coolchiq visits Bangkok

There's hardly anything new about Thailand being a very popular country to visit; with good reason, as it is so easy to fall in love with everything that Thailand can offer. Bangkok in particular, is an amazing place if you're looking for the time of your life shopping. But in order to make the most of your visit, we suggest you are well prepared and plan how you want to spend your time. To get the best out of it - do your homework - buy Nancy Chandler's map (brilliant for shopaholics), & read other BK guide books.

Arriving: Get your travel agent/hotel to book a taxi to take you from the airport to your hotel.
When you clear immigration & baggage collection, your driver will collect you with your
name on a sign & go direct to your hotel - a bit pricey - but worth every penny.

Where to stay: Most of the hostels are not in the best areas for shopping. The heart of boutique land is Siam, but Sukhumvit road is also a lovely part of the city. Very reasonable prices but still great facilities & brilliant location for shopping, restaurants, bars etc. Check the internet, but we recommend the Grand President hotel, for it's excellent location, super buffet breakfasts, several pools, gym, great rooms with kitchenette, safe, tv, stereo etc.

Getting around: The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) Sky Train is cheap, safe, easy, spotless, air-conditioned & takes you to most places you'll want to go to (until 11.50pm). For fun, pay a motorbike taxi (they wear coloured vests), or take a Tuk Tuk. Taxi's - if you know where you're going, ask to travel "on the meter". Otherwise, after 01.00 am (when everything closes), negotiate a price. eg. 50-100 Baht, but shouldn't be more than 200 Baht in the city.