Re-planning Bangkok post-flooding Dec 22-24: Any suggestions?
 

Hi Fodorites:
We have been watching and reading about all the flooding in Thailand with sad hearts for all those affected. I have been very grateful to all the fodorites who have kept us up-to-date here in the forums (Hanuman especially).

We planned our trip a few months ago and probably need to re-think some of the activities for our time in Bangkok. We'd appreciate all input.

We have a day tour planned for one of our days with Wandee that will hit a few highlights in the city. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Canal Tour, Wat Arun


We have the 22nd through 24th available (full days as we do not leave until the 25th) for other activities.

Initially, I wanted to spend a day at Ayutthaya but it looks like it received the brunt of the flood damage. Is it possible/a good idea to try and go? We will not likely return to Thailand (at least not soon, we usually look for a new destination each year) so "save it for another visit" doesn't fit our trip.

What would we be able to enjoy in those three days that is reachable and safe to get to? We are interested in history, temples, local culture, and nature. A tiny, tiny bit of shopping that is incidental to other activities.

Should we consider getting out of Bangkok entirely? We can't add a flight to another location as we already have several internal flights and have met our budget on that....we'd given some thought to Khai Yao Park but it looks like a lot of trouble to get to.

Hi schlegal1,

Inner or central Bangkok is safe and the only areas that are currently still flooded is western and northern Bangkok. Not many tourist attractions in those places so you will be fine.

As per Ayudthaya, a lot of damages to the ruins but you can still visit. The main highway going there is fine but you will face a bit of a delay when you immediately get to the outskirt of Bangkok as it's still flooded. Instead of Ayudthaya I recommend you visit elsewhere perhaps Chiang Mai or if you like beaches then Phuket and the surrounding area.

Thanks, Hanuman.
We are going to Chiang Mai at the end of the trip. We aren't beach people so we aren't going to any of the beaches.

i would cut out AY for sure---you won't miss much imo..

hire tong for a day to tiger temple and floating market...

visit prasart museum..

tons to see in central bkk on your own..

Sorry, but I beg to differ...ayutthia was one of our highlights. That being said, I'm not sure I would go as I don't know what shape the ruins will be in after the flooding. You won't run out of things to do in Bangkok. The floating market with tong was incredible.

Hm, interesting.

Perhaps I will check directly with some tour operators about Ayutthaya. It certainly interests me so if it's feasible, we won't skip it. I am trying to contact Tour with Tong but I understand they stay pretty booked so I don't know if it will be possible to book this late for high season.

The Fodors book is not as good on Bangkok as it often is on other cities (no suggested multi-day itineraries).

Perhaps the overview tour we are doing for our first day will give us a good idea of what else we would like to do.