Five Hot Tips: Bangkok, Thailand

[churchill]

http://www.examiner.com/x-19106-SF-Adventu...angkok-Thailand

I’ll admit it: We hated Bangkok the first time we visited. Let’s just say the capital city of the fabled Land of Smiles didn’t exactly leave us feeling happy. My husband David and I started our 2005 whirlwind 11-week Southeast Asia tour with a ton of enthusiasm, but November in Bangkok quickly took the wind out of our sails. It was hot, crowded, smelly, polluted, noisy, and downright unappealing. Roaches roamed the streets, tuk tuks repeatedly tried to run us over, and the air seemed too thick for humane breathing. Our introduction to Asia wasn’t looking good.

But then something changed. We had the good fortune to embark on a farther-reaching global journey in 2007, this time taking in cities like Cairo, Addis Ababa, and New Delhi. And suddenly, Bangkok didn’t look so bad. In fact, compared to these other capitals, it was downright modern and orderly and - dare I say it? - serene. Bangkok became a refuge from the more chaotic places we encountered on that trip. It became our second home.

We found an affordable cozy hotel whose staff remembered us time and again. We shared ferry rides with monks along the Chao Phraya River. We mastered the SkyTrain, met great people, ate amazing food, discovered Thai massage, and got off the beaten path on numerous occasions. With each repeat visit, our love for the city increased exponentially, to where it’s now one of our favorite spots on the planet. Bangkok can do that to a person. It has a sneaky way of growing on you.

Here are my five hot tips for a trip to the Thai capital:

1.After visiting the requisite (and crowded) sites of Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Wat Arun, consider heading across the Chao Phraya to the lesser-visited Thonburi neighborhood. It’s the childhood home of the current King’s late Princess Mother, and there’s a great walking tour here that takes in several splendid temples and interesting sights. Wat Kalayanamit is perhaps the most impressive, housing the largest Buddha I‘ve ever seen in Thailand. And Wat Prayoon is definitely the funkiest stop: it houses a number of odd shrines, a crematorium, and a grotto. A highlight here is purchasing food from a vendor, borrowing a stick, and feeding the turtles and fish that swim in the pools surrounding the temple.

2.Get a massage. Or two. Or ten. Seriously. With starting rates at 200-300 Baht (about $5.86-$8.90 USD) for an hour-long foot or Thai massage, body work in Bangkok is a ridiculously good value, not to mention insanely therapeutic after a long day of sightseeing. We treated ourselves just about every night. Sure, some parlors are better than others, but don’t judge the strength of a Thai girl’s hands by the size of her body. The tiniest of women can work out the toughest of knots. And most of the places are on the up and up, although you should use discretion. If a place looks unclean or shady, skip it.

The tiny sois off Sukhumvit Road between the Phrom Phong and Thong Lo SkyTrain stations offer endless locations, as does Silom Road between Silom 18 and Thanon Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra. (Note: Bangkok addresses can be confusing. Locations are often referred to by “soi,“ which is a Thai term for side street. So Silom Soi 18 might be called Soi 18, and Sukhumvit Soi 24 might be referred to simply as Soi 24 or Suk Soi 24.)

One note of caution: Bangkok’s infamous Patpong district is probably not the place to seek out a legit massage, unless you’re looking for a different type of body work.

3.For a taste of Thailand beyond Bangkok, hop a train from Hua Lamphong Station, and day trip several hours north to the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya. Dating back to the 14th century, it’s a peaceful town perfect for touring by bicycle (or elephant, if you desire). We spent the afternoon riding around ancient temples and giant Buddhas, and eating pad Thai from a street vendor. Take the third-class train with the rest of Thailand, and enjoy a local’s view of the country.

4.Eat on the street. No, not literally, but do check out Bangkok’s endless array of awesome sidewalk cafes, where you can rub elbows with the locals and grab a meal for about 75 cents. It’s helpful to know a few words of Thai menu lingo, such as gai (chicken), goong (shrimp), muu (pork), or phat phak (stir-fry vegetables). Our rule of thumb: Always look for a wok. We Westerners tend to get into trouble with the local grub when it’s not properly cooked, and having your food fried usually takes the parasites out of the picture.

