Thailand forum

Bangkok for a day, where to go, where to stay??

ruthyevelyn

newbie
Posts: 3

Hi Travelfish!

Iv been trawling this site for the last few months and it's been invaluable in planning my 2 month trip to SEA. Great articles and super helpful and friendly members. So congrats!

This is my first trip to SEA and I think I have got the itinerary pretty well planned, my bf and I will be arriving in Bangkok on the morning of the 7th and flying to Chiang Mai the next day mid afternoon. While in Bangkok we want to pick up a few supplies (sleeping sheets, some light pants, etc) and eat and drink and just experience the city without too much sight seeing. We aren't big partiers but looove food and to just kick back with a few drinks.

So my question is, what would be a good area to stay (looking for a simple friendly GH around $10-$20 US) that is close to markets and good food but not too far from the airport? Somewhere to experience a quick bit of BK before heading to CM.

OR should we just scrap all that and stay out near the airport for conveniences sake?

And if someone could recommend a guest house that would be an added bonus!

Sorry for the long posting, it probably could've been more concise but just getting used to the idea of posting on a forum.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

Ruth

#1 Posted: 1/2/2010 - 21:35
Tilapia

under-employed
Posts: 1170
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I'd stay in either the Banglamphoo District or Samsen District, near the river, but not on Khao San Road. There are loads of guest houses around that area (like, hundreds) as well as a couple of daytime markets where you can get bedsheets (Talad Yot ... Yot Market) on some of the neighbouring streets. You can get travel pants and stuff like that on and around Khao San Road.

If you aren't sure where this area is, go to Google Maps and enter Chana Songkhram, Bangkok and it will take you right there.

If you're in this area you can get what you need, and if you've got time and are so inclined, you can walk to some of the main temples. Even if you don't, it's quite nice down by the river in the evenings.

If you're going to be spending up to $20 on guest houses, you probably won't need bedsheets.

#2 Posted: 1/2/2010 - 23:37
ruthyevelyn

newbie
Posts: 3

Great, thanks for the advice Tilapia! Il be sure to check those areas out. And it would definitely be great to check out a few temples while we're in Bangkok. One last question, Is it best to just pay for a taxi from the airport or will it be easy enough to catch a bus to those areas?

#3 Posted: 2/2/2010 - 17:11
Tilapia

under-employed
Posts: 1170
Located in:

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It's easy enough to catch a bus, but a taxi will be faster and will be able to take you exactly where you want to go to (if you've got a guest house in mind.)

#4 Posted: 3/2/2010 - 20:22
ruthyevelyn

newbie
Posts: 3

Awesome, thanks for the info!

#5 Posted: 5/2/2010 - 21:43
dagardiners

longtail driver
Posts: 7

a taxi to the samsen district just cost us about 400 baht and it was 500 going back (arranged by our guesthouse). Bangkok is crazy and we were glad to only be there for 24hrs (a personal preference sort of place, Bangkok). one thing, i was surprised at how expensive everything was at the markets and along khao san road after being in Siem Reap, Chiang Mai and Pai. Everything the vendors were selling was easily 3x the cost in Bangkok, it was really surprising. Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for there at reasonable prices but if not you'll find it in Chiang Mai no problem. Have a great trip!

#6 Posted: 6/2/2010 - 01:34
kvleiva

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Anyone have any specific good Bangkok hotels to recommend?

Thanks in advance for any help.

#7 Posted: 8/2/2010 - 19:51