I arrived in Bangkok today after a very long day of travel that started in Los Angeles. I stopped in Tokyo and in Singapore. Overall, thing went smoothly. It was my first time at the new International terminal at LAX. I was surprised with how good it looked and was really impressed with the Star Alliance lounge.
I flew on Singapore airlines and I got to fly on an A380 – currently the largest passenger airliner. Singapore airlines always provides great service and I cannot say enough good things about them. I wish our domestic airlines in the states would take note of the level of service that starts with a smile and a friendly attitude.
The Singapore airport is also impressive. Lots of shopping and places to eat, free movies, Koi ponds, butterfly gardens and the list of things to do and see goes on. Certainly more than enough to do on a short layover.
I checked into the Millenium Hilton and was impressed by the hotel. Being a Diamond HHonors member I received a few extra perks like the welcome plate of fruit and access to the lounge. I didn’t want to fall asleep early but I wasn’t ready to go exploring just yet. I decided to take in the views of the city from the executive lounge.
When I say it was a long day, I mean it was a long and full day, over 24 hours from door to door – closer to 36 sleepless hours. Finally, I am here in Bangkok looking forward to a good night’s sleep followed by a couple of days of exploration before heading to Myanmar.
During Happy hour, they served Pork Laab (aka larb) in addition to crab cakes, mushroom soup, shrimp egg roll and Quiche. Laab is one of my favorite Thai dishes, in fact I think it is the quintessential dish of southeast asia as it showcases the balance between heat, sweet, salty, sour and bitter.
I walked around for about an hour just outside of the hotel. Open air markets, the sound of mopeds, tuk tuks and cars and the smell of Thai street food permeating the air. Yes, I am in Bangkok.
Yes, I am in Thailand!
OMG, I just watched the video on Viking River Cruise’s site for the Memories of Mandalay trip that you’re taking and you are going to see some INCREDIBLE sights! Dang, a 16 day cruise? UNBELIEVABLE! I can’t wait to see your daily photos.
That is an amazing fruit plate.