Where To Go And What To Do

[tutsiwarrior]

I've never spent much time in BKK usually just long enough to get a taxi up to Suphanburi. The wife's a country girl and tends to avoid the place. However I have decided to book three days at the Rembrant and intend to spend the time exploring the tourist area around Sukhumvit. Anybody got any suggestions about what to see?...to stay away from? I'll be with the wife and my stepdaughter (12). They probably won't have problems finding places to shop. But what about bars and restaurants? I'm not looking to get laid so I won't be hanging around Soi Cowboy and Nana. What can folks recommend for a wholesome and entertaining Bangkok holiday?

[think_too_mut]

If they could be considered country folks, then some city places would impress them, especially the child.

- Bayoke tower view deck.

- Jim Thomson house (nearby).

- Emporium mall (that's your train station anyway).

- Benjasiri park (walking distance from the hotel, next to Emporium) 6pm. After the anthem an aerobic class with hundreds, sometimes thousands people participating.

- Sky train from Phrom Phong (Emporium) to Saphan Thaksin then public boat (10B or 7B?) to Ta Chang.

Where the boats arrive, there is restaurant above the river that tourists don't know how to get into. It's a Naval base but open to the public. Great and inehpensive Thai food, lunch 12-14h. Just go through the corridor (tunnel) of touristy things (less than 100m) and on the right you will see an ATM and a solder guarding the entry of something. That's the entry to the restaurant, open for all who know what it is. Just walk in.

- One afternoon at the hotel pool may entertain the child and allow you to relax.

Dinners:

Rembrandt hotel has a Mexican restaurant (Senor Pico) within it. Good chance country folks have never heard of seen that type of food.

Soi 22 (to me, a walking distance from the Rembrandt), "Seafood & Market Restaurant". Quite spectacular place even by city dwellers standards. Probably 2000 seats there, tables well apart, spacious. Check it here:

www.seafood.co.th

Edited November 7, 2005 by think_too_mut

[LindsayBKK]

I've never spent much time in BKK usually just long enough to get a taxi up to Suphanburi. The wife's a country girl and tends to avoid the place. However I have decided to book three days at the Rembrant and intend to spend the time exploring the tourist area around Sukhumvit. Anybody got any suggestions about what to see?...to stay away from? I'll be with the wife and my stepdaughter (12). They probably won't have problems finding places to shop. But what about bars and restaurants? I'm not looking to get laid so I won't be hanging around Soi Cowboy and Nana. What can folks recommend for a wholesome and entertaining Bangkok holiday?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you are here on a weekend Jatujuk Market (mochit BTS) is a good place to shop they also have freight shops if you want to send something home.

Bangkok Zoo, Take the family on a dinner cruise up the river, go for a ride on the BTS (100bht oneday pass) Puntip plaza (phetchburi rd) for computer software or mp3's (100bht) etc. MBK Centre (National Stadium BTS) for shopping or looking for a new mobile phone or Digital Cameras. Pratunam Markets (rajprarop rd) for jeans & shirts & caps & shoes & dresses , suits etc...

Chinatown for Wholesale Markets & Jewelry.

Grand Palaces

Palaces of The King

Virtual Tourist Bangkok Link

Too much to mention.............

[britmaveric]

Canal toure around BKK isn't half bad normally stops at the floating market. Also could check out a snake show.

[taxexile]

i'll give you canadian jesses phone number , hes the one to ask.

think too mut suggestions were good.

a walk around chinatown , although not in the sukhumvit area , would be an interesting excursion.

the night plaza at lumpini (suan lum) ..... good market , good food , interesting for a 12 year old.

bangkok is a great town to play tourist , even for those who have been here a while.

enjoy.

Edited November 7, 2005 by taxexile

[tutsiwarrior]

i'll give you canadian jesses phone number , hes the one to ask.

think too mut suggestions were good.

a walk around chinatown , although not in the sukhumvit area , would be an interesting excursion.

the night plaza at lumpini (suan lum) ..... good market , good food , interesting for a 12 year old.

bangkok is a great town to play tourist , even for those who have been here a while.

enjoy.

thanks for all the suggestions...

I think a trip to Chinatown might be lined up...someone said on another thread that sausage stuffing attachments for meat grinders can be had there...also entertaining for a 12 year old I would imagine. I'm presuming that Chinatown is over by the river?...

