Enjoy a Grand Time in Bangkok
The capital as well as the largest city in Thailand, Bangkok is a mesmerizing destination, situated in the central region of the nation, on the low flat plains of the Chao Phraya River, near the northern tip of the Gulf of Thailand. Known as Krungthep in Thai, literally meaning the 'City of Angels,' Bangkok is the cultural, economic, educational, and political center of the nation. Bangkok is credited to be the only metropolis in the country.
Further, it serves as Thailand's main port. The history of Bangkok as a modern city dates back to 1782 when it was declared capital of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. Since then, Bangkok has grown steadily to become one of the world's prominent cities, consisting of 50 districts stretching up to an area of 1568 sq mt. Above all, Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in South east Asia. Perhaps for these reasons, Bangkok is sometimes acknowledged as the 'Venice of the East.'
Bangkok offers a feast of attractions to the visitors to the city, ranging from ancient temples and magnificent palaces to modern as well as classy malls and multiplexes. Of the attractions of the city, perhaps the most popular is its more than 400 dazzling Buddhist wats or temples of incredible beauty and fascination.
Few among the prominent Buddhist shrines in the area are the Temple of Dawn, decorated with numerous Chinese porcelains; Wat Benchamabophit, which is much favored for its main chapel erected in white Carara Italian marble; Wat Phra Chetuphon, with a huge Reclining Buddha of 46 m long and 15 m high; and Wat Traimit, whose focal point is a -metre tall, 5.5 tonne solid gold Buddha image, erected more than 700 years ago during the Sukhothai period. Apart from these, a good number of Hindu shrines such as Erawan Shrine can also be seen here, apart from fantastic churches and mosques.
The city also abounds in splendid palaces. Among which, most noteworthy as well as spectacular is Grand Palace - an architectural splendor which served as the royal residence as well as the administrative seat of the government for more than 150 years.
One of the specialties of the palace is Wat Phra Kaew, (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), whose highlight is an Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Also, included in the highlights of the palace are seven elegant royal buildings and a stunning chapel. Vimanmek Mansion, King Taksin's Palace, The Front Palace, Tha Phra Palace, Bahn Moh Palace, and Sra Pathum Palace are the other significant palaces in the area.
Bangkok's attractions also include Snake Farm, also known as the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, which is one of the leading producers of anti-venom Serum in Asia; Crocodile Farm -the largest of its kind in the world, where you can see more than 60,000 fresh as well as sea water crocodiles; and Rose Garden, a well-manicured area where cultural shows are conducted.
Further, don't miss any of the fantastic museums in the area, while your stay at Bangkok. Museums in Bangkok are categorized into palace museums, special museums, and Kings' museum. Prominent being Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, the Bank of Thailand Museum, Thai Labor Museum, the Museum of Buddhist Art, and King Rama VI Museum. Let it be any type of museum, each of the museums in Bangkok is considered a rich tapestry of Thai history and ethnicity. In addition, Bangkok is home to the world's largest outdoor museum, Ancient City, exhibiting gigantic-sized replicas of renowned monuments and temples found across the nation.
Bangkok also renders superb options to enjoy a variety of leisurely activities. For instance, for golf freaks, the city comes with some of the top-rated golf courses in the world, including Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and Royal Thai Army Sports Center. If you love to be pampered, then head to any of the city's superb spa facilities, offering rejuvenating massages and relaxing natural treatments. For those looking for something different, one of the best options would be to spectacle Thai boxing, which is conducted on the two main stadiums of Bangkok, such as, Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium.
Further, the city is a venue for a variety of interesting festivals, including Songkran Festival, the International Festival of Dance and Music, Vegetarian Festival, and Loy Krathong - also known as the Festival of Lights.
Gastronomically, the culinary delights of the area are simply amazing, with thousands of world-class restaurants and eateries. Bangkok is also a shopper's paradise, boasting of some of the best shopping facilities in Asia. Above all, Bangkok is renowned around the world for its lively as well as exciting nightlife.
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I would like to go on vacation to Bangkok in two weeks time, but I don't speak any Thai and don't have time to learn. If I get lost or need help with transport, do you think it will be possible to find passers-by who speak English and can help me a little?
How easy is it to get by speaking only English?
Also, is it relatively safe for a girl in her late twenties to go alone?
In addition, can most taxi drivers speak English? How about hotel / guest house / etc. staff?
Thanks
If you’re planning to travel to Bangkok’s red light districts then you’re most likely going to check out the Thai Freelance scene. You’re probably wondering where to find Thai freelancers as well. You’ll find the information right here. But most importantly you'll find some common sense tips that will keep you safe.
One of the most popular places to pick up a Thai freelancer is at the parking lot of the Nana Hotel. Starting around 8pm you’ll start to see a few girls hanging around the parking lot. But by 10pm you will find more ladies streaming into the parking lot. You can approach these girls up front to check them out. They’re use to it so don’t be shy. Nana Hotel parking lot is a great place to check out the freelance scene because it’s also right across from Nana Entertainment Plaza, a building filled with go go bars.
