Bangkok hotels & day trips
Jan 6th, 2016, 08:06 AM
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Bangkok hotels & day trips
Hi all!
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'll be in Singapore for a month for work, and have decided (almost at my boss's insistence!) that I'll take a week off afterwards. Your suggestions to avoid 'northern' SE Asia didn't fall on deaf ears, and I was planning on Bali or possibly Borneo. Well as soon as my parents caught wind of this they were terrified and now my mother will be joining me, but we *must stay in Thailand* because I, of course, made the mistake of telling her the hospitals in Bangkok are on-par with first world countries... (You know, so when I get struck by lightning for the second time in under a year, I'll be all set!)
We'll have from March 25th/26th to April 2nd.
Anyway- I'd love some suggestions for where to stay in Bangkok. I saw some rates of about $165 at the Peninsula (which I believe is on the river) and I think under $200/night would be ideal.
We will be there over her birthday, so suggestions for something fun/a nice place for dinner (she doesn't drink and can not have *anything* with peppers/is spicy).
Also, she asked that I find some local guides- she's not one to 'explore', it skipped a generation from her Mom to me! I know Tours with Tong is talked about a lot on here, but are they good for in-city tours too?
And yes, I have warned her it will be VERY hot, but living in South Florida she didn't see that as a deterrent.
We may spend the entire week in Bangkok/doing day trips, but she said she'd be open to a few nights at the beach. I'll start another topic for that, but feel free to throw anything out here!
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'll be in Singapore for a month for work, and have decided (almost at my boss's insistence!) that I'll take a week off afterwards. Your suggestions to avoid 'northern' SE Asia didn't fall on deaf ears, and I was planning on Bali or possibly Borneo. Well as soon as my parents caught wind of this they were terrified and now my mother will be joining me, but we *must stay in Thailand* because I, of course, made the mistake of telling her the hospitals in Bangkok are on-par with first world countries... (You know, so when I get struck by lightning for the second time in under a year, I'll be all set!)
We'll have from March 25th/26th to April 2nd.
Anyway- I'd love some suggestions for where to stay in Bangkok. I saw some rates of about $165 at the Peninsula (which I believe is on the river) and I think under $200/night would be ideal.
We will be there over her birthday, so suggestions for something fun/a nice place for dinner (she doesn't drink and can not have *anything* with peppers/is spicy).
Also, she asked that I find some local guides- she's not one to 'explore', it skipped a generation from her Mom to me! I know Tours with Tong is talked about a lot on here, but are they good for in-city tours too?
And yes, I have warned her it will be VERY hot, but living in South Florida she didn't see that as a deterrent.
We may spend the entire week in Bangkok/doing day trips, but she said she'd be open to a few nights at the beach. I'll start another topic for that, but feel free to throw anything out here!
Jan 6th, 2016, 09:28 AM
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If you can get the Pen for $165 - do it. The Pen is lovely, right on the river (though on the "wrong" side).
Lots of people love Tong, and no doubt those folks will blast me for saying this, but Tong has hundreds and hundreds of unanswered emails, and has been known to schedule someone and not show. She got too popular too fast and couldn't manage it. There are lots of local guide/drivers. If it were me, I'd opt for a guide who could take you on public transport to the main sights rather than a car and driver in town. Will you be with your mother while she tours Bangkok? If you are, you may not want a guide at all, but just take the local water taxis to the Grand Palace and the major wats. Learn to use the skytrain to other locations like the Jim Thompson House.
Is your mother a shopper? If so, Bangkok has lots of interesting shopping.
Lots of people love Tong, and no doubt those folks will blast me for saying this, but Tong has hundreds and hundreds of unanswered emails, and has been known to schedule someone and not show. She got too popular too fast and couldn't manage it. There are lots of local guide/drivers. If it were me, I'd opt for a guide who could take you on public transport to the main sights rather than a car and driver in town. Will you be with your mother while she tours Bangkok? If you are, you may not want a guide at all, but just take the local water taxis to the Grand Palace and the major wats. Learn to use the skytrain to other locations like the Jim Thompson House.
Is your mother a shopper? If so, Bangkok has lots of interesting shopping.
