Thailand forum

That really depends on the individual. Because we are all so different.

From a tourist perspective, if I only went to see one thing, it would be the Jim Thompson House. I loved it, and have been twice. Got the tour once in English, and once in Thai. Great experience. But for some, going to Thailand means temples, and obviously the Jim Thompson house isn't a temple.

From a social experience stand point, it would be to go dancing at La Rueda. But I'm a dancer. For non-dancers... probably not so much.

From a sex tourist stand point, it would be Soi 33. Doesn't have the raunchy vibe of Nana or Patpong (although obviously if you ar elookin for the raunchy vibe then maybe Nana is your place).

So it really depends on what your interests are.

it's up what would you like to see and don't want to see or do,
For not pass up and one thing that should be experienced?
I will take boat at Chopaya river to Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace,Wat Pho (no taxi or bus) if it's too hot you can take Tuk-Tuk to drive for visit temples around there.
- Wat Arun
- Jatujak market (Shopping)
- Chinatown (Food)
- Dinner at Red Sky (centara Grand Central World)

You're right, I'm such a prude...

Jim Thompson is a good suggestion, and while you are in the area, check out MBK and the other nearby shopping centers. It is unabashed capitalism and unashamed materialism. And great food courts.

The Sanam Luang area is pretty much ground zero when it comes to tourist stuff. Wat Phra Kaeo is good but maybe a bit over-rated. Wat Pho is good fun. My personal favorite is Wat Arun on the Thonburi side of the river. Best of all you can get there by boat, and then work that into the boat service along the river.

If you are dressed halfway decent, you can have a wander through the Oriental Hotel and some of the other top-end hotels along the river for a glimpse at lifestyles of the rich and famous.

The National Museum is also in the Sanam Luang area (right near Khao San Road) and a good starting point for gaining a appreciation for Thai history, culture, art, and architecture.

There are a few other spots in this general area too, like Democracy Monument and the Giant Swing and a few others wats that are worth a look. Apart from that, with just a stroll through the back streets you can discover good food spots and interesting shops, like the row of shops that specializes in Buddhist monk supplies.

I never liked Patpong and Nana Plaza always seemed too crowded and a fire trap to me, so if you are interested in that sort of thing I always thought Soi Cowboy was more relaxed and less sleezy. It is right off both the subway and skytrain, so it is easy to reach too. But I didn't so much as stop by on my last visit, so that information may be dated.

What I did instead was hang out in the Victory Monument area where lots of 20-somethings and middle class Thais hang out and drink beer and listen to music. I liked it because it was fun to hang out with everyday folks in Bangkok. Hope that helps. Regards.

For Bangkok, I suggest you hop on the Chao Phaya Express boat from any pier downtown along the river and go all the way to the last stop at Pakkret and visit the island and any other interesting places along the route. Other places, I suggest a trip to Chiang Rai, visit the Golden Triangle and cross over to Laos or Myanmar for a brief visit.

Leonard, you are still struggling with the idea that everyone is not you.

As for Wat Arun, that is a good suggestion, and number two on my list. My daughter got a big kick riding the boat and we saw a crock the second time I went there (been to Wat Arun twice as well).

National Museum was OK. I wouldn't do it a second time though.

"Leonard, you are still struggling with the idea that everyone is not you"

Just posting an opinion - that's what forums are for. You fail to realise that. I would consider JT's house a tourist trap while you like it. Just two different opinions.

Yep, a crocodile. It was only about three feet long and it was dead. The guy driving the boat says the river has a few - not many. I wondered about that, because even with a few, I would be loathe to swim in the river, which people do. I've read they are indigenous, but I've also read they are part of the great croc escape from the last flood. I suppose both are probably true.

As for opinion, you might say that since you are posting it, it is your opinion. And that's fair enough. Most people do preface with that statement though (as in IMHO). I have no problem with difference of opinion though. Like I said, different strokes for different folks. Some people think KSR is a can't miss. Others think that Issan is crap.

Something a little bit different.Recently did a 3 hour food walking tour with thai guide and headset. Visited 5 different eateries learnt a hell of a lot had some great food, really enjoyable.

The average Thai doesn't care about Jim Thompson and the name Jim draws a few laughs. Teak houses are a dime a dozen in Thailand. Some real nice ones along the River Kwai and up north.

I took the Thai language tour at Jim Thompson's and really enjoyed it too. The guides were able to give much more detail and seemed more relaxed than the English tours. Either way though, I still like that house and same as MADMAC am fascinated by the Jim Thompson story, right up to the disappearance in the Cameron Highlands of what is now Malaysia.

Funny thing is I took the Thai language tour at Vimanmek as well and had a similarly wonderful experience. The two always seemed a lovely view into that era of Thai history. It isn't how most folks lived, but the folks who did live that way lived very well.

@MADMAC - are you really building that style of home in Yaso? Sounds fantastic!

Exacto
I am not copying it - but the fundamental concept of taking seperate buildings and linking them (as oppossed to one large strcuture) is what w are doing. So the entire house is elevated on stilts. Each room is a free standing house and they are connected by elevated walkways. I have a large piece of land we are doing this on. And we use that land for farming. So the house is essentially elevated above the farm. It's cool, but it will be years before I am finished because my son is in university and that's costing me.

Well, as you know, he was oppossed to the war in Vietnam. But so were tons of people then. I find it hard to swallow that men who place such a value on loyalty would kill their own. We don't work that way - movies notwithstanding.

But yeah, his story is an interesting one.

When the house is done I'll drop you a line you can come and check it out.

Try Thai Massage therapy, quite different from body massage. Visiting original massage school in Wat Po and Grand Palace is recommended attraction when you visit Bangkok.

Good friend of mine loves that place Neosho!