[taxexile]

chinatown , youll need a map , its between hua lampong railway station and pra pokklau bridge over the river.

look for sampeng lane , soi wanit 1 , saphan han dalaat , charoen krung and yawarat roads.

good thai / chinese food on the streets at night , although i seem to remember reading that you dont like local fare.

better pack some cheese sandwiches and a banana.

[think_too_mut]

tutsi,

think what ur family can endure and enjoy.

some activities, half a day each. and one half a day for the kid to enjoy the pool.

places like markets, a pain with children on weekend days. what would you want to buy there anyway?

not pushing my plan but there is nothing in bkk u want to see once u have been at the palace and the vat.

Edited November 7, 2005 by think_too_mut

[sbk]

And if you head further towards the river from Chinatown you will hit the Pahurat district: Indiatown. Lots of great stuff there, interesting atmosphere. The Royal India Restaurant is down a little dark alley, supposed to be very good (last time I at there was 15 years ago so I can't really say yeah or nay)

[britmaveric]

tutsi,

think what ur family can endure and enjoy.

some activities, half a day each. and one half a day for the kid to enjoy the pool.

places like markets, a pain with children on weekend days. what would you want to buy there anyway?

not pushing my plan but there is nothing in bkk u want to see once u have been at the palace and the vat.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

2-3days I think you can safely conquer BKK, mind you if traffic situation wasnt horrid like it is, I'd say 1-2days.

[lomatopo]

I went to Vimanmek Palace and the nearby Ananta Samakorn Throne Hall recently. Definitely worth a visit.

Map of the area

I'm a big fan of the Royal Barges Museum

And the Golden Mount is worht a visit.

[tutsiwarrior]

has anyone done a day tour on a tourist bus like the kind you book in hotels? I'm not into the usual tourist attractions but I'm thinking the stepdaughter might benefit from a drive past of major wats and govm't buildings...her national/cultural heritage and etc., etc...

[think_too_mut]

has anyone done a day tour on a tourist bus like the kind you book in hotels? I'm not into the usual tourist attractions but I'm thinking the stepdaughter might benefit from a drive past of major wats and govm't buildings...her national/cultural heritage and etc., etc...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did in September 2000, the company packed us on a bus, we were told of a premier tourist coaches company.

It was a rainy day, that probably made the trip less enjoyable. Another annoying thig was - the guide was answering calls on his mobile about the add he put in the papers to sell his car. Every 15 minutes.

Major wats, grand palace, Victory monument, lunch in a hotel over the river (can't remember which one).

The tour was 10am-3pm, for foreigners, I don't think a Thai would enjoy it much.

Con masters and cheaters wherever the bus stops. Even the guide and the driver took the whole bus into a "government sponsored" gem sale.

Before the shop, I took a taxi and returned. The guide was so sad, he insisted I just enter the shop and than can walk away - he could be getting some commission for each head he brings in.

[Mr_Dave]

.

Rembrandt Hotel in soi 18: You've made a fine choice of hotel and location.

Soi 18 is pleasant, quiet, and safe.

Also, you will be walking distance to Asoke for skytrain and subway.

I second the recommendation by think_too_mut of Jim Thompson House.

It's fascinating and beautiful to see.

Tours are available in English and Thai - take your pick.

However, Jim Thompson House is NOT "nearby" the Rembrandt Hotel.

It is near National Stadium and requires a change of skytrain at Siam station.

Yet, highly worth the effort.

Emporium Mall is big, fancy and nearby, but I've never found it interesting in any way.

When I have visitors from up-country, I take them right to MBK.

They are always delighted, and, in a good way, overwhelmed.

MBK is in the same area as Jim Thompson House.

Start at Jim Thompson House in the cooler morning.

Then MBK for lunch - food court on 5th floor has something to please every taste.

Soi 22 (to me, a walking distance from the Rembrandt), "Seafood & Market Restaurant".

That seafood restaurant is in Soi 24, NOT soi 22.

I don't recommend walking, not at all.

2 kilometres on Sukhumvit - in the worst of the pollution - and then 1.5 kilometres down soi 24 - another busy soi with lots of cars.

No matter how devoted she is to you, I can't imagine a Thai woman walking all that way and maintaining her smile.

If you go to the seafood restaurant in soi 24, take a taxi.

Within easy walking distance - about 100 meters North from Rembrandt in soi 18 - is a very nice restaurant: Admiral's Pub.

Open air restaurant with Scandinavian/European & Thai food.

If you are visiting on Sunday night that is pizza night: make your own pizza.

