L-R: Tan Sin Su, Wong Lai Chee, Dato Sharon Tan, Chew Siang Peng, and Ching Neng Bin.
We had to fly to Bangkok because it was our direct link to Russia for our 30-day Trans-Siberian Train Adventure on
21st June 2024. The other reason we went to Bangkok earlier was Ms
Wong's generous offer to let us stay at her brother's lovely condominium
in Bangkok. In light of this, we decided to travel to Bangkok earlier for some rest and entertainment before flying to Vladivostok, Russia, on the 21st with the other 15 travelling companions.
Preparation:
The first step is to confirm the trip with our regular organiser, Mr
Chew Leng Soon. The second step is to pay any fees associated with the
ground booking to Dr. Ko. The third step is to begin packing my
backpacks for the long vacation.
This is how I arranged my clothing and other items on the bed in my guest room 3 weeks before going. This allows me enough time to rearrange any missing items.
This is how I arranged my clothing and other items on the bed in my guest room 3 weeks before going.
This is how I organize my other items 3 weeks before leaving.
My big backpack (11kg) for check-in, and the small day-pack (4kg) for carrying.
Do not forget to activate your phone roaming pass in Russia.
Checklist for Backpacking. When packing, consider the weight.
1. Money (local & foreign)
2. Passport & a photo – photocopy of passport & travel document
3. Clothing: Shorts, T-shirts, Trousers, Underwear, Swim wear, Jacket, Pull-over, Wind Breaker, Scarf, Socks, Towels
4. Toiletries: soap, shampoo, comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaver, dental floss, nail clipper, small scissors
5. First-aid kit: antibiotic cream / diarrhea pills / panadol / plasters & others. Vitamins and personal medication.
6. Small torchlight, Water bottle / cup
7. Plastic bags for dirty & clean clothes
8. Small umbrella or raincoat or poncho
9. Walking shoe, sandal, slippers for toilet
10. Pen & notebook, Reading & sun glasses
11. Backpack, day-pack, waist- pouch, Cap or hat
12. Hand phone & charger - also used as alarm clock and calculator
13. Optional –
Food: 3in1 coffee & biscuits & chocolates
Insect repellents
Padlock & key
Strings & cloth hanger
Vietnam sleeping bag
Earplug for bus travel
Medical Kit
Diarrhea is Loperamide HCI
Loperax 2mg – take 2 tablets 2x daily or
Vacontil 2mg – take 2 tablets 2x daily or
Imodium 2mg – take 2 tablets 2x daily
Sore throat : Prednisolone 5mg – take 2 tablets 1x daily
Flu, fewer, headache, running nose: Decolgen FX – take 1 tablet 3x daily
Flu running nose: ZyrtecD 5mg – take 1 tablet 2x daily
Insects bite and allergy: Piriton 4mg – take 1 tablet 3x daily
Heart attack is Disprin: Aspirin 300mg – take 1 tablet 1x daily
Stomach wind
Povil 250mg - 2 tablets 3x daily or
Alucid 250mg - 2 tablets 3x daily or
Hydrosil 200mg - 2 tablets 3x daily
Sprain/muscle tear is diclofenac sodium 100mg
Zolterol 100mg - 1 tablet 2x daily or
Remethan 100R - 1 tablet 2x daily
Pain and fewer – Mefenamic Acid 500mg
Ponstan 500mg – 1 tablet 3x daily
Panadol 500mg - 2 tablets 3x daily
Altitude sickness – Diamox
Antiseptic cream - Burnol or Dettol plus cream
Dehydration salts - Oralite Rehydration Salts
Muscle pain rub - Counterpain cream
Plastic plasters
Day 1 (16.06.24) KUL to BKK on flight MH0788 @ 12.10pm
The
five of us met up at KLIA Terminal 1, and had breakfast together at
Plaza Premium Lounge. Ching's breakfast was provided by Chew Siang Peng using
his UOB World Visa card. On arrival at Bangkok airport, we took Grab
straight to Belle Park Residence Tower 5.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin at Plaza Premium Lounge, KLIA.
Ching's breakfast was provided by Chew Siang Peng using
his UOB World Visa card. 
We had breakfast together at KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge.
KUL to BKK on flight MH0788 @ 12.10pm 
Belle Park Residence Tower 5 in Bangkok. 
The 2-room unit at Belle Park Residence Tower 5 in Bangkok. 
Dinning area of the 2-room unit at Belle Park Residence in Bangkok.
On
day two, we enjoyed the finest roast pork for lunch at Mr. Joe's. We
then strolled around and visited Wat Rungrueang Charoen Sattha. We
walked to Sathorn Pier to board the boat to visit Wat Arun. Wat Arun,
located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is one of Bangkok's most
spectacular temples and a popular tourist site. We then continue our
boat ride to Khao San Road and visit Wat Chanasongkram
Rathaworamahaviharn.
