We'll soon be in Bangkok for the first time ...
... and want to stay in the heart of the city surrounded by lively streets, restaurants, shops, people and good energy. No problem with the price range but which neighbourhood should we choose? Thanks for your suggestions! Vinny
I would say the best area is somewhere near the river. That way, you can hop on a boat to get to most of the attractions like the Grand Palace very easily. Most of the riverside hotels are in the five-star category, but there are a few smaller hotels too. The Chao Phraya River runs through Bangkok, and the main road to focus on if you look for riverside accommodation is Charoen Krung Road, also known as New Road, the first road built in Bangkok during the reign of the King Rama IV. I think this is Bangkok’s most interesting and liveliest road. Many riverside hotels are located in the Bang Rak area, from where you have easy access to the Skytrain and the express boat at the same time. Shangri-La Bangkok is undoubtedly a prime location, but you’ll like the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, the Royal Orchid Sheraton and the Millennium Hilton on the other side of the river. A less popular part of Chareon Krung Road, about 500 metres from Bang Rak is home to the Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Hotel and Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, with local vibes and a new but exciting night market called Asiatique.
On Song Wat Road (off Charoen Krung Road), on the edge of Chinatown, Loy La Long Hotel has seven rooms right by the river. Another possibility is Rattanakosin island, where you’ll find Aurum The River Place and Chakrabongse Villas, the former residence of HRH Prince Chula Chakrabongse. Both are located opposite the Temple of Dawn. If you like the idea of the old Bangkok, not far from Khaosan Road and the Grand Palace is Navalai River Resort and New Siam Riverside Bangkok. Both are rather new and graded as three-star hotel offering more reasonable room rates than those mentioned above. Hope you find the answer helpful.
We are going back to visit Hua Hin this year. On our first visit in 2005, we rented a car for a day and drive to some lovely beaches nearby at Sam Roi Yot National Park. This time we are thinking of renting a car again, but would prefer another new destination to visit for a day. Where would you recommend? Mike
If you don't mind a day trip away from the beach, I would recommend Kaeng Krachan National Park, which at 3,000sqm isThailand’s largest National Park. It’s in Phetchaburi province and about 60 kilometres to the northwest of Hua Hin. This is one of the most important areas for flora and fauna with numerous waterfalls, a reservoir and stunning scenery amid the evergreen forest, the source of Phetchaburi River.
Actually, getting around the National Park is not easy as the terrain is very mountainous and rugged. But there is a road that takes you from Hua Hin to Pala-U waterfall on the southern border of the park. Pala-U has 15-levels of waterfall along a creek stretching out to the Burmese border. Each tier is unique especially the 15th one, which is the hardest to reach and reserved only for those who are fit enough to climb. Most people stop at the third tier and spend the rest of the day in a large pool swimming with friendly fish. The waterfall can be visited all year round, but the best time to go is during or after the rainy season as the waterfall is at its best.
The waterfall also has a nature trail, from the parking lot to the 1st tier of the waterfall for a distance of 800 metres. The area is also great for bird and butterfly watching. It’s also possible to make a visit to a Karen village in Pala-U to appreciate the cultural diversity of the area.
If you enter the National Park on a different road via its headquarters, it is worth spending a night in a campsite with a visit to Thor Thip waterfall and climbing six kilometres to the summit of Khap Panoen Thung to see the sea of fog in the early morning. This largest, but not most visited National Park has a lot to offer, I really recommend a visit. Have a good trip!
