Globetrotting is now easy thanks to Terminal 21. A 9-story mall that opened in 2011 in Asok, Bangkok. As of writing, it has two branches (Asok and Korat). Pattaya branch is set to open on 2018.
Located in Sukhimvit road, this establishment is accessible via Sukhumvit MRT or Asok BTS (with direct mall access).
The mall boasts its uniquely themed levels with each representing a city landmark.
Here's the floor theme guide for your reference: Lower Ground Floor (Caribbean), Ground Floor (Rome), Mezzanine (Paris), 1st Floor (Tokyo), 2nd Floor (London) 3rd Floor (Istanbul) 4th Floor (San Francisco) 5th Floor (San Francisco - Pier 21) 6th Floor (Hollywood).
Terminal 21 (Asok) is open daily from 10:00am - 10:00pm. For more info you may contact them directly at 02-108-0888
[TRAVELLAAAA TIPS: When visiting temples, please observe proper attire and behavior.]
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| Chao Phraya River |
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| Tourists flocking the temple at noon |
Known to locals as Wat Chaeng, and known to many as The Temple of Dawn, a Buddhist temple situated at Yai District and at the West bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was built in the days of Ayutthaya (Thailand's ancient capital which means "The Olive Temple") and used to be the home of the Emerald Buddha. Its name was derived from the Hindu God, Aruna (Surya's [Sun God] charioteer).
Central Prang
Its central prang is one of Bangkok's famous landmarks, standing at 260 feet (79 meters). Travelers may climb the steep and narrow staircase with railings. Reaching atop boasts a magnificent view of the Chao Phraya River, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. The best time to visit the temple is at sunset, where it is lit up shimmering like gold.
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| Under Construction |
An entrance fee of 50 Baht is required upon entry. During our visit, the temple was under construction, so I wasn't able to climb the central prang plus the weather was immensely hot.
Before reaching the Ordination Hall of the complex, you may purchase a small wishing bell for 20 Baht, write your name, hang it on the racks provided and fervently say your prayers or wishes.
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| Wishing Bells for 20 Baht |
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| Bells, bells, and more bells |
The Ordination Hall ("Ubosot")
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| Exterior View of the Ordination Hall at the Wat Arun Complex |
Before reaching the entrance of the hall, visitors will be greeted by the 2 Guardian Yaks (Giants), Sahassadecha and Thossakun, villains from the Ramakien Drama.
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| Sahassadecha and Thossakun |
Visitors must leave their shoes upon entering the Hall. The mural paintings found inside the Hall tells the life story of Buddha.
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| The Niramitr Buddha in "Subduing Mara" mudra position |
After giving a 20 Baht donation, as a sign of gratitude for your kindness, a monk will tie a blessed white bracelet (Sai Sin) on your wrist for good karma and fortune. 😄
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A Monk tying a Sai Sin thread on my sister's wrist
Wat Arun is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Admission fee is 30 Baht for foreigners. Fee is waived for Thai citizens.
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One of the best shopping districts in Bangkok, Ratchaprasong. This area can be accessed via the BTS Chit Lom Station.
Market Garden at Central World
Located right in front of Central World, this market offers a variety of fresh seafood, ready to eat snacks, drinks and novelty items for locals and tourists.
Platinum Fashion Mall
If you're into shopping and convenience, Platinum Fashion Mall is the perfect spot.
Bangkok Novotel Pratunam is strategically located on top of this establishment making it favorable to shoppers.
If you're from Manila, the scene inside may be a bit familiar. You can find anything and haggle here (a huge advantage if you're into wholesale). [TRAVELLA TIP: the place may get crowdy, so secure your belongings!]
Apparently, we were not able to explore more of Ratchaprasong District. As much as we wanted to, we can't feel our legs after visiting Platinum. ðŸ˜
[TRAVELLAAAA TIPS: When visiting temples, please observe proper attire and behavior.]
