I'd like some suggestions from the participants of this forum for relaxing activities in the Big Mango, a normally hectic place. My brother and his wife, both around 30, are arriving on a long and late flight and I'm not sure what to do with them the following day. Of course they can sleep as much as they want but I thought it would be good to come up with some easy to get to, laid back activities. I had considered Lumpini Park, a river boat ride, or maybe even a movie if they are game.

What else doesn't require a lot of walking or engery, and is more "Thai" than watching a movie in a shopping mall? (Of course Thai's love movies, but my family can do that back home.)

Also, do you know any "knock-your-socks-off" good Thai restaurants in western or central (say, Banglampu to Nana) Bangkok? I'd like to take them out for something really special.

Thanks in advance for the tips!

Daren

Why not go to Jim Thompsons house. Lovely little tour then a lovely lunch or dinner in the relaxing restaurant there. I think it is the fabbest place in the slums we call home.

It's funny, I've actually had someone else just recommend the Jim Thomson House to me today. I've never been... sounds good though.

It is. Really tasteful and quiet. You can even hop on a boat at the back and go down the khlong. Don't take any notice of the tuktuk drivers telling you it is closed either.

Cool, I'll pass it by them. Thanks for the tip!

It is. Really tasteful and quiet. You can even hop on a boat at the back and go down the khlong. Don't take any notice of the tuktuk drivers telling you it is closed either.

It's a 3 hours or so enjoyment.

40 mins tour around the house, no pics allowed, then you can retour it with your camera, lunch (the restaurant is good and nice surroundings) and maybe the silk shop. Jim Thompson ties are, well, near the world trends. The prices are around there too. Good quality goods.

Not enough for a full day, IMO.

Thanks for your reply, think_too_mut. Can you think of anything else that would be relaxing and fun?

Don forget about the most famous massages. Ahum. not the naughty ones but the real stuff.

Great after a long trip.

Suan Pakaad Palace on Sri Ayutaya Rd , a private palace with five pavillions

almost no visitors, garden. daily 9-4

Vimamneck Palace and more so it's many museums and it's beautiful park in Dusit area, drinks, food, shop. daily9.30-3.15

The Chao Paya Express boat, and a longtailboat for the klongs, step off at Royal Barge Museum in klong bkk noi, at Wat arun.

The Rattanakosin and chinatown walking tours in Lonely Planet are ok.

pop in to the kings palace. Always good for a first impression.

Anybody first arriving in BKK is gonna find anything hot and tiring, as you know. The only thing I can add is to make as many of the journey's by river boat. Esp for the cool breeze. I love the heat so...

I think plan one thing for the morning and one for the afternoon. Say, Jim Thompsons house in as early as poss to avoid the heat. Then nip to somewhere for an hour or three's relaxing and cool drinks, then maybe a boat ride down to Sathorn, at the end of the river taxi up onto to the Sky Train and a few stops down, I forget the stop but you're just over the road from Lumpini Park.

Hope you all have a great time whatever you decide.

redrus

If they come on a Sunday, take them to the tea dance at the Shangrila. Best afternoons entertainment I have had in a long time! Book in advance though.

Tea dance? What's that? Sounds interesting...

A great Thai restaurant to take you visiting family or friends to is Cabbages & Condoms on Soi 12.

You won't forget the name and the the food is the best Thai food I have had thus far in Thailand.

Chatuchak market would be an ideal place to take them on their last day but it's anything but relaxing.

Good luck.