Hi, I've decided to do Bangkok and look like spending about 5 days there (minimum). I am with a mate (we are 30'ish). I wouldnt say we are looking for real touristy experiences but if there are things we just must visit, then we will do it. Given that we have pretty much an unlimited time schedule, what would you suggest are the top 5 things that we must do?

Thank you!!!

Hi! Just returned yesterday from my first trip to Southeast Asia, which included three days in Bangkok. Highlights for us included Golden Palace (and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), riding either a water taxi or longtail boat on the river/canals, and eating at Cabbages & Condoms (had one of the best meals of our trip there). Exploring the many malls near Siam was also interesting. I found Jim Thompson's house beautiful but overrated.

Also, try to stay somewhere with easy Skytrain or Metro access. There's a lot you can do within walking distance of their stations. With traffic as bad as it is, it's a very fast, comfortable and convenient option to get around the city. Just keep in mind that taxi rides are still super cheap (usually about $1.50..they just take a while, sometimes) and Skytrain still does not cover the entire city. Bangkok is huge!

Here are my top 5 in no particular order:

1) Grand Palace
2) Jim Thompson House
3) Night Market
4) Calypso Cabaret (Asia Hotel)
5) Teak Mansion

1. grand palace

2. jim thompson house

3. klong tour in the afternoon

4. wat arun

5. reclining buddha

Hello, my name is Carol, I'm a Bangkok-aholic... but I must confess I've made 10 trips to BKK and have NOT seen the Royal Palace (yet) or any number of other tourist must-do's.... (this is a confession, much like an AA meeting) lol

My top five are very different from everyone else's, because I go to BKK as a SHOPPER, diner, and people-watcher and to visit my dear friends!

I love the many markets, where you can haggle and buy some great bargains. I love Platinum and MBK (Thai malls) plus the narrow aisles of Pratunam market, Chatuchak weekend market, and SuanLum night bazaar. I enjoy haggling, but sometimes I need the help of a Thai friend to help me out, especially if we are way off the beaten path and don't speak a common language! I also like all the street markets that are set up both day and night, especially along Sukhumvit Rd.

I also enjoy the upscale shopping experiences at Siam, Paragon, Central World Plaza and Gaysorn Plaza, etc. All are within walking distance of each other!! An amazing array of shopping venues, all in a central location around the SIAM, NATIONAL STADIUM, and CHITLOM skytrain stations. The distances between these three stations are not that far. An easy stroll, if you don't mind the heat and humidity of BKK.

I also like the variety of restaurants and night spots with prices ranging from a few cents to many dollars. I love the view from the top of State Tower (at Sky Bar). The drink will be expensive, but the view is to die for. Make sure you are dressed in nice attire (no clumpy sandals and backpacker looks or you will not be let in...) Drinks are expensive, but you will not believe the open air of the 64th floor of a building, nothing to block the view. There is a glass wall (maybe 30-35" high) around the perimeter. In the US, there would have to be retaining structures so that no one could JUMP... but in BKK, you can breathe in the air and ENJOY.

I also love Tawandang Brewery night club. It cannot be beat for Thai food, live Thai entertainment, and a venue that is almost all Thai. Very friendly, hundreds of people all having a wonderful time, dancing, singing along, drinking the wonderful German-style beer that is brewed there, and eating fabulous food. Very inexpensive for a real Thai evening.

I love eating at The Bed restaurant. A very unique experience, not necessarily Thai... but definitely memorable each time.

I love the Thai people. I have many friends in BKK. They are always very welcoming each time I return. My son and DH are both pool players. We've spent many hours in pool halls, playing pool with the locals and enjoying one another's company. It's a great way to meet people.

I have to agree with rhkkmk that a klong tour is in the top five things to do in Bangkok. Just take the skytrain to the last station (saphan taksin) and go down the steps to the pier. You can arrange for a longtail boat and see life along the canals. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours!

Enjoy your visit to BKK.

