Thailand

I’ve been to Bangkok many times over the years it’s a really good stop over destination and with so many airlines flying through it’s a great jumping off point. It is the gateway to so many places in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam amongst many others!
It’s a huge city so you do need to think about where you want to be and what you want to do as this cuts down unnecessary travelling times. (Traffic can be horrific – thankfully there is a sky train, and the river is very easy to navigate!)

Where to stay
This is where I come in as your Professional Travel Expert. Asking you what you like hotel wise, facilities, etc and what you want to get out of your visit, places to see etc. There are a multitude of hotels hotels of every level. I have stayed by the river, out of town but near a Skytrain, on Sukhumvit Road – but picked my Soi (street) carefully as they differ very much. Some are too party like and some are too quiet. I like a balance of bars and restaurants in walking distance and being close to a SkyTrain station so its easy to hop on and get to different areas.
My favourite areas is Sathorn and stay by the river.

Getting from the airport.
Easy if you book your holiday with me transfers are generally included.
But if you are wanting a more independent holiday then taxi for me is the best way. Fixed price though. You can get the sky train but check where it stops and how you get from there to your hotel as there are not easy connections to all places and taxis can be limited in some areas.

My Favourite things to do –

1 Khao San Road – back packers’ area – get the ferry boat (40TBH) from Saphin Taksin up the river disembark ant the end of the line within 10 minutes’ walk you are in an area with loads of cute bars, twinkly lights with cocktails and some lovey local food. Street hawkers parade their wares and a firm NO suffices! They often have a cheeky chat with you too! Really good fun and great vibe. I love ging here!
2 Aisa Tique – more upmarket shopping and a fabulous evening experience. I love it here – a free boat from Saphin Taskin ferry stop and within 5 minutes you enter the old warehouses converted to many market stalls with loads of amazing bars and restaurants.
It has loads to offer for every budget. It can be overwhelming at first. Worth allowing a second visit. I would also recommend staying in Sathorn area as it’s a great area near Asia Tique with easy access to the river. Some stunning hotels in this area too. Ask me for recommendations.
3 MBK – mall – it has 9 floors with everything you might want or even if you don’t you can find a reason to buy.
Opposite is the Arts and Crafts Museum and it has some lovely bits and pieces made by some local craft makers – it’s a cut above and I always see something different.
4 Chatuchak – the biggest outdoor market I’ve been to! Only at weekends – easy to get to on the BTS and it has stall after stall. Its hot and busy! But good fun!
5 The Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha and Wat Arun – for culture then this is a day out you need to do. I recommend checking on the website opening hours as it’s here you will encounter some who will try to misdirect you. Wear appropriate clothes or you will have to buy something nearby.

Day Trips
1 – Ayutthaya temples – if you are interested in Thai history – a fantastic day trip.
2 Kanchanaburi – better known as the Bridge on the River Kwai the death railway – it’s a very poignant trip and as I am a lover of history and learning from our mistakes this for me is such an important place to visit. I prefer to stay here!
3 Floating markets – good to way to see fresh food sales and how local markets work.

If you have any questions at all – please let me know. This is a very edited guide I can talk to you for ages on anything Thailand and Far East. I love doing a combination of places in one holiday.
My last trip was Khao Lak (beach for resting and relaxation) Khao Soi (national park for natural world and site seeing) Koh Yai Yai (a quiet Island for relaxation and snorkelling) Bangkok (city for shopping).
All completed in 16 days, and it felt like we had been away for weeks as we had packed so much in.