Jan 6th, 2016, 10:13 AM
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I'd just get a sky train (BTS) card at the window at any sky train station and have the window clerk put about 200 baht on it and take the sky train to as many places as possible. If you stay on the river, then the sky train station would be Saphan Taksin. The sky train is super easy as there are two lines; Silom (north and south) and Sukhumvit (east and west). You can't get lost.
I'm back in Bangkok right now, for a 3+week vacation here and have been on the sky train (most of the time), river taxi (once), and done a lot by foot. And there are always taxis that are cheap and start at, I think 30 baht, on the meter. I exchanged money yesterday, at my bank, and got 35.83 baht to a dollar. So, taxis can be very cheap although I prefer the sky train first as it's fast.
As for the heat, I've been here in Bangkok during that time of the year as once I was here the last week in March and have also been here in hot August several times. Yeah, it's hot, but it didn't prevent me from doing what I wanted to do. I'm not all that heat sensitive as I've been in worse heat. L.A. can get well over 100F (without the humidity). I'm used to heat. Today will be a hot day in Bangkok as it's to be 93. It's been cool at around 83-88F.
As for hotels and hotel location, you'll need to decide on that one. I've stayed at a lot of them over the last 17 years. I've done the Pen (wrong side of the river), the Oriental (love), and the Royal Orchid Sheraton as for the river ones. I'm personally not a river person and like to be either in the Rajadamri area (Siam Anantara Hotel (formerly Four Seasons), Hansar Hotel ( so relaxing), and St. Regis hotel (connected to the Rajadamri BTS station by a bridge) and all within about a 30-second walk of each other. This is my present neighborhood in the heart of town where I stay in a condo, but have also stayed at all three of the above mentioned hotels.
I also stayed for many years in Sukhumvit in the 20-soi numbers, mainly Promphong BTS area although others too. On my first trip to Bangkok, in the 90s, I stayed at the Siam Intercontinental Hotel which is no longer in existence, Now, that land is occupied with Paragon Mall. But, I loved staying in the heart of town and had no regret with selecting that location although I also went to the river area on occasion. Back then there was no sky train, so it took some doing to get to the river area. But, as for hotels and areas, it's to each his own, as everyone doesn't like the same things and there's no right or wrong in this situation.
As for the hospital situation, you're probably speaking of Bumrungrad which is between Ploenchit BTS and Nana BTS. I've been there, for a medical appointment, for a knee problem years ago, and got excellent care. The former CEO there was from Orange County, south of L.A. County. There are other really good hospitals in Bangkok as well.
Happy Travels!
I'm back in Bangkok right now, for a 3+week vacation here and have been on the sky train (most of the time), river taxi (once), and done a lot by foot. And there are always taxis that are cheap and start at, I think 30 baht, on the meter. I exchanged money yesterday, at my bank, and got 35.83 baht to a dollar. So, taxis can be very cheap although I prefer the sky train first as it's fast.
As for the heat, I've been here in Bangkok during that time of the year as once I was here the last week in March and have also been here in hot August several times. Yeah, it's hot, but it didn't prevent me from doing what I wanted to do. I'm not all that heat sensitive as I've been in worse heat. L.A. can get well over 100F (without the humidity). I'm used to heat. Today will be a hot day in Bangkok as it's to be 93. It's been cool at around 83-88F.
As for hotels and hotel location, you'll need to decide on that one. I've stayed at a lot of them over the last 17 years. I've done the Pen (wrong side of the river), the Oriental (love), and the Royal Orchid Sheraton as for the river ones. I'm personally not a river person and like to be either in the Rajadamri area (Siam Anantara Hotel (formerly Four Seasons), Hansar Hotel ( so relaxing), and St. Regis hotel (connected to the Rajadamri BTS station by a bridge) and all within about a 30-second walk of each other. This is my present neighborhood in the heart of town where I stay in a condo, but have also stayed at all three of the above mentioned hotels.
I also stayed for many years in Sukhumvit in the 20-soi numbers, mainly Promphong BTS area although others too. On my first trip to Bangkok, in the 90s, I stayed at the Siam Intercontinental Hotel which is no longer in existence, Now, that land is occupied with Paragon Mall. But, I loved staying in the heart of town and had no regret with selecting that location although I also went to the river area on occasion. Back then there was no sky train, so it took some doing to get to the river area. But, as for hotels and areas, it's to each his own, as everyone doesn't like the same things and there's no right or wrong in this situation.
