| Author |
Message |
    
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3744
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 4:49 pm: |     |
Sorry - couldn't resist.
I have a meeting in Bangkok in March. I may have Sunday afternoon (depends on flights) and a day on Tuesday. Then home early Wednesday.
What must I see? Assume no car. What must I avoid? |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 213
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 5:08 pm: | |
If you have time on Sunday, go to the Chatuchak (sp?) market. The cab there will be dirt cheap, and you will find some AMAZING buys there. It's only open on the weekend.
On Tuesday, have a driver take you to go see the nearby temples. ALthough the ones closest to Bangkok are small, they are INCREDIBLY gorgeous and ornate.
Take some pictures for me. Unfortunately, we bought a new digital camera right before we went there, and as a result of inexperience with the camera, accidentally deleted all of our Thailand pictures. |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5101
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 5:17 pm: | |
http://www.vivien-und-erhard.de/english/travel/thailand/bangkok/koenigspalast/ga lerie040.htm |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3745
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 5:51 pm: | |
Dave - how gorgeous!
Dego - The flight I'm looking at gets in around 11am Sunday. By the time I do Customs & get to my hotel, do you think the market will be open? Are these pay the asking price or bargain a better price markets?
Which brings to mind another question: I am completely ignorant of Asian cultures and customs.
For example, I love to go into old churches in Europe because they are so beautiful. It is acceptable to stand in the back while people are praying and I always feel as if it's OK that I'm just looking as long as I don't walk up to the front & start taking pictures. Does the same hold true here? Any cultural issues I should be aware of? |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 975
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 7:39 pm: | |
I recommend the Grand Palace (you can't wear shorts or capris and your arms must be covered). It's beautiful. There is a fantastic floating market - I think it's on Sundays.
The food! Oh god the food is soooo good.
Jim Thompson's house is a must. As is a ride on the water taxi on the Chao Praya.
I've been to over 50 countries and Thailand is in my top 3 so I'm very jealous! |
Spare_o
Citizen
Username: Spare_o
Post Number: 183
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 9:44 pm: | |
Thailand is also one of my favorites, in addition to Ireland. I haven't been in years but I also suggest the Grand Palace. I thought the photos on the link Dave posted looked like they were taken there. I don't have any Bangkok recommendations since I only spent one day there over 2 trips. Is the floating market still something to be seen? I never went.
As far as Thailand customs, try this link:
http://www.jobmonkey.com/teaching/asia/html/thailand_customs.html
|
Mark Fuhrman
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 1194
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 8:07 am: | |
What to avoid? Don't drink the water (sorry, couldn't resist) |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 150
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 9:17 am: | |
The night market in Patpong - it's very safe, lots of Westerners there as it's a tourist mecca.
It's a fun thing to do, especially as you're out of the heat of the day...and right next to the night market are all the bars, so you will find that the local bar owners have staff posted in the doorway to try and entice you in.
I was with some girlfriends and we were more interested in buying stuff at the market, but you could clearly see inside the bars and it's pretty interesting (in a sad sort of way). The bargirls are often topless and dance on the tables, with a numbered tag so they can be 'chosen' by the patrons.
I would agree that the Grand Palace is unmissable.
Where will you be staying? My husband always liked staying at the Hyatt.
|
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3746
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 9:47 am: | |
Miss-
My company is pretty conservative about not staying in glitzy places, so the meeting will probably be in the barn of a local farmer.
Well, not quite. I don't know the hotel yet. When I get that info, I'll ask for advice on proximity of some of these places everyone mentions.
You are all making me want to stay an extra day or two. Now I'm torn between takig the opportunity to fly Air Singapore or take TS with me, where we'll have to use Continental FF miles for her ticket. Air Singapore is amazing & the only way I will ever get near it is if someone else pays for it. I'm tempted to take the opportunity while it's here....
|
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 976
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 10:27 am: | |
Some of the best hotels in the world are in Bangkok - The Oriental (even if you're not staying great place to go for tea), and the Peninsula are right on the Chao Praya and great places to stay for a splurge.
