Category: Thailand

Find of the Week: The Jackpot for Car Enthusiasts

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The first word our toddler says in the morning is “car.”  The last word he says at night is “car.”  I’m pretty sure I’ve even heard him say “car” in his sleep.  We’ve determined that most of this is a result of genetics.  Both of Logan’s grandfathers have collectively been proud owners of Porsches, BMWs, Audis, and Corvettes.  Logan’s dad is a regular subscriber to Car and Driver.  There are actually times that I find myself wrestling Car and Driver away from Dad so that Logan can get his fill.  Other times, I find them watching youtube clips from The Fast and Furious or various versions of “Addison’s Pimped Car Slide Show,” oohing and ahhing at the screen.  They can often be found playing race car video games at different locations around town (as evidenced by the below).  At home, our coffee table has become a race track.  Given the persuasions of his genealogy, I’m guessing this is not just a passing phase.

It was a close race, but in the end Daddy prevailed

Logan even managed to pull his Gran into the youtube car action during her last visit

So, when my husband and I discovered a table full of “pull back” model car replicas outside of Central World, we knew we had hit the jackpot.  Dozens of model cars to choose from (what you see on the table is only a small fraction of what the vendor has stored underneath his booth) – Lamborghinis, Hummers, Volkswagen Beetles, Ford GTs, Porsche Carreras, BMW M5s, Audi Q5s, Dodge Rams . . . name your car, and this guy probably has it.  In fact, you can even find concept cars at this guy’s table, our latest purchase being a Volkswagen Microbus Concept that never made it to production – how’s that for a good selection?

You think this is impressive? Ask to see Mr. Cat’s under-the-table stash!

So who is the man with the cars?  His nickname is Khun Maaeo (yes, Mr. Cat – fitting, don’t you think) and his booth is located on Rajadamri Road, just to the right of Central World. One look at us, and Khun Maaeo started at 199 baht for the mid-size models and 259 baht for the larger ones.  Just like any outdoor vendor in Thailand, prices are very bargain-able.  The absurd thing is, a quick online search shows that similar (although, undoubtedly, much higher quality) model cars can cost up to hundreds of dollars.  Unless you’re going for a very fancy, collectible showcase of model cars, I tend to think the $3-5 type will suit a car-crazed toddler just fine.  Our yellow Porsche Cayman has suffered a side-view mirror casualty, but so far that has been our only casualty — which is pretty impressive given the amount of use Logan’s cars get everyday.  So if you have a car-happy toddler at home and you happen to be out on the town and find yourself near Central World, visit Mr. Cat.  Any one of the cars is bound to bring your toddler hours of joy.

Three Toddler-Friendly Weekend Escapes from Bangkok

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Bangkok.  Bustling, boisterous, beguiling Bangkok.  A vibrant, exciting city to live in, but let’s face it, sometimes you just need to a break; an escape for the soul, if you will.  About once a month when we decide a weekend excursion out of the city is in order, we generally look for a place that Bangkok is not:  calm, quiet, and green.  We aspire for our toddler to hear, see and experience nature, to star-gaze, to bob in the ocean, to sink his feet into green grass, to run, trip, and tumble across great expanses.  If you want to get technical, you can do almost all of those things in Lumpini Park, but bobbing in the murky green water with the monitor lizards is not really the kind of nature we’re looking for.

During our first year and a half in Thailand, we’ve discovered many getaway gems, but it is the following ones that keep us going back for more.  They are toddler-friendly, reasonably-priced, and an easy two-to-three hour drive out of town.  They require minimal planning and reward with maximum enjoyment; altogether a pretty sweet deal.

  1. Rim Phae Beach, Rayong

When the sand and surf call, we head southeast.  Our family has traveled to Rim Phae Beach at least half a dozen times; enough to consider it our “home away from home.”  We stay in a small community of large homes on the beach.  The three-story, three-bedroom homes are ideal for a quiet family-only getaway, or can easily accommodate two-to-three families for a regaling weekend away.  We spend our days swimming in the pool, playing in the sand, taking dips in the ocean, grilling on our patio, strolling down the beach in search of local cuisine, admiring the bright orange sunsets – you get the point.  When it’s too hot out to play, we jump in the car and visit Rayong Aquarium (for 30 baht/person, admission is a steal!), check out surrounding local villages, or nap.  If we’re feeling particularly adventurous, we hire a speedboat from our beachfront to Koh Samet – a 20-minute jaunt away.