As for the hospital situation, you're probably speaking of Bumrungrad which is between Ploenchit BTS and Nana BTS. I've been there, for a medical appointment, for a knee problem years ago, and got excellent care. The former CEO there was from Orange County, south of L.A. County. There are other really good hospitals in Bangkok as well.
Happy Travels!
Jan 6th, 2016, 12:48 PM
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Thanks Guenmai, Kathie!
If it was just me, I'd be doing the water taxis/BTS on my own, but that won't fly with mom. I think we could compromise on having a tour guide who could use public transport with us and then take us through the sites we want to see, versus having a driver/someone to go into sites with us. Is that something easy to find?
Mom and I are both shoppers, but neither of us would ever want to hang out in a shopping mall with Gap and Starbucks all day, but we love markets!
I was thinking staying on the river for the ease of transport (water taxis) but didn't realize the Pen was on the wrong side! I'll have to look into that more.
Thank you!
If it was just me, I'd be doing the water taxis/BTS on my own, but that won't fly with mom. I think we could compromise on having a tour guide who could use public transport with us and then take us through the sites we want to see, versus having a driver/someone to go into sites with us. Is that something easy to find?
Mom and I are both shoppers, but neither of us would ever want to hang out in a shopping mall with Gap and Starbucks all day, but we love markets!
I was thinking staying on the river for the ease of transport (water taxis) but didn't realize the Pen was on the wrong side! I'll have to look into that more.
Thank you!
Jan 6th, 2016, 01:42 PM
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Don't worry about the Pen being on the wrong side of the river, as long as you are willing to cross the river to catch the water taxis, you'll be fine. If you want something on the "right" side of the river, check out the Oriental or the Shangri La.
Yes, it should be easy to find a guide who will take public transport with you. As Guenmai said, you and your mother will want to get stored value cards on the BTS (Skytrain) to make it very easy for you. The Pen may be able to recommend someone, but don't let the Pen give you a car and driver to tour. I remember the story of the honeymooners who had the Pen get them a car and driver to take them to the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Po, etc. They spent most of the time stuck in traffic, as the driver drove them from the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha to Wat Po even though the are only a block apart!
I understand you don't want to hang out in shopping malls filled with western stores. But most of the shopping malls have a floor of fine local crafts, and several have very nice places to eat.
Yes, it should be easy to find a guide who will take public transport with you. As Guenmai said, you and your mother will want to get stored value cards on the BTS (Skytrain) to make it very easy for you. The Pen may be able to recommend someone, but don't let the Pen give you a car and driver to tour. I remember the story of the honeymooners who had the Pen get them a car and driver to take them to the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Po, etc. They spent most of the time stuck in traffic, as the driver drove them from the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha to Wat Po even though the are only a block apart!
I understand you don't want to hang out in shopping malls filled with western stores. But most of the shopping malls have a floor of fine local crafts, and several have very nice places to eat.
Jan 6th, 2016, 01:54 PM
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My fault- it was the Shangri-La that was $165/night... I knew something was up when I saw the Pen was on the wrong side of the river! Whoops!
Good to know about the malls, Kathie! We will have to check them out- if only for the A/C
Good to know about the malls, Kathie! We will have to check them out- if only for the A/C
Jan 6th, 2016, 02:21 PM
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Warm evening greetings from Sao Paulo, Brazil, to you, needmorevacation (and do love that handle). Congratulations on your upcoming working stay in our fine home of Singapore. I (we) love living in SIN for family, work and residence. Hope your SIN visit is productive and enjoyable.
As for the Shangri-La, Bangkok, have always experienced wonderful times at that property (mostly for work, and almost always in her Krungthep Wing). Over time, I found my "special room" for work in her K. Wing; good people at that place.
Would suggest keeping abreast of other Bangkok hotel offers before your departure, including the Peninsula and Oriental properties. (I presently travel to Bangkok on a quarterly basis for work and can assure you the "high-end" lodging trade is quite competitive.)
