Bangkok

gwen80

Hi

I'm thinking of incorporating a few days in Bangkok on my way to Australia. I thought it'd be a good opportunity to see somewhere new. I did the same thing when I visited Singapore and really enjoyed seeing the sights on my own and exploring, but Singapore is very safe. Would you recommend visiting Bangkok on my own or should I leave it for another time?

Thanks

Gwenx

BritRael

As you're an experienced traveller I'd highly recommend it. I've met several lone Western female travellers in Bangkok and Thailand over the years and never heard of any problems. Personally, I feel much safer there than I ever do when visiting say London or New York I hope you have a great time.

kazwookie

I've been there on my own, all was fine, BUT do not accept drinks off ANYONE that you have not OPENED yourself, even water.

You will have a wonderful time.

gwen80

Thanks for the replies. I've done a bit of other research on the web and it sounds like as long as I keep my wits about me and don't do anything stupid, I should be fine. I'm planning on going in December or January, so it looks like a good time to go weather-wise aswell. How long do you think I should spend there? I don't mind if I don't do everything, but to get a taste of it and be able to see some of the highlights?

Thanks again

Gwenx

Doshwaster

gwen80 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I've done a bit of other research on the web and it sounds like as long as I keep my wits about me and don't do anything stupid, I should be fine. I'm planning on going in December or January, so it looks like a good time to go weather-wise aswell. How long do you think I should spend there? I don't mind if I don't do everything, but to get a taste of it and be able to see some of the highlights?

Thanks again

Gwenx

Bangkok is great fun for 2-3 days, but after then most people want to get out to escape the noise, traffic and lack of fresh air.

As for what to do - it all depends on what you like - sightseeing, shopping or sleeping all day and partying all night. Many people start with a boat trip followed by a visit to the Grand Palce: http://www.bangkok.com/most-popular-historical.htm

Taxis and tuk tuks can be a bit of a rip-off, and the traffic can be chaos, off so the best way to get around is either by water taxi or the Sky Train.

penrhyn

The writer of these blogs is an expat teacher living in Thailand.
You may find it interesting reading.

http://www.thai-blogs.com/

PS I'd recommend a visit to the Ancient City.

http://www.ancientcity.com/en, not far from the crocodile farm.

richardw

Doshwaster wrote: »

Bangkok is great fun for 2-3 days, but after then most people want to get out to escape the noise, traffic and lack of fresh air.

I agree and 2-3 days for a stop over is perfect.

Don't forget a trip to a sky bar before sunset http://img.agoda.net/hotels/10707/OTHERS/OTHERS_10707_23.jpg

fifeken

Doshwaster wrote: »

Taxis and tuk tuks can be a bit of a rip-off, and the traffic can be chaos....

Tuk tuks, I agree, can be a rip off but taxis are dirt cheap - just make sure they switch on the meter. The traffic chaos is a big drawback though as you say.

The MRT and Skytrain are efficient and cheap as well. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the layout and the payment methods.

whatyadoinsucka

the first time i went to bangkok i hated it, having gone back 2 or 3 times a few weeks later it got better and was actually enjoyable

amictus

I've been given some useful information about Bangkok in my thread. You may want to give the last couple of pages a read.

happylife

bangkok is great and I would go back any time...