So I can ride the new SkyTrain extension tomorrow and explore all around down there, yes?

 

Where the good food be down there? Anyone know? How bout those Seafood places in Bang Pu?

4 minutes ago, Crossy said:

The PM is having an opening ride in the morning, so don't expect public operation before lunch time.

 

Perfect. I dont have to wake up before noon then. I need all the beauty sleep I can muster. My aesthetician told me to try suspended animation, that might work.

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

PM has been and gone.

 

Revenue (ok free) service starts at noon today.

 

Im headed there as soon as I'm done morning messing around. I think its a seafood dinner day. Regular service intervals?

37 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

Regular service intervals?

Allegedly trains every 10 minutes Samrong <=> Kheha

 

8 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Allegedly trains every 10 minutes Samrong <=> Kheha

 

Close enough for government work. Free train, river sights, new area, lots of 7-11s, whats not to like! <deleted> me, even if they charged its great. Its better to be riding above the traffic than sitting in it. Congrats!

I rode down to Pak Nam yesterday. I was going to station hop the whole way, but got distracted by Wat Mahawong, then the River, then a world class lunch, so I ran out of time.

 

The train was lightly filled at about noon and 4pm. Lots of selfie takers. Obviously, the gates arent up yet, and the security guys were whistle crazy.

 

There are some real nice views of the River and Bangkok from the first 3 stations.

 

Whats amazing is the lack of development in those areas, and the signs of future development to come. I would imagine a whole bunch of condos in the next 10 years. I saw the big condo advertising signs here and there

 

Speaking in terms of Pak Nam, where I got off and cruised around, I forsee that as a major hub with the River Esplanade, the Government Buildings, and the observation tower. Its interesting in that there were no vendors near the station, I bet that changes real soon. I think that with the access to the River in that area (the Esplanade is real nice) its gets developed up right quick. Right now, its sleepy. I would consider a condo in that area based on what I saw. Very residential, and plenty of room for development without destroying its character. I think it took like  a 1/2 hour to get to Siam.

 

I would imagine that the locals don't realize how their lives are going to change. In terms of tourism at Pak Nam, the Observation tower (which I did not go up to) will draw some folks, there are some fabulous views from ground level, I can only imagine what its like up there. I ate a fabulous cheap seafood meal at Rim Keun seafood just 100 meters from the station by the way, better than any I have had in the city proper because two big dishes and two cokes were 260Baht. Get it while you can. They sure arent ready, they freaked out when they saw a falang and they had to hunt for an English menu, which was used to order by counting..here this one, five down. Then they counted on the Thai menu. Super good food. Try the grilled Sea Bass, half price of what is charged in Silom.

 

I was at Pak Nam from say 1pm till 4 (I get distracted easily). I saw one other farang during that time.

 

If you travel to Keha, its only about 8 klicks for the riverside areas of Bang Pu, Im going to do that next. Sunset dinners by the river are now more accessible for tourists.

 

All the staff were friendly, the escalators work fine, the stations were signed properly IMHO. I got briefy confused at Samrong but thats just because I am a space cadet.

 

Wat Mahawong has some great River views and a real fat pig.

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

@Nyezhov you've seen more in one afternoon then we saw in over a year of installing and testing ???? 

 

 

 

Oh I have more to explore, trust me. My problem is I get distracted, I make my plans using google maps (I really was going to go down to Keha) and then something pops up and boom! Old fat bastid is out staring at cracks in the sidewalks again. Like I saw Wat Mahawong as we approached the station and the sun came, right on dude, jump off here for a few pics. So it was just freaking gleaming, took some pics and wandered down to the river. Oh wow...boats....pics....then the pig, then the dude wants to show me his chickens...oh look theres an Esplanade,,,wander...pics. Damn Im hungry.....eat. Ooops....got to get back, no Keha.

 

Then I get home and find out, after examining the pics, that the Wat shots were defective (but eventually fixable) because I had dust on my sensor. So guess what, Ill try to go to Keha and the sun will be right and Ill end up back at the Wat. If I even get there because I almost jumped out at the Naval Museum. 

 

Thank god that weed is illegal here, I would be even more lost.

