyway foot bridge between Siam Discovery Center and National Stadium BTS Station

The view of National Stadium BTS Station at night

The view of Siam Discovery Center by the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line viaduct at night

Walking along the alley towards the LIT Hotel Bangkok

Arriving back at the LIT Hotel Bangkok late at night

After a short 10-minute walk from the Siam Discovery Center, we finally arrived back at the LIT Hotel Bangkok at 10 o' clock. We then took the elevator back up to our sixth floor hotel rooms and had a well-earned hot shower before we had changed into our attire for the night.

For the rest of the night, we just did our own personal stuff before heading off to bed at around one or two o' clock that night.

Part 2 ~ 'Bumpy Ride on Rotten Roads and Paths' On The Segway Along The Royal Grounds & Chao Phraya River

The next morning, which was Sunday (17 March), I woke up relatively late again at around 10.30 a.m. after a well-earned good night's sleep. To start off the day, I had a nice, hot shower and changed up into my day's attire before doing my own personal stuff.

By 11.30 a.m., all of us were awake and had good showers before changing into our attires for the day. According to my parents, we would be going somewhere along the Chao Phraya River later that afternoon.

The dark view of my room in the late morning hours shortly after we woke up

The curtains slightly open in my room

After preparing all our necessary belongings for the day, we decided to go out to have lunch first before we started our dayout. With that, we took the elevator down to the main lobby and decided to find a restaurant near our hotel.

At around 12.25 p.m., we stumbled upon a small restaurant named Reno Café. With that, we went into the restaurant and requested a table for the four of us. Soon, with the waitress distributing the food and beverage menus to us, we were left to make our decisions for the lunch orders.

The exterior view of the LIT Hotel Bangkok on a bright sunny afternoon

The entrance to Reno Café

Reviewing the food and beverage menu of Reno Café

The interior view of Reno Café

After having a good review through the food and beverage menus, a waitress finally came to our table to take down our lunch orders. We ordered several food and drink items that seemed to be that of our likings. Soon, we had a generally alright lunch at Reno Café.

A glass of Coca-cola for myself

The interior view of Reno Café during lunch hours

A bowl of creamy mushroom soup for myself

A side platter of fried chicken wings to be shared among us

A plate of pork chop for myself

The interior of Reno Café just before we left for the LIT Hotel Bangkok

After having lunch at the Reno Café, the clock was finally showing 1.05 p.m.. Feeling stuffed to the brim already, we paid our lunch bill and decided to head back towards the LIT Hotel Bangkok first. As soon as we arrived back at the main lobby of the LIT Hotel Bangkok, we went to the hotel reception counter and arranged for a cab to take us towards Nagaraphirom Park.

Upon waiting in the hotel lobby for approximately five minutes, a pink-coloured Thailand taxi pulled up at the entrance to the LIT Hotel Bangkok at 1.20 p.m.. We then boarded the taxi and told the driver to take us towards Nagaraphirom Park. As soon as we were all on board, we left the LIT Hotel Bangkok at 1.25 p.m. for a journey time of 20 minutes towards Nagaraphirom Park.

Arriving back at the LIT Hotel Bangkok from Reno Café

The main hotel lobby of the LIT Hotel Bangkok in the bright afternoon hours

The pink-coloured Thai taxi that would soon take us to Nagaraphirom Park

Driving along the alley towards National Stadium BTS Station

Travelling towards the end of the BTS Skytrain Silom Line bridge

Crossing a bridge over the Chao Phraya River

Bypassing some very old shophouses in Bangkok

Crossing a road junction near the outskirts of Bangkok

Driving somewhere by the Royal Grounds of Bangkok

After a short 20-minute taxi ride from the LIT Hotel Bangkok, we finally arrived at a busy local market near Nagaraphirom Park at 1.40 p.m.. Upon payment of our taxi fare, we had to walk towards a tuk-tuk stand to catch a nearby tuk-tuk towards Maharaj Pier.

We walked by several market stores selling a lot of food and many local crafts and products. As soon as we arrived at the nearby tuk-tuk stand, we boardest the nearest green-liveried tuk-tuk, which whisked us towards Maharaj Pier in just less than five minutes.

Outside Nagaraphirom Park near the busy markets by the Chao Phraya River

A large picnic field in the Nagaraphirom Park

Riding on the green-liveried tuk-tuk towards Maharaj Pier

Bypassing several street stalls on the way to the Maharaj Pier

The green-liveried tuk-tuk that transported us between Nagaraphirom Park and Maharaj Pier

After a very short five-minute tuk-tuk ride from Nagaraphirom Park, we finally arrived at Maharaj Pier at around five minutes to two. Upon paying the tuk-tuk driver for his service, we made our way into the Maharaj Pier. I was hoping for a good boat cruise around the Chao Phraya River from the Maharaj Pier.