As for the Peninsula being on the "wrong" side of the Chao Phraya, well, yours truly loves being on the wrong side (on occasion). One reason: being initially exposed to stays at her cross-river rival, the Oriental, ~ half-century back as youth, travelling with my parents and siblings. When the Peninsula opened her doors ~ 18 years back, she was (and is) such a delightful alternative (again, mostly for work for me, along with some fine holiday weekends with the loved one). Over time, we have found our special lodging on floor 3_. Certain moments (particularly sunsets) from her higher floors are just magical.
Enjoy your planning; will have more upon return home to Singapore this weekend. Warm evening wishes to you and all from Sao Paulo, Brazil,
robert
... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
As for the Shangri-La, Bangkok, have always experienced wonderful times at that property (mostly for work, and almost always in her Krungthep Wing). Over time, I found my "special room" for work in her K. Wing; good people at that place.
Would suggest keeping abreast of other Bangkok hotel offers before your departure, including the Peninsula and Oriental properties. (I presently travel to Bangkok on a quarterly basis for work and can assure you the "high-end" lodging trade is quite competitive.)
As for the Peninsula being on the "wrong" side of the Chao Phraya, well, yours truly loves being on the wrong side (on occasion). One reason: being initially exposed to stays at her cross-river rival, the Oriental, ~ half-century back as youth, travelling with my parents and siblings. When the Peninsula opened her doors ~ 18 years back, she was (and is) such a delightful alternative (again, mostly for work for me, along with some fine holiday weekends with the loved one). Over time, we have found our special lodging on floor 3_. Certain moments (particularly sunsets) from her higher floors are just magical.
Enjoy your planning; will have more upon return home to Singapore this weekend. Warm evening wishes to you and all from Sao Paulo, Brazil,
robert
... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Jan 6th, 2016, 04:42 PM
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As for the Pen, yes, there's a boat that crosses the river if that's what you want to do and if that's what your mom is comfortable with doing. I've stayed at the Pen.
The Shangri La is close to the Saphan Taksin BTS station. Plus, to go into town from Saphan Taksin, it's only about 4, short stops to Rajdamri if you want to go to Erwan Shrine and the malls in that area; Central World, Gaysorn, Amarin Mall, and then Central Chitlom Mall that's connected by a passage way to Embassy Mall. That's all walkable from Rajadamri. Then, if you want to go to Paragon Mall and Siam Center, then instead of getting off at Rajdamri, you just go one more stop to Siam and you're let out right at the mall.
As for shopping malls, they are filled with folks eating as there are a lot of places to eat in shopping malls and some really good and both mainstream and unusual food found in them, like Embassy Mall, where my Thai friends eat and love Thai ice cream topped with corn. There are also huge supermarkets in shopping malls, so it's not all just The Gap, etc. I doubt if South Florida has malls anywhere like the ones here. Plus, Paragon Mall has a whole aquarium on the lower level. I went when it first opened many years ago, and enjoyed the trip on the glass-bottom boat, along with the incredible selection of sea life. There are a lot of malls in Bangkok. Below is a list of only 10 although there are other ones that I'd put on my list, like Emporium Mall, where I shop for Thai handbags at the department store there.
http://www.bangkok.com/top10-shopping-malls.htm#promo
On Tuesday, I zipped into Paragon to pick up my eyeglasses at Waltz Eyewear and directly across from it was a stage set up with tons of media as there was some type of Thai Arts promotion going on so I sat down in the set-up seat area and there were Thai dancers and speeches in both Thai and English and it was very nice.
Last week, Thai friends and I went into Embassy Mall as they wanted something to eat. After eating, we went up to one of the floors where there was an incredible, Thai youth group of singers performing in English, singing and dancing and performing a variety of songs and ending with, We Are The World. Lots of people were there, mostly Thai, and it was a great performance. So, don't think that malls are only for shopping and The Gap. You never know what delights you might come upon in a mall. I've also listened to rock/pop concerts in Central World Mall.
Plus, Paragon Mall has an Exotique Thai section that sells Thai items. I just bought a Lanna Thai dress, two gorgeous pashminas and some necklaces there the other day. There are of course other places, with lower prices, but I found exactly what I was looking for there which is what was important to me. Amarin Mall has some great fabrics and ready-to-wear Thai clothes. It's near the Erawan shrine. And there's also the Pratunam (sp?) area with lots of clothes and stalls.
