To Malaysia... and beyond!

amictus

PompeyPete wrote: »

Loved it. It's on the curve of a mighty river, which is the heart of one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Khao San is only a few minutes walk. Chinatown, you'll need a taxi (forget tuk-tuks altogether in BKK). On the other hand you could get a public ferry to the Chinatown Pier (can't remember the number of the Pier) from Pier 13 (finishes at about 1900(ish).

Forget completely about the Skytrain while you are in Banglamphu/Khao San.
Take the public ferry from Pier 13 to Central (terminus). That's where the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station is. It's also quite an interesting area to wander round.

The reason you are staying there is for the sublime river views. So answer that one yourself!
Get up early every morning and watch a city that doesn't sleep come really alive - Priceless!!

Thanks again for this information. From what I've heard, this place certainly sounds like a good option. And, yeah, I think it would certainly be worth paying extra for a room on the river side. Just a thought on that... with the hotel being effectively on top of a major ferry stop, wouldn't it get rather noisy? Do you know what time the ferry service starts and stops?

I still can't make up mind about whether I want to stay this side of the city, or go for one of the apartment-type suites in the Sukhumvit region. I'm actually tempted to do both! Two nights in Banglamphu, train up to Ayutthaya with a overnight stay followed by river cruise back (possibly via Ko Kret), last two nights in Sukhumvit. Hmmm... just sounds overly complicated!

Doshwaster

owains wrote: »

I still can't make up mind about whether I want to stay this side of the city, or go for one of the apartment-type suites in the Sukhumvit region. I'm actually tempted to do both! Two nights in Banglamphu, train up to Ayutthaya with a overnight stay followed by river cruise back (possibly via Ko Kret), last two nights in Sukhumvit. Hmmm... just sounds overly complicated!

That's the best thing about planning your own trip - you can do it anyway you want. You aren't tied down to a tour operator schedule.

I'm not sure how noisy the piers are - but remember this is Bangkok, if you want peace and quiet you are in the wrong place! Sukhumvit Rd is still fairly busy at 4am.

I have stopped near the river once and on Sukhumvit twice. The river location is great during the day but at night you are further from nightlife (of whatever type floats your boat). Most people find themselves returning to Bangkok after their first visit, so don't worry if you don't get to see everything. I'm sure you'll be back.

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

I'm not sure how noisy the piers are - but remember this is Bangkok, if you want peace and quiet you are in the wrong place! Sukhumvit Rd is still fairly busy at 4am.

The double glazing at The Navalai does the job, and in any case river noise is different from road traffic.
You're not kidding about all night noise, BKK is a city that doesn't sleep.
From memory I think the public ferries start at about 0630. If you're still in slumber you'll hear the shrill whistle of the conductor.

Doshwaster wrote: »

I have stopped near the river once and on Sukhumvit twice. The river location is great during the day but at night you are further from nightlife (of whatever type floats your boat). Most people find themselves returning to Bangkok after their first visit, so don't worry if you don't get to see everything. I'm sure you'll be back.

Agree. I think the ferries stop at about 1930, and if your hotel is in the Khao San area, but you on the 'pop' in Sukhumvit, then it's a taxi trip home. Ditto if you are enjoying the buzz of Chinatown.
Personally I didn't like Sukhumvit after dark. It's too brash and in your face. Khao San Road is a lot more chilled for a meal and a few drinks, and less expensive.

amictus

Thanks for the advice guys, it's really appreciated.

Doshwaster wrote: »

That's the best thing about planning your own trip - you can do it anyway you want. You aren't tied down to a tour operator schedule.

True... though for someone who is as indecisive as I am, this is not always a good thing!

Doshwaster wrote: »

I'm not sure how noisy the piers are - but remember this is Bangkok, if you want peace and quiet you are in the wrong place! Sukhumvit Rd is still fairly busy at 4am.

PompeyPete wrote: »

The double glazing at The Navalai does the job, and in any case river noise is different from road traffic.
You're not kidding about all night noise, BKK is a city that doesn't sleep.
From memory I think the public ferries start at about 0630. If you're still in slumber you'll hear the shrill whistle of the conductor.

Yeah OK, good point. I guess a hotel just off Sukhumvit Road is not going to be quiet either!

Doshwaster wrote: »

I have stopped near the river once and on Sukhumvit twice. The river location is great during the day but at night you are further from nightlife (of whatever type floats your boat).

PompeyPete wrote: »

Agree. I think the ferries stop at about 1930, and if your hotel is in the Khao San area, but you on the 'pop' in Sukhumvit, then it's a taxi trip home. Ditto if you are enjoying the buzz of Chinatown.
Personally I didn't like Sukhumvit after dark. It's too brash and in your face. Khao San Road is a lot more chilled for a meal and a few drinks, and less expensive.

From what I've read, I think the Khao San area is more my kind of thing thing. I guess this suggests giving the Navalai a go!

