A May 2001 trip to Bangkok by juyenn
Quote: It was a memorable first trip to Bangkok City for me this year. The bustling city life with the wats, river, food and bargains never fail to end. The trip was made even more wonderful with the rich culture and the polite and soft-spoken Thais.
Overview
Hotel
I stayed in a double room with my husband for 2800 baht per night, inclusive of service charge and VAT. I was told the single room is 1800 baht per night. The room is excellent for the price we paid. It has electronic key-card access, remote controll satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, built in hair-dryer, attached bathroom and toilet, and well-stocked mini bar with 24-hour room service.
Free American breakfast was included for us at Pratunan Coffee shop located on the ground floor of the hotel. They serve continental food. The setting of the table was marvelous with a great view of the bustling city life if you are sitting near the window.
At night, we received two free drinks at Chandlier bar with music from the live band.
This hotel is a nice place to stay as it is the perfect vantage point to the bustling city life of Bangkok. And it is within minutes to the nearest shopping centre and shopping arcades.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 24, 2002
Indra Regent 120-26 Raja Prapor Road Bangkok, Thailand 208 0022-33
We stayed in a double room for 2800 baht inclusive of service charge and VAT, as well as American breakfast for two.
The room is decorated in Thai style with bathroom, colour TV with a 24 hour satelite programme, well-stocked mini bar and air-conditioner. It has a 24-hour service.
We had lunch in the coffee house which serves authentic Thai and continental cuisine.
Our room has a great view of the city especially at night, so remember to request for a room facing the city.
What I love most about this hotel is its location, situated opposite the World Trade Shopping Centre. And the hotel is also attached to some antique shops nearby.
Once you are outside the hotel, you can see the famous Erawan Shrine. And you''re just a few minutes walk to Pratunan Commercial and shopping district. Indeed, a marvelous hotel in which to stay.
Bangkok City Inn Hotel 43/5, Rajadamri Road, Pathuwan, Bangkok, Thailand 253-5373
Restaurant | "Mango Tree Restaurant"
The appetizer we had was simply superb. Mieng Khan is a traditional Thai appetizer which consists of roasted coconut flakes topped with shallot, lime and chillies wrapped in leaves.
Next we had rice with Tomyang King which is spicy and sour with shrimps, coconut milk and chile paste. Simply mouth-watering! A nd mango salad which is a dish consists of mix mangoes and roasted coconut.
With the soft music provided by classical Thai musician, the real taste of Thai cooking and an exotic environment, we were truly surprised when our bill came up to only 600 Baht.
The only flaw in this restaurant is the toilet--not a pleasant site to visit!
In all, we had a wonderful lunch!
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 28, 2002
Mango Tree 37 Soi Tantawan, Surawongse Road Bangkok 10500 66 (2) 236-2820
Restaurant | "Coca Express."
It is a one price for all you can eat concept. We came here for lunch, at 169 Baht per person and were told dinner is at 188 Baht per person. You can have your choice of dim@sum, noodles, appetizers, desserts and soft drinks.
I love the multi-colour decor in this cozy restaurant with soft instrumental music for listening pleasure.
A good place to eat if you want to try various Thai cooking for a small amount of money.
The cashiers are efficient though it was a bit crowded during lunch hours.
Coca Express 40, Soi Tantawan Surawangse Road Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Attraction | "The Grand Palace."
The Royal Palace is situated on a huge compound surrounded by high walls and occupies an area of about a square mile.
There are two entrances to the palace. One is for the locals and admission fees are slightly cheaper. And the other entrance is for the foreigners.
The Royal Chapel of Wat Phra Kai is situated in the same building. I was amazed when I looked at the Emerald Buddha Image. Just magnificent and splendid! The vast area of the palace provides you an opportunity to study the great architecture of the palace with its rich history. The drawings on one of the great walls in the palace is incredible. I love the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion too.
Camera and photography are allowed in the palace. Visitors will get a visitor guide book with map of routes around the palace, description of each architectural design and the history of the palace.
Yo...sleeveless T and blouse and slippers are not allowed in the palace.
Indeed a marvelous palace with highly decorated architectural designs.
Grand Palace Na Phra Lan Road Ko Rattanakosin District Bangkok, Thailand 10500 +66 (2) 694 1222
Attraction | "National Museum Bangkok"
As I entered the compound of the museum, I can see how great the museum is. There are several buildings in the compound. I love the Thai History Gallery. I bought a Thai handcraft from the souvenir shop here which cost me 60 Baht. A traditional wooden key chain. The Theatre Arts and Games Room displays puppets and masks used in classical dance performance. The room that captured my interest is the Costume and Textiles Room where they display mannequins wearing costumes from different periods and uniforms, mostly from South East Asia and Indian. I spend almost half a day in the museum.
No camera and food is allowed into the museum. The museum is open everyday (except Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays) from 9.00am until 4.00pm.
National Museum Na Phrathat Road Bangkok, Thailand 10200 +66 (2) 224 1333
juyenn Melbourne, Australia