Bangkok, Amazing Thailand - Thread II

[NeoScythe]

Hello everyone!

Please check Bangkok Tour Packages.

Very affordable! Hassle Free.

[olgatatiana_go]

Ito *** mga tanong ko:

"Hi! I have read some Filipinos recommend your place for a cheap stay especially for budget travellers. May I know all the room types you have along with the rates? I will be travelling to Bangkok with a guy friend so we decided to book two single rooms upon our arrival. How much will it cost and does it include breakfast? What time is check-in and check-out? And lastly, do you have food stalls, Mcdonald's, KFC and 7-11 nearby?
Hoping for your soonest response."

ang sagot: please visit lemonseedrooms.com

Reply ko: "Thank you for the link but the main reason I mailed is for someone to describe more regarding my questions. I may have seen your site but I feel it shows a limited information. Anyway, do you have a room for single occupancy (other than the king room you have)?
What are other "payables" should we expect upon payment time such as added tax of some percent, and other additional payment if there is any? Since I believe that the amount you post (such as the 1,100THB) is a raw amount, how much will I pay all in all say for example I book 1 whole night? (e.g.1,100THB + ____?)"

ang sagot: Thank you!

Sabi ko: "Hello??? I dont think my questions are answered. Kindly reply with details if you don't mind."

ang sagot: I mind!

Kasi sa lahat ng pnagtanungan ko, ito lang ang hindi maayos sumagot to think parepareho ang tanong ko sa ibang hostels/hotels.

[faaip_de_oiad]

My experience with them was awesome. Can't really complain. I booked via email the night before and got a room for 5 nights. I think the site already contains the types of room available. The cost is what it says already. I don't remember paying for a deposit.

There are a lot of nearby restaurants - it is the Pratunam area. There's a 24H McDonalds at Shibuya 19.

[SamZee]

i have a question can someone help me. i booked a ticket to bangkok 2nd week of august but my passport expires January next year. will i be allowed to enter bangkok? i know my passport should be at least 6 months valid? and even a rush renewal would require 14 days it will be too late for me by then.

[waterwell]

^^ the question is, will they allow you to leave manila with a less than 6 months valid passport? i've a friend who has experienced this and the answer is NO.

[gamtam]

No, but you may want to try calling your airlines/travel agent for confirmation just in case you want to hear it from a reliable source.

[faaip_de_oiad]

i have a question can someone help me. i booked a ticket to bangkok 2nd week of august but my passport expires January next year. will i be allowed to enter bangkok? i know my passport should be at least 6 months valid? and even a rush renewal would require 14 days it will be too late for me by then.

I'm surprised that they even let you buy a ticket.

[winterskies]

Commoner's Mini Bangkok Guide

If Manny Pacquiao is the pound for pound king in boxing, Thailand is its counterpart for tourism. I can't think of another place that gives you so much value in return for every penny you spend. If you want to get the most out of your hard earned money in practically all aspects, go to Thailand.

Where to start your research: http://www.bangkok.com

Rough Exchange Rate: 1 Baht = 1.4 Peso



CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Money changers in the airports are all banks so all are reliable and all have the same exchange rate. Rates are almost similar or exactly the same as banks in the city. No service charge, no need to present anything.

All popular malls have money changers (by banks also) inside them so no need to exchange a lot in the airport.

Exchange rate for Peso is somewhere around 0.5 so it's better to bring USD.



TO/FROM THE AIRPORT

For those arriving when the airport link is still operational, this is the most cost effective way of getting into the city.

Taxi costs somewhere around 200baht to downtown Bangkok plus 50baht airport surcharge and 25baht toll fee if you take the expressway. When you exit the airport look for the dispatch counter and tell them where you want to go. Some drivers might still insist on not using the meter.

To the airport, you can ask a taxi to bring you to the nearest airport link-connected BTS station. This way you don't need to hassle yourself with transferring between different stations/lines.



RABBIT CARD and THE BTS/MRT SYSTEM

Yes Bangkok traffic can get very bad so make use of their trains as much as possible. This is 1 of the few things that is more expensive than Manila.

