If you are too tired/hot to visit Wat Arun on Day 1, it is easy to do on Day 2. I usually take the water taxi to the GP/EB stop (look on the Nancy Chandler map for the name of the stop) visit there, then walk the block or two to Wat Po, then walk to the water taxi stop and take the foot ferry across the river to Wat Arun. You'll have to take the foot ferry back across the river to catch the water taxi back to your hotel.

That afternoon, you might want to take the skytrain to the Sukhumvit area - visit a mall or two, stop at the Erawan Shrine, etc.

Once you are in Bangkok, you may choose to fiddle with your itinerary a bit, maybe move to JT House to Day 2 afternoon, then spend part of the afternoon on Day 3 at shopping malls and the Erawan shrine.

Have a wonderful time in my favorite city!

Thanks, Kathie,

It's very helpful to get a sense of how things relate to one another. I do study that map diligently, but until I'm actually there, it's impossible to know what a place actually feels like.

I do like having an itinerary, but also know that we won't necessarily see everything. On the other hand, I might end up with more time than I expect, and it's helpful to have options for what to see or do.

Paule

Kathie,
Directions to Chote Chitr would be much appreciated!
Paule

Here are my directions:

For those who want to try, here are our directions from Wat Suthat. As you exit Wat Suthat, you are facing the Giant Swing. Turn left, and walk down Bamrung Mueang to Tanao Road. This is not far, as you cross just one busy intersection before you come to Tanao Road. Turn right on Tanao Road and cross the street so you are walking on the south side of Tanao. Chote Chitr is on the first small street that branches off of Tanao. Elizabeth is right, the shoe/clothing store on the SW corner of Tanao and Phraeng Phuton is a great landmark. There is no street sign for Phraeng Phuton, but the tiny restaurant is just a few shops up this small side street. It pays to arrive before noon, as it fills up quickly and completely at noon.

Have the concierge at your hotel write down the name and the address for you. Have the concierge call and make sure they are open.

Some additional info: There is an English sign (Chote Chitr) and the street number is 146. The phone number is 02221 4082.

Thanks, Kathie. It looks like a wonderful spot - if I can get there, I will!

I also suspect that when we get there, the itinerary will be tweaked. I'm still leaning toward having a guide for the first day as I would like someone to help orient us, especially as I'd like to see a range of sights, some not easy to find. With familiarity, I'm sure I'd have no problem with trying this on my own normally, but for the first day, I think the comfort of having someone there will be helpful.

We used a private boat to take us around our first touring day. Bargain and it may be worthwhile. The river did not seem that dirty to us and it was cooler than on land. He took us to the Palace, waited, then Wat Arun and then thru a bunch of klongs. Plus a temple to feed fish, and lots of other stuff. It was a lovely day (4/5 hours)and not too hot or tiring.

Elaine,
That's an interesting idea. How easy was it to find someone to hire and where did you go to find the private boat?

I did the food tour you're contemplating and it was excellent. I am planning on doing the Chinatown one with the same company on my next visit. After the food tour I had a couple of hours rest at my hotel and then did a Sunset bike ride round the river. This was also a great way to see Bangkok from a different perspective. I'm 65 and I don't do much cycling but i had no problems with it.

We went to the dock at our hotel (Shangri-la), some small longboats there like taxis. We told the dockman what we wanted and he told the boat guys. Prices were suggested, we bargained gently and off we went. Our driver seemed happy for multi-hour passengers.

Thanks for the info, Elainee. Very helpful to get different options.

Silverwool. Did you take the sunset bike ride with a tour or on your own?

Also, Elainee, how much was the private longboat rental? Sounds interesting. Thanks.

I do not remember what it cost. But we liked it.

That's an interesting way to do it, Elainee. I've always just taken the water taxis - very cheap and a quintessential Bangkok experience, IMO.

It was a tour with Spice Roads but there was only a guide and one other tourist so not really like a tour. The link is: http://www.spiceroads.com/tours/sunset_ride

I did it in July and there wasn't much of a sunset but it was great fun.

The bike ride looks like fun, and I'll have to add that to our next trip!

I've decided to hire a guide for the first day to help shepherd us from site to site, and have booked the BKK food tour for day 3. Following Kathie's recommendations to switch Jim Thompson's house to Day 2:

Day 1: (full day) Monday, Jan 20th.

-Chinatown/Wat Traimit
-Golden Mount
-Giant Swing & Temple
-Bowl-making street
-Any good street food or local place
-Khlong tour to artist village/artists house & shadow puppet show at 2PM
-Wat Arun (stop on way back) -- if not too tired

Day 2: Tues, Jan 21 (on our own - no guide or driver)
The major sights:
-Grand Palace/Wat Po/Wat Phra Kaew. (travel by ferry)
-Jim Thompson House

Day 3: Wed Jan 22 - Big Wedding anniversary!
-BKK Food tour
-Sukhumvit/shopping
-Massage somewhere

Evening:
Gaggan
A sky bar for drinks

-------
Any recommendations or additions? We arrive late Sunday afternoon, so weekend markets are out. Are there any weekday markets that are worthwhile visiting that could fit in with the above?

I like the overall feel of this itinerary -- a nice mix of major sights and at least a small sense of place. There's room to see more, but at least a few of the "biggies" are included.

HI! Looks like a good itinerary. we look forward to meeting you on the 21 Jan. we are currently traveling around Turkey so missed your post.

Hi YT,
Looking forward to our meeting, too! Have fun in Turkey - was there on 2001 and loved it.
Paule

Have a wonderful time in Bangkok!

Thank you Elainee and Silverwool for your answers.

Progol, am copying your plan for our upcoming trip.