A Weekend in Bangkok.

We stayed at Amari Atrium Hotel which is situated along the busy Petchiburi Road in the heart of Bangkok city. It is indeed a wonderful place to stay , moderate rates but with facilities and comfort admist a five star hotel. From the hotel, it is a walking distant to major shopping centres, bus terminals and some tourist attraction spots. We took a cruise down the famous Chao Phrya River in a boat. It was an hour journey, cruising along the river with sights of the floating market, the temples 'wats' and wooden and brick houses on stilts. We also took the'tut-tut', a kind of a motor-trishaw vehicle to the world famous Grand Palace which has two main entrance, guarded by security guards, one for the locals and the other for tourists. We had a tour in the majestic Grand Palace , admiring the achitectual of the many Buddha images and the traditional sites in it. Nights have us leisurely stroll dowm Silom Road and Petchuri Road for good bargains of souvenirs. We had some beautiful shots of the National Monuments and other skyscappers in the city too..

Quick Tips:

The Thais are very polite and humble people. We got accustomed to the 'Sawasdeka'greeting each time we came face to face with a Thai. We were advised not to displace our bare feet in public as it is considered impolite in their culture. Bargaining is a usual sight here in Bangkok. One can bargain from a whoopping 400 bath to a 200 bath. Well, it is a trademark to bargain provided that we are sincere in buying the goods at the end rather than bargaining just for the sake of bargaining. The weather is extremely hot and humid, and with the air polution from the never ending bumper-to-bumper traffic, it is good to wear light clothings or shorts. I was told by some Thais that drinking water from the tap is not advisable. Mineral water in bottles are widely sold everywhere, from shops to stalls along the road. Ah..food in Thailand is very spicy and appetising. Thai Tom Yam, steamed fish in savourish gravy, and a drink from a fresh coconut is something not to be missed. Yummy-yummy!

Best Way To Get Around:

It is quite easy to get around in Bangkok as they display signboards in English as well, but this seldom happens in other smaller towns in Bangkok. Walking is the best way to get around as most of the tourist attractions spots are very near to each other. So slippers are highly recommended by me. The other alternative is what the Thais called a 'tut-tut', resembles a trishaw with a motor. It is cheap and most of the drivers speak a little bit of English and some with very fluent English, so getting around with them is not a problem. Taxis are okay but a bit expensive especially if you are caught in a traffic jam. Ah..the LRT..Light Transit Train is a modern type of transportation and fast too. Not too expensive and very convenient from some places to other destinations with this service. I can't say much about the bus as I have yet to try them. All in, there should not be a problem with tranportation in Bangkok. As a wrap-up, Bangkok is a bustling city with lots to offer tourists.

I was in Indra Regent for two nights. Once I entered the main lobby, I was greeted warmly with legendary Thai hospitality by the staff. The receptionist at the counter speaks very good English, and they were very efficient and friendly.

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.

It is situated opposite the famous World Trade Centre in Bangkok. The receptionists speak good English though they were not so efficient in meeting our enquiries.

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.

It is a classical Thai house with total relaxation. I love its simple yet exotic decor in this old restaurant. The waitress showed us to a table inside the garden. Menu is in Thai and English. The staff speaks moderate English and was very friendly.

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!

Coca Express is a restaurant which serves Thai style buffet with a mixture of Chinese cuisines.

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.

The Grand Palace is the most popular landmark in Thailand. It should be the first place on your itinerary.

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.

It is one of the most comprehensive museums in South East Asia, located near the National Theatre and opposite Royal Grand Palace.

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.