Combined Mini-Shopping Vacation in Bangkok, Thailand & Hong Kong in March 2014 ~ Section 1

Welcome to this new vacation trip report detailing my combined shopping trip to Bangkok, Thailand, and Hong Kong in March 2014. This new vacation report will be divided into a total of four sub-segments, for which, this will be the very first segment of the trip report itself. There will mainly be two focus topics, excluding the opening credits, that will be covered in this very first segment of the entire vacation trip report itself.

They will be the in-bound late afternoon flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), and the airport hotel limousine trip and overnight stay at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. While the vacation videos featured in this trip report can also be accessed through my YouTube channel, please be aware that no one is allowed to leave any comments for any of my YouTube videos. Violations may result in the removal of the posted comments and / or other consequences.

Part 1 ~ The Opening Sequences

After spending weeks on deciding which country to go to during the one-week March school vacation, my parents decided to bring everyone on a combined shopping trip to Hong Kong via an overnight transit stay in Bangkok, Thailand. Although I was quite happy to be travelling to Hong Kong again, since we had not been there for almost two years since my post-GCE 'O' Level examination vacation there back in November 2012, there would be some new and unusual changes to this coming vacation.

For the first time, my parents had decided to include a four-star hotel stay at the Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong, which I found disappointing, as we normally stay at luxury five-star hotels in the Tsim Sha Tsui area on regular trips to Hong Kong. Furthermore, we would be spending a night at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, making it the very first time we would make an overnight stopover in another country while going to Hong Kong, as compared to travelling non-stop for the past trips.

On the very morning of Sunday (16 March), I woke up early at 8.45 a.m. after having a well-earned good night's rest. Given that it was still early for me to do anything else, I decided to do some personal Internet surfing on my portable laptop before preparing the remainder of my baggage for the trip. Once I had finished with the preparations to my baggage for the trip, I had a shower and changed up into my attire for the late afternoon flight to Bangkok.

Furthermore, my parents had arranged for a MaxiCab to come and take us to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 11.30 a.m. just a few days before the flight in advance. For the in-bound late afternoon flight to Bangkok, we would fly directly with Thai Airways International on flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), which would be scheduled to depart Singapore Changi Airport at 3.55 p.m., and then arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5.15 p.m. later that evening.

Upon laying out our baggage in the living room, our pre-arranged MaxiCab to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 finally showed up at the front gate of our house at 11.20 a.m.. The driver, who was the Chinese gentlemen who often took us to the airport, got out and helped load our baggage into the cab boot, while we got in. With everything safely loaded into the cab, we finally departed the familiar compound of our house at 11.25 a.m. for a short and quick cloudy afternoon trip of just 25 minutes over the Tampines Expressway to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1.

It was raining very heavily across Singapore after two months of suffering a dry drought season. Soon enough, we finally arrived at the departures and drop-off curb side of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 11.50 a.m.. While the driver got out and helped unload our baggage from the MaxiCab boot, my brother and I went to claim two baggage trolleys to help load our baggage on. Thanking the driver for his services, we paid up our cab fare and headed into the departures and check-in hall in the direction leading to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge.

The departure and drop-off area outside the departures and check-in area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on a rainy early afternoon

The departures and check-in hall of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on a rainy early afternoon

Bypassing some airline check-in counters on the way to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in the departures and check-in hall of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

After a short walk of approximately just five minutes from the departures and drop-off curb side of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, we finally arrived outside the main entrance to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at 11.55 a.m.. Entering the check-in lounge itself, we went to have some light beverages and went to an open check-in desk to check in for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). The entire check-in process took not more than approximately 10 minutes.

Thai Airways International (Thai: บริษัท การบินไทย จำกัด) is the international flag carrier and largest airline of the Kingdom of Thailand. Founded on 1 April 1988, the airline maintains its headquarters in Vhibhavadi Rangsit Road in Chatuchak District, Bangkok, also maintaining its main and largest hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The airline also maintains secondary hubs at Chiang Mai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Incheon International Airport. The airline flies to 78 destinations across Asia, Africa, Oceania, the European Union and North America, with a fleet of narrow body and wide-body aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

The airline is one of the co-founding members of Star Alliance, which was then formed on 14 May 1997, with Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and United Airlines. Its frequent-flyer program is known as Royal Orchid Plus, which can be used with most fellow Star Alliance carriers. The airline also fully owns a low-cost subsidiary, known as THAI Smile, which offers regional flights in Asia. Together with most fellow Star Alliance members, the airline also has codeshare agreements with some non-Star Alliance carriers, like Emirates and Oneworld's Japan Airlines.

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The list of airlines using the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge for their First and Business Class passengers in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The airline check-in desks in the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the early afternoon rush hour

The interior of the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the early afternoon rush hour

The interior of the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the check-in process for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

My boarding pass for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

After completing the entire check-in process for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) inside the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, we finally obtained our boarding passes and lounge invitation passes at 12.05 p.m.. The lounge agent informed us that for today, Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would depart at 3.55 p.m. from Gate No. D42. Boarding would also commence at 3.25 p.m., approximately ½ an hour before the scheduled departure timing.