The Rabbit Card is a contact-less smart card similar to HK's Octopus Card. Initial shell out is 300baht, this comes with 100baht load. 50baht is refundable deposit if you return the card. You can buy this in any customer service counter of the BTS stations. Minimum reload is 100baht.

http://www.rabbitcard.com/en

The BTS (their LRT) is very well located and makes it very easy to go to areas which usually has heavy traffic like MBK and the Siam Square area.



PREPAID SIM CARD

7-Eleven is the easiest way to get a prepaid SIM card. I think you can also get one in the airport but I forgot to check where exactly.

The providers are roughly the same, their price are also similar.

I got a DTAC Happy Sim for 45baht and then 60baht for the load. For DTAC, the load is 60, 100, 200, 300, something like that.

The SIM needs to be activated when the phone is powered on, ask the staff to do this for you because the SIM pack is all in Thai.



CHAO PHRYA RIVER BOAT

You can take the boat to places that are hard to reach using the rail system such as W@t Arun, W@t Pho and the Grand Palace. A 1-way ticket is 40baht. Nearest BTS to a pier is Saphan Taksin.



PATPONG / TIGER SHOW GUIDE

Since no one really gave concrete guides to this place, I will write one for this thread. Almost all the clubs/bars in Patpong offer the Tiger Shows (Ping Pong, etc.). The touts will all tell you that there is no cover charge and beers only cost 100baht each.

Their modus operandi is all the same. When you go to the cashier to pay for your bill, you will be surprised to see that you have been charged thousands of baht, roughly 800-1000baht per person. The cashier and staff will immediately raise their voice and argue with you once you complain.

The actual amount you need to pay is somewhere around 250-300baht per person; maybe a maximum of 350baht. Who actually believes they will let you W@tch a show like that for P150 is crazy. Don't show them that you know this, start haggling from 150 or 200baht and make 300baht your last price.

These people can be very intimidating and they do this for a living. If you are weak-hearted, traveling alone or in a small group, I suggest you think it over. Preferably there should always be a couple of guys in your group.



TOURIST SPOTS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

If Beijing has the Great Wall and Forbidden City, Bangkok's Grand Palace and the W@t Phra Kaew temple in the same compound should not be missed.

If you have the time, take a daytrip to Ayutthaya for temples that resemble Angkor W@t and Yogyakarta. There are vans from BKK to Ayutthaya then from there you can ask a tuktuk to bring you around the city. There are around 3 temples that are must-sees. Entrance for foreigners is 50baht each. You also have the option of taking a tour which should cost around 800-1000baht per person.

The Siam Niramit cultural show is a must-see show (besides the tiger show). Cheapest ticket can be booked at Hotels2thailand.com. Get the one with dinner buffet and hotel transfers for convenience.

Bangkok itself has a LOT of things to do: River cruise, temples (W@t Pho and W@t Arun among others), Chatuchak weekend market, Chinatown, Khao San Road, the floating markets outside downtown Bangkok, Samphran Zoo also outside downtown Bangkok plus the tons of malls that will easily eat a couple of days if you love shopping.

As always, don't try to cram a lot of things in a day or you won't fully appreciate the beauty of the places. I know most Pinoys only have 3-4 days and some might think this is more than enough for Bangkok, but no, it's not enough.

I don't know why people still bother going to Vietnam and Cambodia when Thailand itself has so many things to offer.



FOOD

I haven't seen a city in the world with this overwhelming amount and diversity of food. Thailand is indeed a heaven for food. It's diverse, very tasty, flavorful and most of all, very very inexpensive. Average price for thai food inside mall restaurants, 100-150baht per dish. For street food, it's just around 30-40baht. Unlike Manila, Bangkok street food can take the place of real restaurants. Locals eat street food for lunch or dinner.

Siam Paragon's food court alone has a selection that will overwhelm you and put what we have in Manila to shame.

Once you eat the food in Thailand, you will realize how bland, 1 dimensional and sweet Filipino food is.

Must Eat: Pad Thai Goong, Thai Milk Tea, Tom Yum Goong,



SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING

For souvenirs, MBK (their version of Greenhills) and the weekend market. A pack of 5 small keychains should only cost 50baht - 10baht each. I am referring to the 1.5"x1.5" keychains. You need to bargain hard here.