If you’re needing a Western fix, Bangkok’s not short on slick, modern shopping malls that offer surprisingly good selections of tasty affordable treats. The basement food court in the glitzy Siam Paragon is our fave spot. Leave your preconceived notions at the door; the Thais put American mall chow to shame. Combine this with the heavenly air conditioning, killer gelato, and multiplex movie cinemas on offer, and you‘ve got the perfect recipe for a great escape from Bangkok’s steamy street scene.

And don’t miss the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Stock up on souvenirs for your friends back home, then grab a cold beer and a cheap plate of food. You’ll dine under the stars and might even be treated to free Thai music from the concert venue here.

5.For around-the-world travelers, Bangkok makes a great hub, not just for its proximity to a variety of exciting Asian destinations, but for its Western conveniences, too. Stock up at a Tesco (the U.K.‘s answer to Wal-Mart) on everything from Q-tips to vitamin C to bras. (Watsons and Guardian pharmacy stores abound as well.) The awesome English language Dasa Books has a great selection of second-hand fiction and travel guides; they also buy back your used books, which frees up space in the ’ole backpack for more Thai silk scarves and boxer shorts (can you ever have enough?). The Bangkok postal service is cheap and reliable: Consider shipping home your stockpile of souvenirs, extra clothes (or donate them), and backup CDs of your photos

[Zzinged]

Nice find!

-------------------br>

[frankthetank]

Says it all...........................roll on October!!

[pmarlin]

Says it all...........................roll on October!!

Arrive on 2 Sep for two weeks, getting excited.

[phetaroi]

I'll admit it: We hated Bangkok the first time we visited...suddenly, Bangkok didn't look so bad.

Funny thing, over the years of visiting, and now living here, the first 2-3 days of each trip I would wonder to myself why I liked it here. Was I crazy? And then on about the 4th day...I guess I would have a change of mindset...I would begin really enjoying myself. Culture shock? Not sure., but it has happened every time I visited.

[mauGR1]

I find Bangkok to be extremely attractive.My trips never last more than three days though,i'm not used to such a big city.Everytime i go there i take care to visit a new place.I find the Bangkok people to be very polite in general,it surprises me cause i tend to become anxious and irritable if i am in the middle of the crowd.As some other TV member suggested in another topic,i would like to go to Ayutthaya and take a cruise boat down to town on the Chao Praya.

[badcdn]

Thanks for those tips, I'm going to try the other side of the river next time, sounds intriguing.

I've only been twice, thirds time is just weeks away.

I have to say as odd as this might sound, when I stepped off the plane the second time, I felt so at home.

[Datsun240Z]

Most folks hate BKK, for the simple reasons.....

But I loved it haha, I like chaos.

[Rinrada]

Now that it has Air Conditioning everywhere,clean fast busses and Taxis (with Meters),hundreds of smart new hotels,good internet facilities,modern hospitals,shops,supermarkets and Malls (incl Tescos et others) 21st Cetury Airport and road infrastructure and not forgetting the super duper Skytrain ,Underground and soon to be Airport Link........

...its not too bad ..init.

wheras before.............MPrai...

[AchiCat]

I'll admit it: We hated Bangkok the first time we visited. Let's just say the capital city of the fabled Land of Smiles didn't exactly leave us feeling happy. My husband David and I started our 2005 whirlwind 11-week Southeast Asia tour with a ton of enthusiasm, but November in Bangkok quickly took the wind out of our sails. It was hot, crowded, smelly, polluted, noisy, and downright unappealing. Roaches roamed the streets, tuk tuks repeatedly tried to run us over, and the air seemed too thick for humane breathing. Our introduction to Asia wasn't looking good.