With that, we thanked the check-in agent for her selfless services and went across the passageway to the passport control points. To clear the passport control points, we used the automated thumbprint checkpoint, reaching the main airside by 12.10 p.m.. Given that we were feeling hungry already, we decided to look for a restaurant to have lunch first before proceeding to the Royal Silk Lounge. With that instant, we walked across the main airside and took the nearest escalators up to the upper level of the airside to look for a restaurant.

Finally arriving at the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

Bypassing some luxury duty-free retail shops in the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 while looking for a good restaurant to eat at for lunch

The view of the upper level of the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the early afternoon rush hour

Finally stumbling upon Peach Garden Noodle House in the upper level of the main airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The exterior view of Peach Garden Noodle House in the upper level of the main airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The departure flight information board in the upper level of the main airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

After looking across the various restaurants situated on the upper level of the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, we finally stumbled on a local Chinese restaurant, known as Peach Garden Noodle House, at 12.15 p.m.. The restaurant was quickly familiar to me since we had eaten dinner here before in June 2013. Entering the restaurant, we promptly requested for a table for the four of us, where we were directed to a large table by a restaurant attendant.

With the main menus provided at our lunch table, we quickly had a review at them before placing our main meal orders for lunch. Once everyone was ready to eat, a waiter came over to our table to take down our main orders for lunch. We ordered several local delicacies that looked appealing to our tastes, such as char siew pork and dim sum dishes. That rainy afternoon, we had a delicious and filling family lunch at Peach Garden Noodle House.

The view of the tarmac of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on a rainy early afternoon

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-343X, registered B-HLV, being serviced at Gate No. D32 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her rainy regional afternoon return flight back home to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Cathay Pacific flight CX 690 bound for Hong Kong

An AirAsia Airbus A320-216, registered 9M-AHU, about to be pushed back from Gate No. C16 in preparation for her regional rainy early afternoon flight to the Federation of Malaysia as AirAsia flight AK 1808 bound for Kuala Lumpur

The view of the upper level of the main airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The departure flight information screens in the second level of the main airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 near Peach Garden Noodle House

Reviewing the main menu of Peach Garden Noodle House located in the upper level of the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The cover page for the main menu of Peach Garden Noodle House located in the upper level of the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The interior of Peach Garden Noodle House located in the upper level of the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

A coconut-based ice cream dessert to be shared among my parents

A nice, mouthwatering platter of char siew pork to be shared among us

A platter of fried noodles with sliced fish to be shared among us

A nice, mouthwatering platter of seafood hor fun for my younger brother

A nice plate of spare pork ribs dim sum on the dining table

An assortment of dim sum dishes on our table

B-HLV about to be pushed back from Gate No. D32 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 for her rainy regional early afternoon return flight back home to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Cathay Pacific flight CX 690 bound for Hong Kong

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X taxiing through the wet and rainy tarmac near Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport

A Myanmar Airways International Airbus A320-214, registered XY-AGO, resting at Gate No. D30 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her regional South Asian run from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as Myanmar Airways International flight 8M 231 from Yangon

The view of the upper level of the airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 just before we proceeded to the Royal Silk Lounge

After having a filling family lunch gathering at Peach Garden Noodle House located on the upper level of the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, the clock was finally showing 1.05 p.m.. Since it was still early before our flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we decided to proceed to the Royal Silk Lounge to have some light afternoon refreshments. With that, we paid our lunch bill and took the escalators down to the main airside before changing to another set of escalators up to the airline lounge level.

Soon enough, we ultimately arrived at the main entrance to the Royal Silk Lounge at 1.15 p.m.. Heading to the lounge reception counter, one lounge attendant checked our lounge invitation passes before allowing us to enter. Positively identifying us, we entered the lounge and secured a seating area before taking our electronic devices out for our own entertainment before proceeding over to Gate No. D42 for our flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi).

With our electronic devices set up in the Royal Silk Lounge, I knew that I had still not changed some of my local currencies into Hong Kong dollars. Leaving my belongings in the family's care, I took the nearest escalator down to the main level of the airside to find a currency exchange counter. Walking across the main airside, I finally arrived at a currency exchange counter located near Concourse C at 2.05 p.m.. Heading to the currency exchange counter, I carried out my currency exchange procedure.

During the currency exchange process, I changed approximately ¥22,000, including S$972 and RM620 since I had never used my Malaysian Ringgit, receiving HK$8,760 in total. This resulted in my amount of Japanese yen decreasing to ¥145,000, and my amount of Hong Kong dollars increasing sharply to HK$13,480 from HK$4,720 left from my last post-GCE 'O' Level examination shopping trip in November 2012. With my necessary currency exchanges done, I headed back up to the Royal Silk Lounge to have some refreshments before the flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi).

