Hi

I'm now in Bangkok and I'm here for the 4th time actually. I arrived early in the morning and I checked into Lebua at the State tower. I went out to check out the town right away and it didn't take long before I was soaked in sweat...it was 30 degrees + and 80% humidity

The city has grown even more and places like CentralWorld (former World Trade Center) used to be big but now it has been extended and the place is HUGE. I have travelled across town on both the BTS (skytrain) and the subway and it beats getting stuck in traffic. As I have been here before I'm pretty much able to ignore the taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers that are trying to con tourists around the main attractions...but it is still fun to talk to the locals. The Thai are generally very nice and I have been asked several times today where I am from and if I'm here on vacation etc. Most of them are not great when it comes to English but they seem to try at least and that is fun.

I didn't get that much done today as it was pouring down for a couple of hours and I'm jet lagged anyway after coming home from South Africa on Tuesday and then going on to Bangkok on Wednesday.

But it is great to be back in Bangkok and Thailand. It is fun to smell all the different smalls from traffic, from street vendors making food, from incense from wats etc. If you are going to Thailand make sure that you make a few days in stop in Bangkok. It is a city of contrasts, it is a city that can get you stressed...but just relax and walk around and look at the city and I'm sure you will be just as fascinated as I am.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Ah, it conjures up the sounds and smells of Bangkok to read your comments! When you get a chance, tell us about Lebua at the State Tower - how do you like it?

Hi

Yes, I will get back to the Lebua. So far I am very happy with it. The room is huge, the service is good etc. Tomorrow I'm testing out the breakfast and I might also check out one of the restaurants here. But the view from 55th floor is pretty good

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Thanks for the beginning of what promises to be an informative report. Glad you enjoy Bangkok as much as most of us do here on this forum.

I can almost smell the smells as you describe the city! I'm anxious to get back there in July.

Is Lebua an apartment hotel or a regular hotel? I like apartments.

Do take a look at Breezes restaurant and give us your impressions. It is on one of the upper floors of the building. It looks good. Friends who have taken a look but not dined there say it is a really neat place.

Enjoy your return visit to Thailand. I look forward to more of your impressions.

Carol

30 degrees in BKK is a nice day! It was 37 when I was there 2 weeks ago.

Lebua is an apartment style hotel. The room (1 bedroom suite) I had there was really dark with the only outside light coming from the sliding glass door (that you're not allowed to open) in the bedroom. The living room was very dark and poorly lit. Elevators were a bit slow when waiting to go down/up from your floor, but always available to take you up to your room. Location is good and the view from the rooftop is one of the best in BKK.

Hi

I'm not sure how hot it has been here as there are not that many thermometers in town...but it is 30+ that's for sure. It has been a another hot day here today

The Lebua is partially flats and partial hotel. The hotel rooms are from floor 51 and up if I'm not mistaken and they are all "flats" from size 66 square meters (710 square feet) and up. I have not reflected over the room being dark but it is true that the only natural light comes from the sliding doors. I can understand why they are locked by the way...I can only imagine what would happen if you lost something from the terrace hitting someone at e.g. the pool area.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Gard-thanks for the update. I always enjoy reading your impressions of Thailand. Your early report was an inspiration for us Pandas. No penalty.

I'm waiting to hear what you decided to do for someone special day there!

Hi gard, how was south africa? If I remember right you are from Europe correct? That non stop flight we took from jo'berg to the states was TERRIBLE! That's a lot of flying you have been doing. Hope you have a good FF program!
Enjoy bkk and hope to see the pics when your back, you always have pics! Jeffrey