Bangkok Highlights:

The good:

  • River express boat rides
  • BTS Skytrain. I love the way they announced the names of the stops. Views of Bangkok were nice
  • Street food!
  • Walking along Sukhumvit
  • Erawan Shrine
  • The feel of the city: Blend of asia and west.
  • Tuk tuk rides (yes, I know it is touristy, but it reminded me of autorickshaws in India)
  • The tour guide @ Wat Prah Kaew singing Krung Thep.
  • Wat Pho and Wat Arun

The Bad:

  • Feeling overwhelmed for the first 1-2 days. I over-planned, over-read, over-thought Bagkok and caused myself pain.
  • Inconsiderate tourists at Wat Prah Kaew/Grand Palace, put a damper on the whole experience.

I loved Bangkok too much to remember anything bad anymore.

Reviews

  • Royal Orchid Sheraton: The hotel we stayed at. It made a huge difference going there after a long flight. Great room, amazing breakfast buffet (best butter vanilla cakes and noodles ever!), breathtaking views (our favorite pastime), pleasant staff. They have a boat that will take you to the Saphan Taksin BTS station. It is very comfortable and on a hot afternoon, the boat captain comes around giving out water – all with that amazing Thai smile. More than highly recommended.
  • Gallery Cafe: Our first real Thai meal. Close to the ROS. Not bad. Great Corn Fritters. Food could be more spicy.
  • Harmonique: Nice setting. Less than stellar service. Slightly oily food. I can get similar Thai food in SF and better food in Palo Alto. The house in which the place is set is more interesting that the food itself.
  • MBK: Crazy shopping mall. Some good bargains. Decent food court (which is what I care about at just about any mall)
  • JT House: Worth a visit. I wish they had more information on the actual Thai silk industry that JT revived than just the house.
  • Sukhumvit road: Fun walking up n’ down.
  • BTS Skytrain: Offered great glimpses of Bangkok. I’d go again – just to listen to the station names being announced…! It is also fairly convenient to get around (and is airconditioned!)
  • Chao Prahya River expresS: Bombay BEST buses – on water. I think that explains it all.
  • Wat Prah Kaew/GP: Worth a visit. Go really early (8 am?) or really late (post lunch – but then it’s hot). Else suffer with the crowds. That said, you must still go. Its beautiful and one of the most revered sites in Theravada Buddhism.
  • Wat Pho: The sleeping Buddha is definately worth looking at.
  • Wat Arun: Climb up n’ down! Just don’t freak out. Enjoy views of BKK from the top! Highly recommended
  • Find a decent food stall in the city and eat up!
  • If you’re vegetarian/vegan like us, May Kaidee for lunch.

This post is a part of the Thailand, Laos and Cambodia 2007 itinerary