About to walk down the escalator to the lower level of the main airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

Walking past some duty-free shops in the main airside on the way to the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The escalators leading up to the airline lounge level in the main airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

A large observation lounge located near the airline lounges in the airline lounge level of the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The view of the main airside as seen from the airline lounge level in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The main entrance to the Royal Silk Lounge in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the early afternoon rush hour

The interior of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 shortly after we entered it

The self-service food and beverage corner in the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

A beautiful Thai Airways International Airbus A380-841 aircraft model on display at the Royal Silk Lounge reception counter in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The interior of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 shortly before I went down to change money

The money exchange counters near Concourse C in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the mid-afternoon rush hour

Walking past some duty-free shops in the main airside on the way back to the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The departure information board for flights departing from Terminal 1 in the airline lounge level in the upper level of the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The view of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 shortly before we packed our belongings and headed to Gate No. D42 for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

Part 2 ~ The Flight To Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

Airline: Thai Airways International
Flight No.: TG 414
From: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore
To: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK / VTBS), Bangkok, Thailand
Aircraft: Boeing 777-3D7
Registration No.: HS-TKD (Named "Thepalai")
Class: Royal Silk Class
Seat No.: 14K
Date: Sunday, 16 March 2014

After spending 1 hour 50 minutes of using our electronics and having some drinks in the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, the clock was finally showing 3.05 p.m.. Given that boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would begin in 20 minutes' time, we packed up our belongings and departed the Royal Silk Lounge for Gate No. D42. The entire walk from the Royal Silk Lounge to Gate No. D42 took not more than approximately 10 minutes.

Soon enough, we ultimately arrived at the main entrance to Gate No. D42 in Concourse D at 3.15 p.m., where a queue was forming. Upon clearing the security checkpoints, we were inside the passenger waiting room at Gate No. D42 at 3.25 p.m.. There were many school students, either going on school-organised trips for Overseas Values-In-Action (OVIA) progammes in Thailand or returning home after a school exchange visit, resulting in me deducing that Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would have a full load today.

However, due to certain ground technical issues occurring, the flight would be delayed approximately by 10 minutes, with the new departure timing shifted to 4.05 p.m. instead. Today, Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be operated with a Boeing 777-300 aircraft, registered HS-TKD and powered by two Rolls Royce Trent 892 engines, also named "Thepalai". HS-TKD was delivered to Thai Airways International on 8 December 1999 as the fourth Boeing 777-300 and the 12th Boeing 777 for the airline. The overall delivery would make the aircraft approximately 14.2 years old today.

One last view of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 as we leave for Gate No. D42

The view of the transit mall in the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 as we make our way to Gate No. D42

Walking past several duty-free shops near the transit mall in the main airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 as we make our way to Gate No. D42

About to bypass more shops in the main airside located near Concourse D in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

Bypassing a Candy Empire confectionery duty-free shop in the main airside near Concourse D in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The automated passageway of Concourse D in the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 linking to Gates No. D30 to D49

A long queue of travellers for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) forming outside the entrance to Gates No. D42 and D43

Our aircraft for today, HS-TKD, being serviced at Gate No. D42 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her regional late afternoon return flight back home to the Kingdom of Thailand as Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

The interior of the passenger waiting area at Gate No. D42 in Concourse D at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 packed with waiting passengers for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-267, registered B-HNB, taxiing to Gate No. D40 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her regional afternoon flight from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Cathay Pacific flight CX 739 from Hong Kong

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered 9V-STH, taxiing to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving from her long afternoon flight from Kyushu, Japan, as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 655 from Fukuoka

A closer view of HS-TKD being serviced at Gate No. D42 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her regional late afternoon return flight back home to the Kingdom of Thailand as Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-SRO, taxiing to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving back from her long afternoon return flight from the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 805 from Beijing

The tarmac view as seen from Gate No. D42 in Concourse D at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

A Scoot Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-OTF, taxiing to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving back from her long afternoon return flight from the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Scoot flight TZ 095 from Qingdao. This aircraft was previously registered 9V-SRG when it flew for Singapore Airlines prior to being transferred to Scoot on 30 October 2013

After spending almost 20 minutes of anticipated waiting in the passenger waiting area at Gate No. D42, all the first boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were finally made at 3.45 p.m., approximately 20 minutes behind schedule. The Royal Silk Class passengers, together with the Royal Orchid Plus club members and the special needs passengers, were called out to board the aircraft first.

Given that we were among the first passengers being called out to board the aircraft, we rolled up at the front with our belongings for the boarding process to progress smoothly. Walking through the aerobridge to Door A, we were on board HS-TKD at 3.50 p.m., which was just in time for a 4.05 p.m. departure. At Door A, two flight attendants warmly welcomed us on board and showed us the direction to our seats inside the Royal Silk Class cabin.

Upon stowing our belongings in their respective storage spaces, we settled down into our assigned Seats No. 12J, 12K, 14J and 14K respectively for the short late afternoon flight to Bangkok. The in-flight crew members then went around the cabin distributing pre-departure beverages, dining menus and newspapers to the Royal Silk Class passengers. I then had my normal glasses consisting of champagne and orange juice to begin. With the flight crew recording the main meal orders for the Royal Silk Class passengers, I opted to have the roasted chicken breast served with roasted new potatoes, carrots and broccoli.

