Bangkok day trips
Jan 13th, 2004 | 07:03 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
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there are really not any good beaches that close to bkk...some are about 2.5 hours away....
the floating market is a good day trip as is the river kwai bridge...the ancient capital, north of bkk, is also popular---
some would say bkk is a jungle in its own right...i think the kind of jungle you want is too far away....
you will find plenty to do in bkk for a week, with or without leaving the city...
remember it is very hot and humid and july is about as bad as it gets in that respect, so you have to move slowly...lots of swimming is how i deal with the heat....tour and shop...swim..tour...swim..eat in a/c...relax
you will not accomplish nearly as much as you would if you were touring europe say...so plan accordingly....
the floating market is a good day trip as is the river kwai bridge...the ancient capital, north of bkk, is also popular---
some would say bkk is a jungle in its own right...i think the kind of jungle you want is too far away....
you will find plenty to do in bkk for a week, with or without leaving the city...
remember it is very hot and humid and july is about as bad as it gets in that respect, so you have to move slowly...lots of swimming is how i deal with the heat....tour and shop...swim..tour...swim..eat in a/c...relax
you will not accomplish nearly as much as you would if you were touring europe say...so plan accordingly....
Jan 14th, 2004 | 03:19 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 426
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I second the vote for the floating markets - the rumored best one is the farthest away (1.5 - 2 hours?).
A trip to Ayuddhaya (ancient city ruins) is one that's been high on my list that I haven't made it to yet.
Do visit the Jim Thompson house (read the book about him before you go if you can find it) - an interesting character. He was an expat in Thailand who resurrected the Thai silk industry (by getting the new production of The King and I to use Thai silk, for example), and then mysteriously disappeared. Not, perhaps, one of Bangkok's greatest wonders, but interesting, anyway. His house and the bar are great to visit.
A trip to Ayuddhaya (ancient city ruins) is one that's been high on my list that I haven't made it to yet.
Do visit the Jim Thompson house (read the book about him before you go if you can find it) - an interesting character. He was an expat in Thailand who resurrected the Thai silk industry (by getting the new production of The King and I to use Thai silk, for example), and then mysteriously disappeared. Not, perhaps, one of Bangkok's greatest wonders, but interesting, anyway. His house and the bar are great to visit.
Jan 14th, 2004 | 04:29 AM
#4
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
You are very lucky to have so much time to spend in a fascinating city! You will have the opportunity to see sights that most people don't as they blow through in 2-3 days. Your hotel would have info on day trips, also run a search here at take a look at the "Destinations" guide put together by Fodors, click on Destinations above. Get a good guidebook for other suggestions. I am not sure what your interests are, but here are some suggestions both in and out of Bangkok:
1. The National Museum is excellent and has tours in English twice a week. Check with your hotel for times and dates. English tours are usually in the mornings on Wednesdays and Thursdays
2. There are also out-of-the way temples like the Golden Mount that are worth a trip. The Vimarnmek Palace (one of the King's several palaces in Bangkok and elsewhere) is made up of several buildings and extensive grounds and is worth a few hours, they have some beautiful handicrafts for sale, esp really exquisite basketwork items.
3. As noted above, Jim Thompson's house (as opposed to just going to one of his many shops) is beautiful and may inspire you to redo your own home in Thai style. Website for the Jim Thompson house is www.jimthompsonhouse.com, and it has links to their shops as well.
4. You can take Thai cooking lessons. The Oriental Hotel's are the best but last for 4-5 days; but several hotels and restaurants offer 3 hour courses, as does Jim Thompson's house. Check the website for the Oriental Hotel at mandarin-oriental.com/Bangkok. The Landmark Hotel offers a 3-hour class which is fun. Their website does not seem to contain info (www.landmarkbangkok.com) you might call, fax or e-mail them at tel 66- 2-254 -0404 , Fax: 66- 2-253-4259 E-mail: [email protected]
5. You could spend at least a day just chilling by your hotel pool and/or getting a massage or spa treatment. The Oriental Hotel has a famous spa, and there are very good spas at the JW Marriott, the Marriott Riverside Hotel and the Sheraton Royal Orchid (have not been to the latter, but it is operated by Mandara, which operates the spas in the Marriott which are great.) Take a look at mandarin-oriental.com/Bangkok and www.mandaraspa.com.
6. Shop! Bangkok really has some of the best shopping in the world, IMO in terms of handicrafts, jewellery, artwork, etc. I would recommend you buy a map called "Nancy Chandler's Guide to Bangkok" You can it buy it on the web from her website (Nancychandler.net) (you can order to have it delivered in Thailand, maybe to your hotel?), or your hotel may have a copy in their gift shop or bookshop.
7. You could easily spend a day at the Weekend market shopping for virtually everything under the sun. Nancy Chandler map mentioned above contains a special map on what items are located where in the market. It is very easy to get lost in the market, and this map is helpful.
