Hop on hop off (tourist) boat, Bangkok style

The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is an excellent way to explore the main attractions of Bangkok. It was established on 15th June 2012 and operates between 8:30 AM to 5:30PM daily. The boats depart every 30 minutes from 9 piers including Sathorn Pier, ICONSIAM Pier, Ratchawong Pier, Rajinee Pier, Wat Arun Pier, the Chang Pier, The Maharaj Pier, Prannok Pier and Phra Arthit Pier. From 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, the route is extended to Asiatique which is a big outdoor market with many food stalls, with a Ferris Wheel known as the Asiatique Sky. It is best to explore it at night.

April 28, 2025 at 11:20 AM, we availed the all day river pass for 150 Thai Baht. It functions just like a Hop on Hop off bus except you are on a boat. So you can alight at any of the piers, hop on back when you are done exploring that area. You can seat on the upper deck to get a better view or inside to avoid the sun. It was quite hot with the sun blasting but the boat ride was smooth and seeing the tourist spots from another angle was a fun experience. This was our DIY exploratory activity because we booked a private tour for the next day to visit the major tourist attractions. I will blog about it as soon as I sort out the pictures, my thoughts and my memory.

the ICONSIAM is a luxury mall

The majestic Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn

The Grand Palace

The Tha Maharaj hosts a variety of restaurants

Rama VIII Bridge, the 5th longest bridge with asymmetrical cable stayed
style in the entire world

We alighted at the last stop, Phra Arthit station from where you can reach Khaosan Road. It is a popular destination for backpackers as there are several affordable hostels there. Many kinds of street food are sold along the whole route. There are also a lot of bars and night clubs. We had a quick snack at one of the restaurants there.

The Rama 8 Bridge at night

The funny thing is when we went back to the pier to take the boat back, the station was already closed as the last trip was at 5:45PM. Mind you, we were not alone as there were other stranded passengers as well. So we booked an Uber/Grab car to take us back to our hotel. But overall, I'd recommend taking this scenic boat tour as it is a leisurely way to explore Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River.

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church)

Quiapo Church in Manila holds a special place in our hearts. My late mother-in-law, Mama De was a Black Nazarene devotee and also served at Quiapo Church. She went there everyday so D practically grew up there.    

On my part, my late Mom was a devotee of the Sacred Heart. It is a specific devotion that involves attending Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist for nine consecutive First Fridays of the month. It is a tradition which I still honor to this day. Today being the first Friday of March, I will hear mass later.

Every Fridays, Mommy and I would hear mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Sta. Mesa which was just one jeepney ride away from our residence in Mandaluyong near Maysilo Circle. When I was already studying at UST, Mommy and I would go to Quiapo Church to hear mass during First Fridays.

I don't remember my schedule at UST but somehow I was free during Fridays. We took the Boni - Stop n Shop jeepney route, alighted at Stop n Shop (Sta. Mesa) then transferred to any jeepneys going to Quiapo. On Quezon Boulevard, we would take the underpass and get out at Plaza Miranda which is right in front of the Church. 

Back then (the late 1980s - early 1990s), it was quite an 'adventure' to get to Quiapo. Best option is to commute because of traffic and parking spaces were far and few between. The whole area was really crowded with vendors, parishioners and commuters. The streets were dark and dirty. It wasn't safe as snatchers were everywhere. If you were going to Quiapo, it is best to 'dress down', not wear any flashy jewellery and just bring the basics like a small handbag with an abaniko fan and hankies because it was really warm and humid.

Nowadays, the place has cleaned up well, thankfully. The underpass is now airconditioned. The streets are well lighted, vendors are no longer allowed to sell their wares on the streets. There is quite an improvement, and hopefully the city government will be able to sustain and maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of Quiapo. After all, "orderliness is holiness" as the saying goes. 

After our Sta. Cruz and Binondo sojourn, we decided to drop by Quiapo Church so we could hear the 5:00 PM mass. It was a nostalgic and special moment for us as it brought back so much fond memories of our Moms, who we both miss so much. A rare quality bonding time together and a nice way to cap a long December day.

Binondo: Manila Chinatown

Yes, Chinatown in Binondo Manila is the oldest chinatown in the entire world. It was established in 1594 by Spanish governor general Luis Perez Dasmarinas as a settlement for Chinese immigrants (known as Sangleys) who converted to Catholicism. It became an important business and cultural hub, and it still thrives till present day.

After a quick stop at Salazar Bakery to buy some pasalubongs, it was already lunch time. We went looking for a suitable place to eat. Since it was a public holiday, it was beginning to get crowded with a sea and the scent of humanity. 

Salazar Bakery

Ramon Lee Panciteria is an institution in Manila.
It is one of the oldest and iconic restaurants which offer
comfort Filipino - Chinese food, founded in 1929.

A few days before 2026 so an abundance of fruit stalls selling those "bilog" fruits

We ate lunch at the Great Buddha Restaurant which is located on the second floor of the flag ship store of Eng Bee Tin shop on Ongpin Road.

Yang Chow Fried Rice and Honey Glazed Pork Ribs

Jasmine Tea

West lake with minced beef soup

Xiao Long Bao

Lumpiang Shanghai

Naturally, we had to pass by the Binondo Church aka the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz. We also crossed the street for some photos of Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz which was all decked for the Chinese New Year. 

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz

In Binondo, there are a myriad of activities to enjoy like eating good Chinese food in numerous restaurants which have withstood the passage of time. You can visit museums, shop at bakeries that sell different pasalubong items such as hopia and toasted siopaos, you can say a prayer at the places of worship. Just be adventurous, as it can get crowded, hot and humid amidst squalid surroundings. Yet Binondo never fails to regale you with its unique charm. An enriching and wonderful experience that never disappoints.