Day 11: Bangkok - Cityscape and Vibe...

"I love the hustle and bustle. Everything is sort of mad right before a take, and then it just settles..." - Saoirse Ronan

(The view from our room at Nasa Hotel)

Date: 23 September 2026, Wednesday

Route: Nakhon Sawan – Bangkok

Hotel: Nasa Hotel, Bangkok

This morning, we checked out a little later than usual. Today’s drive to Bangkok would take only about three hours, so there was no need for our usual early start. We were also grateful to the hotel staff who kindly helped us make copies of our flight tickets, free of charge.

Before leaving Nakhon Sawan, we stopped at a PTT station to refuel and have breakfast. We started with Ovaltine and a hazelnut cappuccino, then had a more substantial halal meal of rice with spicy basil squid and soupy shrimp wontons. The hazelnut cappuccino, with its double shot of bold espresso and sweet hazelnut syrup, gave us a warm, nutty start to the morning.

(Refuelling full tank at PTT Nakhon Sawan)

(Rice with spicy basil squid)

Our next stop was in Hantra Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, an area with deep historical roots dating back to before the main Ayutthaya Kingdom. Known for its ancient temple sites and its connection to King Taksin the Great’s historic military escape. The area offered an interesting glimpse into Thailand’s long and layered history.

We stopped at a PTT station for a comfort break and bought bottled coconut drinks and fresh pineapple before continuing our journey towards Bangkok.

(Sweet juicy pineapples for the road)

 
As we approached Bangkok, navigating the city became quite a challenge. Bangkok has an extensive network of national highways, elevated toll expressways and intercity motorways, and choosing the right route can make a significant difference. The elevated expressways and motorways generally allow motorists to bypass the chaotic surface streets and countless traffic lights. However, they are not immune to congestion either, particularly around toll plazas and during busy periods.

(Bracing the afternoon traffic in Bangkok)

(Get ready the small change for the toll)

We were staying once again at Nasa Hotel, formerly known as Nasa Vegas. It remains our budget hotel of choice in Bangkok, mainly because of its strategic location directly opposite the Ramkhamhaeng Airport Rail Link station. From here, it is an inexpensive and convenient train ride to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is particularly useful for our Vietnam Airlines flight to Da Lat later this week.

(Nasa Hotel,  Bangkok)

(Friendly and helpful staff of Nasa Hotel)

(Our lodging for two nights)

The hotel also offers 24-hour check-in, free parking, and simple, clean rooms - just what we need for a short stopover. Most importantly, they allow us to leave our Hi-Lux securely parked here while we spend a week in Da Lat. It is also very convenient for our early morning journey to the airport.

(Ramkhamhaeng Airport Rail Link station)

(Outdoor dining area of the foodcourt on the ground floor)

After checking in, we walked a short distance to the Al-Mubarak/NASA Food Court at the Ramkhamhaeng ARL station for lunch. We had nasi lemak and nasi biryani from Roti John and Friends, which serves Malay-inspired favourites such as roti John, murtabak Johor, and various egg- and meat-filled flatbreads prepared with their own blend of spices. It was comforting to find familiar flavours so easily in the middle of Bangkok.

(Al-Mubarak/NASA Foodcourt)

( A late lunch at the foodcourt)

(Nasi lemak and Thai nasi biryani)

The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up on some much-needed sleep. By the time we woke up, it was already late, and the food court was closing. Unfortunately, we missed the chance to get our usual roti from Roti John and Friends.

Instead, we headed to the 7-Eleven at the Ramkhamhaeng ARL station to stock up on some provisions. The outlet was bustling with teenagers and office workers. Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores are immensely popular and often function as convenient neighbourhood hubs, offering everything from ready-to-eat meals and drinks to groceries, personal-care items and everyday essentials.

(The overhead foot path from the hotel to the ARL station)

(Heavy rain throughout the night)

(A wet night at Nasa hotel, Bangkok)

Tonight, we turned in early. However, I am still not used to the sound of the trains passing nearby. I woke several times during the night, reminded that our convenient location comes with a little background soundtrack of its own!

And so ended another day of our road journey - from Nakhon Sawan to Bangkok, our transit city. We will be staying for three nights in Bangkok before leaving the Hi-Lux behind for a week and flying to our next adventure in Vietnam.