Ching Neng Bin had a Thai Thai massage and
recommend it to other travelers because of the excellent service. Had
the finest sweets and dinner along Khao San Road. Visited the
Independence Monument before taking a grab back to the Condo. 
We enjoyed the finest roast pork for lunch at Mr Joe's in Bangkok. 
You have not experienced true crispy pork until you have tried Mr Joe's in Bangkok. 
Mr Joe's crispy pork is chopped into bite-sized chunks that are beautifully soft on the inside. 
You have not experienced true crispy pork until you have tried Mr Joe's in Bangkok. 
Mr Joe's Restaurant in Bangkok has been awarded a Michelin 2024.
Mr Joe's Restaurant in Bangkok has been awarded a Michelin 2024.
Mr Joe's crispy pork is chopped into bite-sized chunks that are beautifully soft on the inside. 
We enjoyed the finest roast pork for lunch at Mr Joe's in Bangkok. 
We then strolled around and visited Wat Rungrueang Charoen Sattha, Bangkok.
We then strolled around and visited Wat Rungrueang Charoen Sattha, Bangkok.
We then strolled around and visited Wat Rungrueang Charoen Sattha, Bangkok.
Sathorn
Pier serves as the major point for the Chao Phraya Express Boat and
MINE Smart Ferry, providing a range of services to meet a variety of
needs. From here we took the boat to visit Wat Arun.
Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, as seen from the boat.
The view from the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, as seen from the boat.
Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, as seen from the boat.
Wat Arun, is one of Bangkok's most spectacular temples and a popular tourist site.
We took a photo with a newlywed couple at Wat Arun, the most spectacular temple in Bangkok.
Ching Neng Bin took a photo shoot with a newlywed groom.
Ching
Neng Bin took a photo at Wat Arun, Bangkok's Temple of the Dawn. The
temple consists of a central Prang, 82 m high, inlaid with coloured
porcelain and surrounded by 4 smaller Prangs.
A water feature at Wat Arun, Bangkok's Temple of the Dawn.
A water feature at Wat Arun, Bangkok's Temple of the Dawn.
Wat Arun: the temple of the dawn in Bangkok.
Wat Arun: the temple of the dawn in Bangkok.
Wat
Arun is named after the Hindu mythological god Aruna, who is the symbol
of dawn. This Buddhist temple is an architectural representation of the
Mount Meruthe centre of the world in Buddhist cosmology. In Buddhist
mythology, the Mount Meru is a place that simultaneously represents the
centre of the universe and the oneness of spirit sought by the
followers.
Rama II Statue at Wat Arun. He was Siam's 2nd Chakri dynasty monarch.
We were in front of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng at Wat Arun. 
We were in front of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng at Wat Arun. 
Visitors to the Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng at Wat Arun. 
A pair of yaksa welcome visitors to the Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng at Wat Arun. 
A pair of yaksa welcome visitors. The Wat Arun giant stands at the Ubosot's entrance archway. There is one in white named "Sahassadecha" and one in green called "Thotsakan (Ravana)." The giant was inspired by the Ramayana myth, but the design is Chinese stuccowork with colored porcelain and a large club in hand. This indicates the trust in the guardian spirit's ability to preserve the insignificant sacred monastery.
A Thai model poses for a photo shoot at Wat Arun temple complex. 
A Thai model poses for a photo shoot at Wat Arun temple complex.
More Thai models pose for a photo shoot at Wat Arun temple complex. 
More Thai models pose for a photo shoot at Wat Arun temple complex. 
Phra Ubosot (Ordination Hall) at Wat Arun temple complex.
The ordination hall houses "Phra Buddha Thammisorarat Lokathatdilok," the building's principal sacred images. Above the platform is a Buddha figure in Rattanakosin's Subduing Mara pose. According to the record, King Rama 2 created the statue's face personally. And, of course, the artworks within are simply stunning. Follow Buddha's life through the breathtaking murals produced under the reign of Rama V.
The giant gong at Wat Arun Complex, Bangkok.
There is another golden Buddha statue within the temple.
Stop by this massive relic beside the Ordination Hall and be surprised by its magnitude. Aside from the Buddha image, the marble illustrations and elegant paintings are also worth photographing.
After viewing the various Buddha statues, walk around the Chinese pavilions. The lush scenery blends perfectly with the stylish red and white exterior. Admire this timeless beauty and remember to take a photo with your companion.
An Indian temple in the Wat Arun Complex performs fire rituals.
An Indian temple in the Wat Arun Complex performs fire rituals.
An Indian temple in the Wat Arun Complex performs fire rituals.
We then continue our boat ride to Khao San Road.
