Planning a trip to Bangkok

[Pixel]

I'm in my early 20s, female, and would like to visit Bangkok for the first time. Any advice on where to go? (Shopping and sightseeing)What to eat and what to stay clear of? Would greatly appreciate your thoughts. By the way, I'm travelling alone and my pals suggest that I see the movie "Brokedown Palace" before jumping on that plane.

[Jake]

Also suggest you see "Bangkok Hilton" starring Nicole Kidman & Denholm Elliott. A much better film.

 

[Soon to be Expat]

Bangkok is a hoot.

A couple of things to be wary of.

1. Taxi/Tuk-tuk drivers are often paid commision for bringing people to jewerly  and clothing stores. These are generally a waste of time and more annoying than anything, but if they suggest a "detour" tell them firmly NO. (and keep telling them!!)

2. It is quite a dirty/smelly city - don't be too put off. It is a city you can have an absolute ball in - just keep an open mind

3. One thing that is quite fun is a longboat tour of the river - again be aware that you WILL end up an a snake farm or similar attraction, you will also have vendors row up to your boat to try and flog Cokes/eats.

4. Patpong - the "red light" district. Do try and get down there - you don't have to go to any of the bars, but there are some fantastic restraunts on Convent Road that you may want to check out.

5. HAVE FUN!!! We've spent a couple of new years in Bangkok - two of the best nights we've had!!

[Dev]

My sister goes to Bangkok once in a while on work and whenever she's there, she gets some dresses made of Thai Silk - the seamstresses/tailors in Bangkok are very good apparently and the exchange rate makes them more attractive. If you're interested in that stuff. Also the local jewellry is very well crafted.

[Jaye]

First thing to do, go to Border in Orchard road, and get lonely planet book on Bangkok. This really depend on what do you like. If you are young  and want to experience sort of backpacker style, you can go straight to Kawsan road and get cheap accommodation there and meet all sorts of weirdos. If you plan to stay in a reasonable hotel , go to Bugis Junction, get to Sunny Holiday and purchase Thai Airways 's royal orchid package that include air ticket and hotel. I talked about this again , but I am not sunny holiday staff. Just think that Thai's package is the most reasonable. What to do? So many things to do. Try grand palace, National musuem, Jim Thompson Thai house etc. Some of the further way places are also nice but you might need to purchase package tour such as the old capital Ayuthaya and floating market . Don't miss weekend market, JatuJak that has EVERYTHING .  The market is so FUN but beware the heat and drink plenty of water. Bangkok is THE place for shopping (you will know when you get there since you have been living here for a while) . Place to do is Central Dept, Emporium, Siam square , WorldTrade Centre, Banglumphu and JatuJak. Don't miss it!!!

By the way, use your common sense such as when you do in big cities in the US or Europe, don't walk alone in dark places, don't get drunk if you are alone, don't drink & eat from stranger bla bla bla....

Have fun, tell me when you get back

Jaye

[Pat]

Hi Pixel,
  I happen to be going to Bangkok this weekend and got a fantastic deal with Singapore Air...2 nights 5 star Hotel, Royal Orchid Sheraton on the River, full daily breakfast, Transfers both ways and airfare on Sing air for S568.00. The market that Jaye was talking about is actually called the Chatuchak weekend Market, can't wait to go this Sunday. I will let you know how it is nxt week.

[jane c]

Spelling of words there is never standardised, so it may be Jatujak or Chatuchak but still the same place.

Do check out Aise (Sukhumvit Road Soi ?), a new pub-cum-restuarant. Great place to chill out. Hua Plee (behind Thai Airway Building) for authentic Thai food in a quaint-looking house.

The in-thing in Bangkok now is the music halls, as they call them and I highly recommend "Yes, Indeed" where you can have your dinner and watch the live band. The lead singer is a transvestite and she is really entertaining.

Have fun!