You also have another option near the parking lot. Take a look between Sukhumvit Soi 5 and Soi 7, just a 3 minute walk east from Nana Hotel. This area is called the bus stop because… well it’s where the bus stops. You’ll find many Thai freelancers and a few African ones too if that’s what you’re into.
From the bus stop you can also take another 5 minute walk east to the Ruamchitt Hotel located between Sukhumvit Soi 13 and Soi 15. Head downstairs to Thermae Coffee Shop. This is an interesting place to visit for Thai freelance action. It is a bar, restaurant and coffee house pick up joint. Dozens of freelancers are standing around on two sides of the room. Again, don’t be shy and chat with the ladies.
These are just a few of the most popular areas to meet freelance ladies. But here are a few essential tips. Try not to get too drunk. Many girls will try and take advantage of you if they notice you are smashed. So play it safe, especially when you’re alone.
For even more tips such as how much freelancers charge, checkout Bangkok Bar Girls, Freelancers and Escorts Oh My!.
Jim Hunt is an expat in Thailand. Through the dozen years he's been living there he has become the unofficial welcome mat to visiting friends from all over the world. He is also a contributor to http://www.bangkokguestfriendlyhotels.com
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hi me and my girl freind are going to thailand for 3 weeks in late feb 2010 i want to spend a few days in bangkok and spend the rest doing the north and south preffably more in the south wats the best things to do and see and wats the best route of doing this. so far we want to do and see tigers,elephant treks,beachs,snorkeling,sightseeing,fullmoon party,phi phi island,shooting range,partying,beach huts we have 4500 aud all up can we do this or do we need more time please help!!!!!
I have to fly to Europe from Singapore and I want to make a quick connection with a "nice Thai girl" I know in BKK. I can arrange a 4 hour "layover" is there a room at the aorport to make the reunion more romantic.
I really don't want to spend more than 500 baht on this Thai so the Novotel is out. Worst case is a smoker in the stall if I cannot find a ST room. You would think with all the HO's in Thailand they would havs a ST room at Swampi. Long live Thai romance!
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Short time hotels in Bangkok offer short time rooms for guests who frequent the red light districts. They are found mostly within walking distance to go go bars and of course in areas where Thai freelancers hang out in search of customers. Matter of fact some go go bars even have short time rooms available within the establishment and you'll find some names here.
All ladies working in the sex industry know where the nearest short time hotels are and they'll take you there without a problem. So don't concern yourself about knowing where they are exactly. But it's always good to know where these places are for future reference.
There are 3 red light districts in Bangkok with short time rooms available for men (and women) to take back someone they've bar fined for short time. They come in handy especially when you want privacy or can't bring a companion back to your hotel.
1. Nana Red Light District
Perhaps the largest sex district by area. The center of adult activity takes place at Nana Entertainment Plaza (NEP) or as I like to call it "The Sex Mall". Men shop for sex here like women shop for shoes. There are 3 floors at NEP and all the short time hotels below charge B300 for 1 hour and condoms here cost B20 - B30 for 1. Best to get your own 3 pack at a 7-Eleven for B40:
3rd floor right next to Cascades (Lady Boy go go bar) 3rd floor next to Carousel go go bar 3rd floor above Hollywood Inn Hotel
2. Soi Cowboy Red Light District
This is the smallest red light district but they have the most go go bars with short time rooms for rent. They charge from B300 to B400 depending on the quality of the room. Again, bring your own condoms. Here a just a few names of go go bars in Soi Cowboy with short time rooms:
Baccara Deja Vu Dollhouse Moonshine Midnight Bar
3. Patpong Red Light District
Patpong though largely commercialized still has a popular go go bar scene with the most special activities for gay visitors. Rooms here cost B300 to B400. They charge crazy prices for condoms so again bring your own. Here are a few places in Patpong:
Opposite Queen's Castle 2 go go bar Kangaroo Star of Light (BJ Bar) Super Pussy
An alternative to paying B300 to B400 every time at a short time hotel is to bring your companion back to your hotel. But you have to make sure the hotel you're staying in has a guest or girl friendly policy. These hotels allow you to bring a bar girl, gay, lady boy or freelancer without charging you a joiner fee. This is important as non girl friendly hotels can charge a B,1000 joiner fee.
Many guest and girl friendly hotels are located in all 3 of the red light districts. In most cases it's a better choice as most short time hotels are obviously not the cleanest places to rest your head on a pillow. Plus the money you save on renting a room can be spent on more beer and company instead.
For a complete list of no joiner fee hotels visit Bangkok Guest Friendly Hotels.
Jim Hunt is an expat in Thailand. Through the dozen years he's been living there he has become the unofficial welcome mat to visiting friends from all over the world. He is a contributor to http://www.bangkokguestfriendlyhotels.com
is there anything that i have to do before i leave? is the floating market in bangkok worth my time. i need to bring back a gift for my girl friend what would be a good idea?
