hi ppls,
Will have an extended stopover in two week at Bangkok during flight transfer. Will arrive there at 2pm and depart at 11pm.
Long enough for a quick browse around. Don't mind spending a little if is worth it, but generally just looking for cheap / free stuff to do and chill.
Hoping to find some markets to satisfy the my asian binge.
Any thoughts & suggestions is much appreciated!
ps. are there secure places to store luggage at the airport?
Do you like Ping Pong?
Go to a knock shop.
They just call them shops in Thailand
"Banana-show".
Hey, ping-pong/banana-show/Pat-Pong jokes aside, if you're both chics (I can't tell from your profile) you may wish to consider getting a nice hair-cut, if you're in need… it sounds crazy, but depending on your particular (hair) circumstances, it could be 20 minutes really well-spent. To put this somewhat odd-ball advice into context, I went to Indonesia recently, and got a haircut for ~40 cents that was every bit as good as the one's I get here in Oz-land every couple of months for $15 (I'm a bloke, so x4 etc. I suppose for chics). Obviously you wouldn't want to embark on any "in-depth procedures" (colouration, ornate styling etc.) while in transit, but for a general "maintenance-cut", you could save big bucks, if you're in need of a trim/bit of styling etc.
As an aside, a lot of the the Thai haircut-joints actually ARE "knock-shops", which can make it quite a fun place to get a hair-cut, just for the "people-watching" factor… you will probably see some elements of the actual culture there that you would not see at, for example, the airport, while getting your hair cut.
I'd get a taxi to Health Land (Sathorn) and get an aromatherapy massage (best in Thailand and no funny business), then head to Lebua Sky Bar (from hangover 2) for a drink and then onto Arun Residence for dinner with a beautiful view over the river to Wat Arun (reasonable and good thai and western food), then back to the airport. I wouldn't really worry about temples too much unless you wanna walk around a lot - plus you won't be able to shower after you get all sweaty from the humidity! Unless there are showers at Suvarnabhumi that I don't know about…
go to this street called soi cowboy. it's really nice street at night with all the neon lights and thai colours and cultrual flavours
Well the two taxi rides will set you back about 700 baht for a start. and allow 1.5 hours for that. Immigration in can take half hour on a bad day. Plus you should aim to get back to airport 2.5 hrs before flight. So by my estimates you only have 4.5 hours. Sounds pretty rushed to me. I certainly would not be going anywhere near temples or KhaoSan road. MBK shopping centre is all that I can recommend in such a short period. Personally I would stay at the airport & save the money that you would have spent and eat cheap Thai food in their food court on level 1 (Same level as taxis bus counters etc.) and later have one of their inflated price massages airside of immigration.
I'd add as well to make sure the taxis take the Motorway on the way back. Just have to pay around 70 baht (maximum) for the tolls but will save you time. You shouldn’t need to take the tolls on the way in, but will on the way out. Definitely get out of the airport, and by doing what I've recommended you don't need to store your bags anywhere. Note: Health Land Sathorn is close to Lebua Sky bar, but Arun Residence is about 30 mins by taxi in traffic.
Prices:
Taxi to Health Land Sathorn: 350 baht
Aromatherapy massage (1.5 hours): 800 Baht each or if you have less time/cheaper option: Foot reflexology (1 hour) 280 baht each
Taxi to lebua: They may complain about traffic and it can be almost impossible for them to run the meter here but will cost you no more than 100 baht
1 Mojito at Lebua (IMO the best drink there): 660 baht but the view and service is priceless…
Taxi to Arun Residence: 70 baht - catch it from the lobby entrance and get the lebua doormen to make sure they run the meter and they will.
NOTE: If you’re running out of time head back to the Airport and eat at S&P on Level 3 (I’m assuming you’re flying in and out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Air asia fly’s in and out of Don Mueng)
Dinner: 500 baht each for some epic food! – This will probably include a beer!
Taxi to Airport via motorway: 450 baht (inc tolls)
Total price for a whirlwind experience in Bangkok: 1960 baht each (taxi fares split between 2 & cheaper massage option)
All up: Approx $65AUD for all transport inc return taxis to airport, massage at the best massage chain in Thailand, drinks at the fanciest bar in Bangkok and quality dinner with an amazing view of one of the most recognisable temples in Thailand.
Enjoy!!
or for 1000 baht you can have a good time in soi cowboy. or 2000 baht for twice the fun.
If you want shopping, I recommend going to Platinum instead of MBK. Way cheaper and better stuff
What day of the week are you there? The airport is about a half hour trip from the CBD and judging by the times you should be able to avoid rush hours. Bangkok is such a vibrant city with many markets, temples, malls and bars.
A back of the napkin plan from me:
*Arrive 2pm
*Out of the airport into a taxi by 3pm at the latest.
*Get into a taxi and head to the riverside.
*Wat Arun, Grand Palace, Wat Pho are all cheap and magnificent.
*That will bring you to about 5/6pm. (I think they close about 5 anyway).
* Head to Khao san road for some food/shopping/relax at a bar
* 8:30/9pm head back to the airport