Dilemma, Quick Replies Appreciated

[LiquidWisdom]

So my flight leaves tomorrow morning, I'll be arriving in Bangkok the 25th. Chanthaburi is my end destination, I was going to head there as soon as I arrived, but now I'm thinking I might want to stay in Bangkok long enough to get some skate shoes and some grip tape for my new board. I wasn't planning on skating, but things changed so now I am. The thing is, I don't want to be inconvenienced and have to travel all the way from Chanthaburi back to Bangkok just for shoes and grip tape, so I guess I'd rather get it out of the way first. Problem is, I've never even been to Thailand and have no clue where anything is and have only just started learning basic Thai phrases. I also don't want to be walking around the city with a bunch of luggage, and of course I'll arrive late at night so will probably have to wait till morning to do anything.

Any advice? How easy is it to find things for an inexperienced farang like me? Also I don't know anyone over there that could help me. I'm not gullible so I'm not worried about scams or anything, I do want to be safe though and don't want to carry around a bunch of luggage. Maybe I could get a hotel for the night and then spend a day in Bangkok and get the shopping done? Again I have no clue where anything is, how easy would it be to get a cheap and safe hotel then find a skateshop during the day? Seriously, how easy is it to find things? I also need to know how to get to ekkamai bus station from the airport.

[daoyai]

You should use google for skate websites in BKK, to find any skateshops, agoda.com for hotels.... Taxi mete,r insist on metered taxi from airport. Maybe use public transport, subway or skytrain to get around the city. Really not dificult, fun actually, leave luggage in your room.

[stoneyboy]

Dont they call that using ones common sense.

[cracktheskye]

Hi, there are a couple of shops in the MBK mall, 7th floor, haven't been to this one but was first on google https://www.facebook.com/people/Kob-Skate-Shop-Mbk/100001609500420?sk=wall . I think there may be a couple of others also up there from what I remember. Good luck.

[geriatrickid]

Thailand is not sk8brd friendly. Something to do with ginormous potholes, sewage grating, drivers that will panic and pedestrians that will just freeze and not give way.

Also, if you are planning to play with the rails at some of the malls, be advised that the security guards have loud whistles and are not afraid to use them.

[roamer]

Hi, there are a couple of shops in the MBK mall, 7th floor, haven't been to this one but was first on google https://www.facebook...9500420?sk=wall . I think there may be a couple of others also up there from what I remember. Good luck.

Can vouch for the above. New to BKK ? Skytrain to National Stadium and walk into MBK, not like you can miss it. You can leave your bags at the airport, do your shopping, head out there again, pick em up and head to Ekkamai. Easier though to head towards Ekkamai and check in somewhere, Rex Hotel closeby but years since I stayed there. Any of the Sukhumvit Rd hotels are convenient but maybe more than you want to pay.

[ignis]

and of course I'll arrive late at night so will probably have to wait till morning to do anything.

Most places do not open until 10:30 am

As said before use Google, also download and print a City map and BTS sky train map