I would definitely recommend staying a few days (although some of the best parts of Thailand are outside of Bangkok).
As for Patpong Road - be careful. Many years ago I was with a group of people and we almost got locked in one of the bars. Even though there are tourist police everywhere it's kind of creepy but it is one of those things everyone goes to see. Frankly I don't get the appeal of seeing girls who have been forced or sold into sex jobs enticing tourists into their bars. That's the not so nice part of Thailand. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 215
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 11:09 am: | |
Greentree, if you CAN stay a few more days, I would say, absolutely, without any doubt or hesitation, DO IT!!! I stayed for a week, and all I've done since I left a year ago was dream of going back. The major cost (and hassle) of a trip to Thailand is getting there. Once you're there, it's dirt cheap. Even when vendors are robbing you blind, it's still dirt cheap by our standards. Then again, because of the tsunami, most of those Southeast Asian countries are begging for tourists, so you should be able to bargain easily. When I was there, I just felt that the people were so poor that I was happy to pay what they asked because they needed the cash more than I did, and I would imagine they need it even more now.
Extremely nice hotels can be had for reasonable prices during high season, so right now, you'd be able to get REALLY good rates. I believe you might be heading there in low season (AKA rainy season) - double check that.
I would say that if you CAN take TS, take her. You'll be able to share memories of an amazing trip. Can you take the Singapore Air ticket and she can fly Continental? Also, again because they need tourists, I would think you could get some reasonable ticket prices, no?
I want to warn you of something, though. We're all talking about how amazing Thailand is, and I heard a lot of the same advice before I went too. So when I got to Bangkok and saw this horribly polluted, overcrowded, impoverished, seedy, "uncivilized" city, I thought to myself "what the heck do people see in this place??" It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the hospitality of the people, the ever-present spirituality, the overwhelming realization that one can live on so much less than we Americans are used to, and be happy, the simple exotic beauty of the land and the people, the gorgeous temples and palaces, and, of course, the food!!
Don't make up your mind by the first impression when you get there. Go and enjoy as much time there as you can! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3748
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 11:28 am: | |
Dego -
Thanks. I can give up Singapore Air to travel with my honey. Although, It's 240k miles for the ticket and that would just about wipe me out.
We'll have to see. Maybe I'll save up & we can go for a week on our own, without any pesky business obligations, for her 50th (not so far away). But, perhaps I'll stay an extra day.
I wouldn't feel too bad about it; there are very few places in the world she hasn't been, including the Asian continent. She just hasn't been to Thailand.
As for first impressions - I never do that. And I love cities, so I'll probably like Bangkok. Except Las Vegas. I hate Las Vegas. Been 3 times & won't change my mind. |
ina
Citizen
Username: Ina
Post Number: 159
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 12:27 pm: | |
One thing I remember about the temples in Thailand is never sit so the sole of your foot is facing Buddha (feet are considered unclean). That's it. Bon voyage! |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 151
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 6:58 pm: | |
Greenetree!
It might be worth 'saving' those airmiles for another time - this might be of interest to you:
There is an amazing offer right now with Malaysian Airlines as they've dropped their route to EWR via Dubai and now transit in Stockholm. We used to live in Singapore prior to residing here and honestly, Malaysian Airlines Systems is on a par with Singapore Airlines (Skytrax awarded MAS the cabin crew of the year award recently).
The Asian airlines such as Cathay, Singapore, Malaysian are just the best - much much better than the US airlines for comfort and service, in my opinion.
Anyway - I feel that I just have to let you know of this amazing offer so perhaps this might work for you:
From Newark via Stockholm (refuelling stop) to Kuala Lumpur 3 times weekly, Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays. You just then connect to Bangkok (it's just a short hop, just like going to Washington DC from here I would think):
Price EWR-Bangkok = $699 !!!! (Singapore/KL =$599, Australia only $799)
(You would probably need to check with the airline for Biz class fares if your boss is paying...)