But then something changed. We had the good fortune to embark on a farther-reaching global journey in 2007, this time taking in cities like Cairo, Addis Ababa, and New Delhi. And suddenly, Bangkok didn't look so bad. In fact, compared to these other capitals, it was downright modern and orderly and - dare I say it? - serene. Bangkok became a refuge from the more chaotic places we encountered on that trip. It became our second home.

We found an affordable cozy hotel whose staff remembered us time and again. We shared ferry rides with monks along the Chao Phraya River. We mastered the SkyTrain, met great people, ate amazing food, discovered Thai massage, and got off the beaten path on numerous occasions. With each repeat visit, our love for the city increased exponentially, to where it's now one of our favorite spots on the planet. Bangkok can do that to a person. It has a sneaky way of growing on you.

Here are my five hot tips for a trip to the Thai capital:

1.After visiting the requisite (and crowded) sites of Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Wat Arun, consider heading across the Chao Phraya to the lesser-visited Thonburi neighborhood. It's the childhood home of the current King's late Princess Mother, and there's a great walking tour here that takes in several splendid temples and interesting sights. Wat Kalayanamit is perhaps the most impressive, housing the largest Buddha I've ever seen in Thailand. And Wat Prayoon is definitely the funkiest stop: it houses a number of odd shrines, a crematorium, and a grotto. A highlight here is purchasing food from a vendor, borrowing a stick, and feeding the turtles and fish that swim in the pools surrounding the temple.

2.Get a massage. Or two. Or ten. Seriously. With starting rates at 200-300 Baht (about $5.86-$8.90 USD) for an hour-long foot or Thai massage, body work in Bangkok is a ridiculously good value, not to mention insanely therapeutic after a long day of sightseeing. We treated ourselves just about every night. Sure, some parlors are better than others, but don't judge the strength of a Thai girl's hands by the size of her body. The tiniest of women can work out the toughest of knots. And most of the places are on the up and up, although you should use discretion. If a place looks unclean or shady, skip it.

The tiny sois off Sukhumvit Road between the Phrom Phong and Thong Lo SkyTrain stations offer endless locations, as does Silom Road between Silom 18 and Thanon Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra. (Note: Bangkok addresses can be confusing. Locations are often referred to by "soi," which is a Thai term for side street. So Silom Soi 18 might be called Soi 18, and Sukhumvit Soi 24 might be referred to simply as Soi 24 or Suk Soi 24.)

One note of caution: Bangkok's infamous Patpong district is probably not the place to seek out a legit massage, unless you're looking for a different type of body work.

3.For a taste of Thailand beyond Bangkok, hop a train from Hua Lamphong Station, and day trip several hours north to the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya. Dating back to the 14th century, it's a peaceful town perfect for touring by bicycle (or elephant, if you desire). We spent the afternoon riding around ancient temples and giant Buddhas, and eating pad Thai from a street vendor. Take the third-class train with the rest of Thailand, and enjoy a local's view of the country.

4.Eat on the street. No, not literally, but do check out Bangkok's endless array of awesome sidewalk cafes, where you can rub elbows with the locals and grab a meal for about 75 cents. It's helpful to know a few words of Thai menu lingo, such as gai (chicken), goong (shrimp), muu (pork), or phat phak (stir-fry vegetables). Our rule of thumb: Always look for a wok. We Westerners tend to get into trouble with the local grub when it's not properly cooked, and having your food fried usually takes the parasites out of the picture.

If you're needing a Western fix, Bangkok's not short on slick, modern shopping malls that offer surprisingly good selections of tasty affordable treats. The basement food court in the glitzy Siam Paragon is our fave spot. Leave your preconceived notions at the door; the Thais put American mall chow to shame. Combine this with the heavenly air conditioning, killer gelato, and multiplex movie cinemas on offer, and you've got the perfect recipe for a great escape from Bangkok's steamy street scene.

And don't miss the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Stock up on souvenirs for your friends back home, then grab a cold beer and a cheap plate of food. You'll dine under the stars and might even be treated to free Thai music from the concert venue here.