Since you're going to be here for a week, you have plenty of time to explore, but I honestly don't know how it will go if you need a guide with you every single day and minute as I would find that very restrictive and also quite expensive as they usually charge by the hour or sometimes by the half-day or whole-day plan. Just make a list of where YOU want to go as they could take you to where THEY want you to go. Pick up a Nancy Chandler map to familiarize yourself. Maybe after a couple of days or so, your mom will feel more comfortable in her surroundings and you can dump the guide.
www.nancychandler.org.
Happy Travels!
The Shangri La is close to the Saphan Taksin BTS station. Plus, to go into town from Saphan Taksin, it's only about 4, short stops to Rajdamri if you want to go to Erwan Shrine and the malls in that area; Central World, Gaysorn, Amarin Mall, and then Central Chitlom Mall that's connected by a passage way to Embassy Mall. That's all walkable from Rajadamri. Then, if you want to go to Paragon Mall and Siam Center, then instead of getting off at Rajdamri, you just go one more stop to Siam and you're let out right at the mall.
As for shopping malls, they are filled with folks eating as there are a lot of places to eat in shopping malls and some really good and both mainstream and unusual food found in them, like Embassy Mall, where my Thai friends eat and love Thai ice cream topped with corn. There are also huge supermarkets in shopping malls, so it's not all just The Gap, etc. I doubt if South Florida has malls anywhere like the ones here. Plus, Paragon Mall has a whole aquarium on the lower level. I went when it first opened many years ago, and enjoyed the trip on the glass-bottom boat, along with the incredible selection of sea life. There are a lot of malls in Bangkok. Below is a list of only 10 although there are other ones that I'd put on my list, like Emporium Mall, where I shop for Thai handbags at the department store there.
http://www.bangkok.com/top10-shopping-malls.htm#promo
On Tuesday, I zipped into Paragon to pick up my eyeglasses at Waltz Eyewear and directly across from it was a stage set up with tons of media as there was some type of Thai Arts promotion going on so I sat down in the set-up seat area and there were Thai dancers and speeches in both Thai and English and it was very nice.
Last week, Thai friends and I went into Embassy Mall as they wanted something to eat. After eating, we went up to one of the floors where there was an incredible, Thai youth group of singers performing in English, singing and dancing and performing a variety of songs and ending with, We Are The World. Lots of people were there, mostly Thai, and it was a great performance. So, don't think that malls are only for shopping and The Gap. You never know what delights you might come upon in a mall. I've also listened to rock/pop concerts in Central World Mall.
Plus, Paragon Mall has an Exotique Thai section that sells Thai items. I just bought a Lanna Thai dress, two gorgeous pashminas and some necklaces there the other day. There are of course other places, with lower prices, but I found exactly what I was looking for there which is what was important to me. Amarin Mall has some great fabrics and ready-to-wear Thai clothes. It's near the Erawan shrine. And there's also the Pratunam (sp?) area with lots of clothes and stalls.
Since you're going to be here for a week, you have plenty of time to explore, but I honestly don't know how it will go if you need a guide with you every single day and minute as I would find that very restrictive and also quite expensive as they usually charge by the hour or sometimes by the half-day or whole-day plan. Just make a list of where YOU want to go as they could take you to where THEY want you to go. Pick up a Nancy Chandler map to familiarize yourself. Maybe after a couple of days or so, your mom will feel more comfortable in her surroundings and you can dump the guide.
www.nancychandler.org.
Happy Travels!
Jan 6th, 2016, 05:18 PM
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Jan 6th, 2016, 05:34 PM
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We loved our stay at the ShangriLa, right on the river, beautiful, excellent service.
We did a full day trip of Bangkok with Tours by Tong. She wasn't the guide but the man she sent us was excellent. The guide had an a/c car with driver which I recommend. Tell your mother that in your spare time it's fun to take a water taxi on the river.
We did a full day trip of Bangkok with Tours by Tong. She wasn't the guide but the man she sent us was excellent. The guide had an a/c car with driver which I recommend. Tell your mother that in your spare time it's fun to take a water taxi on the river.