 

You asked for suggestions. Heres one. Garbage Bins. Yes. Why does one have to schlep their trash all the way to the gate to find a small kitchen bin overflowed. Perhaps a nice size bin at each entrance?

 

Here are some more pics for you. The Skyline from Samrong, a container ship as seen from Wat Mahawong, The Skyline and Wat Mahawong from Pak Nam platform, the train  approaching the Pak Nam platform and the platform itself.

 

Perhaps they may want to put some signage up showing the directions to the Government offices and Esplanade. The Esplanade is very cool, I like Esplanades. This one is like the one at the Nothanburi Pier.

 

There are some fabulous views from several BTS platforms and I dont know why they dont promote that. Sometimes I ride the BTS just to take pics. 

34 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Bins yes, understood. Signage, agreed, what is there at present is somewhat basic (and sometimes incorrect).

 

Views, difficult, you're not supposed to take photos on the stations although it's primarily intended to stop people making moves or doing fashion shoots. Also, the whole purpose of mass transit stations is to get people in, get their money and get rid of them on trains all as rapidly as possible. We don't want them clagging stuff up dawdling around, then we go and bung it all up with retail. TiT.

By signage I mean, like at Pak Nam (and I know it just opened) the way they have it at Asoke and others, perhaps a free stander pointing you to the direction of this "attraction" and that way. I assume that will happen in futuro.

 

I never thought of the picture taking aspect you raise. Plus the issues I guess of security.

 

Retail drives me nuts. Like at Sala Daeng, there is food and coffee and drink everywhere right outside the station, yet they have coffee shops and bakeries in the station. Meanwhile, like at Talat Phlu..and Krung Thonburi...nothing. You got to walk a mile to get a cup of joe. But I assume that has to do with traffic patterns, etc.

22 minutes ago, FarangryBirds said:

One question based on your pics... Was it the older trains you travelled on or did you get the newer ones (with reduced seating)?

It had seats iirc, I stood looking out the window though

I did Bang Pho to Bang O, yesterday, and walked to Bang Phlat, then returned to Bang Pho.  Nice outdoor foodcourt on the east side of the hospital..I had a nice meal for 45 across the street.  Good sidewalks, but that is a very busy street..might have a different vibe during the week.  The platform at Bang Phlat on the outbound, has some superb views of the Bangkok skyline.  Nothing earth shattering, but looks like an excellent place to walk, eat, and explore.  Ben in BKK for 18 months, and nobody beats the duck soup about 350 m north of the Bang Pho stairs.

2 hours ago, moontang said:

I did Bang Pho to Bang O, yesterday, and walked to Bang Phlat, then returned to Bang Pho.  Nice outdoor foodcourt on the east side of the hospital..I had a nice meal for 45 across the street.  Good sidewalks, but that is a very busy street..might have a different vibe during the week.  The platform at Bang Phlat on the outbound, has some superb views of the Bangkok skyline.  Nothing earth shattering, but looks like an excellent place to walk, eat, and explore.  Ben in BKK for 18 months, and nobody beats the duck soup about 350 m north of the Bang Pho stairs.

Oh dear, that looks heavenly! So many new places for the "best I ever had" posts and reviews! Im going to play too!

I did another blue MRT tour yesterday...of the three new stops across the river, I like the vibe at Bang O the best..found a great, cheap, family restaurant...nice and clean, too.  Food court at the hospital didn't look as good as some of the nurses...and you should see the outfits the office staff wear..8 inches above the knee...

Back at this place in Bang O. 

Some nice Thai dishes. 

Basic, but nice.  

Menu... 

What moontang above thinks is so special is not-one can find that about anywhere in greater BKK. Will probably be ruined if some crazy foodbloggers who are now able to give precise directions of how to get there discovers it and unleashes a few thousand of ´followers´ for just average khao moodaeng or whatever fishy with noodles.

I rode out to Lak Song today and for 100baht thereafter, was able to get a taxi and have a great time at the Khlong Lad Mayom floating market, which has expanded in size since I was out there last winter. The train makes it so easy to get to now, faster and cheaper if you are on the "downtown" side. Its a great market with some great food.

