Bangkok December 19-27: planning activities...

[R01]

Hi everyone

I will be in Bangkok Dec 19-27 (my first time), and will be staying in the Tarntawan hotel (it was entertaining to read some threads about it on this forum...).
I guess, staying there and given the proximity to all possible and impossible gay bars and clubs around, the gay interest and aspects of the trip will be naturally covered :).

Other than that, I do actually want to see around and experience local culture, nature and food :). In addition to sightseeing in Bangkok itself, I thought to perhaps visit some other places, such as Kaho Yai park, Ayutthaya and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Would you recommend booking bus tours (I have seen some on Vetra website) to visit these places, or there is other more authentic way? I don't mind local public transportation, not from financial considerations really, but more so to experience real rather than touristic Thailand. I am in my 30s and in good shape, so I don't mind walking around and hiking long distances as well, if it will bring authentic experiences.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks! :)

[christianpfc]

I consider Damnoen Saduak Floating Market a tourist trap.

Joining a tour has value for the beginner (but not for me any more), however watch out for tours that collect participants from various hotels, that can mean you drive around in Bangkok for one hour to pick up everyone before the journey starts. In the case of Ayutthaya rather take the train and walk or hire tuk-tuk there to get around.

[Moses]

Welcome on board.

Look at my "signature" - Siamroads.com offers private local guides for to explore Thailand by your own plan.

[R01]

Thanks guys

It sounds like the only real value for a bus tour would be for Kaho Yai park...(far away, so I am unlikely to make it within one day there and back on public transport)...

I do have a Thai friend living in Bangkok (he studied in the UK) who will probably show me some places in the city, but I do not think he will have time to travel with me to other more remote destinations around.

Do you think a guide from Siam Roads could actually drive me to Kaho Yai, for example, and show me around the park, and then take me back to Bangkok? That would be nice...

[ChrisY]

I can highly recommend the Siam Roads guides.

The first time I went to Bangkok, I used the services of Mac and he was fantastic. I know the experience would not have been nearly as interesting and carefree for us without his help. I cannot speak highly enough of him and the other SR guides I’ve been in touch with. He showed us all kinds of things we would otherwise not have even noticed or been able to access and he is charming and enthusiastic, always a plus.

In addition to all that, he saved us money on many occasions, using is Bangkok savvy.

[latintopxxx]

Im kinda dissapointed that the response has been so weak. I certainly cannot contribute as aort fron originally doing a few temples and the palace I restrict myself to the farang gay zone of BKK....

[Moses]

Im kinda dissapointed that the response has been so weak.

Weekend

[christianpfc]

I have been to Khao Yai once (2012 on suggestion of a Thai friend) and found it disappointing. It might be a world cultural heritage, but to me it was just mountain and forest like anywhere else. Maybe I just missed the interesting parts?

If you like wild animals it might be interesting for you, but my interest in animals is largely either eating or petting them, neither of which is apposite here.

[dab69]

I have always liked the late night petting zoos of Pattaya...

[Marsilius]

Over the years I've done two or three excursions from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. If possible, go for one that returns you to Bangkok by riverboat - and, if you can get on board at the front of the queue, take a seat right up at the bow on the upper deck. You'll need a cap to protect you from the sun but, with a beer or two on hand, it's a fun way to see the most of the Thai countryside on the journey.

[latintopxxx]

what a fantastic idea..a boat trip..me likey

[Brad the Impala]

I think that if you are lucky enough to find a guide from siam roads still available for your period, you should book him while you can. I can't imagine a better way for a first timer to experience Thailand in your short visit.

[joe552]

Here's another vote for a professional guide, and Siam Roads seems to fit the bill (I have no personal experience of their cervix) I've only spent a couple of days in Bangkok with my little friend from Si Saket. He's never been before, so wasn't terribly useful as a guide. The floating market we went to was a total tourist trap, though I was impressed with the Grand Palace. But we got lost after that and had to take a taxi back to the river.

So an experienced guide would be well worth the money, and from what I've seen of the website, the fees are very reasonable. So get onto Moses and get a guyide sorted.

[latintopxxx]

just remembered...a few years ago I did a whole day trip cycling across bangkok, we crossed the river by ferry and it was like another world...so rural and pretty...could see the skyscrapers just across the water

[R01]

Thanks guys!

Great suggestions and help.

I do like wild animals :).
I am also quite adventurous with food and would try things most other people would not touch :) - which is probably another reason to get a local guide to stop me at a right moment, as such cuisine curiosity did not end well when I was in Mexico :).

I will then check with my friend when he is available, and book a guide from Siam Roads for other days!

[Brad the Impala]

I have no personal experience of their cervix

I should hope not!

[francois]

Is cervix some sort of Irish word outside of the normal meaning?

[joe552]

No, francois, t was meant to be a joke, ha ha, or if you prefer, 555