Travel date for this offer: 16 Jan 05 - 31 May 2005. Last ticket date 28 Feb 2005 (yes this Friday!)
So even if you don't take your honey on this trip, perhaps you could take a trip together to SE Asia before the final travel date expires?
I'm so jealous that you're going ha ha ha!
Info at Malaysian Airlines 1-800-552-9264 (the website is http://www.malaysianairlines.com - I couldn't see the offer online but I picked up the flyer about the promotion at the travel show at the Jacob Javits center a couple of weeks ago. |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 152
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 7:00 pm: | |
Oooops, typo!
The link should be:
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com
|
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 40
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 11:31 pm: | |
You should definitely stay for a few extra days. Heck stay for another week or two. There is so much to do and see. Definitely hit as many of the temples as you can -- I can't remember the name of the temple but there was this gi-normous phenomenal reclining buddah that rocked my world.
Also my wife and I payed a driver to take us out of the city to a beach ($50 -- can't remember to be honest). The drive was maybe two hours away and totally scenic and cool but everyone warned us that the "close beaches" are all nasty and dirty. Well all I can say is that a GROSS Thailand beach BLOWS THE JERSEY SHORE AWAY. Seriously one of the nicest beaches and best weekends my wife and I ever had. On the beach, I had an hour long back massage and pedicure. My wife had 2 massages, and a mani/pedi and a foot massage, all about 5 feet from the water. Then we had an amazing thai home cooked meal, with non-stop beers also right on the water. Just the most amazing and relaxing day ever. When I went upstairs and checked how much money we spent, I think it totalled $65. I'm guessing we probably paid rich American prices, but good luck trying to recreate that day in the US for under $500. Our driver earned so much money taking us to the beach, that he asked us if he could come back down and pick us up. We said sure as long as he stopped us at a temple on the way back. At that temple I got to fulfill one of my dreams to be with the monkeys up in the mountains. It was great. What can I say I like monkeys :-)
I would also say, be prepared for some of the worst traffic you have ever experienced in your life. ALWAYS. And also expect to see a lot of dirt and poor everywhere you go. Also dogs in the streets -- which made me sad. There are some things about Bangkok that are gross and in your face and hard to swallow. But if you can get over your prissy American snobbery, it really is spectacular.
I also heard that the above ground rail system is amazing. It just got overhauled, and I heard it is STATE OF THE ART and a site to behold in their own right. It might go to Chatuchak market but ask before you go. At the market you definitely wheel and deal. It's just the way it is. The merchants all speak enough english to make shopping a breeze. Keep in mind that prices are so low for you (and the merchants know it) that you really can't get the LOCALS prices. Don't even waste any time worrying about it. Just find out how much stuff costs and then walk away. TRUST ME THEY WILL COME BACK WITH A LOWER PRICE. Then offer them a bit less. They'll take it, EVERY TIME. Your still getting ripped off, but when you get something you love for a measly $10 what are you going to do?
The language can be a problem at times. No way to get around it. But I wouldn't let it stop you from experiencing this magical place. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3752
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 9:43 am: | |
Miss- I'll have to keep an eye out for that deal in the future.
You have all made me so want to go now! It just sounds so amazing.
But, be careful what you ask for.....
The meeting is for a project I've been trying to turf for 4 months. My boss gave me the "good" news last night that it will be reassigned (I have 4 studies & this guy only has 1....). We aren't sure when the transition will happen, but I may or may not be doing the Bangkok meeting.
However, I'm not really that bummed out about it. We are going into another round of home renovations (Dave, we need a "sobbing and screaming" icon), so spending any extra money is out. Even "cheap", both of us going will cost $$$. TS & I discussed it last night & decided we are going to save up & go there purely on vacation within the next 3 years.