 

I also note that the giant buddha at Wat Paknam is almost finished. Thats a fabulous Wat. You can get there easily from Tha Pra station.

 

 

On 12/22/2019 at 8:43 PM, Nyezhov said:

I rode out to Lak Song today and for 100baht thereafter, was able to get a taxi and have a great time at the Khlong Lad Mayom floating market, which has expanded in size since I was out there last winter. The train makes it so easy to get to now, faster and cheaper if you are on the "downtown" side. Its a great market with some great food.

 

I also note that the giant buddha at Wat Paknam is almost finished. Thats a fabulous Wat. You can get there easily from Tha Pra station.

 

 

Who would have thought it, a Bangkok-centric foodie. I suppose after Buriram? you have opted for pusillanimity in food.

Met a Yank yesterday at the dental clinic, I could have sworn it was you. He could talk the hind leg off a camel. It was only the information he came from deep Texas that prevented me from reaching an incorrect conclusion.

30 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Who would have thought it, a Bangkok-centric foodie. I suppose after Buriram? you have opted for pusillanimity in food.

Met a Yank yesterday at the dental clinic, I could have sworn it was you. He could talk the hind leg off a camel. It was only the information he came from deep Texas that prevented me from reaching an incorrect conclusion.

The food was great in Buriram, I ate at this one place that was totally 5 star...in Buriram!

 

the coolest result of the new BTS/MRTs is that it exposes all of those little food gems in corners of BKK one normally wouldnt go because really, there is nothing there, except some good food and maybe a Wat. Its like when they opened up to Keha last year, go to Pak Nam...a cute riverside Wat, a great Seafood Restaurant, an Esplanade, a huge Seafood Wet/Market and a ferry across the River to another Wat and a little Island and a Fort too! . Before the BTS, it wasnt like I was saying , hey dude, lets schlep down Sukhumvit in the traffic for a walk on the river and a fish, ja?

 

I've split these posts from another topic. @Nyezhov, you now have your own place to share your food journey through Bangkok.

Cool, now if the air cleans up, we can journey!

On 12/21/2019 at 8:57 AM, asanee said:

What moontang above thinks is so special is not-one can find that about anywhere in greater BKK. Will probably be ruined if some crazy foodbloggers who are now able to give precise directions of how to get there discovers it and unleashes a few thousand of ´followers´ for just average khao moodaeng or whatever fishy with noodles.

Did you ever wonder why you only have 119 likes with over 1300 posts?  I didn't say it was so special, but was glad to have a great meal or three at the standard price.  Those places are becoming endangered, especially if you eliminate the ones with dangerous hygiene.  Covered a big portion of lower Sukhumvit, yesterday, and not one place offered clean, cheap, good Thai food.  Gave up on T21 a few years ago.  There is a kow mahn gai place on 11-1, but it is average at best and while that does work it is not in the same league as cooked to order Thai food.  Can't wait to see photos of you and your partner's latte at So Lom.  Lol..

23 minutes ago, moontang said:

Covered a big portion of lower Sukhumvit, yesterday, and not one place offered clean, cheap, good Thai food.  Gave up on T21 a few years ago. 

Well dude, thats been the same for years. Im going to start running the lines next month after I get back from Cambodia hunting for yummys.

 

Ill tell ya though, get off the MRT at Wat Mangkorn and start eating because that is street gold around there

30 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

Well dude, thats been the same for years. Im going to start running the lines next month after I get back from Cambodia hunting for yummys.

 

Ill tell ya though, get off the MRT at Wat Mangkorn and start eating because that is street gold around there

Couldn't even find a nice chicken leg for anywhere near fair price.  One clown was charging 40 for on leg, without the thigh.  Was a good fried chicken place across from cal-mex..charging 15 last month..went looking for them to no avail.  

 

1 buck for the squid and fifty cents for the beer in Sihanoukeville...will bet it has been bulldozed and ruined by Chinese, though.  Took me a few days to get acclimated in cambo..French bread, coke, and pomelo..saved me...bought a sausage that was more disgusting than anything I have ever consumed..I was considering Hanoi Grand Prix in April...