The Royal Silk Class we would be using for this regional late afternoon flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were the newer generation of long-haul shell-shaped reclining seats. These seats are capable of reclining up to 170º to allow those travelling on long-haul flights to rest, including overnight flights. These seats were introduced following the delivery of the airline's Boeing 777-200/ERs in November 2006, and have been rolled out on the airline's Boeing 777-300s, some Boeing 747-400s and newer generations of Airbus A330s.

A view of my seat, 14K, during the boarding process at Gate No. D42 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. D32 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

A glass of orange juice and champagne for myself to begin with

The safety information brochure for Thai Airways International's fleet of Boeing 777-300s

The cover page for the wine list for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

Reviewing the wine list for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

Reviewing the in-flight dining menu for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat shortly before pushback from Gate No. D42 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

After the clock struck 4.05 p.m. sharp, all the aircraft doors were closed by the cabin crew, and we finally pushed back from Gate No. D42 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, approximately 10 minutes behind schedule. Once the safety briefing information video was shown on our video screens, we began to make our way to our assigned runway in preparation for take-off, taxiing past several aircraft parked at Terminal 2, and at the future Terminal 4 en route.

It was not long until we finally reached our assigned runway for take-off. Soon enough, the two Rolls-Royce Trent 892 engines spooled to life, and the aircraft finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at 4.15 p.m. for a regional late afternoon return flight time of 1 hour 55 minutes back to the capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand. We then climbed into the cloudy late afternoon sky for a regional late afternoon flight of 1 hour 55 minutes over the Malaysian Straits to the capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Finally pushing back from Gate No. D42 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367, registered B-HNM, resting at Gate No. D44 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her regional afternoon flight from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) via the Kingdom of Thailand as Cathay Pacific flight CX 713 from Hong Kong via Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). I clearly remember riding on this aircraft in September 2011 and November 2012

The safety briefing information video being shown on my front seat video screen

About to taxi away from Concourse D at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The safety briefing information video detailing the hazards and consequences of on-board smoking

A Jetstar Asia Airways Airbus A320-232, registered 9V-JSV, receiving her last minute preparations at Gate No. D41 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her late afternoon regional flight to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Jetstar Asia Airways flight 3K 695 bound for Hong Kong

B-HNB being serviced at Gate No. D40 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her regional late afternoon return flight back home to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Cathay Pacific flight CX 734 bound for Hong Kong

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-SRM, receiving her final minute preparations at Gate No. E28 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her regional late afternoon flight to the Republic of Indonesia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 964 bound for Jakarta

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312, registered 9V-SYI, being unloaded at Gate No. E27 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving from her long flight from the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 238 from Melbourne. She will then have another regional early evening flight to the Republic of India as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 406 bound for Delhi

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWU, parked at Gate No. E11 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving back from her long overnight trans-Indian Ocean flight from the United Kingdom as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 319 from London (Heathrow). She will then have another regional flight to the Republic of India tonight as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 424 bound for Mumbai

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered 9V-STC, resting at Gate No. E10 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving from her long afternoon flight from the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 256 from Brisbane. She will then have a short hop to the Federation of Malaysia later this evening as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 118 bound for Kuala Lumpur

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-SRJ, receiving her last minute preparations at Gate No. E5 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her late afternoon regional flight to the popular resort island of Bali in the Republic of Indonesia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 946 bound for Denpasar (Bali)

9V-STH resting at Gate No. E4 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 after arriving from Kyushu, Japan, as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 655 from Fukuoka. She will then have a regional evening flight to the Republic of India as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 530 bound for Ahmedabad

Taxiing past Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 en route to our assigned runway

9V-SRO about to be serviced at Gate No. F35 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 for her late afternoon regional flight to the Republic of Indonesia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 962 bound for Jakarta

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212/ER, registered 9V-SRH, resting on the tarmac near Terminal 2 at Singapore Changi Airport

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWD, resting on the tarmac near Terminal 2 at Singapore Changi Airport

A new SilkAir Boeing 737-8SA(WL), registered 9V-MGB, parked near the in-flight catering centre at Singapore Changi Airport

Taxiing past the site where the former Budget Terminal was once located, which would eventually be occupied by the future Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4

Finally approaching our assigned runway for take-off

Thai Airways International Flight 414 ~ Cloudy Take-Off From Singapore Changi Airport

Climbing into the cloudy afternoon sky over the Johor Straits

Cruising somewhere over Bandar Nusajaya in Malaysia

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport

Cruising into a blanket of clouds somewhere between Putrajaya and Kuala Terengganu

The seatbelt signs were turned off at 4.30 p.m., which was approximately ¼ of an hour after departure from Singapore Changi Airport. As the flight attendants sprung into action to commence the in-flight service, I headed to the lavatories and got out my laptop for my own entertainment purposes during the flight. The other passengers began to settle down for the late afternoon trip to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) while waiting for their in-flight afternoon tea dining trays to be brought over to their seats.