8. Take a day boat trip on the Chao Phrya river. There are several trips offered by tour companies which will take which go by bus first to Ayyuthia, and the summer palace of the King, and then you head back to Bangkok by the river, a very pleasant 3-4 hour journey. The trip is run by the Shangri-La hotel, take a look at www.shangri-la.com, or call, fax or e-mail the hotel at Tel: 66-2- 236 7777, Fax: 66-2- 236 8579 , Email: [email protected]. The ship is called the Horizon Cruise II. Others on this site may have more other suggestions for day cruises operated by other companies.
9. You could go to one of the floating markets, like the traditional floating market in Ratchburi Province, which is about 100 km from Bangkok. You should see the market in the early morning hours, so you need to consider this when making your plans.
10. If you can commit to a one or two night trip, you might consider going to the Chiva Som Spa & Resort on the beach in Hua Hin, about 3 hours south of Bangkok. (You could stop at the floating market on the way.) This is a world-class spa, which generally makes the list of top 10 spas in the world. A 5-star hotel on the beach with incredible food - you won't even know you are eating health food. You can take water aerobics or other fitness classes, work out in the gym or try one of dozens of face and body treatments. Truly Thai pampering! Take a look at chivasom.net
11. Another suggestion would be that you take a 1 night cruise on one of the converted rice barges up or down river from Bangkok. This will give you an opportunity to see the river which is the life blood of Thailand, and see a bit of nature as well. I did this a few years ago, but the company I used is no longer in business. The Bangkok Marriott Resort & spa (on the river) has a lovely rice barge called the Manhora Song which I believe does overnight trips. They also have a very nice dinner cruise. There are only about 10 tables so it is quiet, as contrasted to the loud booze cruise dinner cruises with several hundred people which ply the river at night. Take a look at marriotto.com , or phone or fax the hotel at tel 66-2-476-0022 Fax: 66-2-476-1120. You can also contact them by e-mail by going through the Marriott.com website.
July will be very hot, humid and prone to rain in Bangkok and elsewhere, so bear this in mind when planning trips and also take is slow and drink lots of water.
1. The National Museum is excellent and has tours in English twice a week. Check with your hotel for times and dates. English tours are usually in the mornings on Wednesdays and Thursdays
2. There are also out-of-the way temples like the Golden Mount that are worth a trip. The Vimarnmek Palace (one of the King's several palaces in Bangkok and elsewhere) is made up of several buildings and extensive grounds and is worth a few hours, they have some beautiful handicrafts for sale, esp really exquisite basketwork items.
3. As noted above, Jim Thompson's house (as opposed to just going to one of his many shops) is beautiful and may inspire you to redo your own home in Thai style. Website for the Jim Thompson house is www.jimthompsonhouse.com, and it has links to their shops as well.
4. You can take Thai cooking lessons. The Oriental Hotel's are the best but last for 4-5 days; but several hotels and restaurants offer 3 hour courses, as does Jim Thompson's house. Check the website for the Oriental Hotel at mandarin-oriental.com/Bangkok. The Landmark Hotel offers a 3-hour class which is fun. Their website does not seem to contain info (www.landmarkbangkok.com) you might call, fax or e-mail them at tel 66- 2-254 -0404 , Fax: 66- 2-253-4259 E-mail: [email protected]
5. You could spend at least a day just chilling by your hotel pool and/or getting a massage or spa treatment. The Oriental Hotel has a famous spa, and there are very good spas at the JW Marriott, the Marriott Riverside Hotel and the Sheraton Royal Orchid (have not been to the latter, but it is operated by Mandara, which operates the spas in the Marriott which are great.) Take a look at mandarin-oriental.com/Bangkok and www.mandaraspa.com.
6. Shop! Bangkok really has some of the best shopping in the world, IMO in terms of handicrafts, jewellery, artwork, etc. I would recommend you buy a map called "Nancy Chandler's Guide to Bangkok" You can it buy it on the web from her website (Nancychandler.net) (you can order to have it delivered in Thailand, maybe to your hotel?), or your hotel may have a copy in their gift shop or bookshop.
7. You could easily spend a day at the Weekend market shopping for virtually everything under the sun. Nancy Chandler map mentioned above contains a special map on what items are located where in the market. It is very easy to get lost in the market, and this map is helpful.
8. Take a day boat trip on the Chao Phrya river. There are several trips offered by tour companies which will take which go by bus first to Ayyuthia, and the summer palace of the King, and then you head back to Bangkok by the river, a very pleasant 3-4 hour journey. The trip is run by the Shangri-La hotel, take a look at www.shangri-la.com, or call, fax or e-mail the hotel at Tel: 66-2- 236 7777, Fax: 66-2- 236 8579 , Email: [email protected]. The ship is called the Horizon Cruise II. Others on this site may have more other suggestions for day cruises operated by other companies.
9. You could go to one of the floating markets, like the traditional floating market in Ratchburi Province, which is about 100 km from Bangkok. You should see the market in the early morning hours, so you need to consider this when making your plans.