And if I still go to the Bangkok meeting and can get an extra day out of it, even better. |
Phil
Supporter
Username: Barleyrooty
Post Number: 862
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 5:34 pm: | |
and when you do, spend 2 or 3 days in Chiang Mai in the north - it's one of the very few cities in Asia that hasn't been "Westernized". |
clueless
Citizen
Username: Clueless
Post Number: 67
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 11:55 pm: | |
Since I am Thai, let me offer my advice:
With a limited time, I also would recommend the market Chatuchak. It can get very hot but it has so much variety of things, it is a great place. I have gone there and have bot tons of things to decorate my home. Unfortunately, I now see many similair things at Pottery barn, Target, and Pier 1. Yes you can bargain, but it has become very touristy and many vendors will not bargain too much especially with western tourists. There are cheaper markets, but not many that are this large and diverse. Even if you can't bargain the reality is in most cases you are bargaining over a few cents or dollars, and the price you pay will still be pretty cheap. The other thing is Thai sellers are very persuasive and many are not truthful. So beware of large ticket items.
As for sights to see in Bangkok in a day you could do The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha which are essentially on the same plot of land. Next to these is Wat Po which has the Laying or Sleeping Buddha which is the largest laying Bhudda statue in Thailand. The staute is approx. 150 feet long and 50 feet high. Another very popular tourist spot is the Wat Po massage school where students learn the art of the Thai massage before they graduate and open their own practice. You can get a massage for something like $10/hour. They will also do a foot massage. The students can use alot of pressure, so if it is too much just tell them to go softer.
In most of those tourist spots above, they will charge tourists fees for entry and the massage school charges tourists higher fees than locals.
Try some of the fruits that you normally don't see here in the US. They have type of mango that taste better unripened. It is more cruchy and taste something like and apple. My two favorite fruits are Rambuttan and a Mangostein. I saw a Rambuttan in Chinatown in NYC last summer for $1 each and Mangosteins were available when I was in Hawaii for something like $3 each. They should be in season in April so enjoy.
Finally, some advice on Thai culture. Thais consider the head the most spiritual part of the body and the feet the dirtiest. So don't point your feet at people, anything that is considered sacred, or use it to point at all. As stated earlier that means when sitting on the ground either sit Indian style or with your feet pointing backwards. Don't touch people on their heads unless they are much younger than you. At temples you must take shoes off before entering, you should wear long pants. Short sleeves are OK as long as they are modest. For women they ask that you not visit temples if you are menstruating, but obviously they would have no idea if you were.
Thais hold the monarchy and King in extremely high regard. Disparaging remarks made about the King is a criminal offense. So be careful.
|
Spare_o
Citizen
Username: Spare_o
Post Number: 184
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 6:03 pm: | |
Mmmm...love the rambuttan. The first time I had it was went I went scuba diving in Thailand and the boat crew who brought lunch included big bags of rambuttan. It was so delicious. And because most people ended up getting seasick, I had as many as I wanted! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3781
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 9:35 am: | |
Clueless- thanks for the info. Since I'm only 5 feet tall, the only people I ever touch on the head are kids, anyway.
Is it acceptable to have bare feet in the temples? If I get to go, I'll probably wear sandals without socks, so when I take my shoe off... |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 157
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 11:13 am: | |
Just don't eat the durians!
Actually the smell will put you off....this fruit smells like a drain and you will smell it a dozen paces away LOL!. I could never bring myself to eat it when I lived in SE Asia and apparently if you do, it 'repeats' on you for hours afterwards. However, it is considered a delicacy and called the 'King of Fruits'.
I've seen them over here in the Kam Man supermarket next to Home Depot on route 10... very large and very spikey.
Also if you drop a banknote never put your foot on it to stop it blowing away....you would be stepping on the King's head and this is a big no-no.
|
mjh
Citizen
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 43
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 2:01 pm: | |
You can wear sandle-like shoes if they have a back (something over your heel). You take your shoes off outside the actual temple........there are usually separate racks for Thai people vs. others.
They have hundreds of slipper type shoes on hand to lend people whose shoes don't make the grade. They also have wrap-around skirts and shirts on hand to lend for those in shorts or sleeveless shirts. |
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page