Soon enough, our in-flight dining trays containing our main courses were finally given to us at 4.55 p.m.. To accompany my in-flight meal, I ordered a glass of Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011 white wine. Taking the first bite out of my roasted chicken breast, it tasted slightly dry with the accompanying vegetables tasting dry as well. Given that my younger brother was feeling rather full after having lunch before departure, he gave me his dory fish to finish, which tasted better than my roasted chicken breast.

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seatbelt sign was switched off

Cruising over the South China Sea somewhere over Pahang Province in Malaysia

A warning placard in the lavatory which reminds passengers that smoking or tampering with lavatory smoke detectors on board is prohibited under Thai Civil Aviation Law

The mirror of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 aircraft lavatory

The rear view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin during cruising altitude over West Malaysia

My main course: Roasted chicken breast with roasted new potatoes, carrots and broccoli

The Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011 White Wine being held by the flight attendant

A nice glass of Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011 White Wine for myself to accompany my main meal

The flight route indication map indicating our cruising altitude between Malaysian and Thailand airspace

After having some filling afternoon tea on board the flight, the clock was finally showing 5.10 p.m., in line with the Singapore & Malaysia Standard Time. With our trays being cleared by the flight stewardess, she asked me whether there was anything else we wanted for the remainder of the flight. Given that I was still in the mood for more beverages, I asked for another glass of Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011 white wine, along with two cups of Chocolate Malt 3-in-1 for both my younger brother and myself.

With my glass of Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011 white wine poured for me, the flight attendant went back to the galley to prepare our cups of cocoa. Once our cups of hot cocoa were delivered to our seats, we consumed them within just a few minutes before both our used cups were collected by the flight attendant. Paying a visit to the lavatory once again, I sat back to my laptop to have my entertainment on my laptop before the seatbelt signs were switched on again before the descent into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi).
 

The liquor and cocktail cart just beside my seat in the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin

Another nice glass of Bourgogne Chardonnay 2011 White Wine for myself

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude near Hat Yai

A nice cup of Chocolate Malt 3-in-1 for myself

Watching "Begin Japanology by Peter Barakan ｰ Wagyu" on my laptop's VLC Media Player

Cruising somewhere over Hat Yai between Malaysian and Thai airspace

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat as we cruise into Thai airspace

The rear view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin during cruising altitude over Hat Yai and Koh Samui

A view of my seat, 14K, during cruising altitude into Thai airspace

Cruising over the Gulf of Thailand as the aircraft gets closer to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

In accordance with the Thailand Local Timing, all of the seatbelt signs were turned on once again at 4.55 p.m., which was approximately ¼ of an hour before the descent into Suvarnabhumi Airport. Given that we had less than ½ an hour prior to our arrival into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we promptly stowed the remainder of our belongings into their assigned storage spaces and buckled our seatbelts in preparation for the aircraft could make its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport. The flight attendants went around the cabin collecting the used in-flight headsets and conducting their pre-arrival safety checks at the same time.

Dusk was beginning to fall over the Gulf of Thailand as the aircraft made its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport. After a regional and routine late afternoon flight time of 1 hour 55 minutes across the South China Sea and the Malaysian Straits from the island-city state of the Republic of Singapore, we finally touched down into Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5.10 p.m., which was approximately five minutes ahead of schedule. We then taxied across the main airport tarmac briefly to our remote aircraft stand away from the Main Terminal building.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ) is an international airport complex in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli District of Samut Prakhan Province near Bangkok, Thailand. It is the central international airport for travellers coming into the Bangkok Metropolitan Area by air, and one of the two major airports serving Bangkok along with Don Mueang International Airport. It is also the world's 20th-busiest airport, the sixth-busiest airport in Asia and the busiest airport in the Kingdom of Thailand, with more than 41.3 million passengers using the airport daily in fiscal 2013. The airport serves as a hub for Asia Atlantic Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Jet Asia Airways, Orient Thai Airlines, Thai Airways International, Thai VietJet Air and Thai Smile.

The airport was opened for service on 28 September 2006, replacing Don Mueang International Airport as the central international airport serving international flights coming in and out of Bangkok. From 24 March 2007, Don Mueang International Airport was re-opened for service after major extensive renovations, catering to domestic flights and regional low-cost international flights. It then gained its own rail access from downtown Bangkok with the opening of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (SARL) from 23 August 2010. Currently, Bangkok serves as an important Asian market for most foreign carriers, including Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Airways, Qatar Airways, Spring Airlines and SriLankan Airlines.

