Bangkok Ideas

- message to someone traveling to BKK

I have been helping an Asheville lady plan her upcoming Thailand trip. She and her husband went before on a group tour - this time going by themselves. They knocked out all the essentials that first trip, and are now looking for new half-day experiences (listed below). The other half of their day will be relaxing at their 5 star hotel, and getting massages. Bangkok can take its toll. They will be there three weeks, and another week in Singapore.

These could also be things you'd like to do in Bangkok...but make sure to also do the big things: Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Jim Thompson House Museum, Wat Saket, Wat Arun, the Amulet Market, etc..

One day

Benjakitti Forest Park (AM) plus Ruam Sab food market (early lunch). Just make sure you go to the forest park and not just stay at the original Benjakitti park. Forest park is new, and next to it. Take a water bottle each. Sometimes they're sold near the parks, but don't count on it. You might even find a coconut seller (for the juice) selling near the park. Never more than 50 baht!!!

One day

Vanilla Sky Rooftop, plus the Japanese restaurant next door for dinner. Maybe Nana Red Light district to extend the night??

One day

Belga Rooftop (drinks and dinner) - views, drinks and food are all exceptional.

One day

Char Rooftop - based on our experience, I would limit my time there to only drinks, and I would get there right when they open. Must experience before it gets dark. After a drink or two, walk 15 minutes (or take taxi) to Krua Nai Baan, the restaurant my friend jeff recommends. Would be cool to do it, since from Char Rooftop you will be looking out at that area where the restaurant is. Once done with dinner, walk back to the BTS to go to your hotel. 

One day

Octave rooftop and Sabaijai restaurant. - I would arrive at Octave Rooftop one hour before sunset (5:50 pm), go to bar on rooftop, get drinks, stay for sunset and a bit after. I would leave at 6:30 to walk to Sabaijai. It's a 22 minute walk, so a bit over a mile.  You could also take a taxi from Octave all the way to Sabaijai. When done, walk or taxi back to the BTS to take it to the Grande Sheraton.

One day

Mahanakhon Sky Walk, and dinner back at your hotel. BTS.

One day

Siam Square late afternoon (walk around), then go inside Siam Paragon mall for an easy dinner. You could choose the food court level, or find a nice restaurant on the upper floors. Siam Square is ideal on a weekend, since popular with teens and college kids. You could flip this around and have lunch at Siam Paragon before crossing over to enjoy Siam Square. This would leave your evening free.

One day

Emquartier mall walk-around, plus dinner. After that, go to Flamenco Sky Lounge for drinks and dancing. Emquartier will have a dazzling array of food options. You could also try latin american/spanish nibbles at Flamenco.

One day

Jodd Fairs night market - arrive at MRT Rama 9 station. There's a big mall there. Behind it is Jodd Fairs. You will have dinner there. Arrive 5 pm at latest, stay till you're ready to leave. 

One day

Bamboo Bar & Veranda restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Reservation needed. Dress nicely. Mrt/bts there.

One day

Khao San Rd plus road that runs parallel to it (Soi Rambutri). Only tricky day so far. Would likely need taxi. You can eat dinner and go clubbing there. We need to talk through this.

One day

Vertigo restaurant and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Hotel. Would need a reservation for dinner. Request outside, rooftop. Dress nicely. If unable to get a reservation, you can still go to the Moon Bar. Again, get there before sunset for the views. Mrt (30 min) or taxi (8 min) there. 

One day

Yaowat (Chinatown) - arrive early evening by BTS/MRT. Walk around and have dinner, then find the cool bars. Consider going to Wat Traimit first. In that case, get to Wat Traimit by 4 pm. Closes at 5 pm. Walk after that. Mrt home.

One day

Hi-So Rooftop - dinner and drinks. Get reservation. Eat dinner. Mrt.

One day

Terminal 21 conveyor belt sushi, then walk to Soi Cowboy red light district, pick some clubs and go in for a peek. Only trust the beers. You can go club to club.

One day

Go to Above Eleven Rooftop, but only if you intend to go to Havana social club for dancing. You should get to Above Eleven right when they open, order a drink and some sushi, then move along to Havana.

One day

Go to Central World mall (chitlom bts stop) for dinner at the outdoor beer garden. When done, you could go back to the hotel or you could take the BTS to Nana plaza for another red light district.