Wow. Two weeks from tonight we leave for Thailand. Needless to say, the anticipation is palpable at this point.

So I realized that we don't really have a concrete plan for the 2 days we're in Bangkok (our first two nights) and would like to get your suggestions/recommendations for the most essential things to do in the limited time we have there.

We arrive on a Monday morning at 11 AM and depart for Siem Reap on Wednesday morning. We'll be staying at the Old Bangkok Inn (know it's not the most centrally located hotel but, nonetheless, we cannot wait to stay there!).

I know we definitely want to see the Grand Palace and Wat Arun...realize that we'll probably be running on adrenaline the 1st day before the jet lag hits us, so we probably don't want to go crazy and try and pack everything into 2 days.

We know nothing of orientation and layout of the city so what would be the best 2 day itinerary (all factors considered)?

Looking forward, as always, to your suggestions!

Best,
Bill

Plan to go the to Grand Palace/Temple of the Emerald Buddha/Wat Po the first morning, arriving when the GP opens at 8:30.

I'd recommend a spa for your first day. We like Face. Take a look at www.facebars.com for their spa menu.

Don't try to pack in too much. Take your time and enjoy.

Since you're not arriving until 11:00 a.m. that first morning, I'd go to the Jim Thompson house once you're checked in and then maybe browse a bit at MBK mall. Try staying up until at least 8 or 9. The next morning, hit Grand Palace/Temple of the Emerald Buddha/Wat Po first thing as Kathie suggests. Take a break, have a relaxing lunch, and then try a khlong tour in the afternoon (with a stop at Wat Arun). Have fun!
Karen

So far, sounds great! I think we will take it easy our first day and do a little shopping, get acclimated and yes definitely spa. Kathie, you must have some secret insight into our trip because that night we have reservations at Hazara at Face...so a pre-dinner massage defintely would hit the mark!

Would love to do a klong tour. Everyone tells me 'rent your own boat'...how does one do this? Any suggestions on where to go to do that and who's the best? Or does it really not matter who you get?

I have this fantasy of seeing that picture with my own eyes...the one I've seen on every Thailand website: being on the river watching the sun set behind Wat Arun...maybe an afternoon klong tour would be the best way to achieve that fantasy?

Suggestions?

All good suggestions. A klong tour gives you a good view of non-tourist Bangkok as well. The Palace and great temple are also a must.

http://bangkokadvisor.com/What_to_se...in_Bangkok.htm

Try booking through the reception of your hotel. Failing that, take a taxi to the jetty where all the klong tours start.