However, my hopes were dashed when I found out that we were going to have a tour around Bangkok on the segway, though I am only interested in the food and shopping in the city. Would this be a driving force for me when I learn how to drive a certain vehicle in future?

With some hesitation, we went into the Segway Tour Reservation Office and booked for an afternoon tour around the outskirts of Bangkok. Indeed, I was hesitant to ride on the Segway to learn how to drive, since I had been hearing a lot of stories about accidents on roads, though one just has to be careful.

For the next half an hour, we practised on how to ride on the segway. To ride on a segway, lean backwards whenever you wish to break down, and if you feel like moving forward or speeding up, just lean forwards. But always watch where you are going whenever you ride on a segway, and avoid riding over bumpy areas to avoid accidents and possible injuries.

The entrance to a Chao Phraya riverside restaurant by Maharaj Pier

The view of the Chao Phraya River from the Maharaj Pier

Some housing apartments located across the Chao Phraya River as seen from the Maharaj Pier

The entrance to the Segway Tour Reservation Office in the Maharaj Pier

Lots of travellers waiting to go on a boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River at the Maharaj Pier

Inside the Segway Tour Reservation Office in the Maharaj Pier

After practising on the segways for approximately half an hour, we were finally ready to begin our segway tour around the Chao Phraya River and the Royal Grounds of Bangkok at 2.45 p.m. for the 'Bumpy Ride on Rotten Roads and Paths on the Segway' tour time of two hours. Fortunately, we stopped at some places for some chill drinks and a rest at certain places of the tour.

Along the tour, we bypassed several markets selling local products such as crafts and talismans, as well as popular shopping night streets for both locals and tourists and cheap backpackers' inns. Through this, we knew that Bangkok was abundant with most locals living on streets.

However, due to the intense heat, the segway tour didn't seem very interesting, as it was so hot, leading me to call the day, 'Bumpy Ride on Rotten Roads and Paths on the Segway'. I seem to be more interested in the shopping than seeing what life lessons are really like.

Though I may seem to isolate myself from the outside world, I have way better things to do such as to shop rather than to learn the lessons in life. In reality, during the segway tour, I tended to ride roughly at some points, causing me to have just two falls without serious injuries.

The tour around Bangkok on the segway was as hot as hell and very tiring, and the entire tour lasted approximately two hours. In this case, I would have much gone on a boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River instead.

The very first phase of the segway tour around Bangkok alongside a local shopping street near the Maharaj Pier

Bypassing some local street shops selling local products

Passing by a crowded road by some very old and rundown local shophouses

Passing by the Royal Grounds of Bangkok during the segway tour

Arriving at an open-air drink stall to purchase some cool drinks near a supposedly Royal Parliament House

My mum and younger brother posing for a photograph on their segways

Two condominium towers located across the Chao Phraya River

The famous Rama V Bridge stretching across the Chao Phraya River

Passing by the Riva Surya Hotel Bangkok located along the Chao Phraya River

A picnic area at a park by the Chao Phraya River

Bypassing some restaurants and cafeterias along an alley

Riding on a path past some old ancestral homes

Crossing a busy road towards a popular shopping street for both locals and tourists

Crossing a busy and popular shopping street for both locals and tourists

About to cross a busy road by some national monuments of Thailand

Bypassing a bus stop along the road near The Grand Palace

Approaching The Grand Palace on the segway

Bypassing The Grand Palace on the segway

The Royal Thai Police Headquarters near the Royal Grounds of Bangkok

Stopping at a park near the Royal Thai Police Headquarters for a rest

A large gold fountain at the park near the Royal Thai Police Headquarters

Some bushes surrounding some old cannon shooters outside the Royal Thai Police Headquarters

Finally arriving at the Royal Grounds in Bangkok

Stopping by in the Royal Grounds of Bangkok for a rest

Leaving the Royal Grounds of Bangkok for the Maharaj Pier

Riding along a quiet alley back towards the Maharaj Pier

Finally arriving back at the Maharaj Pier

After a tiring and tedious tour of 'Bumpy Ride on Rotten Roads and Paths on the Segway', we finally arrived back at the Maharaj Pier at 4.45 p.m.. By then, I was feeling exhausted and bothered from the long and tedious tour. As soon as we arrived back at the segway tour reservation office, we collected our personal belongings and left.

I was relieved to be heading back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok since I was already feeling exhausted and looking forward to a well-earned shower and afternoon rest. We then thanked the man for his services before we left and headed out towards a nearby pedestrian stand near the Maharaj Pier to hail a taxi back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok.

Given a choice, I will choose not to learn about the lessons in life and not ride the segway again. I have better things to do than to worry about the lessons in life, since I have both little and no interest in it. This was a tedious and tiring ordeal instead of an experience for me.

