After flying from Krabi to Bangkok were were met at the airport and transferred by limousine to our serviced apartments Somerset Suwan Park well located on Soi Tonson a short walk to the Chit Lom Sky Train station. We prefer serviced apartments in Bangkok as we get more room for the same price as a hotel room. In this case we got kitchen lounge and seperate bedroom. Still got room service and a pool, you could also order in from many Bangkok restaurants if you wanted. As we got there late evening and were tired we just put on a DVD and cranked up the in room home cinema.
Next day it was off to the Skytrain (and the Skywalk) and off to Chatachuk market (a Friday). Its quieter than the weekend but still open on a Friday as many of the stall holders are setting up. However only about a third of the stores were operating so I would advise sticking to the Saturday and Sunday to get the full market experience. Took in a few other small scale sites like the Erawan shrine...you get a good view of that from the Skywalk...shrugged off the usual guy trying to get us to buy gems.
The evening we got our glad rags on and found Cabbages and Condoms for a reasonable meal, in a jolly setting.
Next day it was off down Soi Tonson, past the Dutch and US Embassies through a little back alley to Lumphini Park...got there to late to see people doing Tai Chi but saw people ballroom dancing and roller blading. From the park Bangkok looks like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, but you realise its not when to get to Silom Road. Had a quick look at the shiny new underground before catching Skytrain to Saphin Taksin, from where we got the Chao Phraya express boat to Wat Pho. Had the usual guy telling us the place was shut but went anyway and of course it was open (as expected).
I had forgotten just how magnificent Wat Pho is with its reclining Buddha. Spent a couple of hours here. Then back on the express boat to Saphin Taksin, back to CHit Lom for High Tea at the Erawan Tea rooms...150 baht per person for about 10 different thai and western tea room treats and as much tea as you can drink. Quick dash back to the hotel to refresh and change then it was off down to the Marriott Resort & Spa for an evening cruise on the Manorha Rice Barge. All very nice.
And then its our last day...flight at 8 pm. So off to the zoo for an early hour checking out the Sun Bears (who were all fast asleep I might say so a fun time was had by all). Then we thought we'ed see what the shopping centres had to offer as we had not been around some of them before. First hit MBK which had been recommended to us...lots of small stalls and many floors. Had a quick look around the connected hotel (Pathumwan Princess) while using their loos
Then off to Siam Paragon...its new its huge and is full of designer stores and restaurants. Very impressive in a Hong Kong Singapore sort of way. Quick coffee in the Whittards of Chelsea cafe and a good Thai meal at one of the chic restaurants. Then sadly back to the apartments to pack and to arrive early at Bangkok airport...you just can't judge the traffic.
We intend to have a look through the department stores this time. We have had brief visits to them before but never had the time to do them justice. I dont know if it was just because I was tired ( at the end of a day of sightseeing) but I wasn't that over impressed with MBK. I will try it again though.
When we visited Lumphini the underground station was just under construction. Did you use it at all?
The ones where people say a place is closed if frustrating. I seen people turn back from visiting Jim Thomsons house because of this...we carried on and of course it was open. I've been told the Grand Palace is shut, various temples closed for meditation sessions. I've had tuk-tuk divers drop us off in the middle of nowhere because we don't want to visit a gem factory. I've never felt threatened by it, just frustrated as its eating into valuable holiday time.
I have to say I was not overly impressed with MBK either. We like Central Dept Store because they have quality stuff in there. Siam Paragon was very impressive as a shopping mall...but many of the shops were the top end of the market..the real Gucci and Versace etc. The Peninsula had a shop and restaurant there as did the Oriental so you can see what clientele the place was aimed at.
We passed through the underground station at Lumphini...easiest way to cross the road. Very shiny and nice....opens up quite a few more hotels to getting around Bangkok more easily.
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Edited by
Sunbear
2006-03-23 13:48:28
You've just reminded me! I was wrong about never being told something was closed. We were told that on the walk up the lane to Jim Thomsons! Of course we knew it was rubbish but anybody not doing research could easily be fooled.
Exact same place they tried it on with us....some Americans turned back because of it despite us telling them it should be open. Wonder why Jim Thomsons don't do something about it as it must be losing them business...a big sign saying "honest we are open" would do.
Ohh just noticed how I spelt Peninsula...missed out the second 'n' how embarassing.
We were told 4 times on the way to the Grand Palace that it was closed. One couple were actually standing at one of the gates and said they were palace management. When we walked on to one of the other gates, she ran screaming after me that I would get burned if I walked any longer in the sun- that's when we knew something was amiss
Thanks.
have to say I have been thinking about finding more about serviced apartments as well.
I've stayed at two service apartments within Bangkok. The Meritus State Towers (now Le Bua), and this time round Somerset Suwan Park View managed by rhe Ascott group. Its much like staying at a hotel in that you get the room serviced on a daily basis, the apartments will probably have a number of restaurants and you get breakfast. Its just you get more room for the same price you might pay for a hotel. You might not get quite the service levels you might expect from a hotel as they are more geared up for business and long stay users. Having said that the Suwan ParK had gym, childrens play room, swimming pool and a helpful reception. The rooms had a huge amount of cupboard space, lounge with dvd and home cinema and open plan kitchen area, desk with free broadband connection.
I've found the quality of the rooms to be as good as or better than hotels I have stayed
Have to say serviced people seem quite a good choice for people with kids or a larger group as many places have two/three bedroom options.
As with hotels there is a pretty good choice of serviced residences of various standards and locations. Have a look at
http://www.asiatravel.com/bangkok/apartment.html
to get a few ideas. We booked the apartments direct with the establishment in both cases.
I do like to be spoiled though! It is the only place we can really afford 5 star! Thanks- will look at the website.
You can have both...Le Bua for example is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, but also has some swish residences.
Thanks for all your help so far. As you can probably tell this is our first trip to Thailand.
I was extremely interested to read your message about service apartments. We are going to Bangkok and Hua hin in the summer. We have booked our accomodation in Hua Hin but have yet to book in Bangkok. Have looked at the website you recommended and am extremely impressed. Think we may give this option a go.
Thanks again.
Debs
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