glorialf

If you want to go to a spa that isn't on the river, take a taxi there. But staying on the river makes all the difference in the world. It's a must -- especially for a first time in Bangkok.
I'm not a spa person but I am sure there are good ones near the Sheraton that are less expensive than the ones in the hotels. On the other hand, the deluxe spas are truly incredible experiences (even for a non spa person like me). So you might want to treat yourself.

Kathie

I absolutely believe that staying by the river makes all the difference in how you experience Bangkok.

Don't rule out the Mandara spa at the Royal Orchid. Do go visit it as soon as you arrive. I live in the US, and the prices there are so much less than in the US, and the service is so much more gracious in Thailand. They usually have half day packages that save you a significant amount over the individual prices. Also, there are periodic specials. Check it out.

lbrown7

Can you tell me what is so special about staying by the River? Why is it so much better than Sukhumvit? I am trying to understand what the attraction is for everyone. I am concerned that the river area does not have as much within close walking distance as the Sukhumvit area. I am a single women traveling alone and I do not want to worry about having to go to far on foot alone.

I have a price list from Mandara and it is twice as much as Ananda and from what I have been able to find Ananda looks to be a very nice spa.

Thanks again.

Guenmai

I'm female and have been traveling alone since I was 17...for 32 years and have traveled to all the continents and have not experienced any big problems being alone. I couldn't think of traveling any other way.I dress modestly and walk around as if I live in the place I'm visiting. Anyhow, you should be fine in Bangkok.As for where to stay....most folks in this forum are river folks...It really doesn't matter to me personally...although...I leave for Bangkok in a few days and have chosen the following hotels....Chateau de Bangkok (Sofitel...for 1 night...(not river located)I'm getting a junior suite for 1400 Baht... for that price I'll just look out my window and pretend I'm looking at the river! I just called the hotel night before last to reconfirm the price. Then it's the Peninsula...for 1 night(river located)...just for the experience...Then cross the river to the Royal Orchid...1 night...so that I can shop at the River City Mall which is great for antiques if that's what you want to buy...plus I won't have to carry the bags far since the mall is connected to the hotel by a bridge...Plus, I eat at the Royal Orchid sometimes when I'm in Bangkok since they have good western food at their reataurant. Then I'll do the Metropolitan for 1 night...and check out that area of town...and lastly...for the rest of my nights...the majority of them... the Four Seasons which I absolutely adore... a room can be had for $139-$158... and it's smack in the heart of the shopping... enough to make one hyperventilate and have to breathe into a brown paper bag!The Four Seasons has a VERY nice mini shopping plaza with a Jim Thompson store and NeOld so no need to go to the main stores when pressed for time... Plus the World Trade Center mall is up the street and has one of my favorite Thai restaurants in it...Thanying...which I've eaten at repeatedly in both Bangkok and Singapore...And across from the World Trade Center is the Thai crafts store Narypanda(sp?)Crafts from all over Thailand right under one roof...for last minute forgotten gifts.Plus the sky train station is across the street from the Four Seasons-5 minute walk...same street... and it's only a couple stops from Siam Square...Siam Discovery mall...right at the Siam skytrain stop... where that wonderfully hip, modern store named Anyroom is located...and then there's the Amarin Plaza Mall...walking distance from the Four Seasons...same street... which has a GREAT store named Come Thai on the 3rd floor that has thousands of gorgeous pieces of ready cut fabric...which make great table runners...etc...and there's Emporium Mall...a few skytrain stops away. I love Emporium Mall...traditional Thai and modern Thai boutiques...and then there's Gaysorn mall... fabulous...and Thai modern...also on the same sky train route.I'm a serious shopper and am a personal shopper...in addition to my regular full-time profession...which is not related to shopping... so, when I'm on vacation, I am always looking for a variety of stores and types of merchandise to choose from... and I'm one for thinking out of the box...I don't buy only traditional Thai-looking items. Oh, and the Rasi Sayam store is also near Sukumvit area.So, hope this hasn't confused you more. Happy Travels!

Kathie

There are many, many, lovely hotels in Bangkok. If you stay on Sukhumvit, you'll feel like you are in any large Asian city. Staying on the river is what makes it Bangkok. The atmosphere along the river is differnt, and frankly, I find the air cleaner there. There are certainly places to walk to along the river, though walking isn't the way you'll get most places. It is VERY hot, and you'll want the comfort of an air-conditioned taxi to go very far. There are several lovely shopping centers aong the river (River City and the oriental chopping center, for instance). I've been to Bangkok about two dozen times, and I always stay along the river.

I also love to take the water taxis which are quick and convenient to places along the river.

Spygirl

the oriental "chopping" center, Kathie? yeah, I guess i've "chopped" there before! (smile)

Kathie

Ah! I must have been thinking of the Oriental cooking school! (lol)

kb9855

Hi Ibrown7
I have a long list of spas in Bangkok (not hotel) for you to choose from if you are interested. Not all have websites. I have to agree that the hotel spa prices are high but you should go for the experience.

Its even more expensive than the spas I go to in Singapore. That's where I live but the ambience is different.

This will be my 4th trip to Bangkok and I have always lived in the city near the skytrain station. Its too noisy. Only discovered the riverside on my last trip in Dec and I absolutely love it and am looking forward to going to those shopping areas recommended by glorialf and Bob.

I still think you should just visit Sukhumvit for a day. You only have 3 days in Bangkok and there's really a lot of shopping to do and you can get carried away. No worries they are a short train ride away or take a meter taxi, its really cheap. If you should travel by skytrain pls buy the 3 day tourist pass, its really worth it. Use it to travel from mall to mall even if its only 1 station. Its too hot and dirty to walk around.

lbrown7

kb9855, please email me the list of spas you have. that would be great. thanks again.

didibobi

Has anyone out there been to the Bua Spa in Bkk? Their web site looks good and the prices seem to be okay. It is in the Sukhumvit area.

Guenmai

To the above poster. You need to do your post on a new thread so that people see it. Happy Travels!

closetcrafty

Being Spa - www.beingspa.com - 88 Sukhumvit 51, Klongton Neu, Wattana - (66-2) 6626171 email: [email protected]
Free tuk tuk shuttle services to/from Thong Lo skytrain station.

Got it from the Spa Style Asia book.