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seatbelt signs were switched on in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Suvarnabhumi Airport

The view of the Rolls-Royce Trent 892 engine as we cruise over some fields during approach to Bangkok

Cruising over some rice paddy fields as we begin our final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways International Flight 414 ~ Early Evening Landing In Suvarnabhumi Airport

Taxiing across the main airport tarmac at Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly after landing

A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A320-232(SL), registered B-9945, taxiing to her assigned runway in preparation for her early evening flight back home to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as China Eastern Airlines flight MU 542 bound for Shanghai (Pudong)

A KLM ｰ Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-406F/ER/SCD, registered PH-CKD, taxiing to her assigned runway for her supposed delayed routine cargo flight to the United Arab Emirates as Martinair flight MP 092 bound for Abu Dhabi

Taxiing to the remote aircraft stands on the main airport tarmac located away from the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

A Thai Airways International Airbus A300B4-622R, registered HS-TAO, resting on a remote stand near the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-322, registered HS-TEJ, resting at one of the remote stands near the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. She will have a late night regional flight to the Republic of India as Thai Airways International flight TG 337 bound for Chennai later tonight

Finally taxiing to Stand No. 110 at Suvarnabhumi Airport

A THAI Smile Airbus A320-232, registered HS-TXC, parked at Stand No. 111 after arriving from her domestic regional run as THAI Smile flight TG 2117 from Chiang Mai a couple of hours earlier

The view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin from my seat shortly after docking on to the remote Stand No. 110 near the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

After taxiing across the main airport tarmac of Suvarnabhumi Airport for about 10 minutes, we finally docked onto a remote stand, Stand No. 110, away from the Main Terminal building at 5.20 p.m.. This meant that we had to disembark from the aircraft via movable aircraft staircases and would be taken over to the Main Terminal building via a free airport terminal shuttle bus. Once the seatbelt signs were switched off, we quickly unfastened our seatbelts and retrieved our belongings from their storage spaces.

Checking to see that there was nothing left behind around our seats, we rolled up behind some other passengers in preparation to disembark from the aircraft. Once the aircraft doors were opened by the cabin crew, we disembarked from the aircraft in an orderly manner. As we disembarked from the aircraft outside the remote stand, the flight attendants sincerely thanked us for our patronage with Thai Airways International, and wished us a pleasant overnight stay in Bangkok.

Following every flight segment, the airline will receive an aggregate score, which would be influential in determining whether that airline is worth flying with for a particular route. The aggregate scoring criteria is divided into five sections, with the seats, food and beverage catering, in-flight cabin service, aircraft cleanliness and legroom space as the main components. With every section weighing 20 points, the total aggregate score worth 100 points. To attain a pass, an airline must attain at least a 'D' grade (40% or above). The airline scoring system is as follows, as of 1 March 2014:

A+: 85% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)
A: 75% ~ 84% (Airline has a good rating and performance)
B: 60% ~ 74% (Airline has a good rating and performance)
C: 50% ~ 59% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)
D: 40% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)
E: 20% ~ 39% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)
U: Below 20% (Airline has not met the requirement for the minimum grade)

Thai Airways International Flight 414 Score Report

Seat: 17 / 20
Food: 15 / 20
Service: 16 / 20
Aircraft cleanliness: 16 / 20
Legroom space: 17 / 20
Total: 81 / 100

In total, Thai Airways International has obtained an aggregate score of 81% for the segment from Singapore to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), meaning that they have obtained an 'A' grade. Despite a slight decrease in the component scores, the flight was relatively uneventful, apart from the slight turbulence shortly after departure from Singapore Changi Airport. The airline should continue to work hard to earn a good airline review from customers in the near future.

Part 3 ~ The Trip To The Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Shortly after disembarking from Thai Airways International flight TG 414 from Singapore at Stand No. 110, we walked down a movable staircase mounted on top of an movable airport tarmac tow truck. On the airport tarmac itself, two conventional airport terminal shuttle buses were waiting to transport us to the Main Terminal building. Boarding the conventional airport terminal shuttle bus located at the front movable staircase, we finally departed our aircraft at 5.30 p.m. for a short conventional airport terminal shuttle bus trip of not more than just five minutes to the Main Terminal.

Soon enough, we finally arrived at the Main Terminal building at 5.35 p.m.. As we alighted from the bus, we entered the Main Terminal building and took the escalators up to the main arrival immigration checkpoints. Despite the curfew and the 'state of emergency' status in downtown Bangkok, the main arrival immigration checkpoints was quite crowded with passengers waiting to come into Bangkok. Despite the crowds, the arrival immigration process took not more than approximately five minutes.

Upon clearing the arrival immigration process at 5.45 p.m., I promptly went to check which baggage belt our check-in baggage would be scheduled to arrive at. According to the baggage claiming information screens, all bulkier check-in baggage from Thai Airways International flight TG 414 bound for Singapore would arrive at Belt No. 6. With that, I quickly went over to grab two baggage trolleys and followed my dad over to Belt No. 6 to claim all our bulkier check-in baggage to be loaded with our lighter baggage.