Tomato sauce for farangs, tom-yom sauce for the locals, fun for everyone.

http://www.admiralspub.dk/index.html

For bars, there are none right near the Rembrandt.

There's Cowboy and Soi 33 in the area, but the wife might not like that.

Safer locations would be Dubliner Pub (Irish), Bull's Head, Londoner, Robin Hood (British), and Bourbon Street (American).

Should the wife come to find you in any of those places, you would not be embarassed in the least.

If you're a farang-size man, you might appreciate the Robinson's department store on Sukhumvit 19, next to Asoke.

They always have a selection of farang-size, mens' clothes at decent prices.

Finally, for a 12-year-old, you would create a memory forever with a Segway tour of Bangkok

I'll prepare a separate message about that and post to this forum topic.

.

Edited November 8, 2005 by Mr_Dave

[Kathe]

I've never spent much time in BKK usually just long enough to get a taxi up to Suphanburi. The wife's a country girl and tends to avoid the place. However I have decided to book three days at the Rembrant and intend to spend the time exploring the tourist area around Sukhumvit. Anybody got any suggestions about what to see?...to stay away from? I'll be with the wife and my stepdaughter (12). They probably won't have problems finding places to shop. But what about bars and restaurants? I'm not looking to get laid so I won't be hanging around Soi Cowboy and Nana. What can folks recommend for a wholesome and entertaining Bangkok holiday?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

3 days in Bangkok. Have you visit our Wat Prakaew ? It's worth a visit. After Wat Prakaew you can take a Took Took or walking to Banglam Poo, Khaosarn Road nearby, nice places to walk and shop , along that place you can find a nice walk along Chao Praya River and park. And later on Yao Warat , China Town in the evening, it 's a must. The best Chinese Food and Sea Food there. You can take a Taxi or Took Took from there , not far. China Town at night is the most attraction to visit. Or if you like a dinner along Chao Praya River, there are lots of restarants.

Siam Center , MBK , or Pratunam for shopping or western food.

You might need another day at Jatujak ( JJ Market ). A paradise for shopping.

There are so many places to visit in BKK too, why not spending one day little culture tour of Bkk. Grand Palace, Wat Prakaew, National Gallery ( all nearby )

Have a nice 3 days in Bangkok but keep in mind, * Traffic Jam * everywhere.

[Padkapow Guy]

Soi 22 (to me, a walking distance from the Rembrandt), "Seafood & Market Restaurant". Quite spectacular place even by city dwellers standards. Probably 2000 seats there, tables well apart, spacious. Check it here:

www.seafood.co.th

Unless things have changed since 2003 I would not recommend this place.

The prices are higher than just about anywhere else but this real kicker is they charge you to cook the food. To be fair the food was good. I just could not get around the fact that they charge you to cook the food you just bought off them.

I can't remember exactly, but I think it was 800 baht to cook 1 kilo of shrimp.

and I did not even get a kiss!

PKG

[tutsiwarrior]

good thai / chinese food on the streets at night , although i seem to remember reading that you dont like local fare.

better pack some cheese sandwiches and a banana.

someone's always got to take the piss outta poor 'ol tutsi for having the courage to declare publicly that 'thai cuisine' ain't all it's cracked up to be...

now...when I'm in BKK at a FALANG hotel paying FALANG prices I shall forbid my stepdaughter from eating thai food...'gawdammit, I didn't pay $100 per night for this place for you to turn up yer nose at FALANG food'...tutsi approaches menacingly with a bowl of Kelloggs corn flakes and milk...GIN KHAO FALANG, GAWDAMMIT...

the wife has foreseen this scenario and now plans to bring along the oldest niece (15) so that when I attempt to foist the corn flakes I'll have two teenage girls running in opposite directions...

[The Skipper]

Grand Palace.

The Erawan Shrine.

Lumpini park in the early morning.

Tawan Dang Beer House for the excellent dinner show.

A private Longtail Canal ride. 600/hr.

VimanMek Teak Palace tour.

Zoo.

Dinner cruise on the Wan-Fah Boat.

China Town. Buy some gold.

Observation deck at Biyoke Tower.

Explore Soi 55,ThongLor for places to eat and shop.

For adult entertainment see the Long Gun or Angel Witch dancers.

[Bufpuf]

Can comment on my itenary?

will be arriving in BKK on Wed night at 7pm. I think plus clearance & hotel transfer, it will be about 10pm. Any place to suggest going? I will be staying at SamRan Place - thinking of dinner & shopping.

