Off to Bangkok!
My Ethiopian Airlines flight to Bangkok via Addis Ababa was quite the journey. The first leg from Cape Town to Addis Ababa was okay, but the in-flight entertainment was broken, and I couldn’t charge my devices at the airport. I did manage to grab a bite to eat and chat with a fellow passenger headed to Jordan for Umrah via Jerusalem.
The second flight from Addis Ababa to Bangkok was much better, with working entertainment and a surprisingly tasty beef pasta meal. I even managed to get some sleep!
Arrival in Bangkok
When I finally landed in Bangkok on 27th November 2023 at 12:30, the weather was hot and humid. Things got a bit chaotic when I arrived in Bangkok. I was delayed at passport control because I didn’t have a yellow fever verification. Thankfully, I had my vaccination certificate, which helped. Then, my eSIM took ages to activate, and I missed important information relating to my hotel transfer which caused me to miss my driver due to lack of communication.
Because of these delays, I had to rearrange my hotel transfer and pay a penalty. Ugh. The drive from the airport to the hotel took around 40 minutes and the traffic was surprisingly light for a major city. After what felt like forever, I finally made it to my hotel, Amari Bangkok. The check-in process was smooth, and I was so relieved to finally shower and relax in my well-appointed room with its modern fixtures and fittings before heading out for a proper meal.
Despite the hiccups along the way, I was excited to start exploring Bangkok!
Evening Escapade: River City Bangkok and Icon Siam
As the sun began to set, we hopped into a Grab (think Uber, but local) and headed to River City Bangkok. This place isn’t just a mall, it’s a cultural hub for art and antiques. We wandered through galleries showcasing a fascinating blend of traditional Thai art and modern international works. The air buzzed with creativity – they even host film screenings, musical performances, and talks! And of course, there were shops filled with unique arts, crafts, and books – perfect for souvenirs.
Next, we took a boat across the Chao Phraya River to Icon Siam. Finding the entrance from the river was a little tricky – we ended up navigating a slightly sketchy alleyway! But once inside, this massive mall was a sight to behold. It’s one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, with countless shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. We even spotted a movie theater, an aquarium, and a rooftop observation deck with stunning city views.
As the evening drew to a close, we took a boat back across the river (thankfully, no dodgy alleyways this time). We’d planned on using public transport back to our hotel, but after a day of exploring, we decided on another Grab. It was the perfect ending to an evening filled with art, culture, and a touch of retail therapy – a true Bangkok experience!