althom1122

What time does it get dark in February?

Spygirl

Hobbes- "worth a dekko"? che cosa e? I'm going to have to check out Central's Thai handicrafts floor-the last time I was there it was the middle of rush hour hell (never never get on the Skytrain at rush hour-or be in a taxi downtown at that time-it IS hell!)

rhkkmk

my comments from several above:

skip the national museum and could also skip suan packard, although a stop is only 30 minutes and it is nice...

you will need at least another fitting in the early stages of your trip...plan on 3 altogether...depending on what is being made....fitting time 15 minutes....cotton house closes often at lunch for about 45 minutes...

seems to me that your plan has you criss crossing town quite a bit...you might want to look at that...

suggest that on the night you are going to lady boy that you eat after the show and that you use that nite to eat at crepes and co....they are open later than many restuarants...i would then switch crepes with what you planned for the lady boy nite....it would work out fine that way...

the food at face is not necessarily hot....tongue thai is hotter imo, but they will tame it down for you as well...i prefer to order things that are not as hot and leave them to spice things as they normally would or i think you loose something from the dish....don't order spicy shrimp, or pad thai....get my gist...

tom yam soup is far too much for me (spicy) and most papaya salads are the same....i will eat a little of the salad however because it is so good...just drink more water and eat rice or more beer with it...eat slowly..

i would definatlely eliminate the following :

cabbages and condoms----bland food

lemongrass---ugly place

my opinions

glorialf

Cabbages and Condums is definitely bland food but it's ok and the atmosphere is different from anyplace else and it has a social purpose which to me makes it worth going to. When no one in the 80s was doing anything about AIDS or HIV it led the way. Therefore I think it should be applauded, seen and supported. But that's me. As I'm sure any regular can tell I one of those old fashioned liberal "do gooders" who actively supports those trying to make a difference.

althom1122

My daughter will insist on Cabbages and Condoms, so bland or not, we'll be eating there one night. (I love her a lot.)

simpsonc510

Chiang Mai is good for silk scarves, silver pieces, and wooden things. Go to Hangdong Market or Bosong market. Especially at Hangdong, you will see people crafting their silver pieces and wooden carvings right at the market. You'll see the silk scarves at some shops at the night market. I went to a silk wholesale shop somewhere in Chiang Mai, but I could not even begin to tell you WHERE. Our driver knew the people and took us there (he probably made a few cents on each scarf I purchased but that's OK!!).

BKK is better for clothing items, but be aware that the Thais are very petite and you might not fit into their clothing unless you are about a size 2!! If you shop at the better malls, you will find clothing in bigger sizes, but don't expect to save much! There are some very cute shoes, if you know sizes.

MBK mall in BKK is a good place to pick up souvenir items. Lots of variety! Check out the 6th or 7th floor(???)either just down from the bowling alley or on the floor just below it. There are stands on most floors from 2 to 6, You should find something of interest! Enjoy shopping in BKK!
Carol

glorialf

Shopping" wooden items definitely in Chiang Mai as carol said. Lots of beaded bags at night market in Chiang Mai -- to my mind more interesting ones than those I saw at the night market in Bangkok. Clothing definitely Bangkok but most will need to be made. Silver jewelry either in Chiang Mai or in the stores near Oriental Hotel and Cotton House.

rhkkmk

gloria---ok the food is bland and the cause is good, but what is unique about the atmosphere at cabbages?? outside the lites are cute but it is a normal garden eatery...inside it is simply plain just like the food...

the shop has some nice condom related items like the flower stems which adore as a centerpiece when my in-laws come to dinner...

the cause is worth while no doubt....personally i much prefer crepes and co next door for food!!!

althom1122

Actually, I am a size 2 (or 4, depending on how they run) - I'm probably a bit taller than most Thais, though (5-4). But will I be able to find lots of ready-made clothing at good prices? Or is it still better to have things made? (For the experience alone, I'll probably want to have something made!) Daughter a 12 - and not into business-type clothing. Not sure what I'll get for her. But obviously I can't have clothing made for myself without getting her something!

simpsonc510

I would think that shopping for someone who is a sz 2 or 4 would be like heaven in BKK. A very petite friend loves to buy her lingerie in BKK! If only I could, too!

(sometimes being of Swedish heritage.. ie: tall with fairly big bones... is just no fun!! LOL)

BillT

althom:
Missing from you list is the Calypso Cabaret - a very classy lady boy show.
$25 at the Asia Hotel- which is connectd to the skytrain. Bring your camera. Cozy theather, go to the cocktail show about 8-8:30 as I recall. Great singing and dancing, costumes, they put on a classy show. Both Bangkok Bob and I give it a big thumbs up- if you miss it you are the loser.

glorialf

I would have good quality clothes made -- i.e. things for work and especially dressy things. You can probably find casula items off the rack.

rhkkmk

the custom made clothing is less than what you pay for off the rack things at home and will be trully unique for you as a momento of your trip...you could not afford the custom made stuff at home on a regular basis...

you will find lots of things to buy off the rack i guess, but the styles may be too asian for you???

glorialf

Bob's right. Also, I can't imagine going all the way to thailand to spend time looking for a pair of jeans even if it is cheaper. Shop for things that are unique to thailand and have clothes made that will remind you of your trip every time you wear it. That said, my friend bought some long dresses in the night market in Chiang Mai that she has been living in in Florida.

simpsonc510

I, too, have a long dress that I got at a street market, but in BKK. The problem with buying from the street is that you cannot try on. Just pay the price (very cheap) and hope it fits! In my case, it was OK.

There are some very nice Thai brands that you might like. "Keven" comes to mind. You will find it at Siam Center and other shopping malls.

It is nice to have custom made items in BKK because the price is reasonable. Make sure you have several fittings, just to be sure the size and fit is right for you.

Maybe the new Siam Paragon will be opening when some of the Dec/Jan/Feb travelers are in BKK!! It is going to be a wonderful new shopping "haunt," I think.

Carol

althom1122

Yup, definitely will have to have some clothes made - whether I find off the rack stuff or not. You're right, it'll be a great trip memento and the experience of having clothing custom-made will be fabulous.
And, Bill, the Calypso Cabaret - I just forgot to mention it! We've already made reservations for our last night in Bangkok. Am planning on meeting fellow Fodorite, eurotraveller (Tamara), on Feb 24 for the early show. If anyone wants to join, we'd love to have you! It looks like a great time and I thought it would be a fun way to end the trip.
Thanks again, everyone!
I'll be posting plans for the other portions of our trip shortly (in a separate thread) and will be looking for more ideas.

marcy_

Omigosh!
Do you have to make reservations for restaurants and shows way in advance for Bangkik?

We're going in January, and I was planning to make reservations when we get there.

Do I need to rethink this?

rhkkmk

generally reservations made the day or or the day before are sufficient in most places....if it is a holiday then that is a different matter....the early bird gets the worm so to speak...

Kathie

Marcy, I also never make dinner reservations until I'm in Bangkok.