Visited Wat Chanasongkram Rathaworamahaviharn. 
Visited Wat Chanasongkram Rathaworamahaviharn. 
Khao San Road is Bangkok's backpacker hotspot.
Ching Neng Bin had a Thai Thai massage and recommend it to other travelers because of the excellent service.
Had the finest sweets and fruit juice here along Khao San Road.
Had the finest sweets and fruit juice here along Khao San Road.
Had the finest sweets and fruit juice here along Khao San Road. 
Mango desserts was our favorite. It tastes delicious, and the fruit is sweet and fragrant, with the perfect combination of sweetness and sourness. They go perfectly well with sticky rice .
We discovered a wonderful cafe cuisine for dinner on Khao San Road.
We discovered a wonderful cafe cuisine for dinner on Khao San Road.
We discovered a wonderful cafe cuisine for dinner on Khao San Road.
The night view of Khao San Road. 
Visited the Independence Monument before taking a Grab back to the Condo.
Day 3 (18.06.24) Five on Adventure in Bangkok for R&R
On day three, we had hired an MPV the day before at Khao San Road to take us to Pattaya and visit places of interest. Get ready for an unforgettable Pattaya weed cafes adventure! We had delicious local meals at a Weed Cafe. Weed cafes in Pattaya are gaining popularity in 2024. Pattaya has become a popular destination for cannabis fans, with everything from modest marijuana cafes to sophisticated weed lounges. With the increased number of cannabis-friendly establishments, there is something for everyone.
On the way back, we ate Michelin-starred meals at Methavalai Sorndaeng Restaurant in Bangkok before catching a Grab back to our condo.
The MVP to drive us to Pattaya for sightseeing and chilling out.
We had lunch at this cannabis cafe, which also sells a variety of grasses.
Did you know that Pattaya is home to some of the most dynamic and diversified cannabis cafes in 2024? These are not your usual coffee shops; they are cultural experiences where visitors may sample different strains, eat excellent meals paired with their cannabis of choice, and become part of a welcoming community.
We had lunch at this cannabis cafe, which also sells a variety of grasses.
We had lunch at this cannabis cafe, which also sells a variety of grasses.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum at the Pattaya Royal Garden Plaza.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is managed by Minor Sky Rider Company Limited, which owns and operates world-class attractions and museums, including ten attractions in one location. 
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The museum displays more than 300 distinct anomalies and strikes a careful balance between the bizarre, disturbing, and beautiful.
If you enjoy being scared, Ripley's Haunted Adventure is the place to go! 
Dive into your worst nightmares. You are constantly confronted with fear. 
Stranger things have and will occur! Not for the faint of heart! Happy Haunting! 
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum at the Pattaya Royal Garden Plaza.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum at the Pattaya Royal Garden Plaza.
Ching Neng Bin relaxes with Marilyn Monroe at the Madame Tussauds wax exhibit.
Louis Tussaud's Waxworks Pattaya is thrilled to bring the magic of lifelike wax imaging. 
At Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum, you can get up close to celebrities and have fun shooting goofy pictures.
Pattaya's Hidden Treasure: Monument Park & Hilltop Viewpoint.
The Pattaya Viewpoint, located on top of Phratumnak Hill (Pattaya Hill) offers a breathtaking view over Pattaya Bay and the surrounding cityscape. 
The Pattaya Viewpoint on top of Pattaya Hill offers a breathtaking view over Pattaya Bay and city.
This little shrine at Pattaya Viewpoint contains many small statues of Lord Buddha.
This little shrine at Pattaya Viewpoint contains many small statues of Lord Buddha. 
This little shrine at Pattaya Viewpoint contains many small statues of Lord Buddha. 
This little shrine at Pattaya Viewpoint contains many small statues of Lord Buddha. 
This little shrine at Pattaya Viewpoint contains many small statues of Lord Buddha. 
We ate dinner at Methavalai Sorndaeng, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok. 
Methavalai Sorndaeng was one of the city's original Thai eateries. For over 60 years, they have maintained a loyal clientele by using the same time-tested recipes and cooking skills. 
The refined dishes are classy, with crunchy rice noodles in sweet and sour sauce, spicy lemongrass salad, and crab meat and acacia red curry. Curry pastes and fishcakes are created from scratch with featherback fish. 
Dinner at Methavalai Sorndaeng, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok.
Dinner at Methavalai Sorndaeng, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok.
Dinner at Methavalai Sorndaeng, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok.
Dinner at Methavalai Sorndaeng, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok.
A live band to entertain us while we dined at Methavalai Sorndaeng Restaurant.
Day 4 (19.06.24) Five on Adventure in Bangkok for R&R
Visited the Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Dato Sharon Tan at Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Bangkok.