[Der]

You must go to Siam square.  Hundreds of  boutiques and many department stores.  You'll alos find the Hard Rock cafe there if that appeals to you.  Also scores or restaurants.  If you want to shop for clothes then there might be no better place than Pratunam which is located about half way between Chatuchak and Silom (the centre).  Pratunam is the centre of the textile industry.  Chatuchak is truly amazing.  You could spend days there alone.  On Soi Convent, there is a lovely Thai restauran called 'Bwa' - I think it means 'Lotus'.  Very close to the Irish Pub Delaney's.  
I think you'll love Bangkok but don't get put off by the over pushy taxi drivers in the tourist areas.  Many are after all struggling to make ends meet.  Oh yes, there is a new web site called 'www.khao-san-road.com'  Hopefully, it will give you a few ideas or what to see and do etc.  

[This message has been edited by Der (edited 29-03-2001).]

[Pixel]

Wow, thanks guys, I'm really looking forward to the trip now. Yeah, I've checked out the Lonely Planet book, and I guess that was one of the catalysts that made me decide to head towards Bangkok. I'm sure everything's going to be fine...appreciate your insights.
I'll keep you updated!

[mhorwitz]

You must go to MBK. It is more of a "local" shopping centre so the prices are lower. Also definitely go to the weekend market (Chutachuk).
Best way to get around is by taxi, they are much cheaper than here in Singapore. Enjoy.

[Pat]

Hi, I just got back from Bangkok last night. We hired a car ( who only has female drivers, her theory was that females would feel more comfortable if their driver was female also), it was the best money we spent...she picked us up at 8:45am at our hotel and took us everywhere and anywhere.....Chatuchak Market(which was fantastic), the Great Palace,where the Emerald Buddah is, to the MBK shopping center and to a huge Jewelery store (that had fantastic prices)!!! She will take you anywhere you want to go. We were back at our hotel by 4:00, only because we were to pooped to shop anymore! The best part was that she only charges 2500baht about US$50.00. We felt very safe with her,and she kept all of our wonderful buys locked in the car!
Her company name is J+J Tourist Taxi (661)846-2014   www.julietaxi.com
I actually booked it on her website! Enjoy your trip!!

[crowbe]

SONKRAN

Sonkran water festival is happening over the Easter long weekend and I'm told its one of the wonders of the world.  VEry much looking forward to it.

Basically the world's biggest water fight

[thailand]

imp- be careful!! most of my girl and even guy friends say they would not travel alone in thailand.

highly suggest- Ayuthaya.  one of the best sites i've seen anywhere.  you don't need to get a package.  just read through the lonely planet and bargin with a driver when you arrive.  

i'm not big on shopping, so the temples are good.  personally, the back packer area is a lot of fun and a great place to meet people to travel around with or get suggestions from.

[Traveller]

A couple of things about the weekend Market(Chatuchak),which you MUST try to go to :
- Take the metro. It stops right around the corner from the market. We were going to return by taxi, but the line was so long it was easier to go by metro. If you know you'll travel  both ways by metro, buy a return ticket, then you won't have to queue to buy your ticket at Chatuchak.
- Go as EARLY as possible.It's worth it because:it will be cooler & slightly less crowded.
-As usual when travelling: WATCH your bag. It is so crowded that people will be pressing up against you to squeeze by (& try to squeeze your wallet!). As in Vietnam, you'll see many people wear their backpack in the front rather then on their backs.

Happy bargaining!!

[Train + bike]

Ayutthaya is great, with its crumbling corn cob stupas. My favourite way to go is by train, which costs only about 15 baht each way. It is a scenic ride, and since you will be leaving early in the morning (right?), it's a peaceful way to wake up. Upon arrival, cross the street from the train station to the bike rental shops, and rent a scooter. They cost 200-250 baht depending on size and your bargaining skills. You're free to go anywhere, and at pace. You could rent a bike, but the temples are quite spread out. Plus it is April, and in Thailand that means gasping hot weather.