Carol

Carol there is help out there for your affliction. You must travel to Tibet, seek the wisdom of the high priest/Monk.
Spin the bells and seek divine guidance.
There will be no shopping, no fancy smancy thai restaurants, but you will be cured!

1.Grand Palace
2.Get a massage
3.Klong tour
4.Joe Louis Puppet Theater
5.Wander Chinatown

There are many more must-do's, but you wanted the top five. With five days in Bkk you can actually do many more than five things. For instance, one can see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, wander Chinatown, eat lunch and take a Klong tour all in one day. You could be back at your hotel by 1600 hours and get a two hour massage at 1700 hours. It would be a full day, but amazing.

If you want, I suggest a day with Tong, a guide, would also benefit. She can be reached at TourwithTong.com.

Have fun. Don't worry about doing everything. You may be back soon.

if you're not looking for a real touristy experience then I would skip the grand palace (and all its touts!)

not sure what you like to do e.g. adventure or eat or shop or relax or go clubbing or see what the locals are up to...?

1. one temple like Wat Arun or Wat Pen (Marble temple)

2. a drink at Tawandaeng or Suan Lum Night Bazaar

3. a wander through the back streets of chinatown and little india.

4. dare I say it...? a night out at Khao San to witness just once the backpacker mayhem.

5. haven't been to Calypso cabaret, but did enjoy Mambo's!

btw, even for a peek, you might wander into by accident places like Soi Cowboy, Nana, Patpong etc. Well, not my top 5, but an intrinsic part of Bangkok!!

oops. sorry just to add. Drinks / dinner at an upmarket place - like Carol's suggestion of State Tower or Vertigo.

BillT
Thanks for the "cure"... but what if I don't want to be cured??? I'm having waaaaay too much fun with my affliction right now!..lol


bkkmei...interesting that you would say to skip the touristy palace and all its touts!!

Carol

If you are looking for memorable (although probably considered touristy) things to do, my top 5 are:
1-Grand Palace
2-a boat tour through the klongs
3-Vinimek Palace
4-Prasart Museum
5-Suan Paccard Palace

Thank you all. I have printed it out and will be well prepared before i get there. I've gone from not really thinking much of Bangkok to really looking forward to it now.

Thank you!!!

PS. Thanks again Carol

Grand Palace (The)
Erawan Shrine
Wat Pho
Jim Thompson's House and Museum
Lumpini Park
Ancient City
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)

I'm not a Bangkok fan, but after several visits I still make sure to do a klong tour, Wat Pho, and a Wat Pho massage each time. I'd also vote for the Jim Thompson House, and with the time you have consider a day trip to Ayuthaya, returning by boat. Wasn't terribly impressed with Chinatown, and can't stand Khao San road (even second-hand books are a poor deal), but both are interesting.

No one has the Floating Market on their top five list. If we are limited in time, we have three days in BKK, can we scratch that off the list?

Also, is it a far trip from downtown BKK? If it takes most of a complete morning to visit, than maybe that also argues against it.
Thanks

Tengohambre-We had 3 full days in Bangkok, and were able to fit a morning tour of the floating market into that time. We found it scenic and interesting and are glad that we were able to see it. (Do not spend the time to go there if your main goal is to shop there. There are better places to buy souvenirs in Bangkok).

i find the floating market takes the whole morning and maybe then some...even starting at 6AM...with only 3 days there is plenty to do in bkk....do the afternoon klong tour instead...one way is about 90 minutes, give or take...

bren--wait until you have been there and then all you can think about is when will i get to go back.....its a real travel sickness....many of us on this board have it....even kathie can not come up with something to cure it...well there is a small cure---keep going back!!

Carol:
Of course you don't want to be cured- people with these problems don't usually admit to their problems and seek a cure. Bob/Quen/GPanda- I think we need an intervention here with Carol- its for here own good!

bill...she would be fine if she just visited the grand palace...i think she has a voodoo curse....

Intervention?
Voodoo curse?

Boys, boys... tsk tsk tsk

Just let me wallow in the markets... I promise this affliction isn't a death sentence! It's a "woman" thing... lol

Carol