I thought I would share some of my experiences and maybe help someone with some information.
We arrived in Bangkok on Singapore airlines. Having had so many bad experiences with airlines lately, especially with Delta, we swore that we would fly Singapore air whenever possible. We flew economy but were treated better than the first class passengers on any other airlines. We were met by Thai friends, Annie and Toy, and driven to the hotel. Thanks to Annie’s efforts we were privileged to see and do some things that we probably would not have done on our own. Thank you Annie and Toy.
Because we had a timeshare exchange, we stayed at Best Western around Silom Rd. At first glance I was ready to go somewhere else since the street was narrow, old looking and to my American eyes a little threatening. However Annie (our Thai friend) said that it was perfectly safe. The accommodation turned out to be quite spacious and the location was perfect. Within walking distance to the river and the Skytrain as well as a large shopping center. It is my understanding that the price of Best Western is quite reasonable so do not be scared by the location.
Of course we did and saw the Royal Palace, and the major temples. Had dinner on the river, went to Chinatown, went to Chatachuck week-end market (what a feast for shoppers), had a 2-hour Thai massage for 300 Bhat, etc. Do not miss the food and fruit and vegetable market across the street from the Chatachuk market. The following are a couple of things that might not be on everyone’s list – but SHOULD be. A visit to the 24-hour flower market is a MUST. What a feast for the eyes – I would suggest doing it as soon as you arrive so that you can buy an armful of gorgeous orchids for 50 Bhat ($1.40) (and I mean an armful) and enjoy them in your hotel room while you are in Bangkok. The market is located on Chak Phet Street and surrounding small streets and is called Pak Klong Talat wholesale flower market.
Another fun thing to do is to visit Vinanmek Mansion (you get a free admission ticket with the purchase of the ticket to the Royal Palace) and then take the river boat at, I believe, stop #15 (if it is stop 14 someone please correct me). Right where you board the boat there are stalls selling huge bags of dried bread which you throw into the water and watch hundreds, upon hundreds of large fish jumping out of the water to eat the bread. – especially fun for children.
Here is one not to miss – SIAM NIRAMIT – “Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam”. It is a theatrical presentation of the history of Siam. I must say that I have seen quite a few plays in my life in places like New York and London and I have never seen a presentation of such proportions and beauty. It was magnificent!! With more than 500 beautiful costumes and countless actors. There were beautiful Thai girls flying across the stage, elephants, a river running across the stage, etc. and the narration was in several languages, including English. I cannot imagine a more enchanting hour and a half and it is perfect for adults and for the children. At the end of the program the actors as well as the elephants walk down the isles to the delight of the audience. The price was under $50.00 and included a good buffet dinner. Here is how to get there: 800 meters from MRT Thailand Cultural Center Station. There is a free Shuttle Bus at Exit 1. I would suggest getting there no later than 7 pm and having a leisurely dinner (which is included in the price). Showtime is at 8 pm. Reservations did not seem to be required but if you want information, their phone is 66 (0)2649-9222. The address is 19 Tiamruammit Rd., Huaykwang, Bangkok 10320. After the performance you can take pictures with the actors and feed the elephants.
I hope I am not boring you all. If you permit me, I would like to continue with the narration of our trip tomorrow
Hi Kenalag, you might want to submit your trip report so that it's published on our main website rather than posting on the message board. Here's a link to our otherTrip Reports. From there, you can click on "create trip report" and enter the Trip Report manager where you can enter summary information, break your report down into pages, upload a photo for each page and attach some web resources and links to photo albums. Take a look at some of the existing reports for ideas.
If you haven't already registered for the review or trip report system, you will have to register since it's a different login management system than we use on the message board. If you have any questions you can post them in the "how to" forum or send an e-mail to help@slowtrav.com.
Kenalag, I hope you do publish this trip report as I suggested (requested ) in another forum. I should have posted the link that Kim has been nice enough to do here to make it clear for you. It's a very easy process and that way you can publish some photos with it as well!
I'm looking forward to reading your report once it's published. Thank you for further inspiring me to visit Thailand. Your notes so far have me wanting more.
hi kenalag, great report. I have just come back from a 2 month stay in Bangkok and had an experience of a lifetime. What a city, smalls, sounds tastes and the people make it to me one of the best cities in the world.
Posts: 47 | Location: Barcelona | Registered: 06 April 2007
Thanks for your comment. I do love Thailand and hope to get there for the third time in the not too distant future. Actually, we would like to spend a month or two in Chiang Mai for a real flavor.
Kenalag, Very interesting report on one of my fave cities.
Btw, the hotel I swear by in Hua Hin is the old Sofital Central Hua Hin. www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/resort/0891/fiche_hotel.shtml It is one of very few old hotels that survive in Asia. It was used as the French embassy in the movie "The Killing Fields". Which reminds me...
About the River Kwai. As you know now, it was an abjectly tragic chapter of the war for Asians and for the allies. Once at one of the top hotels in Bkk, I couldn't believe what a saw: a group of boisterous older gentlemen congregating in the famous hotel lobby under a banner - I happen to be able to read Kanji - indicating "the old River Kwai Railroad camp staff". It just made me sick. I can't imagine the equivalent scene in Europe. This just should not be allowed.
I've met some war veterans from the losing side traveling in Asia. Not all of them are what you might think as remorseless. Some of them are very introspective about the human cost of war. But we are bordering on politics.
I've met some war veterans from the losing side traveling in Asia... Some of them are very introspective about the human cost of war. But we are bordering on politics.
I agree with you, as always. The country in question is one whose culture I admire immensely. I have no historical chip-on-shoulder with its contemporaries. I have hesitated about posting my last message, but decided I should not be ashamed of my then disgust. If I had seen a similar tour group in Europe, I would have found it just as revolting. That kind of tourism, with that purpose as spelled out in that banner, like child sex tourism, should not be allowed.
Richone8. Just curious. That is an unusual time to go to Bangkok. I go there from early December till early March when the weather is OK and weather back in Europe is cold.
Posts: 83 | Location: N.W. France | Registered: 05 July 2007
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) in another forum. I should have posted the link that Kim has been nice enough to do here to make it clear for you. It's a very easy process and that way you can publish some photos with it as well! 
