closetcrafty

Will be holidaying in Bangkok from 21 Jan - 26 Jan 05. Not very keen on the touristy stuff, main purpose is Chatuchak. Will be spending the entire weekend at the market and the rest of the days I'd love to just chill at some quaint places (no bars pls). Any suggestions?

Still hunting for a hotel to book for first 3 nites. Anyone knows of any boutique or modern business hotels around Silom or Sukhumvit area...budget, 1000bht - 1500bht p/nite? Will be staying in Ibrik Resort the last 2 nites, heard it's awesome!

rhkkmk

if crafts interest check with the schedule for the thai craft assoc. sale dates at the ambassador hotel:
www.thaicraft.org
these sales are at 10AM---get there a 9:30 on saturdays--not every week however...they are fantastic...

can't believe you could ever spend more than 4 hours total at weekend market...get a nancy chandler map to assist you

try priceline for hotels or

www.huahin.20m.com and scroll down to other towns.. or
www.asiavoyage24.com

SidB

What are you looking for at Chatuchak ?

closetcrafty

It's a buying trip, in fact 2 days is too little. I'm looking for minimalist home interior stuff and men toiletries/accessories. Hopefully chatuchak's the place? Might set up a little stall in KL where I live.

Thanks for the tips! ;1

SidB

Don't recall seeing any last time I was there. Not that i was looking.

Good luck shopping anyway.

SidB

So how was the Ibrik ? We're due to go in 6 weeks and a review would be great.

Guenmai

Chateau de Bangkok by Sofitel an Accor hotel...200 meters from the Ploenchit skytrain station which is one stop from the Chitlom station (lots of shopping) and two stops from the Siam station (the main station) and more shopping. I paid 1500Baht( about 1800 with tax) for a Jr. Suite with kitchenette... in Aug 2004. There's a pool on the roof and a laundry room to was clothes.Very nice. Happy Travels!

Guenmai

Yes, order a Nancy Chandler map at nancychandler.net. I can't believe that you want to spend that many days at Chatuchak. I love to shop, but I usually get there early in the morning and am gone by 11.30 AM. It gets very crowded and stifling hot in there. Happy Travels!

Spygirl

The Metropolitan on Sathorn Rd., across from Lumphini Park. It's as hip trendy and contemporary as its sister hotel in London-THE place to go now in London, btw. BKK's opened in late 2003.

Guenmai

I stayed at the Metropolitan in Aug 2004 and loved it. However, for closetcrafty, it's not within the price range you asked about. But, if you want to eat some very tasty and healthy food,lunch type of food, then eat at the restaurant that is upstairs.Plus they have a club. And they are big on the spa thing there so you could go to the spa. What I liked about staying at the Met is that it's so relaxing, refreshing and it's modern, hip, and the rooms felt more like you were staying in a single apartment than in a hotel room....quite spacious and the bathroom was heavenly and smelled great with the aromatherapy soap sitting around.I had a standard room,got a great introductory price, but saw the split level suite which comes with a butler that will set the dining room table, downstairs, so that you can eat in. It was a wonderful suite and goes for $450. It was also nice to see the staff sleekly dressed in Yojhi Yamamoto, me being into fashion and all. It was just a breath of fresh air in Bangkok...although I'm not giving up the Four Seasons anytime soon...I'll just work in a couple of days at the Met,too. It's next door to the Sukothai Hotel. Happy Travels!