Giggles on Rim Phae Beach

Crystal Beach is lush, serene, and private.  While it pains me to give away details on our best kept getaway secret, I would feel remiss in my toddlejoy duties if I didn’t, so here goes:

  • Drive:  2.5 hours (part highway, part local roads)
  • Stay:  The Crystal Beach House or Rayong Beach Villa
  • Expect to pay:  Around 6,000 baht/night (if you share with another family, split the cost and it becomes 3,000 baht/night, etc. etc.)
  • Bring:  sunscreen, beach/pool toys, food for grilling

2. Khao Yai

When the mountains call, we head northeast.  Billing itself as Thailand’s wine and cowboy country, Khao Yai boasts an eclectic mix of steakhouses and wineries.  As you drive past vacation homes and restaurants, you are oddly-reminded of Tuscany, Napa, and Bordeaux.  Khao Yai is also home to Thailand’s largest national park, Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.  The air is fresh, the surrounds are green and rolling, and the wildlife is plentiful.  Khao Yai is where we go to really relax.  And dare I forget to mention, Khao Yai is where Logan goes to get his tractor and golf cart fix (as evidenced by the pictures below).  There is plenty to do in Khao Yai, but what you should not miss is the following:  a trip to Khao Yai National Park (whether a two-hour drive in the park to satisfy a baby/toddler nap session or a guided hike); an afternoon lunching at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery (eat the food, perhaps skip the wine); and a visit to Chokchai Farm (if you’re not up for the entire three-hour tour of Chokchai, you can ask to meet up with the tour at specific points, such as the petting zoo).  There are a bundle of places to stay in Khao Yai, so make sure to do your research.  Use Agoda to book in order to get the best deals.  We have been so spoiled by one resort in particular, that we refuse to stay anywhere else (details below).

In tractor heaven at PB Valley Winery

Sweet electric ride at the Muthi Maya

  • Drive:  2 hours (mostly highway)
  • Stay: Kirimaya Resort (hotel) or Muthi Maya Resort (private pool villas)
  • Expect to pay:  On Agoda, rates usually run USD 148/night for a standard room at the Kirimaya, and USD 237/night for a private pool villa at Muthi Maya
  • Bring:  hiking clothes, bathingsuits, bug spray

3. Kanchanaburi

When we’re tired of going east, we go northwest.  In a full admission of honesty, we’ve done Kanchanaburi far fewer times than Rayong and Khao Yai.  In fact, we’ve only done it once.  But I can tell you, one trip is enough to know we’ll be going back.  Although a little bit more difficult to reach than Khao Yai, it has all of the natural beauty of Khao Yai and then some.  It is not as crowded or as developed as Khao Yai, and if you’re a true adventurer, it offers bundles of waterfalls, springs, and day-hikes to explore.  If you’re the athletic type, keep an eye out for the River Kwai International Half Marathon, which takes place in Kanchanaburi every year.  Couple a short getaway with the success of completing a half-marathon, and I’d say you have a pretty good weekend on your hands.  As for accommodations, utilize Agoda to find the best deals and the resort of your choice.  We really enjoyed the private pool villa at the Mida Resort (details below), which is located on a beautiful swath of the River Kwai.

Enjoying the natural beauty of the River Kwai

Checking out the resort with mommy

Swimming at our private pool villa (yes, colorful balls included)!

  • Drive:  2.5-3 hours (some highway, mostly local roads)
  • Stay:  Mida Resort
  • Expect to pay:  On Agoda, rates usually run USD 59/night for a superior room or USD 157/night for a one-bedroom private pool villa
  • Bring:  hiking clothes, bathingsuits, bug spray

Find of the Week: Le Normandie for Lunch

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Okay, so this post is more about a nice break from your toddler(s) rather than suggestions for your time with them. Are you familiar with Le Normandie at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel?  Right.  Unrivaled French cuisine, impeccable service, beautiful views of the Chao Praya, indisputably one of the best restaurants in the city? Oh yes, and unfortunately far too expensive for a couple on a healthy budget to afford for dinner.  So, sadly, most of us have never actually eaten there.

Well, wallow in your sorrows no longer food aficionados, there is an affordable way to do this place.  A little known fact, Le Normandie offers a set lunch menu for 1050 baht/person (++).  The lunch includes a first course, a main, coffee or tea, and here is the most exciting part – two desserts (!).  Once it’s all said and done (water, a non-alcoholic drink, an optional cheese platter for two to share, VAT and service), it will cost around 1500 baht/person – by far not the best deal in the world, but definitely worth splurging on every once in awhile to get away from the chaos – I mean, excitement – at home and to enjoy the company of your partner or friend(s).  Take note that even for lunch, there is a dress code and you will need a reservation.

