Bangkok. City of Angels. Home to more than seven million people and a melting pot of east-west culture. It’s one of Asia’s most exciting, exotic and fascinating urban destinations. It’s also one of the safest and cheapest.
Sure, it's huge, hot and often choked with traffic and pollution but don’t let that dissuade you. By following three simple guidelines you can enjoy Thailand’s capital in comfort and style, and without the usual credit card woes.
1. BEAT THE HEAT; It’s coolest and most pleasant in the early part of the dry season (November to February).
2. LOCATION, LOCATION; Stay by the river - It’s cooler, less polluted and well-served by regular boat transport.
3. EASY WAY FROM A TO B; Use the boats as much as possible and on land use the Skytrain and taxis for long hauls, tuk-tuks for short trips where there's little traffic.
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| Favourite spots: |
1. Explore the city’s biggest market district at Banglamphu, then walk down the khlong to Wat Rajanadda and its unique Buddhist market featuring fascinating magic charms, amulets and love potions.
2. Taxi or tuk-tuk to Lumphini Park for a unique glimpse of everyday Thai life, then explore the Bangrak flower and orchid market and the Indian markets around the Shangri-la and Oriental hotels.
3. Head to the Chinatown district surrounding Sampeng Lane.
4. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Save the entrance ticket, it will get you into the Vimanmek Mansion. Take a short walk down the road to visit Wat Po. The massage school here charges $10 for an hour of ecstasy (afternoons only).
5. Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Jim Thompson’s House where proceeds from your entry ticket go to the School for the Blind. Get one of the regular (complimentary) tours that explains the fascinating life of this American silk entrepreneur.
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| What's really great: |
1. Hop on a boat, any boat. The public boats that ply the Chao Phraya and smaller khlongs are a cool way to sample Thai life.
2. Visit Temple-Town. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Mahathat are just plain awesome. Come and explore these classic monuments to Buddhism.
3. Go Market Mad. This is the city for markets. They're everywhere. From tiny flower and local produce markets lining the khlongs to Market Disneyland and 9000 stalls at the weekend Chatuchak arm-wrestle.
4. Chew on a Chilli. Bangkok is foodie heaven. The unmistakable freshness and spice surrounds you with thousands of choices. Cruise the river dining on fresh seafood to an encore of gilded temple spires and and orange sunset - all for a few dollars!
5. People Watch. This one's free. You can do it anywhere, but the frenzied lanes of Chinatown and relaxed open spaces of Lumphini Park are two of the best locations to observe Thais at work and play.
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| Accommodations: |
The bustling Chao Phraya River is the city’s life-blood, teeming with activity 24 hours a day. It’s also the coolest, least polluted location in the city. It’s well-served by regular boat transport and provides the opportunity to observe everyday life without negotiating the heat and pollution of Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
Some of Asia’s most famous (and expensive) hotels line the river, but bargains do remain. This one offers comfort, atmosphere, convenience and exceptional river views for less than US$35 a night – with breakfast:
* Royal River Hotel next to the Tha Hang See river-boat stop alongside the Krung Thon Bridge is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. There’s balcony views over the river and the hotel operates a frequent shuttle boat service between 7am and 10:30pm to The River City. It's used sometimes by budget/mid-range European tour groups, but always has rooms and seems to be avoided by independent travellers - they seem to think the location is inconvenient!
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| Other recommendations: |
Here's a few good suggestions for cheap excursions around the city:
1. Cruise up the Chao Phraya River to the Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In, including stops at a couple of interesting temples and Bang Sai’s Royal Folk Art Centre. All for less than $10. The boat departs Tha Maharaj at 8am and returns around 5:30pm.
2. Catch a public boat from anywhere between Trok Chan in Bangkok South and Nonthaburi in the north (where there is a good “country market”) for less than a dollar. This trip spans more than 20 kilometres of the Chao Phraya River in 2 hours.
3. Visit any of the Thonburi khlongs on the river's west side for a slice of rural Bangkok life. Recommended routes include Bangkok Noi (from Tha Maharat), Khlong Mon (from Tha Tien) and Khlong Bang Yai (from Tha Chang).
4. One of the few remaining authentic floating markets is on Khlong Bang Khu Wiang. Boats leave Tha Chang between 6am and 8am but the market finishes early, so get one of the first boats.
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Published on Monday August 19th, 2002
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Tue, Mar 09 2004 - 05:53 AM
 by sologistic
| Best repport I've seen thus far. |
Thu, Oct 23 2003 - 08:37 PM
by whereisliz
| Great report full of helpful details, plus excellent photos. |
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