Thurs:

Pratunam Whole Market

WTC

4-face Buddha (i read that it's near to WTC)

bed supper club @ 7.30

Suan Lum

Fri:

Grand palace

MBK

Siam Discover, Siam Square (I understand MBK, Siam is around the area..which is linked by bridge or somethig)

Patpong

Sat

CTC

Chinatown

Some shopping ctr (can suggest some?)

I hope to squeeze in boboe tower as well or Memorial bridge or something.

Is it too hectic?

Is SuanLum nearer to MBK or Patpong?..which 1 should i go first?

Thanks so much

[tutsiwarrior]

Can comment on my itenary?

will be arriving in BKK on Wed night at 7pm. I think plus clearance & hotel transfer, it will be about 10pm. Any place to suggest going? I will be staying at SamRan Place - thinking of dinner & shopping.

Thurs:

Pratunam Whole Market

WTC

4-face Buddha (i read that it's near to WTC)

bed supper club @ 7.30

Suan Lum

Fri:

Grand palace

MBK

Siam Discover, Siam Square (I understand MBK, Siam is around the area..which is linked by bridge or somethig)

Patpong

Sat

CTC

Chinatown

Some shopping ctr (can suggest some?)

I hope to squeeze in boboe tower as well or Memorial bridge or something.

Is it too hectic?

Is SuanLum nearer to MBK or Patpong?..which 1 should i go first?

Thanks so much

the tour of the Grand Palace takes about 3 hours and is quite tiring...not recommended for kids under 15 y.o. and not recommended that any strenuous activities should follow on the same day...

Edited February 13, 2006 by tutsiwarrior

[Rinrada]

From the Rembrant Hotel turn right and take the sky train to Onnut and you really dont fancy spending time in the Tescos there jump a bus and head in the direction of Samut PraKan and just after the turn off at Theparak you will come to certainly what I recon is one of the best half days out in Bangers...The Erawan Museum ...you cant miss it.

When i was last there the entrance fees for Thai/N-Ts was the same (Mr V who build it did not want duel tariffs)..great experience.

There is also the ancient city further along thye old Suk Road but never been yet so cant comment although sounds good (but ..duel pricing)

http://www.paknam.com/erawanmuseum.php

[caledonia]

Now I don't even know if this place is still open as when I went five years ago it was flagging a bit and well maybe I just know the wrong folk but they never seem to know where I am on about - but well I had a great day out at Siam park and a 12 year old would love it!

I only ended up going there because after weeks of the Bangkok heat I needed an outdoor pool and a local Thai recommened this place. It is a bit of a dated amusement park but to be honest for the price we paid to get in we had a fair whack at amusement rides, a shot on the water flumes, a swim in the river rapids and the highlight of the day had to be the Snow World. Only in Bangkk - there we were in the sweltering heat then we entered the snow world complete with padded anoraks and went on a tobogan ride in sarongs!! Excellent!!! Was very quiet when we were there and not another farang in sight - in fact I was pretty sure they thought the Spice Girls had invaded because we seemed to become the main attraciton!! I thought it was a hidden gem - but then others may just think it is tat and that is why it was so quiet!!!

But who can resisit a water flume!!

Cannot for the life of me remember what bus we took out there - but it was at least an hour away - but I thought well worth it!!

Edited February 13, 2006 by caledonia

[skylar]

With the exception of caledonia's post and the OP, I'd hate to be any of your kids. Have a family day out and take your step daughter ice skating. Take her to Laserquest. Even the Sylvanian Families restaurant could be a novelty. If you happen to be in Samut Prakarn one day, take her to Seacon Square... there's Yoyo Land, which has a bounty ship and a mini rollercoaster that my sister and I loved What about a movie there too? Bowling? Rollerblading? And near Seri Center there is a go kart track.

You guys are so old you've forgotten what it's like to be young.

Edited to say: The one we all missed: Siam Ocean World... the aquarium!

Edited February 13, 2006 by skylar

[nagasaki]

have spent about 10 days in bangkok, to be perfectly honest the best 2 days i had were day trips to Kanchanaburi and Ayyathuya (sorry if mispelt)

I did the bangkok touristy things but none of them I found particularly interestin

obviously people who live, have spent a lot of time in bangkok could ghive far better advise than me, but me if i had 3 days, i would spend them elsewhere, hua hin perhaps, but i like the beach