The Interesting Sections 2 and 3 of Chatuchak Weekend Market @ Bangkok in Thailand

Having been to Chatuchak Weekend Market numerous times over the past decade, I can understand why repeat tourists would purposely give it a miss as things sold were roughly about the same and there's only so much clothes and bags that one can buy. 

Today, however, I am going to talk about sections 2 and 3 of the market, as shaded red in the above Google Map of Chatuchak Weekend Market. Going there wouldn't be difficult as it's super near the exit of Kamphaeng Phet MRT station.

This Magma signboard had been there for a long time. 

Enter as per red arrow in the above photograph.

Above might be one of the many similar signs within the weekend market but just forge on as the upcoming stretch would be different from the rest of the market, despite being categorized as ceramic and silk.  

Unlike the typically hot and stuffy sheltered passages within Chatuchak, it was surprisingly airy, unsheltered while shaded with the leafy crowns of trees dotting the stretch, flanked with retail shops.

Wasn't this refreshing!? 

And it made shopping so relaxing! 

Even though I wonder if it's a smart move to cover up the roots with concrete, given that nature's strength can be much stronger, and it wouldn't be long before the concrete and tiles start to break. 

Maybe prayers might help.

I can understand the offerings for elephant statues, soft drinks and milk; however, why were there statues of horses / zebras? The explanation on AI overview on Google was actually fascinating with four key reasons; Symbol of Safe Passage, Wordplay and Symbolism,Exotic Appeal, and Auspicious Significance.

First time for both sisters! For me, it was actually my third time and I managed to chance upon this stretch because of my visit to the Pizza & Hamburger eatery at Soi 47/3! 

Just a few photographs of the shops along the stretch; some were independent brands which also mean prices are less likely to be discounted even with bargaining, although you do get some unique designs and also quality materials. 

Trust me; I almost got the above! 

Alex was so impressed with the quality of the shorts that I think he got like a dozen. That's how crazy Alex can be when he likes something. 

The above brand can be found in many shopping malls too and prices are about the same. Guess they find it important to have a stake within the biggest market in Thailand! p.s. their balm insect repellent is the best! 

I had a hard time finding the above back in May 2025 but even in Singapore now, the anti-theft handphone straps can be found everywhere, and at prices that are drop-dead cheap! 

You still get some brands that are for the tourists; like the souvenirs from 3 Brothers. My recommendation, as always, is to shop around as prices differ and some products could be cheap in one store, and expensive in another. 

Do take a breather if time permits! 

Sip a coffee, bite a croissant. 

Sections 2 and 3 of Chatuchak Weekend Market are must-visits, especially if you are repeat visitors and thought you have "seen them all". Of course, the pet sections are also recommended for pet lovers, although conditions for some shops might be quite disturbing. 

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Address

587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, 

Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, 

Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Orh Nee Milk Tea @ KOI Thé in KSL Mall in Johor [Malaysia]

Koi could be the name of a fish species for some but for many in Singapore, it immediately points towards a famous bubble tea brand from Taiwan. Today is different; I was at the Koi Thé branch in Johor Bahru (JB) for a reason. 

There's a permanent item on the menu that's only sold for a few months in Singapore every year! I am not a huge fan of milk tea but this specific seasonal beverage makes me crave for it so much; I can literally order a few times a week! 

The orh nee milk tea; not the orh nee fresh milk and not the red bean orh nee milk tea! And forget about the taro Q toppings as they are the tiny, little irritants that should have been removed from the menu. Sorry, I can such a purist sometimes. 

For a less sinful experience, go with my usual order; zero percent sugar, little little ice, no taro Q toppings, only yam paste and milk tea. Go for normal ice if you are bringing back to Singapore, which might take a few hours, depending on whether there is heavy traffic along the causeway. 

Now, some other bubble tea brands have yam paste milk tea too but so far, none has matched the standard and quality of Koi Thé orh nee milk tea! Some use yam powder, others prefer yam essence and the rare few have yam paste too smooth; it feels factory made. 

The one from Koi Thé was literally mashed in-store from steamed yam and while smooth; it had a rich texture with little yam pieces, providing satisfaction with every suck! 

Add in the delicious milk tea and you can imagine the blissfulness surrounding me whenever I take a sip! In a way, I should be thankful that orh nee milk tea is a seasonal item on the menu. Bad thing is that whenever I am in JB for a day trip, I will buy one to drink on the spot, and buy two more to bring home.

