we are planning a trip to Thailand and beyond ond will be in Bangkok for 3 days - any suggestions on how to spend our time would be appreciated

I am also going to Bangkok and want to know what are must-sees??? What do you think are the top three attractions that can not be missed???

Here are a few suggestions: <BR><BR>The Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha<BR><BR>The Temple of the Reclining Buddha<BR><BR>Jin Thompson House (different from the Jim Thompson store)<BR><BR>A day trip to Aytthuya (I know I've spelled that wrong) would also be well worth your time.

Thanks, Kathie. Now, what about Chinatown? My mother loves markets and watching people do their daily shopping. Would you recommend this venue?? Also, what about taking a boat ride through the kalongs of Bangkok on the western side of the Chao Phraya??

John, I recommend both of those things. Chinatown is crazy. There are narrow passageways lined with shops overflowing onto the sidewalks, a million people crammed in and delivery boys trying to get loaded carts through all that. We didn't see much for sale that was interesting to us, it was mostly household stuff and clothes. The main street through the area (Yarowat? Or something like that) had major major car fumes and very heavy traffic. Trucks spit out black clouds that just seemed to hang there. There are lots of really nice gold shops along there, but it didn't seem so cheap to me. We spent a morning walking around there and thought it was pretty interesting. <BR> <BR>We also thought the boat trip through the khlongs was cool. At the River City Shopping Center, on the water side, is a silver kiosk that says Pier One or something. There you can arrange a tour and tell them exactly what you want for a set price. No dickering around with boat guys that don't speak English and want to overcharge you. It's pretty cool but an hour was enough (the seats aren't padded so well!). If you want them to drop you off somewhere else at the end, they'll do it.<BR><BR>Wat Arun is pretty cool, too, but you couldn't climb up it when we were there. So is the temple with the 5 1/2 ton gold Buddha (can't remember the name) just to see that much gold.<BR><BR>The weekend market is also worthy. It's huge and there's all kinds of stuff for sale there. If you can find Nancy Chandler's map to it before you go, get it. Our hotel had it for sale.<BR><BR>The Skytrain is great! There are regular ferries (only during daylight hours, I think) along the river. If you can plan your day using those, you'll save loads of time. Taxis can take forever to go a short distance.<BR><BR>Walk through the Patpong area (red light district) at night. There's also a night market there.<BR>

Thanks, Jade.

You said Bangkok.... huh, huh

Hi-<BR>I've been to Bangkok a number of times, lat time was in 2000.<BR>Definately don't miss Wat Po and the giant reclining Buddha. Take a trip on the Express boat. Chinatown was amazing, fun, exhausting.<BR>You can see it all in my journal online if you want,<BR>http://www.wired2theworld.com<BR>Go to the journals page and click on the Bangkok 2000 trip. You can also see more if you look at my RTW trip from 98-99. Email me if you have questions.

Thaznks for all the responses - will get those guides books out to plan our time!

John G - I thought you've posted before that you've been there?<BR><BR>we should be asking you, girlfriend!

I have never posted that I was to Bangkok. You must be off your meds again, troglodite.<BR><BR>I am not your girlfriend, for I would never be friends with a moron.<BR><BR>Stop trying to cause trouble. I know you live in an archaic, pathetic world, but don't try to drag others into it.<BR><BR>John G.

Couple of other things in Bangkok-<BR>You can get a good massage at Wat Po. <BR>The temple originally had a medical school associated with it. It's now a school of massage. Going to the kick-boxing bouts is also interesting. They have them at one or the other of two sites every night.

don't miss a canal trip in a small boat, a "taxi" ride on one of the motorcycles, a meal at sonbooms seafood restaurant, day trips anywhere the river ferries go, the royal barge museum, patpong district at night, eating fried grasshoppers at on of the night markets

Do NOT miss the floating market. A trip I will never ever forget. Don't forget to bargain when shopping. Lots of fun and many, many laughs.

No kidding about bargaining! Bargain for everything and don't feel bad about it. That's the way it is and the sooner you figure that out, the more money you'll save and the more fun you'll have shopping!

I enjoyed a Sunday afternoon sitting in Sanam Luang park, (directly opposite the Grand Palace) just watching the kids flying their kites. I also enjoyed a stroll around Lumpini Park, watching the locals do their Tai Chi.<BR><BR>They were welcomed opportunities to have a moments of relaxation in the middle of the hectic city.<BR>______________________________________<BR >My Travelogues & Photos<BR>http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/fb2b.htm<BR>Bangkok,Ayutthya,Chiang Rai,Krabi,PhiPhi

My top 3 activities for Bangkok would be:<BR>Grand Palace<BR>Wat Pho<BR>Shopping

Go to the Oriental Hotel for lunch on the terrace, then hire a boat to take you on a river/canal ride. If you wish, you can get off your boat to visit Wat Arun upriver.