For women's clothes - Platinum then Terminal 21 for designer boutiques that are not that expensive but you can't find at Platinum. So go to Platinum first before Terminal 21.

For men's clothes - Platinum for long sleeves and statement shirts. Terminal 21 also have a lot of good stuff for men.

For branded shopping - Central World. This is one of the nicest malls I've seen, it is very complete and has everything you want to buy (as long as you have the budget). Terminal 21 also have branded stores but not as much as Central World.

For guys who want to see nice luxurious cars and for the nicest food court - Siam Paragon.

For photo ops inside the mall - Terminal 21.

For fake stuff - MBK.

I cannot stress simply how BIG their malls are. Unless you totally have no inclination to shopping, I don't know how you can do malls like Platinum, MBK, Central World or Terminal 21 in just a few hours. Each mall can take up as much as 1 whole day. No kidding.

The stuff at Zen, Isetan and Paragon Department Store are also very nice.



WHERE TO DO GROCERY FOR PASALUBONG

Big C was a big disappointment. If you plan to buy fruits, pasalubong or anything food related, buy them at Siam Paragon's grocery. It might be more expensive but their selection is massive.



NEW ATTRACTIONS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TO BANGKOK BEFORE

Terminal 21 and Asiatique Night Market.



TAX REFUND

For those who will be buying expensive and branded items, there is a 7% tax refund you can get at the airport. Make sure you do all the paperwork at the store where you bought the item.



SCAMS

Tuktuk - As long as you are not a local, they will definitely charge you more than what you should pay. For short distances (1-2KM), it should be just around 50baht. There's really no "real" price for tourists because it depends on the driver and how much you can bargain. I was able to ride a tuktuk for 20baht but it turns out, he was in cahoots with a boatman scammer, we did not ride the boat so technically we were not scammed.

Tiger Show Scam - Already explained above.

Locals who speak really good English should already be enough reason for you to be extra vigilant on their true intentions.

It is almost impossible not to get scammed specially if you are a first time visitor to Bangkok or worse, first time abroad. What's good about Bangkok is that even if they double or triple the price, it's still not as bad as being conned in Europe because everything is so d*mn cheap!



THAI LANGUAGE

Just like Chinese, once you get the tonation wrong, the word and the meaning changes. So don't try to speak Thai anymore when not necessary. Just learn the usual Sawadeekap (if you are a guy) and Kobbonkap (Thank You).



MGA SAWI SA PAG-IBIG

The shrine/mini temple outside Central World near the foot bridge is supposedly for love. You buy rose/candle/incense and offer it to the god.




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You've tackled almost everything I want to know more about.
Thank you so much for your contribution.
I'll be going to Thailand last week of September.

3 questions I still want to clear, if you dont mind.
1. Arrival at the International airport (Surv Int'l Airport) is 11am. will be travelling with my Uncle.
What's the most convenient yet budget-friendly way to the city/hotel?

2. I've read that a hotel along the railway system is the most convenient to explore the city.
What budget hotel would you recommend?

3. I'm planning to go to Ayuthhaya. You've mentioned there's a van in bangkok that could take us. Where exactly. I'll be staying in BKK for 6 days.

[wirehead]

i have a question can someone help me. i booked a ticket to bangkok 2nd week of august but my passport expires January next year. will i be allowed to enter bangkok? i know my passport should be at least 6 months valid? and even a rush renewal would require 14 days it will be too late for me by then.

try the passport validity extension service at the dfa. the last i heard, processing takes only three working days. i hope they still offer this service. you have to sort of promise to have your passport renewed once you get back

i will have 5 hours to kill in bangkok on thursday. any place worth going to for this period?

[faaip_de_oiad]

You've tackled almost everything I want to know more about.
Thank you so much for your contribution.
I'll be going to Thailand last week of September.

3 questions I still want to clear, if you dont mind.
1. Arrival at the International airport (Surv Int'l Airport) is 11am. will be travelling with my Uncle.
What's the most convenient yet budget-friendly way to the city/hotel?

2. I've read that a hotel along the railway system is the most convenient to explore the city.
What budget hotel would you recommend?

