We're celebrating our 10th birthday at Escape Worldwide,
and looking back at 10 years of globetrotting in the name of bringing you great
holidays - at least that's our excuse! We're having a look at our personal top
10 favourite travel experiences of the last 10 years.
Natalie picks up a bargain - or three!
"This was my first visit to Bangkok, and as an experienced shopper and bargain-hunter back home I was pleased to see that there were tons of shops and lots of shopping to be done - I am a self confessed handbag addict and was pleased to see that there was plenty on offer!
Before shopping comes sightseeing, and I started at the Grand Palace, a real 'must see' for anyone visiting Bangkok. The palace is a series of palace buildings and temples, and is very much in use - it dates back over 300 years and although the current King doesn't live here, the palace is still used for official events, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most important religious sites in Thailand. Getting around here is easy on foot or by tuk tuk, which you can rent by the hour for next to nothing.
"This was my first visit to Bangkok, and as an experienced shopper and bargain-hunter back home I was pleased to see that there were tons of shops and lots of shopping to be done - I am a self confessed handbag addict and was pleased to see that there was plenty on offer!
Before shopping comes sightseeing, and I started at the Grand Palace, a real 'must see' for anyone visiting Bangkok. The palace is a series of palace buildings and temples, and is very much in use - it dates back over 300 years and although the current King doesn't live here, the palace is still used for official events, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most important religious sites in Thailand. Getting around here is easy on foot or by tuk tuk, which you can rent by the hour for next to nothing.
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| Getting around by Tuk Tuk |
On my way to the Grand Palace, I noticed some fantastic denim handbags as I got
off of the river taxi at Tha Chang. Unable to resist I enquired about
the price of the bags. They seemed reasonable, however, there was lots to see
on this trip and I had my eye set on my visit to the huge MBK shopping
centre for some retail therapy - one of my colleagues in the office had
recommended this place for the best bargains. There is a bargain to be had
everywhere in Bangkok, depending on what it is that you want and how much
luggage allowance you have left!
The following day we had the morning off and I decided that I would go in search of some denim bags (and whatever others I could find!) in MBK. This shopping centre is one of the largest I have visited with floors and floors of merchandise from upmarket designer outlets to market-style stalls in the one building. I have to admit, I got a little lost and there were no denim handbags to be found! Now with a mission to accomplish, I decided that I would return to the same spot to get the bags that I had originally seen. MBK is at one end of the skytrain line and the port for the river taxi is at the other. So that was simple enough to remember. From there it’s a short walk to the boats and tickets are purchased on board. Remembering my route from the day before (Tha Chang=Chang Beer) and the orange express route, I was well away.
The following day we had the morning off and I decided that I would go in search of some denim bags (and whatever others I could find!) in MBK. This shopping centre is one of the largest I have visited with floors and floors of merchandise from upmarket designer outlets to market-style stalls in the one building. I have to admit, I got a little lost and there were no denim handbags to be found! Now with a mission to accomplish, I decided that I would return to the same spot to get the bags that I had originally seen. MBK is at one end of the skytrain line and the port for the river taxi is at the other. So that was simple enough to remember. From there it’s a short walk to the boats and tickets are purchased on board. Remembering my route from the day before (Tha Chang=Chang Beer) and the orange express route, I was well away.
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| Famous Papong Market |
On arrival the stallholder immediately recognised me and wanted to enter into a
discussion about the bags. She originally quoted me 1400B (£28) for two
handbags and a purse. Unimpressed, I thought I’d use my newly acquired
bartering skills and see what I could achieve. The final price was 750B
(£15) which was fantastic
Pleased as punch, I went on my journey back to the hotel. Unable to resist, I thought I’d try a smaller shopping mall close to the hotel I was staying at, the Dusit Thani. Looking around I didn’t really see anything that I wanted to buy. One particular shop caught my eye – denim handbags! On closer inspection, one of the handbags that I had just bought was on sale for 850B (£17). What a result!"
Pleased as punch, I went on my journey back to the hotel. Unable to resist, I thought I’d try a smaller shopping mall close to the hotel I was staying at, the Dusit Thani. Looking around I didn’t really see anything that I wanted to buy. One particular shop caught my eye – denim handbags! On closer inspection, one of the handbags that I had just bought was on sale for 850B (£17). What a result!"
Next time...No 3 Brazil.....
Darren
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
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