Starting with a Trunkscape, a scene in which 96 trunk modules have been joined into a tunnel.
Ching Neng Bin at Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Wong Lai Chee at Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition in Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok.
The Giant Swing, at over 90 feet tall, is located in front of Wat Suthat in Bangkok. The teak archway, initially used in religious rites, was built at the end of the 18th century, during King Rama I's reign. 
We enjoyed lunch in this café in Chinatown Bangkok.
We enjoyed lunch in this café in Chinatown Bangkok.
We enjoyed lunch in this café in Chinatown Bangkok.
In this café, the words inscribed on the wall are extremely sincere.
The Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 as part of the government-owned Erawan Hotel to remove bad karma said to have resulted from laying the foundations on the wrong date. The Erawan Shrine has a statue of Phra Phrom, Thailand's version of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.
Dato Sharon Tan at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok.
Ching Neng Bin at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok.
The Erawan Shrine was built in 1956
We ate at Fah Sai Restaurant, which Ms Wong's brother highly recommended. 
We ate at Fah Sai Restaurant, beside the Belle Park Residence, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa.
We ate at Fah Sai Restaurant, beside the Belle Park Residence, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa.
We ate at Fah Sai Restaurant, beside the Belle Park Residence, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa.
Day 5 (20.06.24) Last day in Bangkok for R&R
On our final day in Bangkok, we all finished packing and repacking our backpacks and bags. Because Ching Neng Bin's large pack weighs just 11kg, he assisted in carrying an additional 5kg of Ms Wong's items.
We enjoyed the nicest coffee and a lunch of pork knuckles in front of the shop houses, and our final supper was at Fah Sai Restaurant, which is near to the Belle Park condominium. 
Delicious pork knuckles for lunch at the roadside stall in front of the shop houses.
Delicious pork knuckles for lunch at the roadside stall in front of the shop houses.
Delicious pork knuckles for lunch at the roadside stall in front of the shop houses.
Delicious pork knuckles for lunch at the roadside stall in front of the shop houses.
We also enjoyed the best coffee at the roadside vendor in front of the shops.
We also enjoyed the best coffee at the roadside vendor in front of the shops.
We were packing and repacking our backpacks and bags in our condominium. 
Ching Neng Bin has just completed packing his backpack, day bag, and is raring to go.
Our final supper was at Fah Sai Restaurant, which is near to the Belle Park condominium. 
Our final supper was at Fah Sai Restaurant, which is near to the Belle Park condominium. 
Our final supper was at Fah Sai Restaurant, which is near to the Belle Park condominium. 
Our final supper was at Fah Sai Restaurant, which is near to the Belle Park condominium. 
Our final supper was at Fah Sai Restaurant, which is near to the Belle Park condominium.
Ching Neng Bin is set to embark on a 30-day adventure in Russia.
The five of us here have always had a great yearning for adventure, as have the other 15 traveling companions who will meet us at the Bangkok airport tomorrow for our journey to Russia.
The
Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest train journey in
the world. Over the course of our 11-day train trip (9,938 km), we have
witnessed the vast pine forests, impressive rivers, and undulating
plains of the Russian landscape.
Traveling from Vladivostok to Saint Petersburg, we pass through enchanting cities such as Khabarovsk, Chita,
Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan,
Moscow, and Saint Petersburg; each destination offers a blend of
breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures, and deep-rooted history. We are
always prepared for the remarkable adventure across Russia's vast and
varied landscape, aiming to forge memories that will last a lifetime!
click below to view
Day01 Bangkok to Irkutsk, Russia
Day02 Irkutsk to Vladivostok, Russia
Day03 Vladivostok to Khabarovsk (1st overnight train)
Day04 Khabarovsk
Day05 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 1 (2nd overnight train)
Day06 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 2 (3rd overnight train)
Day07 Chita
Day08 Chita to Ulan Ude (4th overnight train)
Day09 Ulan Ude
Day10 Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk (5th overnight train)
Day11 Irkutsk to Olkhon Island
Day12 Olkhon Island
Day13 Olkhon Island to Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk (6th overnight train)
Day14 Krasnoyarsk
Day15 Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk (7th overnight train)
Day16 Novosibirsk
Day17 Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg (8th overnight train)
Day18 Yekaterinburg
Day19 Yekaterinburg to Kazan (9th overnight train)
Day20 Kazan
Day21 Kazan to Moscow (10th overnight train)
Day22 Moscow (day 1)
Day23 Moscow (day 2)
Day24 Moscow to St Petersburg (11th overnight train)
Day25 St Petersburg (day 1)
Day26 St Petersburg (day 2)
Day27 St Petersburg (day 3)
Day28 St Petersburg (day 4)
Day29 St Petersburg to Dubai
Day30 Dubai to KLIA
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