Jan 6th, 2016, 06:08 PM
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Tong is a friend and we love her services. She has a big team. Getting around in bkk takes some experience and for people like you I suggest use of a guide, with a car (not using public transportation) when your time is short.
Hotels...we love the penn, but we equally love the anantara riverside, for merely a Marriott. Pen at that price is a steal-- all rooms are excellent, not need to upgrade--tell them it it your mother's birthday.
Hotels in town: plaza anthanee is very nice... And we'll located... Hyatt earwan is nice... Muse.... Sheraton grande..
Take your mother to a lady boy show... It is a hoot
Hotels...we love the penn, but we equally love the anantara riverside, for merely a Marriott. Pen at that price is a steal-- all rooms are excellent, not need to upgrade--tell them it it your mother's birthday.
Hotels in town: plaza anthanee is very nice... And we'll located... Hyatt earwan is nice... Muse.... Sheraton grande..
Take your mother to a lady boy show... It is a hoot
Jan 7th, 2016, 09:29 AM
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Thanks Guenmai- Mom lived in Manhattan for 30+ years, so is well versed in good shopping, but not in malls!
rhkkmk- I'm pretty sure my doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, doesn't even eat black pepper mother would have a heart attack at a lady boy show... although I would like to see one! ha!
rhkkmk- I'm pretty sure my doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, doesn't even eat black pepper mother would have a heart attack at a lady boy show... although I would like to see one! ha!
Jan 7th, 2016, 04:26 PM
#15
We loved the Peninsula and had no issue being on the "wrong" side of the river. I guess if one is in a rush then the 5 minute wait for thier shuttle to the other side of the river could be an issue.
On our first trip to BKK we hired Tong or rather one of her employees. He was one of the worst guides we have ever had. He refused to listen to our requests and just rattled on and on & on. I'm sure there are others who would be better, but I gather she employs a fair number of guides. We got a guide for the reason rhkkmk states, but in retropect realized its a fairly easy city to navigate and agree that you dont really need a guide.
If you are interested in trying the food take a BKK Food tour http://bangkokfoodtours.com. Its a lot of fun, you taste some great food and get a little sightseeing in at the same time. We have done 2 of thier tours.
The malls are huge with lots going on, but in the end they are malls & make a conveneint way to shop.
On our first trip to BKK we hired Tong or rather one of her employees. He was one of the worst guides we have ever had. He refused to listen to our requests and just rattled on and on & on. I'm sure there are others who would be better, but I gather she employs a fair number of guides. We got a guide for the reason rhkkmk states, but in retropect realized its a fairly easy city to navigate and agree that you dont really need a guide.
If you are interested in trying the food take a BKK Food tour http://bangkokfoodtours.com. Its a lot of fun, you taste some great food and get a little sightseeing in at the same time. We have done 2 of thier tours.
The malls are huge with lots going on, but in the end they are malls & make a conveneint way to shop.
Jan 7th, 2016, 05:43 PM
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Tours by Tong never contacted me. I went with Destination Asia and a private guide. I loved her.
The Kempinski Hotel is fabulous.
My husband likes spicy food and would ask for "local spicy" and he never got anything hot enough. I am not a fancy eater or one who likes spice yet I ate lots of local food that was not hot at all.
The Kempinski Hotel is fabulous.
My husband likes spicy food and would ask for "local spicy" and he never got anything hot enough. I am not a fancy eater or one who likes spice yet I ate lots of local food that was not hot at all.
Jan 7th, 2016, 07:32 PM
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1) We loved the Pen and enjoyed the five-minute boat rides back and forth across the river. Mainly an issue if you go for a lot of walks. Pool and spa area were heavenly.
2) Our friends returned several days ago and had a bad experience with one of Tong's guides who they said was inexperienced and lacked accurate info. We saw all the local sights on our own without a guide using tuk tuks, water ferries and the sky train. We intended to go out of town on a bicycle tour, to the monkey fishing village and the risky train market, but had to cancel because of an illness.
3) We spent several hours in one of the malls. Would not recommend unless you have lots of extra time.
2) Our friends returned several days ago and had a bad experience with one of Tong's guides who they said was inexperienced and lacked accurate info. We saw all the local sights on our own without a guide using tuk tuks, water ferries and the sky train. We intended to go out of town on a bicycle tour, to the monkey fishing village and the risky train market, but had to cancel because of an illness.