5.For around-the-world travelers, Bangkok makes a great hub, not just for its proximity to a variety of exciting Asian destinations, but for its Western conveniences, too. Stock up at a Tesco (the U.K.'s answer to Wal-Mart) on everything from Q-tips to vitamin C to bras. (Watsons and Guardian pharmacy stores abound as well.) The awesome English language Dasa Books has a great selection of second-hand fiction and travel guides; they also buy back your used books, which frees up space in the 'ole backpack for more Thai silk scarves and boxer shorts (can you ever have enough?). The Bangkok postal service is cheap and reliable: Consider shipping home your stockpile of souvenirs, extra clothes (or donate them), and backup CDs of your photos

Fabulous! what a great work you shared...even I'm a real Thai (not the Bangkoker), I do love the things you suggest and still am interested in some tips you've viewed! Thanks for sharing this vision

[perousing]

I'll admit it: We hated Bangkok the first time we visited. Let's just say the capital city of the fabled Land of Smiles didn't exactly leave us feeling happy. My husband David and I started our 2005 whirlwind 11-week Southeast Asia tour with a ton of enthusiasm, but November in Bangkok quickly took the wind out of our sails. It was hot, crowded, smelly, polluted, noisy, and downright unappealing. Roaches roamed the streets, tuk tuks repeatedly tried to run us over, and the air seemed too thick for humane breathing. Our introduction to Asia wasn't looking good.

But then something changed. We had the good fortune to embark on a farther-reaching global journey in 2007, this time taking in cities like Cairo, Addis Ababa, and New Delhi. And suddenly, Bangkok didn't look so bad. In fact, compared to these other capitals, it was downright modern and orderly and - dare I say it? - serene. Bangkok became a refuge from the more chaotic places we encountered on that trip. It became our second home.

We found an affordable cozy hotel whose staff remembered us time and again. We shared ferry rides with monks along the Chao Phraya River. We mastered the SkyTrain, met great people, ate amazing food, discovered Thai massage, and got off the beaten path on numerous occasions. With each repeat visit, our love for the city increased exponentially, to where it's now one of our favorite spots on the planet. Bangkok can do that to a person. It has a sneaky way of growing on you.

Here are my five hot tips for a trip to the Thai capital:

1.After visiting the requisite (and crowded) sites of Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Wat Arun, consider heading across the Chao Phraya to the lesser-visited Thonburi neighborhood. It's the childhood home of the current King's late Princess Mother, and there's a great walking tour here that takes in several splendid temples and interesting sights. Wat Kalayanamit is perhaps the most impressive, housing the largest Buddha I've ever seen in Thailand. And Wat Prayoon is definitely the funkiest stop: it houses a number of odd shrines, a crematorium, and a grotto. A highlight here is purchasing food from a vendor, borrowing a stick, and feeding the turtles and fish that swim in the pools surrounding the temple.

2.Get a massage. Or two. Or ten. Seriously. With starting rates at 200-300 Baht (about $5.86-$8.90 USD) for an hour-long foot or Thai massage, body work in Bangkok is a ridiculously good value, not to mention insanely therapeutic after a long day of sightseeing. We treated ourselves just about every night. Sure, some parlors are better than others, but don't judge the strength of a Thai girl's hands by the size of her body. The tiniest of women can work out the toughest of knots. And most of the places are on the up and up, although you should use discretion. If a place looks unclean or shady, skip it.

The tiny sois off Sukhumvit Road between the Phrom Phong and Thong Lo SkyTrain stations offer endless locations, as does Silom Road between Silom 18 and Thanon Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra. (Note: Bangkok addresses can be confusing. Locations are often referred to by "soi," which is a Thai term for side street. So Silom Soi 18 might be called Soi 18, and Sukhumvit Soi 24 might be referred to simply as Soi 24 or Suk Soi 24.)

One note of caution: Bangkok's infamous Patpong district is probably not the place to seek out a legit massage, unless you're looking for a different type of body work.

