japanovice

Hi All,

Any suggestions on what to do with an 8 hour layover in Bangkok airport?

Have been to Bangkok before and the trip from the airport to the city, with traffic conditions there, doesn't seem reasonable.

What do you think?
Thanks

Craig

You didn't say what time you will be stuck in the airport but if it is during the day, you can always get a day room at either the Amari or the Rama Gardens. On the other hand, I suppose you could go into Bangkok for a few hours, if you wanted to do some quick shopping of if there was some place you were really intent on seeing - if you hop in a cab and tell the driver to take the highway in, its about a 45 minute trip - at rush hour it could be longer but I would think not that much.

rhkkmk

if during the day why not take a day room at the rama gardens hotel and enjoy the pool

japanovice

Thanks for the suggestions.

I arrive in BKK at 14:15 and fly out at 22:15. If I want to take a day-room, is there likely to be a problem with leaving the airport? I am booked through to Tokyo.

Is the pool indoor or outdoor? The idea of a swim after a 10 hour fight is very enticing!!

Will meanwhile google the hotels - see what the rates are and so on - I am on a very tight budget.

Thanks!

Craig

I don't believe you will be able to get a day rate if unless you check out before 18:00. If you are coming from another country, you would have to go through immigration but otherwise I don't think you'd have a problem. The Rama Gardens is the less expensive of the two hotels. Even if you don't get a day rate, its fairly inexpensive. The swimming pool is outdoors but its usually hot in Bangkok.

rhkkmk

the rama gardens pool is outdoors...like most pools in thailand...

the full rate at rama is only about $59 US so fairly reasonable...its a 20 minute or less taxi ride in both directions...leave more time for return to airport...

don't think you will have an issue with short stay leaving airport...have to go through immigration...do you need a visa....usa residents do not

japanovice

Found both hotels on the internet and e-mail addresses for them. Have written to both. Waiting now to hear from them re room availability and rates.

Will let you all know as soon as I get an answer.

Thanks for the interesr and the help!

On another forum someone suggested getting two foot massages for 1-hour each - not a bad idea really. It can be done in the airport itself.

Worst comes to worst I can always find a place to sit down and read...

Kathie

Book through www.asiahotels.com In my experience you'll find better rates than from the hotels themselves. The rooms at the Rama Gardens are nicer - ask for one in the new building.

rhkkmk

as far as massages go there are now at least one large massage place right in the middle of the airport lounge....looded very nice....but you could have that at the hotel as well i am sure and probably cheaper...the food situation is not all that great at the airport either, but you could always go over to the amari for that i guess...

JamesA

I would agree with the idea of Rama Gardens.

japanovice

Yikes! The Amari wants US$97 room only per room. (Day use at 8.00-22.00).
That lets them out!

No answer yet from the Rama Gardens...

Kathie -
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll go check them out now.

rhkkmk

i would think $97 to ber reasonable

japanovice

Might be reasonable for some. Not for my budget.

No answers yet from either the Rama Gardens nor from www.asiahotels

I think though that Craig may be right - the special at the Rama Gardens even at the full rate would be worthwhile. Problem is that if they don't answer inquiries, how do I reserve a room there with confidence? Same problem with www.asiahotels...

Craig

Try planetholiday.com - I have used them successfully in the past and their rates are excellent. They have a system where you can communicate with them in real time directly over the internet. I've used it and it works well. Just click on the icon that says "Live Chat Assistance" - much better than e-mail.

Kathie

Others have had problems when they sent email to asiahotels.com, but I've always received a response within 24 hours when I fill out a booking form on their website. One time they were having problems with aol mail getting though, but other than that I've had quick responses from them.

rhkkmk

try these two booking agencies:

www.huahin.20m.com
www.asiavoyage24.com

japanovice

Sorry that I didn't see these last posting is time.

But - only just got an answer from Rama Gardens. They want 2,000 baht, about US$49.00.

Definitely worth while, so I immediately answered and reserved the room for 6 hours with pool privileges.

Thanks to all of you for your help and advice!