Arriving back at the Segway Tour Reservation Office at the Maharaj Pier

Inside the Segway Tour Reservation Office at the Maharaj Pier after arriving back

The waiting area in the Maharaj Pier

The view of the Chao Phraya River from the Maharaj River

The car parking area outside the Maharaj Pier

A blue-liveried taxi waiting near Maharaj Pier

A few minutes later, a taxi pulled up to where we were standing just outside the Maharaj Pier. We then told the driver to take us towards National Stadium BTS Station from where we were. Soon, by 5 o' clock, we were on our way from the Maharaj Pier for a taxi ride of 20 minutes towards National Stadium BTS Station.

Passing by The Grand Palace on the way back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok

Passing by the grounds of The Grand Palace

Crossing a road junction near The Royal Grounds of Bangkok

Approaching an old traffic roundabout with some old shophouses ahead

Bypassing a lineup of old run-down shophouses on the way back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok

About to cross a busy road bridge over the Chao Phraya River

Heading down towards the Pathum Wan District in downtown Bangkok

Crossing beneath the BTS Skytrain Silom Line bridge

Finally approaching National Stadium BTS Station

After a short 20-minute taxi ride from the Maharaj Pier, we finally arrived at a stand just below National Stadium BTS Station at 5.20 p.m.. Upon payment of our taxi fare, we went to a nearby convenience store called 7-Eleven to buy some light food and beverages.

As soon as we had purchased some light snacks and beverages, we walked back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok, eventually arriving back there at 5.35 p.m..

A lineup of convenience stores located below National Stadium BTS Station

The busy roads of the Pathum Wan District below National Stadium BTS Station

The alley that leads to the LIT Hotel Bangkok

Arriving back at the LIT Hotel Bangkok

As soon as we arrived back at the LIT Hotel Bangkok at 5.35 p.m., we took the elevator back up to our rooms on the sixth floor. I was feeling exhausted from the segways and was looking forward to doing my own personal things in the room. Once we were in our rooms, we had a nice hot shower before settling down to do our own stuff. Earlier, my parents had arranged for a traditional Thai massage at the massage house at nine o' clock, which was located just across our hotel later that night.

This was something which I had really been longing for after such a hard day on the segway tour. Later, as my parents went out to have dinner, my brother and I decided to have in-room dining from Fiesta Steppe for dinner at 6.30 p.m.. While my brother opted to have the Australian beef sirloin with pepper sauce, I went for the Australian beef tenderloin fillet mignon with shallot & port wine sauce. They were then brought up to us at 6.50 p.m., and arranged for the staff to come and collect the trays upon finishing our dinner an hour later.

The main lobby of the LIT Hotel Bangkok in the late afternoon hours

A view of my room shortly after we returned

My brother's Australian beef sirloin cooked medium rare

My Australian beef tenderloin fillet mignon with shallot & port wine sauce cooked medium

My room during the early night hours

After spending the whole day shopping and having dinner, my parents finally came back up to the room at around 8.45 p.m.. Knowing that our traditional Thai massage reservation would be in 15 minutes' time, we took the elevator down to the ground floor and walked across the road towards the massage house.

Soon enough, we were finally there by 8.50 p.m.. At the reception counter at the massage house, we checked our reservation. While the rest of us were to have two hours of body massage, I was to have half of the two hours of body massage. That night, we had a well-earned traditional Thai body massage after a tiring and tedious day of 'Bumpy Ride on Rotten Roads and Paths on the Segway' tour.

The main lobby of the LIT Hotel Bangkok at night

The night view of the street near the LIT Hotel Bangkok

The exterior view of the traditional Thai massage house outside the LIT Hotel Bangkok

Inside the first level of the traditional Thai massage house across the LIT Hotel Bangkok

The late night exterior view of the LIT Hotel Bangkok

The late night view of my room, Room No. 610

After having my short one-hour traditional Thai massage, the clock was finally showing ten o' clock. Knowing that my massage was already done, I decided to head back to the LIT Hotel Bangkok first. My parents and younger brother stayed on for another hour before they were finished with their massage. With the full knowledge that my parents would pay up for the entire massage, I headed across the road towards the LIT Hotel Bangkok and took the elevator back up to the sixth floor.

I was feeling a lot better after a very nice, well-earned traditional Thai massage. As soon as I had reached my room, I opened the door and settled down to do more of my own personal things. Just as my family returned from their very well-earned traditional Thai massage, the clock was already showing 11.30 p.m.. Between midnight and one o' clock, we all went to bed for a well-earned good night's sleep after another tiring day of explorations.

This officially brings the second section of my mini holiday in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2013 to a close. The remaining two sections will be published as soon as the pictures and videos of the best quality have been selected.