3.For a taste of Thailand beyond Bangkok, hop a train from Hua Lamphong Station, and day trip several hours north to the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya. Dating back to the 14th century, it's a peaceful town perfect for touring by bicycle (or elephant, if you desire). We spent the afternoon riding around ancient temples and giant Buddhas, and eating pad Thai from a street vendor. Take the third-class train with the rest of Thailand, and enjoy a local's view of the country.

4.Eat on the street. No, not literally, but do check out Bangkok's endless array of awesome sidewalk cafes, where you can rub elbows with the locals and grab a meal for about 75 cents. It's helpful to know a few words of Thai menu lingo, such as gai (chicken), goong (shrimp), muu (pork), or phat phak (stir-fry vegetables). Our rule of thumb: Always look for a wok. We Westerners tend to get into trouble with the local grub when it's not properly cooked, and having your food fried usually takes the parasites out of the picture.

If you're needing a Western fix, Bangkok's not short on slick, modern shopping malls that offer surprisingly good selections of tasty affordable treats. The basement food court in the glitzy Siam Paragon is our fave spot. Leave your preconceived notions at the door; the Thais put American mall chow to shame. Combine this with the heavenly air conditioning, killer gelato, and multiplex movie cinemas on offer, and you've got the perfect recipe for a great escape from Bangkok's steamy street scene.

And don't miss the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Stock up on souvenirs for your friends back home, then grab a cold beer and a cheap plate of food. You'll dine under the stars and might even be treated to free Thai music from the concert venue here.

5.For around-the-world travelers, Bangkok makes a great hub, not just for its proximity to a variety of exciting Asian destinations, but for its Western conveniences, too. Stock up at a Tesco (the U.K.'s answer to Wal-Mart) on everything from Q-tips to vitamin C to bras. (Watsons and Guardian pharmacy stores abound as well.) The awesome English language Dasa Books has a great selection of second-hand fiction and travel guides; they also buy back your used books, which frees up space in the 'ole backpack for more Thai silk scarves and boxer shorts (can you ever have enough?). The Bangkok postal service is cheap and reliable: Consider shipping home your stockpile of souvenirs, extra clothes (or donate them), and backup CDs of your photos

Fabulous! what a great work you shared...even I'm a real Thai (not the Bangkoker), I do love the things you suggest and still am interested in some tips you've viewed! Thanks for sharing this vision

thanks saved to favorites will try some out next visit to bkk

[citizen33]

Guess this article has some useful suggestions and the central point about BKK growing on people may be true, but there were also some oddities that suggest only limited familarity. Wat Arun is on the Thonburi side, and the idea that there are more naughty massage shops in Patpong than in Sukhumvit may raise a few eyebrows.

[rgs2001uk]

Get a massage at starting rates of 200-300 baht per hour.

Here's a tip , get out of the farang areas and pay the normal Thai rate of 120 Baht per hour.

Thai silk scarves and boxer shorts, are you sure they arent cheap Chinese polyester.

Tip, cut a piece of the silk and burn it, that will let you know if its silk or not.

[bergen]

"heading across the Chao Phraya to the lesser-visited Thonburi neighborhood. It’s the childhood home of the current King’s late Princess Mother, and there’s a great walking tour here that takes in several splendid temples and interesting sights. Wat Kalayanamit is perhaps the most impressive, housing the largest Buddha I‘ve ever seen in Thailand. And Wat Prayoon is definitely the funkiest stop: it houses a number of odd shrines, a crematorium, and a grotto. A highlight here is purchasing food from a vendor, borrowing a stick, and feeding the turtles and fish that swim in the pools surrounding the temple."

Churchill - where exactly does this walking tour start from, and is it sign posted

Edited September 16, 2009 by bergen

[daveh]

I hate to resurrect an old thread, but I thought Suan Lum Night Bazaar was supposed to close last year. I've seen it referenced many times since then though. What's the story?

I will be in Thailand next week and would like to visit it if it's not closed. If it is closed, is there another alternative? I like the fact that it's at night. This is the main reason I avoid JJ market... well that and the fact that JJ market is only open on the weekends.

Dave.