3. I'm planning to go to Ayuthhaya. You've mentioned there's a van in bangkok that could take us. Where exactly. I'll be staying in BKK for 6 days.

1. There's an Airport Link line that goes straight to the city. Fare is about 40 baht.

2. Lemonseed Rooms is nearish Ratchathewi, Ratchaprarop and Phaya Thai stations.

3. Take the country train and take in the great views for 15 baht!

[edgalura]

Hi All,

Ask ko lang if bawal ba ang tripod sa loob ng mga temples dito sa thailand?
I'm planning to bring one sa pagpunta ko dun.

paki confirm naman.

thanks

[RichardTheGreat]

Hi All,

Ask ko lang if bawal ba ang tripod sa loob ng mga temples dito sa thailand?
I'm planning to bring one sa pagpunta ko dun.

paki confirm naman.

thanks

Pwede naman tripod sa loob mismo ng temple ng *** pho lying Buddha, marble temple and grand palace. Kaya malamang pwede din sa iba.

[bachoi]

hello po!

ask ko lang po kung meron na ba sa inyong nakapagstay sa vaboir lodge?

hmmmm, malapit lang po ba eto sa:

1. temple
2. grand palace
3. madame teussad
4. siam ocean world
5. dreamworld
6. malls (mbk, platinum, terminal 21, central world, siam paragon)

possible din po ba na mapuntahan ko lahat yan for 4d3n?

thank you!

[my_name_is_meg]

Hi to those who booked for Lemonseed Room.

Maybe we are settled with this guesthouse. Kaso di pala sila nagpapabayad in advance. What will we present to immigration kung sakaling hanapan o tanungin kami.

Thank you for those who will reply.

[shigeru]

Pwede naman tripod sa loob mismo ng temple ng *** pho lying Buddha, marble temple and grand palace. Kaya malamang pwede din sa iba.

yes puwede, nagdala ako the last time i went there. usually kasi monopod ang dala ko.

[shigeru]

try the passport validity extension service at the dfa. the last i heard, processing takes only three working days. i hope they still offer this service. you have to sort of promise to have your passport renewed once you get back

i will have 5 hours to kill in bangkok on thursday. any place worth going to for this period?

a friend of mine took it for only 2 days.

[josh.v.lim]

Guys, patulong ako please

Day 1 (August 8, 2012)
01:00 = My check in to hotel (Best Western Bangkok Hiptique Hotel)
9:00 - 21:00 = Malling

Day 2 (August 9, 2012) (Thursday)
24:00 = Arrival of cousin, start of formal day for touring
8:00 – 18:00
= *** Phra Kaeo & Grand Palace
= *** Pho
= *** Arun
= *** Traimit
= Dusit Palace Park & Vimanmek Teak Mansion
18:00 – 21:00 = Shopping (if this is still feasible)

Day 3 (August 10, 2012) (Friday)
9:00 – 23:00 = Jim Thompson’s House
= Shopping @ Pratunam Area
= Look for booking agent for the Siam Niramit Show with buffet

Day 4 (August 11, 2012) (Saturday)
9:00 – 18:00 = Chatuchak
17:30 – 21:45 = Siam Niramit Show with dinner buffet
21:45 – 22:30 = Shopping (Where ????)

Day 5 (August 12, 2012) (Sunday)
Option A
6:30 – 20:00 = Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Saturday & Sunday) with Sampran Zoo & Lunch
20:00 – 22:30 = Shopping (Where ????)
Option B
6:30 – 15:30 = Half Day Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
15:30 - 22:30 = MBK Malling & Buffet Dinner

Day 6 (August 13, 2012) (Monday)
7:30 – 23:00 = Trip to Ayutthaya & Bang Pa In Summer Palace

Day 7 (August 14, 2012) (Tuesday)
8:00 – 16:30 = Check out nila and last minute shopping @ nearby places

Day 9, 2012 (August 15, 2012) (Last Day, Late Check Out @ 18:00)
9:00 – 16:30 = Shopping at Terminal 21 and nearby places


Pa-comment naman ako for this itinerary, I am having a hard time inserting the shopping time. If possible inputs for the bazaar and mall suitable for the given time or correction for the combination of places to visit is very much welcomed.

