Bangkok Travel Forum

Hi, I'm coming to Bangkok for the long weekend (starting on 1.May). I don't know too much about Thailand. I just booked my ticket and I cannot wait to fly there, but it would be nice if there was somebody in Bangkok who would be willing to help me a little by giving tips on where to go from the airport, where to book a budget accomodation, what to do and what not to, maybe there would even be somebody who'd like to join me for the three days I'll spend in Bangkok? I'm rather a backpacker, I was thinking about spending just a little time in Bangkok and some more out of the city. Looking forward to news from you!
Cheers,
Artur

Check the website for the Watana Mansion. I've stayed there 3 times. They have a good internet special that includes pickup and return to the airport no matter what time you arrive or depart. I always save the return for when I leave the country, staying one last night there on my way home.

The rooms are basic but clean and have TV, A/C, fridge, full bath and a balcony. There's a Metro stop nearby and metered taxis are always available and inexpensive. The hotel has a pool, restaurant and minimarket on the premises.

http://www.hotelthailand.com/bangkok/watanamansion/

Basically, there isn't much you can do in 3 days, however you could visit the tourist spot that is recommended in the internet, such as

1. wat pho
2. wat arun
3. chinatown
4. Jim Thompson House
5. chatuchak market (only open on sat and sunday) - since you are there over the weekend so it's just nice (recommended to go on sunday as all the outlet are open)and that market alone will take up half of your day, you can get almost everything there
6. Suan lum market (night time)
7. lumphini park
8. Pat Pong nightlife (beware of rip-off, try kings group outlet - safer)
9. soi cowboy nightlife (no rip off but more expensice)
9. Nana Plaza nightlife (no rip off but more expensice)
* please read on the do's and dont's in bangkok also beware of rip off on certain place, especially in patpong
*remember to have small change with you, they tent to not refund your balance (happen in certain place) mostly on nightlife entertainment

There is so much learn about thailand,

Accommodation wise, try this website www.asiarooms.com, here you could find the cheapest to the most expensive motel/hotel in bangkok, with reviews as well, ofcause there are others as well but I find this web quite good.

Another web will be www.bangkokbob.com, which explain about bangkok in a simple way. You can find alot of info here

The rest you really have to do some reading, anyway good luck to you

In my blog %L[http://traveltokochang.blogspot.com]Travel to Krung Thep%L* I try to describe the hidden treasures of Bangkok. First you should consult the section about express boats on Chao Phraya River. You will learn, where the piers are and how you can get to many attractions in Bangkokm by boat. Then you read, what kind of market you find where. The links to hotels and guesthouses as well as the links to restaurants are organized by districts - so you know, what you can discover nearby. Of course you find tipps for Walking and Bicycle Tours too.

If you find Bangkok too hot, you can move to the North. Between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son you will find mountains, nature, waterfalls, hot springs and different kind of tribes living there. My blog %L[http://my-lanna.blogspot.com]My Lanna%L* is dedicated to Northern Thailand.

If you would like to find an island, which is not so much crammed by tourists as Phuket and Koh Samui are, go to Koh Chang. More here: %L[http://traveltokochang.blogspot.com]Travel tp Ko Chang%L*

Enjoy the preparation of your trip!

In my blog %L[http://traveltokobangkok.blogspot.com]Travel to Krung Thep%L* I try to describe the hidden treasures of Bangkok. First you should consult the section about express boats on Chao Phraya River. You will learn, where the piers are and how you can get to many attractions in Bangkokm by boat. Then you read, what kind of market you find where. The links to hotels and guesthouses as well as the links to restaurants are organized by districts - so you know, what you can discover nearby. Of course you find tipps for Walking and Bicycle Tours too.

If you find Bangkok too hot, you can move to the North. Between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son you will find mountains, nature, waterfalls, hot springs and different kind of tribes living there. My blog %L[http://my-lanna.blogspot.com]My Lanna%L* is dedicated to Northern Thailand.

If you would like to find an island, which is not so much crammed by tourists as Phuket and Koh Samui are, go to Koh Chang. More here: %L[http://traveltokochang.blogspot.com]Travel tp Ko Chang%L*

Enjoy the preparation of your trip!

The highlights in Bangkok (in my opinion):
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage)
- Wat Arun
- Golden Mount / Giant Swing
- Klong Tour
- Visit a floating market
- Chinatown
- Jim Thompson's House
- Vimanmek Palace (if time allows)
- really off the beaten path: biking in Bangkok - a half day guided tour (www.bangkokbiking.com)
- if you like: some shopping

Most (if not all) answers on your questions you may find in the Bangkok/Thailand pages of VT members.

Happy travels
Jaap

We stayed in Baiyoke Sky in Pratunam area. Night markets and malls are all nearby. Don't miss these places on your 3-day-trip: 1)grand palace 2)wat pho 3)wat arun 4)floating market 5)jim thompson house 6)four-faced-buddha just outside Erawan Bangkok. If you have a day to spare, the Dream World in Bangkok is also fun!

Enjoy!