h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

So many people travel through Bangkok on their way to the beaches, but never really get the feel of this vibrant, exciting city. There is so much to see and do, and a weekend break is the ideal time.

Firstly, where to stay. If you are on a tight budget, then Khao San Road is the place for you, but you will only get a very limited view of Bangkok. The best places to stay are along the river, near Silom Road or Sukhumvit Road. Places here can be cheap, just do a bit of research before you leave home.

One of the great things about Bangkok is the shopping, and every weekend there is a huge market in the north of the city called Chatachuk Weekend Market. Start out early to beat the midday heat (or afternoon rain if travelling in the wet season), and take the BTS (aka Sky Train) to Mo Chit station. This will cost you about B 40.00 (less than £1!). Follow the crowds heading towards the market, armed with the only map of the market – Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok (pick this up at any bookstore or hotel shop). It is advisable to sort out a place to meet if you and your friends are separated (such as the train station or the clock tower in the centre), and always carry two different stashes of money just in case!. The best thing to do is to just wander aimlessly; you never know where you may end up! There are people selling pets, plants, used clothing, and of course, loads of cheap Thai arts and crafts (of the kind you will find in many western department stores). However, bargaining in Thailand is a must! The most important thing is to always be nice, and smile (the Thai’s will love you for it!). If you see something you like, only show casual interest, then ask how much it is. If you bargain hard, you should be able to get the item for 60% of what they quoted (there are three scales of pricing in Thailand, just hope you can wrangle the ‘expat’ price not the ‘stupid tourist’ price – don’t ever expect the Thai price!). Pick up a Thai phrase book, and learn a few key phrases to aid in this process.

After you are exhausted from all the shopping, head back to your hotel for a relaxing swim. In the evening head out to one of the many fantastic Thai restaurants near Silom Road (see your Nancy Chandler map). After a huge meal, head to one of the local expatriate bars in the area, and chill out with a few beers, or hop into one of the massage shops and get a foot massage (well worth it!). Alternatively, if you are not too exhausted from the shopping, wander through Patpong market. This is a crowded place, fringed with girlie bars galore. Expect to see cards shoved at you, offering a wide variety of shows. If you are brave enough to give one a go, a few words of warning. There is usually no cover charge, but you will have to buy a drink, and these are very overpriced (by Bangkok standards). If you accept a back or neck massage from one of the girls, be prepared to pay for it – nothing is free in this city! Before midnight, head to one of the local bars called Radio City. This is a great place, where Tom Jones performs every night of the week! Well, not really Tom Jones, though this Thai impersonator does a very good job! After the show, head up the stairs to Lucifer, a night club, or down the road to the Music café where you can watch all the goings on in the market. There are also plenty of night clubs in the area, though be warned, due to new laws, these will all close at 2am!

After a morning swim, head out to a café for a hangover brunch (such as Kappa, Greyhound café, or try one of the hotel café’s). Once the feeling in your head is back to normal, head out to the Grand Palace for a dose of Royal Thai Culture. This is considered a sacred place to the Thai’s, so appropriate clothing should be worn (such as long skirts/trousers, and shirts that cover your shoulders). After looking around the palace head to one of the nearby boat pier’s at about 4.30pm and take a ‘Bangkok Noi’ trip in a long boat. The temperature will be starting to drop, and the sun will soon set, so this is a great time to explore some of the canals that earnt this city the ‘Venice of the East’ title.

Head back to your hotel for a well deserved shower, then out again for some more fantastic Thai food, followed by a stroll along the streets. After all the exercising you have been doing, you should reward your body with a traditional Thai massage. These massages target your deep muscles, and can at times be painful. However, you will leave (after nearly two hours) feeling so supple and relaxed that it is well worth it!

A few notes on Thai people. The Thai’s are great happy people, who will amaze you with their spirit. However, just like every country of the world, there are a few people who can spoil your trip. Touts are one such group. Be wary of anyone telling you that the temple you wish to visit is closed, or offering you a very cheap ride in a Tuk Tuk. These people will usually want to take you to fabric or jem shops, where they will get money just for bringing you, and a percentage of anything you buy. Be very careful in these situations.

Transport in Bangkok is very cheap by western standards. The Sky Train is wonderful, and gives you a very different perspective of this city. However, it is very limited in location. You will likely have to catch a taxi at some stage, which is easy to do, just flag one down in the street. Make sure the driver understands where your destination is, and that he puts the meter on. The starting amount should say B35.00. If he refuses, just smile and get out. There will always be another taxi along soon (except maybe in rush hour). My advice is to stay away from Tuk Tuks. They are fun, but you will most likely be ripped off, and the Bangkok traffic fumes are just too much.

Have a great time in Bangkok!

Sorry to butt in on your conversation, but if
Researcher "201808"
would go back to their own page and then click on the "EDIT PAGE" button and then write a little something about your self, as this will activate your page and then a ACE can come and welcome you there properly
Sorry for interrupting your conversation

Manda