What Makes Bangkok Magical to You?
Apr 9th, 2013, 03:11 PM
#21
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Hi Everyone
Thanks for responding. Didn't want to this to be a devisive thread, merely an instructive one so that we could get the most out of our time in Bangkok. Those that love it: please be as specific as you can about and where to find the places you love to ...visit, walk, eat, shop, boat, oogle, etc. We are thrilled to read about the things and places that call to you but need to know where to find them! Those who don't adore the city: we can relate to that as New Yorkers who aren't always in love with this difficult city, but can always point people in the direction of what's cool. Anyway, looking forward to hearing more thoughts as we move towards our trip.
Most heartfelt thanks,
Sue and Bob
Thanks for responding. Didn't want to this to be a devisive thread, merely an instructive one so that we could get the most out of our time in Bangkok. Those that love it: please be as specific as you can about and where to find the places you love to ...visit, walk, eat, shop, boat, oogle, etc. We are thrilled to read about the things and places that call to you but need to know where to find them! Those who don't adore the city: we can relate to that as New Yorkers who aren't always in love with this difficult city, but can always point people in the direction of what's cool. Anyway, looking forward to hearing more thoughts as we move towards our trip.
Most heartfelt thanks,
Sue and Bob
Apr 10th, 2013, 11:37 AM
#22
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We all like different things, so no guarantee you'll like what I do... On the other hand, I'm guessing that few if any of Sam Sen's suggestions will appeal to you.
I love the water taxis - the local ones, not the tourist boat nor the "dinner cruises." We usually go from the dock below the skytrain to the area of old temples - there are many more than just the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha and Wat Po. Read a bit about the various wats and choose one or two to explore.
I like house museums, so I enjoyed the Suan Pakkard Palace, home of the famous Laquer Pavillion.
We also enjoyed the Prasart Museum, a private indoor/outdoor museum just outside of Bangkok. It requires advance reservations as only one party can visit at a time. You will have your own docent assigned to you.
Chinatown - Wat Tramit, the flower market early in the morning, the hustle-bustle and amazing variety of foods and other things to see and buy. We usually walk to Chinatown from the Royal Orchid, but you can also take a water taxi from the pier and then stroll the streets.
We love Lana Thai at Face and the very atmospheric spa there. See www.facebars.com
Stop at the Erawan Shrine, right in the middle of the city. Make offerings, people watch, absorb the atmosphere.
I love the river and can watch the river traffic endlessly from our hotel room. Even when I'm a wake at 5 am from jetlag, the river is still full of activity (except for one time we visited during flooding - the lack of river activity was eerie).
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy! That means taking it slow, plenty of breaks for something to drink in air conditioning, maybe an afternoon swim.
I love the water taxis - the local ones, not the tourist boat nor the "dinner cruises." We usually go from the dock below the skytrain to the area of old temples - there are many more than just the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha and Wat Po. Read a bit about the various wats and choose one or two to explore.
I like house museums, so I enjoyed the Suan Pakkard Palace, home of the famous Laquer Pavillion.
We also enjoyed the Prasart Museum, a private indoor/outdoor museum just outside of Bangkok. It requires advance reservations as only one party can visit at a time. You will have your own docent assigned to you.
Chinatown - Wat Tramit, the flower market early in the morning, the hustle-bustle and amazing variety of foods and other things to see and buy. We usually walk to Chinatown from the Royal Orchid, but you can also take a water taxi from the pier and then stroll the streets.
We love Lana Thai at Face and the very atmospheric spa there. See www.facebars.com
Stop at the Erawan Shrine, right in the middle of the city. Make offerings, people watch, absorb the atmosphere.
I love the river and can watch the river traffic endlessly from our hotel room. Even when I'm a wake at 5 am from jetlag, the river is still full of activity (except for one time we visited during flooding - the lack of river activity was eerie).
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy! That means taking it slow, plenty of breaks for something to drink in air conditioning, maybe an afternoon swim.
Apr 10th, 2013, 03:18 PM
#23
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Thursdays:
Hmmmm- I see that you require more guidance regarding my suggestion. Yes Lonely Planet is not a place but it might be a state of mind and if you post there perhaps you will get some ideas that are more attuned to your interests.
Hmmmm- I see that you require more guidance regarding my suggestion. Yes Lonely Planet is not a place but it might be a state of mind and if you post there perhaps you will get some ideas that are more attuned to your interests.
