BKK- Various
 

We leave in one week for BKK. Will be there until 11/12. Staying at the Westin Sukhumvit. A few questions:

Taxis- what would be the total cost from the airport to the hotel and what add ons are there (tolls, airport charge) and do we just pay the total to the driver? We are arriving on Thai airlines - is there a manned taxi stand there where I give our destination and that person instructs the driver? Do I tip this person?

Food- has anyone tried these places: Boran, Black Swan, Bei Otto?

Money exchange- is there a good place to exchange my US$ near the hotel or should I just do it at the airport?

We just booked a taxi to the airport tomorrow from Sukhumvit Soi 20, 370 baht flat rate. But the meter fare was very close to that coming, including tolls and "driver" charge. Yes, an attendant at the taxi stand to give your destination. Don't know if he should be tipped.

We ate at Bei Otto, expensive and OK but I think the best part is the bakery. We bought good bread and brought it back for our guesthouse to toast for our breakfast instead of their standard white bread.

Best exchange rates are at ATM's. No need to exchange unless for some reason yoj prefer it.

As I was saying...unless you prefer changing money. Not sure why you would. But regarding ATM's, I used 2 while I've been here, both unfortunately Bangkok Bank, was charged 150 baht for each transaction. Not sure if other banks charge similarly but try elsewhere.

taxi should be 250-400. no tip to taxi starter. 50B will be added to taxi fare for starter etc. tolls are about 70 B and will be added to fare---i usually have 100B ready to give him at toll booth.

i prefer to make ATM withdrawals for my cash needs. ATM are at airport and all around sukhumvit. 30-31 is the general rate

VASU on Sukhumvit @ Nana BTS Station has always had the best exchange rate when we have been there. It is on the street at the north stair to the Nana BTS. But I always get some Baht from the airport exchange to take care of transportation. Simpsonc will probably add to this.

See you on the 3rd.

Sandra

Thanks Sandra- I think we said 4 pm in our hotel lobby correct? We will be in the lobby looking for you but for some reason you don't see us just call our room from the lobby.

Bill, VASU is the best. Absolutely! But, yes, I would pick up some baht at the airport to get you into the city. VASU is on the corner of Sukhumvit and soi 7/1. There are big windows on two sides, but with the blinds drawn so you don't see inside. From Westin it is probably a 7-10 minute walk to get there, or take BTS just the one stop to Nana. Vasu is right below the Nana station. I always go down the stairs closest to soi 11 (which is the closest stairway in the direction of your hotel) and then make a u-turn and go the short walk, past soi 9 (very small) to the next soi, 7/1.

I've seen Black Swan. Never tried it. Not sure if it is a good choice or not. I don't know if DS has eaten there or not. He has tried many places in the Sukhumvit area. What kind of food are you wanting?

I paid 70 baht in tolls, and my meter was on 210, I think, when we got to my hotel. Adding 50 baht airport fee to that, which the drivers never do mention, that's 260, and I gave the driver 300 baht. So 370 was what I paid in all. And no, you do not tip the person at the taxi stand. Your taxi driver will escort you to his cab and take your baggage cart. There is no one at the curb who opens the door, like a doorman at a hotel. There is just the person at the booth, to whom you give the name of your hotel (Weston on Sukhumvit) and the taxi drivers get out of their cabs and line up in a queue to be there for the next fare in line. Very easy!

The new Sofitel is very close to your hotel. I really think you would enjoy the view (and a drink) at the outdoor bar on the top floor. It's nice up there! It's just past soi 15, if you are walking. It's the big tall building with a driveway going in off of Sukhumvit. Drink prices... can't recall... but definitely more reasonable than Sky Bar!!

You might like:

Tapas on Soi 11
Monsoon on Soi 8

I totally agree with rayong on those two suggestions. Also Via Vai on soi 8 (directly across from Monsoon and 'my' Adelphi Suites hotel). Via Vai is pizza (the best we've found in BKK) if you are craving something western!