If I were to split my stay across the two different areas, I think it would make more sense to stay in Sukhumvit for my last night or two. My flight back home from Bangkok leaves at 21:20, so I'll want make sure I can get to the airport without too much hassle in the evening. I assumed I would be able to leave my luggage at the hotel when I checkout on the last day, then pick it up in the evening before heading to the airport. With this in mind, would it be better to based in Sukumvit or Banglamphu at the end of my stay? Any thoughts on how to spend my last day in Bangkok?

Doshwaster wrote: »

Most people find themselves returning to Bangkok after their first visit, so don't worry if you don't get to see everything. I'm sure you'll be back.

Yup that's one way of looking at it. I would certainly like to see the north of Thailand, so I'm sure I'll find myself back in Bangkok at some point. That said, with so much to do and see, I'm always keen to try and fit in as much as possible (within reason).

PompeyPete

owains wrote: »

T
If I were to split my stay across the two different areas, I think it would make more sense to stay in Sukhumvit for my last night or two. My flight back home from Bangkok leaves at 21:20, so I'll want make sure I can get to the airport without too much hassle in the evening. I assumed I would be able to leave my luggage at the hotel when I checkout on the last day, then pick it up in the evening before heading to the airport. With this in mind, would it be better to based in Sukumvit or Banglamphu at the end of my stay? Any thoughts on how to spend my last day in Bangkok?

You might find this link very useful (don't miss the column down the right-hand side):

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g293916-c127259/Bangkok:Thailand:Chao.Phaya.River.And.Khlong.Transportation.html

Whether you stay in Sukhumvit or Banglamphu on your last night, the traffic is going to be busy, especially early evening. Just make sure you allow plenty of time. I'd rather have an extra hour at the airport than be stuck in traffic. As you'll see driving is manic and erratic, so accidents happen and you might be stuck right behind one! There might also be long queues at check-in. I hate the journey home!

amictus

PompeyPete wrote: »

You might find this link very useful (don't miss the column down the right-hand side):

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-...portation.html

Thanks for the link. Some very useful information here.

PompeyPete wrote: »

Whether you stay in Sukhumvit or Banglamphu on your last night, the traffic is going to be busy, especially early evening. Just make sure you allow plenty of time. I'd rather have an extra hour at the airport than be stuck in traffic. As you'll see driving is manic and erratic, so accidents happen and you might be stuck right behind one! There might also be long queues at check-in. I hate the journey home!

Hmmm... I hadn't really thought seriously about traffic issues. So, thanks for the reminder! I can't stand rushing about when I have a plane to catch either. I reckon it'd be best to leave good and early, then get some food and relax at the airport while I wait for my flight.


I'm gonna give the accommodation options a bit more thought tomorrow and hopefully get it booked during the week.

Doshwaster

owains wrote: »

Hmmm... I hadn't really thought seriously about traffic issues. So, thanks for the reminder! I can't stand rushing about when I have a plane to catch either. I reckon it'd be best to leave good and early, then get some food and relax at the airport while I wait for my flight.

Another option is the airport train (http://www.bangkokairporttrain.com/) - though I've never used it as I haven't been back since it opened (after many years of delays)

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

Another option is the airport train (http://www.bangkokairporttrain.com/) - though I've never used it as I haven't been back since it opened (after many years of delays)

Nor me I'm afraid.
Maybe owains should have a look on Trip Advisor.
In fact, if he/she'd gone there at the start of this journey.......................;)

amictus

Unless I change my mind (again!) I'll be staying in Banglamphu for my first 3 nights, one night in Ayutthaya, and somewhere Sukhumvit for my last night. I might well treat myself to a night at the Hansar Hotel

Doshwaster wrote: »

Another option is the airport train (http://www.bangkokairporttrain.com/) - though I've never used it as I haven't been back since it opened (after many years of delays)

Thanks for pointing this out. I've mainly been looking at my Lonely Planet Guide for planning, which is probably a bit dated, and doesn't mention the Airport Link.

PompeyPete wrote: »

Nor me I'm afraid.
Maybe owains should have a look on Trip Advisor.
In fact, if he/she'd gone there at the start of this journey.......................;)

Yeah true... I guess that would have been the obvious thing to do! I've had a look and it seems like a good option if you're near a SkyTrain or Metro station. Otherwise, a taxi is probably much easier, and not exactly expensive! I'll probably aim to get a taxi in to Banglamphu and try the Airport Link out from Sukhumvit area.

Alcmene

totallybored wrote: »

Well I do love to shop which is one of the reasons I was considering Bangkok. And I like nice hotels too. However, I'm thinking I should be a bit more adventurous and try somewhere less touristy hence Hanoi. Not too bothered about nightlife as this is an unexpected holiday so want to make the most of the few days I have and see a bit of the world I've never been to.

I've just returned from KL and Hanoi (in the same trip). Without a doubt if I had to choose out of those 2 I would choose Hanoi, it is amazing!