nygvic0326

Arriving BKK from HKK midweek at 9:30am. Will have balance of that day, full day thereafter and 1/2 day or so on day #3 before early evening flight to Phuket for 5 days of beach time.

Having never been to Bangkok, what are the must sees from the perspective of the well traveled Fodorites who have visited. Any organized tours that one would recommend to see the important sights, or a local guide they would recommend for the same results.

I enjoy exploring new cultures, museums, religious shrines. Love food so I am sure Bangkok will offer a new culinary experience.

Kathie

I have never used a guide in Bangkok, Bangkok is easy to do on your own. The skytrain is great (albeit crowded) and taxis are cheap. The public water taxis are wonderful transport. Everyone has different interests, so I can't predict what you will want to do. I recommend to friends that they visit the Grand Palace (arrive when it opens at 8:30) and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (inside the palace walls), Wat Po, the Reclining Buddha right next door. Across the river is Wat Arun. All of these can be visited by water taxi in one busy morning.

You really only have one full day in Bangkok and a few hours perhaps on two other days. So the temples I listed plus a little wandering are likely all you have tome for.

LancasterLad

A great way to spend a morning is to catch a public Orange Flag ferry from Central Pier, all the way upstream to Nonthaburi. Takes about an hour each way, and gives a wonderful snapshot of the new and old. The river [Chao Phraya] is the beating heart of Bangkok, and shouldn't be missed.

As for eating an drinking, depends on your budget. Personall I' get off the ferry on the way back at Pier 13 and wander a bit in Banglamphu [Old Bangkok] and see what you find.....there's plenty.

A single ticket on an Orange Flag ferry costs 15 baht!