3) We spent several hours in one of the malls. Would not recommend unless you have lots of extra time.
Jan 7th, 2016, 09:39 PM
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Miss Green:"The Kempinski Hotel is fabulous."
Great to know as I'll check in there for one night in a few days for my staycation from the vacation as I'm renting a condo in Rajadamri.
I dropped by the Siam Kempenski last week and it was truly gorgeous and I spur-of-the-momently decided to lunch at Sra Bua and will also dine at Sra Bua, next week, for their 13-course The Journey dinner menu.
I still like to try out different hotels for one-night staycations to keep current on the hotel scene although I've stayed in serviced apartments/regular condos since 2005.
Last Sunday, I did a one-night staycation at the Dusit Thani which I liked. I just throw a few items into an overnight bag and take off to whatever hotel I want to try out and am usually back at the condo by early morning the next day. Smiles.
Happy Travels!
Great to know as I'll check in there for one night in a few days for my staycation from the vacation as I'm renting a condo in Rajadamri.
I dropped by the Siam Kempenski last week and it was truly gorgeous and I spur-of-the-momently decided to lunch at Sra Bua and will also dine at Sra Bua, next week, for their 13-course The Journey dinner menu.
I still like to try out different hotels for one-night staycations to keep current on the hotel scene although I've stayed in serviced apartments/regular condos since 2005.
Last Sunday, I did a one-night staycation at the Dusit Thani which I liked. I just throw a few items into an overnight bag and take off to whatever hotel I want to try out and am usually back at the condo by early morning the next day. Smiles.
Happy Travels!
Jan 7th, 2016, 09:46 PM
#19
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"needmorevacation on Jan 8, 16 at 1:29am
Thanks Guenmai- Mom lived in Manhattan for 30+ years, so is well versed in good shopping, but not in malls! "
"needmorevacation on Jan 7, 16 at 5:54am
My fault- it was the Shangri-La that was $165/night... I knew something was up when I saw the Pen was on the wrong side of the river! Whoops!
Good to know about the malls, Kathie! We will have to check them out- if only for the A/C"
I mentioned the malls due to your above comment. I wasn't aware of being versed in good shopping as I just listed them as there's just about everything in them. Have a great trip.
Happy Travels!
Thanks Guenmai- Mom lived in Manhattan for 30+ years, so is well versed in good shopping, but not in malls! "
"needmorevacation on Jan 7, 16 at 5:54am
My fault- it was the Shangri-La that was $165/night... I knew something was up when I saw the Pen was on the wrong side of the river! Whoops!
Good to know about the malls, Kathie! We will have to check them out- if only for the A/C
"I mentioned the malls due to your above comment. I wasn't aware of being versed in good shopping as I just listed them as there's just about everything in them. Have a great trip.
Happy Travels!
Jan 8th, 2016, 01:39 AM
#20
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Another plug for staying in the Sukhumvit area rather than along the river. I have just returned home from my Thailand holiday vacation. Wishing I was back there now as Illinois temps are frigid!!
We basically spent two weeks in Bangkok and one week on Phuket. It was really lovely! In Bangkok we stayed in a serviced apartment near Terminal 21 shopping mall. I have stayed at the Pen and Oriental years ago. Both were fabulous. I prefer the Pen. But I spend the bulk of my time in the Sukhumvit area so it's easier if I stay there instead of the river. We went to the river one time in our 2 weeks stay, in order to visit Asiatique night market.
If you travel by taxi you will spend a lot of time sitting in Bangkok traffic. Best to use the sky train!
Enjoy your trip
Carol
We basically spent two weeks in Bangkok and one week on Phuket. It was really lovely! In Bangkok we stayed in a serviced apartment near Terminal 21 shopping mall. I have stayed at the Pen and Oriental years ago. Both were fabulous. I prefer the Pen. But I spend the bulk of my time in the Sukhumvit area so it's easier if I stay there instead of the river. We went to the river one time in our 2 weeks stay, in order to visit Asiatique night market.
If you travel by taxi you will spend a lot of time sitting in Bangkok traffic. Best to use the sky train!
Enjoy your trip
Carol
