JackGlasser

Looking into going from NYC to Bangkok and probably to Chang Mai. Probably in late fall- Nov/Dec. Eva Air does ok from nyc-bangkok with change in tapei. Return would require a stopover and possibly tour for a day or so tapei. Through Dubai I think the connection would be tight. My wife now has a lot of knee problems; hence, many steps not so good. Therefore thinking of dong riverfront for a base; BTS-how many steps are there? likewise to take a riverboat. Interested in most of the historical sites, also the ancient city , weekend market; not too much shopping is needed. I dont have a feel for this yet how to configure. Also inquire regarding a guide or and driver for a part of this to help expedite and smooth over the bumps to make things easier and more seamless. wish input including where to stay that makes things easiest.

Kathie

Jack, the BTS does require a lot of stairs. There are escalators at almost every station, but usually only on one side. Your wife might do better with taxis. The river boats don't require any stairs. I'd suggest you consider Rat for a driver. Many people swear by Tong, but she is very hard to schedule. Her contact info is on the other thread. The ancient city is a sort of a theme park intro to Thailand. I don't recommend it. Go see the real thing instead.

Staying on the river is very pleasant and you can watch the river traffic endlessly. Lots of good options on the river.

simpsonc510

BTS escalators, for the most part, only go UP. You must do the stairs coming down. The only exception is at the Siam station, where the two BTS train lines intersect. Otherwise, it is one UP escalator on either side of each station, and they are located on opposite "corners" of the stations. Taxis would be a much better option for you (even though you can sit and sit and SIT in heavy traffic sometimes).

I would agree that a riverside location in Bangkok would be good for your stay.

You should hire a driver to take you around Chiang Mai and the area surrounding CM, for your entire stay. Your hotel should be able to help you with that. We used to stay at a hotel that has been a Sheraton, a Westin, a Crowne Plaza, and I've lost track of all the other chain names it has been branded over the years. The first time we stayed there, we met (and hired) a driver who was parked outside the hotel along the street. He was excellent, and to this day, we still call him when we are in CM to drive us around! So, a driver that you hire for several days is not a problem at all.

rhkkmk

forget the skytrain... i rarely use it anymore... its taxis for me, plus you arrive cool and dry..

hiring someone like rat would be perfect for you... drop off at the door and collect near to the door--it can't be better and an affordable hourly rate... keep the wife happy...

take a look at chatrium riverside as an alternative... also anantara riverside--former marriott.. i'll be there in nov for 13 nights..

away from the river we like marriott sukhumvit park, plaza anthanee, marriott mayfair, and many more..

the korean air flt from jfk is fantastic... tons of room on the A-380 and fantastic service and comfort, even in coach..

JackGlasser

Kathie-onRAT's web site-a number of names of people but which one is RAT? Unclear about the ancient city-which one is the real one? Simpsonc510---this great driver in CM-you have a contact site-email or web?

simpsonc510

Jack, sorry, no web site or email for Jit. Son contacts him by phone when we are flying into CM.

I'm just suggesting that your hotel can arrange for a driver. There are plenty of them.

Kathie

Jack, the place called the "Ancient City" is a theme-park like place, with replicas of famous places in Thailand. Instead, go visit the major wats along the river: The Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha, Wat Po, and Wat Arun.

Just email Rat. She will drive you if she can, she will give you one of her drivers if she cannot. Also, Rat has a sister in Chiang Mai who is also a driver. She can set you up with her. So when you email Rat inquire about her sister as well.

JackGlasser

there is the ancient capital near bangkok-please fill me in on this

Kathie

Ayutthaya, an ancient capital near Bangkok is well worth a day trip if you like ruins.

Kathie

PS - Do you have a guide book yet? Look at the photos of Ayutthaya and the summary of it and see if it interests you. We enjoyed our daytip there.

forgottenlife

Kathie's right, Ayutthaya is a fantastic day trip. You can book this in Bangkok with a local tour company, they will usually pick you up at your hotel on the day. The trip to Ayutthaya is usually by boat on river Chaophraya, and bus back, or the other way round.

Most big hotels along the river are nice (Sheraton, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, etc), but they could look a bit tired since they were the first wave of big hotels built in Bangkok. I personally prefer to stay at Chitlom (map: http://goo.gl/maps/lfRqp ) it is more central and close to all the big shopping malls and restaurants. Hotels in this area include Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt and Four Seasons. The cheaper options Holiday Inn Bangkok and Marriott Courtyard are not bad too.

ENGLEFIELD

Hi agree with rhkkmk Chatrium Suites is worthy of consideration, Great rooms overlooking the River and first class team to look after you. Good dinners by the river at night. Not far from Asiatique a newish Night-market with many restaurants and is easy to walk round. Taxis are cheap and door to door- just carry your Hotel name-card with you.

A guide/driver does and will smooth out the bumps and is in my opinion worth the cost. Not sure how you long you plan to be in Bangkok but loads to see in and around the city. The Grand Palace is beautiful and is a must see. The Ancient City has never appealed as Kathie says go see something real.

For a guide/driver you could try Wandee, e mail [email protected] she has never disappointed or let us down over a number of visits. Fair prices and good to be with

Have a great visit who knows maybe the heat will be good for your wife's knees- hope so I know I move better when I am there.