10. If you can commit to a one or two night trip, you might consider going to the Chiva Som Spa & Resort on the beach in Hua Hin, about 3 hours south of Bangkok. (You could stop at the floating market on the way.) This is a world-class spa, which generally makes the list of top 10 spas in the world. A 5-star hotel on the beach with incredible food - you won't even know you are eating health food. You can take water aerobics or other fitness classes, work out in the gym or try one of dozens of face and body treatments. Truly Thai pampering! Take a look at chivasom.net
11. Another suggestion would be that you take a 1 night cruise on one of the converted rice barges up or down river from Bangkok. This will give you an opportunity to see the river which is the life blood of Thailand, and see a bit of nature as well. I did this a few years ago, but the company I used is no longer in business. The Bangkok Marriott Resort & spa (on the river) has a lovely rice barge called the Manhora Song which I believe does overnight trips. They also have a very nice dinner cruise. There are only about 10 tables so it is quiet, as contrasted to the loud booze cruise dinner cruises with several hundred people which ply the river at night. Take a look at marriotto.com , or phone or fax the hotel at tel 66-2-476-0022 Fax: 66-2-476-1120. You can also contact them by e-mail by going through the Marriott.com website.
July will be very hot, humid and prone to rain in Bangkok and elsewhere, so bear this in mind when planning trips and also take is slow and drink lots of water.
Jan 15th, 2004 | 02:29 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
The book about Jim Thompson mentioned above is called "Jim Thompson Unsolved Mystery" and is by William Warren. You may be able to find it on amazon.com. You can often find it in hotel book stores and gift shops (that's where I found mine). William Warren has written or collaborated on several design books about Thailand, including a great coffee table book is "Thai Style". This book might be a good memory for you of Thailand.
A classic to read before or on your trip is "English Governess at the Siamese Court" by Anna Leonowens, the basis of "The King and I" and derivative films. You can usually find it in hotel bookshops. No indication at all that the King was in love with her, and this thought actually offends many Thais, so I wouldn't mention it.
Some other good books about Thailand are "Thai Ways" and "More Thai Ways" by Dennis Segaller and "Rice Without Rain" by Ho Minfong. The first is a book about the customs and culture of Thailand. The second is a fictional account of Thailand in the 1950's, gives good insight into how the country evolved peacefully (somewhat) into a democracy. She has also written a book called Sing to the Dawn, which I have not read. Both are very interesting. (Ms Ho's book is consider Young Adult fiction but I still found it interesting and readable.) The "Culture Shock! Thailand" book is also helpful in understanding Thai culture (and sometimes behaviour). it is part of the Culture Shock Series of books about virtually every country in the world printed by Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company. You can find them on the web or your local bookstore may have it or can order it for you.
A classic to read before or on your trip is "English Governess at the Siamese Court" by Anna Leonowens, the basis of "The King and I" and derivative films. You can usually find it in hotel bookshops. No indication at all that the King was in love with her, and this thought actually offends many Thais, so I wouldn't mention it.
Some other good books about Thailand are "Thai Ways" and "More Thai Ways" by Dennis Segaller and "Rice Without Rain" by Ho Minfong. The first is a book about the customs and culture of Thailand. The second is a fictional account of Thailand in the 1950's, gives good insight into how the country evolved peacefully (somewhat) into a democracy. She has also written a book called Sing to the Dawn, which I have not read. Both are very interesting. (Ms Ho's book is consider Young Adult fiction but I still found it interesting and readable.) The "Culture Shock! Thailand" book is also helpful in understanding Thai culture (and sometimes behaviour). it is part of the Culture Shock Series of books about virtually every country in the world printed by Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company. You can find them on the web or your local bookstore may have it or can order it for you.
Jan 15th, 2004 | 05:08 AM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
I would recommend the day trip to Ayuthaya that buses you up and "boats" you back with lunch -- the 4 hr ride down the Chao Praya is fascinating and relaxing. We used the "Pearl of Siam" one.
As for cooking classes I recommend the one at the Blue Elephant. I took it last month. They are different menus for each day of the week so you could do one or more and not repeat. Take a morning class for the first one as it includes a market tour. They are very easily accessible -- right on top of the Sursak skytrain stop. Warning -- don't eat much of your own food -- because they then serve you a full meal!!! Website is: http://blueelephant.com/school/index.html
The cost is about $70. US -- less than the Oriental and more than some other classes. We were there from 8:30am to 2:30pm -- excellent experience! You can reserve by email easily. If you get "Kong" -- you'll be in luck -- but I've heard they really put good people on these classes.
As for cooking classes I recommend the one at the Blue Elephant. I took it last month. They are different menus for each day of the week so you could do one or more and not repeat. Take a morning class for the first one as it includes a market tour. They are very easily accessible -- right on top of the Sursak skytrain stop. Warning -- don't eat much of your own food -- because they then serve you a full meal!!! Website is: http://blueelephant.com/school/index.html
The cost is about $70. US -- less than the Oriental and more than some other classes. We were there from 8:30am to 2:30pm -- excellent experience! You can reserve by email easily. If you get "Kong" -- you'll be in luck -- but I've heard they really put good people on these classes.