The interior of the conventional airport terminal shuttle bus bound for the Main Terminal building during the boarding process at Stand No. 110 at Suvarnabhumi Airport

One final view of HS-TKD shortly before we departed Stand No. 110 for the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

A Thai Airways International Boeing 777-2D7, registered HS-TJG, resting at a remote stand near the main airport terminal. I remember riding her when I returned from Japan as Thai Airways International flight TG 401 bound for Singapore in June 2013

A Bangkok Airways Airbus A320-232, registered HS-PPD, about to be pushed back from her remote stand in preparation for her regional early evening flight to the Kingdom of Cambodia as Bangkok Airways flight PG 907 bound for Siem Reap

A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-343X, registered HS-TBF, resting on the main airport tarmac located away from the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

A Thai Airways International Airbus A340-642, registered HS-TNC, resting at her remote stand after arriving from her long trans-Indian Ocean flight from the Federal Republic of Germany as Thai Airways International flight TG 923 from Frankfurt. She will then have a long late night trans-Indian Ocean flight to the Swiss Confederation as Thai Airways International flight TG 970 bound for Zurich

A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-343X, registered HS-TES, being serviced at Gate No. A6 at Concourse A in preparation for her early evening domestic run as Thai Airways International flight TG 120 bound for Chiang Mai

A Thai Airways International Boeing 777-3D7, registered HS-TKB, resting at Gate No. C1 at Concourse C after arriving from her long afternoon flight from Central Japan as Thai Airways International flight TG 645 from Nagoya (Centrair) a couple of hours earlier before us

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered 9V-STW, being unloaded at Gate No. D2 at Concourse D after arriving from the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 976 from Singapore. She will then head back home to the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 979 bound for Singapore an hour later

A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-343X, registered HS-TEU, receiving her last minute preparations at Gate No. D6 at Concourse D in preparation for early evening regional flight to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as Thai Airways International flight TG 305 bound for Yangon

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-343X, registered B-LAI, about to be pushed back from Gate No. D7 at Concourse D in preparation for her continuing evening flight from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to the Republic of India as Cathay Pacific flight CX 751 bound for Delhi from Hong Kong

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing some post-arrival duty-free shops located adjacent to the main arrival immigration checkpoints in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The baggage claiming hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early evening rush hour

The baggage claiming information screens in the baggage claiming hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early evening rush hour indicating that all bulkier check-in baggage from Thai Airways International flight TG 414 from Singapore would arrive at Belt No. 6

After claiming all of our check-in baggage from Belt No. 6 and loading them onto the trolleys, the clock was finally showing 5.50 p.m.. Meeting up with my mum and younger brother at the other baggage claiming belts, we walked into the arrivals and meeting area, where a well-dressed lady met up with us and directed us towards the hotel counter catering to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. At the hotel counter itself, we arranged for a free Hotel Novotel shuttle bus to transport us to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Once all the necessary hotel shuttle bus arrangements have been made, the well-dressed lady escorted us out to the pick-up area, where we found the free Hotel Novotel shuttle bus waiting to transport us to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. There were a few other foreign passengers also in the bus heading to the same hotel too. While we got onto the bus, the driver helped us to load our baggage into the boot of the bus.

As soon as all of our baggage was loaded in, we finally left the compound of Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5.55 p.m. for a very short road drive to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, with the drive taking no more than just five minutes. I could very well remember that we had previously stayed at this hotel during our long transiting hours in Bangkok when we went on our winter vacation towards South Korea in December 2008.

The arrivals and meeting hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early evening rush hour

The hotel counter for the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in the arrivals and meeting area of the main passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The pick-up outside the arrivals and meeting area at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The free Hotel Novotel shuttle bus that would soon take us to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

About to depart the compound of Suvarnabhumi Airport

Finally departing the compound of Suvarnabhumi Airport

Driving close to the airport exit on the expressway from Suvarnabhumi Airport on route to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bypassing some aircraft maintenance hangars at Suvarnabhumi Airport on route to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Travelling along the Suvarnabhumi Expressway before turning towards the direction of the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Driving down the road leading to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Turning around the bend to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

After a short and quick five-minute hotel shuttle bus ride from the main terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport, we finally arrived at the main entrance to the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport at six o' clock. As the passengers alighted from the bus, a few hotel porters came out with a few baggage trolleys to assist us with our baggage into the main hotel lobby. Entering the hotel lobby, we went towards the hotel check-in reception counter to check in for our overnight stay at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Upon checking in, we managed to receive our room keys for our overnight stay at the hotel. According to the hotel check-in receptionist, our rooms were located on the fourth level, with our rooms numbered Rooms No. 2440 and 2442 respectively. These rooms were directly connected to each other, so that we could have access to one another. The hotel check-in receptionist also informed us that our baggage would be brought up to our rooms for us.

Thanking her for the offer, we proceeded to the elevator lobby and took the elevator up to the fourth level, where our rooms were located, walking past several rooms like in a circle once we were on the fourth level. Arriving at our rooms by 6.15 p.m., we saw that our rooms had bathrooms with see-through glasses by the bath tubs, and we could see the hotel's swimming pool. Soon enough, just as promised, our baggage was finally brought up to us. Before we had a nice, well-earned rest in our hotel rooms, we sorted out our pyjamas for tonight and our attires for the next day.