Apr 10th, 2013, 03:33 PM
#24
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Warm greetings Sue and Bob - very happy you are returning to beloved Bangkok. Many thanks for your thoughtful posts.
Have been having fun following this thread for the last few days from, yes, Bangkok, Thailand. (A few days of pre-Songkran holiday work, finishing today with one last meeting at Suvarnabhumi before flying home later today - via SQ, of course - to Singapore.)
To add some additional thoughts on this rather early Thai morning (and by the way rhkkmk - Mr. K. - many thanks for your most extensive Bangkok restaurant reccos over the years; well done, sir), will give the ongoing praise to the rather unique Chon Thai dining locale, located within the forever cherished The Siam resort. My review on my profile page doesn't come remotely close to capturing the joy we've experienced at that property, particularly our very first visit last July, back in her earliest days. She's changed a bit since July, most certainly with the ever growing influx of the high-end fashionista and foodie contingents from various countries. Still, she remains quite special and sentimental, and we are very happy for some friends who have been involved with The Siam from day one.
I am very pleased for you, but do aware you could become Bangkok junkie... (not such a bad condition). Best of knowledge, have stayed at 16 different Bangkok hotels, from the earliest mists of time (began primarily back in my twenties, flying in from Kathmandu with climbing buddies after mountaineering expeditions), to most proper present day business travel stays. I am most fortunate to call Singapore home for family, residence and work, but will always consider Bangkok to be The Centre of the Known Universe. City of Angels, indeed.
Re shopping, no interest, with the exception of those Jim Thompson lipstick and cosmetic cases. Over the years (decades) those little cases have kept me in the good graces with the various women in my life. Thank you, Jim Thompson Thai Silk Co.
So much more to add, but meetings with some fine aviation industry friends await at that cavernous BKK airport. Savour your planning, Sue and Bob, and early Thai Songkran wishes to you and all. (And if any of you will be in the vicinity of SQ's rather humble but always special BKK SilverKris Lounge later today - and until 20 April, for that matter - well, some sweet Thai holiday delicacies await for your pre-boarding dining pleasure. Enjoy.)
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Have been having fun following this thread for the last few days from, yes, Bangkok, Thailand. (A few days of pre-Songkran holiday work, finishing today with one last meeting at Suvarnabhumi before flying home later today - via SQ, of course - to Singapore.)
To add some additional thoughts on this rather early Thai morning (and by the way rhkkmk - Mr. K. - many thanks for your most extensive Bangkok restaurant reccos over the years; well done, sir), will give the ongoing praise to the rather unique Chon Thai dining locale, located within the forever cherished The Siam resort. My review on my profile page doesn't come remotely close to capturing the joy we've experienced at that property, particularly our very first visit last July, back in her earliest days. She's changed a bit since July, most certainly with the ever growing influx of the high-end fashionista and foodie contingents from various countries. Still, she remains quite special and sentimental, and we are very happy for some friends who have been involved with The Siam from day one.
I am very pleased for you, but do aware you could become Bangkok junkie... (not such a bad condition). Best of knowledge, have stayed at 16 different Bangkok hotels, from the earliest mists of time (began primarily back in my twenties, flying in from Kathmandu with climbing buddies after mountaineering expeditions), to most proper present day business travel stays. I am most fortunate to call Singapore home for family, residence and work, but will always consider Bangkok to be The Centre of the Known Universe. City of Angels, indeed.
Re shopping, no interest, with the exception of those Jim Thompson lipstick and cosmetic cases. Over the years (decades) those little cases have kept me in the good graces with the various women in my life. Thank you, Jim Thompson Thai Silk Co.
So much more to add, but meetings with some fine aviation industry friends await at that cavernous BKK airport. Savour your planning, Sue and Bob, and early Thai Songkran wishes to you and all. (And if any of you will be in the vicinity of SQ's rather humble but always special BKK SilverKris Lounge later today - and until 20 April, for that matter - well, some sweet Thai holiday delicacies await for your pre-boarding dining pleasure. Enjoy.)
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Apr 15th, 2013, 10:27 AM
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Hi All-
Morning markets, special markets, night markets--so long as they're for Thais and not selling souvenirs--interest me (maybe the husband a bit less): just need to know where they are. We are going to be staying at Ariyasom Villa at 65 Sukhuvit Soi 1, so we're near the Skytrain.