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Address

KSL City Mall & Hotel. LOT G-B6-A, 

Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, Taman Century, 

80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Map

As above.

360-degree Observation Tower @ Chin Swee Caves Temple [Genting Highlands, Malaysia]

Chin Swee Caves Temple is a popular attraction at Genting Highlands, especially for those who don't really gamble in the casinos, given the rumours that it's bad luck for punters. 

I am NOT a hardcore gambler and enjoy the temple for its peaceful setting perched on the side of the cool highlands. Totally well-loved by those living in the hot tropics of the lowlands. 

While I am no stranger to the temple, something caught my attention this time when I was taking photographs of the big buddha statue. What's that tower above Goh Tong Hall? Can I go up?

Woah, we can! There's the 360-degree Observation Tower!

Entry from the door as above! Those who took the elevators should be able to see the door but the eyes of most visitors would be captivated by the sight of the Big Buddha right ahead, and would likely miss the sign on the side door! 

Five flights of stairs later! 

See, we were totally alone! Amazing that most people didn't even know the existence of this place. Even for me, I was surprised that it took me so long as I would always just go to the taller 10,000 Buddhas Pagoda (next door) for a bird's eye view of the surrounding.

Right here at the 360-degree Observation Tower, we got a front-seat panorama of the parade square that played host to the two most recognizable figures of Buddhism; the big statues of Buddha and Guanyin.

Being 360-degree means a direct look of the 10,000 Buddhas Pagoda! Do note that it has set of operating hours, and closes at about 5pm. 

So don't venture there thinking you can catch the sunset from the top of the pagoda. Not to mention it's also quite tiring climbing up. I have been here with a few groups of friends in the past year, and I am the only one who has gone all the way up.

View of the mid-hill of Genting Highlands; you can spot Resort World Awana with its iconic tower, the Genting Premium Outlets and Windmill Upon Hills! 

From the front, where the Buddha statue was, the observation tower was only about two to three floor high. From the back, it was a lot higher! 

The last view from the 360-degree, with the archway that many departing from Resort World Genting would bypass. Some thought Chin Swee Caves Temple would be hard to go but it's connected to the cable car station. And there's always GRAB! 

I really don't understand why people would want to vandalize. If they really want to make a mark; they should scrawl down their personal particulars, and preferably with a video that is uploaded publicly to their social media. 

Chill and ommmm....

Come, time to go and climb the five flights of stairs down! 

Yes, it's not accessible for those on wheelchairs....

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Map

As above.

Website

https://www.chinswee.org/

Everyday Big Prawn Noodle (天天大虾面) @ Sin Ming Road in Singapore

I would have indulged in Sin Ming Roti Prata Coin at this coffeeshop but the stall had closed for the day. Hungry and tired, we checked out the rest of the stalls and eventually settled with a new establishment; Everyday Big Prawn Noodle.

While I have no issue with having prata, I was adamant not to have any carbohydrates for my prawn noodle! So, I asked if it is possible to have just prawn soup, and no noodle! And the answer was "can"! Phew....

Bean Sprout Fritter - honestly, this was your typical prawn cracker and I was scratching my head to the use of bean sprout in the name, since it kind of cheapen the snack as compared to prawn, and this cost S$2.00 apiece! 

Refried to a nice, crisp bite, the insides were unfortunately a bit too gummy for my liking, and I actually didn't feel that there were a lot of beansprouts inside. Calling it prawn cracker would be much more beneficial. 

What I love was the chilli accompanying the fritter; it's like those from wuxiang stalls (like Lao Zhong Zhong Ngo Hiang) with a touch of spicy sweetness! 

Big Prawn Noodle Soup - without noodles means more vegetables and beansprouts but to be totally frank, I was expecting a lot more than what I managed to scoop up....

Five half prawns (total 2.5 whole prawns) were actually not generous, in view that this was a pricier dish at S$7.00. Saving grace was that the prawns tasted fresh.

Soup was surprisingly not bad; light and flavourful. I prefer richer, thicker soup like the ones from Zhup Zhup but really hard to compare since Zhup Zhup was priced at a way higher S$20.00! Wait, I saw crispy pork lards on the menu! Where were mine!? 

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Address

24 Sin Ming Rd, #01-51,

Gim Huat Coffeeshop, 

Singapore 570024

Map

As above.

Menu

As above.

Pricing

Big Prawn Soup - S$7.00

Bean Sprout Fritter - S$2.00