I always enjoy visiting Bangkok. The people, food, culture and temples are wonderful. I have been lucky in being able to visit Bangkok several times as a budget traveller and also for work. I have some lovely memories of Bangkok and only wished I had invested in a better camera. One thing I have noticed over the years is how transportation has improved compared to other Asian cities in particular Manila in the Philippines which never seems to improve and only get worse. The recent addition of the sky train is wonderful and is brilliant in being able to avoid the traffic congestion from the airport.
Where we have stayed
The last time I visited was in early 2012 for work and I spent 10 nights in Bangkok. I stayed at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel Towers beside the river. My review of it is below. It is beside the river, has a great breakfast buffet and near the terminal where the dining river cruises depart.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g293916-d301808-r125485768-Royal_Orchid_Sheraton_Hotel_Towers-Bangkok.html
Below are also a couple of other hotels I have stayed at in Bangkok including the Best Western Premier Amaranth Suvarnabhumi hotel with a lovely pool. The hotel is convenient to the airport and ideal if you have a short stopover.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g667499-d1426153-r120806002-BEST_WESTERN_PREMIER_Amaranth_Suvarnabhumi_Airport-Racha_Thewa_Samut_Prakan_Prov.html
Another hotel we have stayed at the Amari Watergate Hotel for 11 nights in 2009. This hotel is near the Central Mall with lots of shop and if you want to have a great view of the city go to the 55th floor where their is a nice bar.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g293916-d300434-r39024166-Amari_Watergate_Bangkok-Bangkok.html
All of the hotels we stayed at were fine.
What to do in Bangkok
The top five things I would recommend to do in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo Palace and if you can arrive by the river taxi. Ignore anyone that tells you that it is closed it is not. Make sure you see the Emerald Buddha
The Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn and do try and see it from the river. There is a great view from the top of the temple but be warned the steps are steep.
Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha and if you feel brave a traditional Thai massage
Hire one of the long boats and do a river tour. It is a great way to see another side of Bangkok and I always use the river taxi’s as that is the quickest way to get around Bangkok for places beside the river.
Enjoy the food it is glorious.
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- Wat Arun
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- Wat Arun view of the river
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- Feeding the fishes on the river from along tail boat
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- Long tail boat race
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- Loved the sign as no one ever wears a life jacket on the river taxi’s
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- View of Bangkok
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- Wat Arun
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- Khao San Road a trip down memory lane
Great photos!
Outstanding post.
I would add for the ladies, do bring a fan, as it can get so hot, if you aren’t used to it and this is a great way to create a small breeze!
I would add to the list of things, if you have the time, so if only in Bangkok for a few days, this may not be in the list, but if you are there for a bit longer or have been several times, go to Jim Thompsons’ house, which is the original lodgings for this very notorious trader.
Also, I would encourage you to try, what looks like, street food, as long as it’s cook and not fresh, you will not suffer from food poisoning and it tastes fantastic.