Thanks!

[commoner]

Guys, patulong ako please

Day 1 (August 8, 2012)
01:00 = My check in to hotel (Best Western Bangkok Hiptique Hotel)
9:00 - 21:00 = Malling

Day 2 (August 9, 2012) (Thursday)
24:00 = Arrival of cousin, start of formal day for touring
8:00 – 18:00
= *** Phra Kaeo & Grand Palace
= *** Pho
= *** Arun
= *** Traimit
= Dusit Palace Park & Vimanmek Teak Mansion
18:00 – 21:00 = Shopping (if this is still feasible)

Day 3 (August 10, 2012) (Friday)
9:00 – 23:00 = Jim Thompson’s House
= Shopping @ Pratunam Area
= Look for booking agent for the Siam Niramit Show with buffet

Day 4 (August 11, 2012) (Saturday)
9:00 – 18:00 = Chatuchak
17:30 – 21:45 = Siam Niramit Show with dinner buffet
21:45 – 22:30 = Shopping (Where ????)

Day 5 (August 12, 2012) (Sunday)
Option A
6:30 – 20:00 = Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Saturday & Sunday) with Sampran Zoo & Lunch
20:00 – 22:30 = Shopping (Where ????)
Option B
6:30 – 15:30 = Half Day Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
15:30 - 22:30 = MBK Malling & Buffet Dinner

Day 6 (August 13, 2012) (Monday)
7:30 – 23:00 = Trip to Ayutthaya & Bang Pa In Summer Palace

Day 7 (August 14, 2012) (Tuesday)
8:00 – 16:30 = Check out nila and last minute shopping @ nearby places

Day 9, 2012 (August 15, 2012) (Last Day, Late Check Out @ 18:00)
9:00 – 16:30 = Shopping at Terminal 21 and nearby places


Pa-comment naman ako for this itinerary, I am having a hard time inserting the shopping time. If possible inputs for the bazaar and mall suitable for the given time or correction for the combination of places to visit is very much welcomed.

Thanks!

Huwag kayo magtatagal sa Chatuchak kasi baka hindi kayo umabot sa Niramit. Kailangan mga 430PM nasa hotel na kayo for the pick-up. Or move Niramit to Day 3 instead.

Cheapest tickets can be found here: http://www.hotels2thailand.com/bangk...it-bangkok.asp

In the evening of Day 6 you can go to Asiatique: http://www.thaiasiatique.com/ and Patpong to see the nightlife.

Day 2 evening pwede rin kayo magmall hanggang magsara. Central World and Paragon are nice.

You can ride the river boat on Day 2 going to the temples. Medyo marami temples niyo sa Day 2. Baka kulang sa oras.

[keyser_soze]

Patpong is only for the 'exotic circus show' for the tourists.

If you want to experience the real Bangkok nightlife where the locals go, esp. the uni studes and yuppies, then it's RCA!

[josh.v.lim]

Huwag kayo magtatagal sa Chatuchak kasi baka hindi kayo umabot sa Niramit. Kailangan mga 430PM nasa hotel na kayo for the pick-up. Or move Niramit to Day 3 instead.

Cheapest tickets can be found here: http://www.hotels2thailand.com/bangk...it-bangkok.asp

But anung Temple ang pwede ko masabay sa

In the evening of Day 6 you can go to Asiatique: http://www.thaiasiatique.com/ and Patpong to see the nightlife.

Day 2 evening pwede rin kayo magmall hanggang magsara. Central World and Paragon are nice.

You can ride the river boat on Day 2 going to the temples. Medyo marami temples niyo sa Day 2. Baka kulang sa oras.

If well move a temple which one can we move for the next day, yun tipong out of way din naman or perhaps yun malapit lang sa may Pratunam area for our Day 3. As for the Siam Niramit, Well move it to day 3 nalang din para sure.

Pa add naman ng mga malls or bazaars we visit for shopping dun sa mga places na magkakaroon ng vacant hours after, like example yun sa Chatuchak

Last, what option would you choose for Day 5, kasi baka hindi worth for a visit yun iba so might as well skip it then choose another. Thanks commoner!