To entice your senses even further, I leave you with a picture of my chocolate and raspberry cake and apple strudel dessert.  The maitre d’ created the artwork table-side. Amazing.

Le Normandie dessert

Found: True Toddler Joys in Bangkok

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Time and time again, the following activities prove to be a true joy for our little one in Bangkok.  You must give them a try!

1. Siam Ocean World – At first glance, the place is pricey.  After all, it is just an aquarium in the basement of a mall . . . or is it?  If you’re a Thai resident, make sure to bring proof of residency and ask for the resident rate.  If you and your family enjoy it, splurge and become a “Siam Ocean World Member” for 1,500 baht/person/year (young children are free) and visit as many times as you like.  We’ve found the yearly membership to be especially helpful when our little guy is:  a) just up for a quick visit; b) gets cranky mid-way through and we have to bail early; and/or c) is only interested in racing to the end of the aquarium in order to drive the fish tuk-tuk.  Yes, folks, there are penguins, sharks, and stingrays, but you’ll soon see that most toddlers prefer the fish tuk-tuk to anything else.  C’est la vie.

Logan driving the toddler-captivating fish tuk-tuk

2. Sukothai Chocolate Buffet – Okay, so you can probably only indulge in something this rich once a year, but let me tell you, it is definitely worth it!  From the sushi spread on the savory side to the delectable concoctions of everything chocolate on the sweet side, there is something for everyone, trust me.

Yum! Destroying Christmas cupcakes at the chocolate buffet!

3. Concerts in the Park – From mid-December through mid-February each year, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra holds outdoor concerts in Lumpini Park for free on Sunday evenings beginning at 5:30pm.  Bring snacks, libations, bikes, scooters, and trikes and meet up with your friends to enjoy live music from Phantom of the Opera, Indiana Jones, Chicago, the Sound of Music, and other well-known classics.  The cool weather and open space make it an ideal location for toddlers to run free, make new friends, grab snacks from nearby neighbors, and test out other childrens’ ride-on toys!

The Land of Wooden Toys

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Go wooden or go home.

If you reside in Thailand like we do, this place is a mecca for affordable, locally-made, wooden toys.  The best wooden toys are durable, chemical-free, inspire imagination, and evoke a sense of nostalgia in those of us who grew up with wooden toys ourselves.  Other than the Melissa and Doug brand, it is a rarity to find wooden toys in the U.S. anymore.   Specialty stores like The Land of Nod and Pottery Barn Kids sell beautiful wooden toys (many of which are made in Thailand), but charge exorbitant prices for them.  For example, the snail pull toy pictured below will put you out USD 21.95 plus tax and shipping if you order it in the U.S. (Land of Nod).  I bought the same toy this Christmas in Thailand for 345 baht, approximately USD 11.50.  If there is ever a time to start your child’s collection of wooden toys, Thailand is the place!

Baby Pull Toys

Wooden baby pull toys

Plan Toys (http://www.plantoys.com/home.php), PINTOY (http://www.pintoys.com/), and Wonderworld (http://www.wonderworldtoy.com/) are the most popular and reputable Thai wooden toy brands.  All of the brands are featured at upscale toy fairs across the U.S. and Europe.  Most major department stores in Bangkok, like Central Chitlom, Isetan, and the Emporium, carry the brands.

The Plan Toy Factory Store is located on Sathorn, Soi 10. Although prices at the Factory store generally parallel prices at the major department stores (a strange concept for those us from the U.S.), beautifully-made dollhouses, farm houses, train sets, drums, and trucks can be bought at a 50-70 percent discount at the Factory Store throughout the month of December every year.  Now that is an awesome sale!  The sale isn’t well advertised, but is definitely well-worth hitting in order to buy for Christmas or stock up for birthday parties.  Although we haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit,  the Plan Toy Factory, which I have been told offers excellent discounts, is located in Trang.  As a plus, street-side vendors in Trang also sell wooden toys at deep discounts.  Pair a family trip to the beaches of Krabi or Trang with a drive to the Plan Toy Factory and your kids will love you for it!

While our home certainly has its fair share of plastic toys to go along with the locally-made wooden ones, Thailand raises the bar when it comes to the availability and affordability of what now seem to be vintage relics in the U.S.  Yet one more score for those of us fortunate enough to live in the land of Smiles!