Located almost opposite to Wat Arun, traveling to Wat Pho was easy peasy thanks to the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
Wat Pho temple is the largest temple in Bangkok and home to the famous 46-meter long reclining Buddha. Temple entrance costs 100 Baht with free bottled water.
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| Temple ticket booth with Jen, our tour guide |
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| Scale model of the complex |
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| The Reclining Buddha |
108 Bronze Pots
Located behind the Reclining Buddha, these 108 pots symbolizes the auspicious character of the Buddha and is believed to bring good luck and fortune to whoever does the traditional dropping of coins.
Here's the deal, purchase a bowl of coins near the bronze pots area. Drop a coin one by one in each of the 108 pots and say your prayers or wishes.(The collected funds from the purchased coins is used for temple maintenance.)
Wat Pho Medicine Pavillon
In 1955, the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School opened in Wat Pho temple and became the pioneer Thai medical school which was approved by the Thai Ministry of Education.
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| Accupressure mural at the Medicine Pavillon |
Until this day, the massage school and offers massage services to anyone who wishes to try authentic Thai Massage.
Wat Pho is open daily from 8:00am - 6:00pm. Admission Fee is 100 Baht. For other questions and inquiries, email them at watpho.th@gmail.com
Wat Pho Thai Traditional School is open daily from 8:00am - 5:00pm. For their massage rates, you may call them at +66(0)2 662 3533, +66(0)2 622 3551, +66(0)8 6317 5560 and +66(0)8 6317 5562
I find neck straps convenient when traveling, but the weight of my camera and 18-55mm lens has been giving me a lot of neck pains.
Last week I ordered a Fujian 35MM F1.7 with an adapter and hood for my X-T10 and received the package the following day. I tested it right away since I've read on some blogs that there are inconsistencies with the lens, some perform well and some don't. Luck was on my side. The lens I got was working perfectly.
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| Black, Fujian 35mm f1.7 (with Fotasy C-FX Adapter, Lens and Hood) |
Appearance
The Fujian 35MM F1.7 comes in 2 colors, black and silver. Material is made out of metal, and has a matte finish.
Durability
I was a bit iffy about the lens barrel, I had to nudge it a couple of times before being able to adjust the aperture ring.
Performance
Having a maximum aperture of 1.7, it shouts bokeh to almost every image produced. Another thing to note, this lens only has a manual focus ring.
Sample Shots
Here are a few raw images taken with the Fujian 35MM F1.7 + X-T10
Final Verdict
For it's price (2,300php or 45usd), definitely worth it!
Any other toy lenses you'd recommend? Comment below and share your experience. 😄
10 Travel Tips to Keep in Mind:
1. Research
- Google is your bestfriend. Researching helps you create your itinerary, and learn about the country you're visiting.
2. Create your itinerary
- Just to make sure you won't miss anything. It can be detailed or just an outline.
3. Gather necessary travel documents, double check and keep it in one place.
- avoid the hassle by preparing your documents a few days before you leave, create extra copies just to be sure and store them in a travel organizer.
4. Checklist for your travel essentials
- Don't get too excited. Create your own "What to Bring" checklist to avoid leaving important items behind.
5. Pack smart
- Know your luggage allowance. Avoid luggage surcharge by packing what you need, and don't forget to save some space for shopping. You may also use a digital luggage scale to double check your current luggage weight.
6. Extra clothes
- Always bring extra clothes. Anticipate flight cancellations and other clothes related mishaps. Pays off to be always ready!
7. Extra Cash
- In case of emergencies, It's a good practice to have some extra cash in your pocket.
8. Umbrella
- Rain or shine it's better to keep an umbrella with you ALWAYS.
9. Maps
- Well, your mobile is equipped with maps but you may end up in a street with dead signal.
10. Interact with the locals
- Drop your gadgets and have a conversation with the locals, the best reliable source you have. If you're awkward to break the ice, you may also ask assistance from the hotel concierge.
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