The interior of the main hotel lobby in the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early evening hours

The view of the lobby lounge at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport during the early evening hours

The departure and arrival flights information screen located in the main hotel lobby of the Hotel Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport

The hotel check-in reception counter in the main hotel lobby at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Finally arriving at our assigned rooms for the overnight stay

The first view of my parents' Room No. 2440 shortly after we entered

The first view of my Room No. 2442, which I would share with my younger brother shortly after we entered

The view of the hotel swimming pool as seen from my Room No. 2442

The view of my Room No. 2442 while having a well-earned rest after the regional journey from Singapore

After having a nice, well-earned rest in our hotel rooms, the clock was finally showing 7.40 p.m.. Feeling a bit famished already, we decided to head down to the hotel lobby to have some beverages before heading back up to the room for some in-room dining for dinner. With that, we took the elevator down towards the second floor, and bypassed the hotel's outdoor swimming pool before taking a flight of stairs towards the lobby level, eventually arriving there by 7.50 p.m.. Looking at the various restaurants and lounges available, we finally stumbled upon a hotel restaurant and lounge, by the name of Atrium Terrace.

We then requested for a table for the four of us, only to be directed to one soon enough by a restaurant waitress. With the food and beverages provided for all of us, we ordered a few alcoholic cocktails and a glass of Baileys Irish Cream, along with several light bites, such as satay and a beef burger for my younger brother. That evening, we had a rather relaxing time at Atrium Terrace. It was a pity that we could not go out to meet some of my parents' friends for dinner due to the ongoing curfew and 'state of emergency' situation.

Walking along the glass-covered passageway by the swimming pool on the way to the ground floor

The interior of the main hotel lobby in the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport at night on the way to a hotel cafeteria

Crossing a small man-made water pond in the hotel lobby of the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

The logo of the Atrium Terrace Cafeteria at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

The entrance to Atrium Terrace Cafeteria at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

The first view of the interior of the Atrium Terrace Cafeteria at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

The cover page for the beverage menu at Atrium Terrace Cafeteria at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Reviewing the beverage menu at Atrium Terrace Cafeteria at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Looking through the dinner menu of Atrium Terrace Cafeteria at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

A mini platter of roasted peanuts and mini crackers to be shared among us

Two glasses of lychee martini cocktails for my parents and a glass of Baileys Irish Cream for myself

A plate of beef and cheese burger and french fries for my younger brother

A small platter of satay to be shared among us

A small plate of salad and crisps to be shared among my parents

The view of the bar at Atrium Terrace Cafeteria at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

After having some alcoholic beverages and light bites within Atrium Terrace, the clock was finally showing 8.40 p.m.. Not wanting to spoil our appetite before dinner, we paid up our bill and left the hotel cafeteria by 8.45 p.m.. To get back to our rooms located on the fourth floor, we walked towards the staircase located by the swimming pool and climbed up towards the second floor, where we changed to the elevator back towards the fourth floor.

Arriving back at our rooms by nine o' clock, we did a bit of our own stuff before deciding to have some in-room dinner. Placing our orders for some local Thai dishes and a spaghetti alla carbonara for myself, our dishes were brought up to us at around 9.35 p.m., allowing us to sit back and enjoy our in-room dining. The spaghetti alla carbonara was somewhat alright for my taste buds, but the garlic in it had a rather vile taste. It would have tasted much better if they had drained the garlic after cooking the dish.

The view of the main hotel lobby at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly after we left Atrium Terrace for our rooms

Another view of the main hotel lobby at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport at night

Walking along the glass-covered passageway by the swimming pool on the way back towards our rooms located on the fourth floor

A platter of Thai style crispy fried chicken for my parents to share among themselves

A platter of spaghetti alla carbonara for myself

A platter of Thai style curry rice for my mum

A platter of Thai style curry mushroom for my parents to share among themselves

A platter of Thai style fried rice for my younger brother

The view of my Room No. 2442 shortly before we turned in for a well-earned good night's sleep

After having a somewhat alright in-room dinner, we finally became stuffed to the brim. Since we were too tired to call for a hotel room clean-up service, we simply covered up our used dishes and placed them by the window so that the hotel cleaning service would come and clear them up the next morning after we had checked out for our continuing flight towards Hong Kong.

Upon doing so, we had a nice, hot shower prior to re-packing a few of our baggage for the continuing journey towards Hong Kong the next morning. For the remainder of the night, we felt that there was nothing much left to do other than being left to our own devices to keep us company and entertained. Sooner or later enough, we set our alarms to seven o' clock the next morning and finally turned in at around half past midnight for a well-earned good night's sleep in preparation for the journey towards Hong Kong.

This officially brings the first segment of my combined mini-shopping vacation in Bangkok, Thailand and Hong Kong in March 2014 to a conclusion. As with all the other blog reports, questions and / or comments will be more than welcome. The remaining three sectors of the entire blog report will be posted once I have selected the best and highest quality pictures and videos for them.