We do plan to check out Soi Cowboy: were too chicken last time, but were sorry we didn't (do plan to avoid the 2nd floor of those places), maybe we will go to see a Thai boxing match, but not sure--seems like it would be interesting, might go to the Medical Museum even though it sounds a bit gruesome (but interesting). We adore Thai massage--will try suggestions from here and possibly Healthland. Want to do a tour of the canals, but it's not clear where that is and of course planning to do a number of things already suggested here. Keep it coming please!
Morning markets, special markets, night markets--so long as they're for Thais and not selling souvenirs--interest me (maybe the husband a bit less): just need to know where they are. We are going to be staying at Ariyasom Villa at 65 Sukhuvit Soi 1, so we're near the Skytrain.
We do plan to check out Soi Cowboy: were too chicken last time, but were sorry we didn't (do plan to avoid the 2nd floor of those places), maybe we will go to see a Thai boxing match, but not sure--seems like it would be interesting, might go to the Medical Museum even though it sounds a bit gruesome (but interesting). We adore Thai massage--will try suggestions from here and possibly Healthland. Want to do a tour of the canals, but it's not clear where that is and of course planning to do a number of things already suggested here. Keep it coming please!
Apr 15th, 2013, 02:22 PM
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It was at a friend's home (actually in a small town south of Bangkok). The monks come by the entry gate very early in the morning. My friend had set up a table so the monks know to stop. There is a ritual to giving the food and not making contact by touching. There is a bowl of water, which after being used, is poured onto the roots of a plant/tree, in remembrance of those passed away. It was really very touching for me, as I'm the only one left in my family. My parents and only sibling are all gone. I hope to repeat this again sometime.
Apr 15th, 2013, 02:48 PM
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I also observed the ritual of blessing the apartment hotel where I often stay, when the hotel was celebrating 2 or 3 years in business. There was lots of food and chanting, and a string was passed from hand to hand around the lobby, to catch any evil spirits (?) and take them out of the hotel.
Friends all have their cars and businesses blessed at various times.
All very special to witness .....
Friends all have their cars and businesses blessed at various times.
All very special to witness .....
Apr 15th, 2013, 03:05 PM
#32
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The rituals are lovely and moving. In small towns, the monks walk down the streets just after sunrise. In Bangkok, you go to the wat to give donations.
When we were in Bagan, I was surprised to see the monks with their bowls out at noon, so it is different in different places.
When we were in Bagan, I was surprised to see the monks with their bowls out at noon, so it is different in different places.
Apr 15th, 2013, 09:41 PM
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We went t a wonderful Wat about 50km outside of Bangkok. Tong arranged for us to be involved in a blessing. We were the only people there it was wonderful. The Abbot(?) even let Muffin ring the bell!
Apr 23rd, 2013, 06:13 PM
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Topping
In preparation for our trip in October, we're also looking for some specific places that have held particular charm from those of you who know Bangkok well. We'll have one day in the city for the major sites with a Tour with Tong guide, and one day outside for the train market, the floating market, and a fishing village. After that we will have two full days on our own. Shopping is not a priority. Nor are upscale restaurants. We'd love to leave the city with insights into the culture. Any special recommendations for things off the beaten path that any of you have enjoyed? Also, a massage wouldn't be bad. Moderate pricing. We're staying at the Chatrium Riverside, if that will help. A few years ago we were at the Royal Orchid and loved being able to enjoy the river traffic. The Chatruim with a riverview room, we hope, will allow for that experience but at a more manageable rate.
In preparation for our trip in October, we're also looking for some specific places that have held particular charm from those of you who know Bangkok well. We'll have one day in the city for the major sites with a Tour with Tong guide, and one day outside for the train market, the floating market, and a fishing village. After that we will have two full days on our own. Shopping is not a priority. Nor are upscale restaurants. We'd love to leave the city with insights into the culture. Any special recommendations for things off the beaten path that any of you have enjoyed? Also, a massage wouldn't be bad. Moderate pricing. We're staying at the Chatrium Riverside, if that will help. A few years ago we were at the Royal Orchid and loved being able to enjoy the river traffic. The Chatruim with a riverview room, we hope, will allow for that experience but at a more manageable rate.
Jun 30th, 2013, 01:44 PM
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Thanks all for your great and informative replies. We are so incredibly excited (and a tiny bit anxious) because we leave in 3 days for Thailand and Laos. We're planning on visiting many of the restaurants and places and doing lots of the more unusual things you suggested(we already did the typical tourist stuff). The more off-beat and hole in the wall and typical Thai it is, the better. Any last thoughts before we head off on that wonderful, tourist class, very long flight to paradise? PS: great massage recommendations appreciated.
