Detailed Itinerary for four days in Bangkok

Last Updated on August 6, 2019 by PowersToTravel

Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary

Below is the results of all my planning – the moment by moment activities, links to the original sources, and map snip-its to guide me on our way.  I printed the itinerary at home, and would put the day’s pages in my purse each morning, along with the “How to get around” section, which I carried the whole time in Bangkok.

You can compare this itinerary with our actual experiences by reading my blog postings.

The main difference between planning and reality was that we just couldn’t fit it all in due to the heat / exhaustion.

In addition, the words and text below are seldom my own.  I copied and pasted information I found on the Internet into a doc that made sense for me, which would be easy to read as we traveled around.  I highlighted in italics commentary written after the trip.

Day 3:  Fri 11/17 – Arrival and brief boat ride

Total cost = 90 baht plus lunch (unless we have to pay for the next day’s boat ride, in which case add 1000-1500 baht)

• Arrival at 6:55am
• Change Money.
• Pickup by Bangkok Airport Transfer: After walking out of the Gate to Arrival Hall, please turn right. Our staff will be waiting with a signboard of your name at In Front of The Exit Door No.5. If you cannot find our staff, please contact us through our phone 08-6988-9175 OR 093-896-6564.
• See if hotel will put my spare cooler bars into the freezer.
• Change clothes/shorts – no temples
• Walk to Tha Tien – 2 min walk (or 12 min walk to Tha Chang)
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  We learned on arrival that only the cross-river ferry leaves from Tha Tien.  You must walk to Tha Chang to get the riverboats.
• Take Riverboat tour on Orange Flag Boat – runs all day, every day. Tickets for this boat are purchased on the boat. Route: S3 (Wat Rajsingkom) to N30 (Nonthaburi) Times: Daily 06:00-19:00; Frequency: Every 5-20 minutes, depending on time of day;  Fare: 15 baht per journey (pay on the boat).  Boats leave every 20 min during midday.
  • The rear of the boat is where people stand to indicate they want to get off at the next stop. Please note the boat will only stop at the pier if there are passengers who want to get on or off so be ready to stand up and get to the back of the boat as your stop approaches.
  • Less than an hour to end of line.
  • Blue Flag boat is the tourist boat and costs 40 baht pp or 150 for day ticket.
• Get off at Tha Chang pier (next one), and arrange Khlong Tour for 1 pm next day, or have hotel do this. Arrange to stop at Taling Chan market and Royal Barge Museum.  Mit Chao Phraya Co. Ltd http://bangkok.sawadee.com/canals.html  Trip Along Khlong Dao Khanong – Khlong Bangkok Yai – Khlong Bang Chuak Nang – Khlong Mon – Khlong Chak Phra – Khlong Bangkok Noi – Royal Barges Museum.
  • Visitors willing to take a private trip along this route are able to rent a boat from Tha Chang at the rate of approximately 400 Baht per hour. (perhaps 1500 for entire trip) For advance reservations contact Mit Chao Phraya Co. Ltd. at Tha Chang, Tel: (02) 225-6179, (02) 623-6169.
• Back on Orange boat for trip to end and back to Tha Tien.
• Lunch – Home Cafe Tha Tien, where the blue X is:

• (We ended up at Rap Arun, above the blue X, because it was closer to Tha Tien and we were too hungry!)
• Then to bed at hotel.
• Maybe go to Wat Pho after nap? Open until 18:30. 100 baht
• Dinner:
  • Inn a Day (mmm) approx 700 bht for our full usual Thai meal.
  • Deck by the River at Arun Residence (arunresidence.com) around the corner:

• We strongly recommend you copy or record with your camera, upon entry into Thailand, following pages and keep the copies separate: Passport, latest Visa, latest Entry stamp and latest TM Card (Embarkation Card).
• Fridge for insulin.

Day 4:  Sat 11/18 – Rattanakosin

Total walking min: 43 min

Entrance Fees: 2,912 baht  (=$87) + 250 bht ($7) tip = 3162 baht, plus food

Temples first thing and last thing – no shorts.

Carry long sleeved tropicwear shirts and hats, plastic bag for camera in case of rain.

• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew – Take bottle of water. Leave 8am.  13 min walk up Maharat Rd, then right.  500 bht or $15; 2 hours.  Open at 8:30am.  Be at the entrance gate no later than 8:15am.
  • Ticket inclusive of access to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.
  • The place is almost always calm until 9 AM, and it get packed very quickly after, once the tour groups start arriving on place. Be at the entrance a bit before the opening time (8:30 am) to be sure to get inside one of the first. That will also allow you see the place before it gets too hot.
  • Head to Wat Phra Kaeo (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) first thing: later in the day there will be a queue to enter, and this famous temple will be cramped with tourists. In the morning, on the contrary, you may enjoy it in peace and calm before the groups arrive.
    • no photos inside
  • Move clockwise while visiting the sites. Check the map you’ll get at the entrance and discover the sites in clockwise order – that’s how most tourists and groups move inside. First, it will be easier to move in the natural flow. Second, if you’re lucky enough – you may be ahead of others during your whole visit (as most will use the same route).
  • The dress code is strict: neither men nor women are allowed inside without their elbows or ankles covered
  • Come on a weekday. Though there are almost as many tourists on weekdays than during the weekends, mornings tend to be less busy. Another bonus is that some audience halls are generally closed to public on weekends, while you may get inside during the week.
  • The second best option is to wait until mid-afternoon. Most groups and tourists leave the place after 2:30 PM, and last admission is at 3:30 PM
  • Consider spending at least two hours inside.
  • Bring a bag that is big enough to put your shoes inside. (Note: I did carry a bag, but never used it.  Everyone just left their shoes outside; no problem.)
• Walk to Tha Chang pier, 4 min
• Wat Ra Kang (ring bells) – Take ferry across the river from Tha Chang pier and back (3 baht ea way)
• Lunch (Krisa Coffee Shop across from Grand Palace has good reviews)
• Khlong Boat trip w/Mit Chao Phraya Co. Ltd http://bangkok.sawadee.com/canals.html Trip Along Khlong Dao Khanong – Khlong Bangkok Yai – Khlong Bang Chuak Nang – Khlong Mon – Khlong Chak Phra – Khlong Bangkok Noi – Royal Barges Museum.
  • Visitors willing to take a private trip along this route are able to rent a boat from Tha Chang at the rate of approximately 400 Baht per hour. (perhaps 1500 for entire trip) For advance reservations contact Mit Chao Phraya Co. Ltd. at Tha Chang, Tel: (02) 225-6179, (02) 623-6169.
  • At weekdays it will pass by the “Thonburi Floating Market”, which is set-up for tourists and not worth it. Better take the tour at weekends, when it goes by the Taling Chan Floating Market (which is also not authentic, but at least feels more genuine and is a lot more lively).
  • Alternative: Mit Chao Phraya Express Boat operates another boat trip on Saturdays during 8.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. through Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bang Kruai, Khlong Om, and stops for sightseeing at the Royal Barge Museum.  The trip costs 100 Baht/person.
  • (Note: We ended up paying 2000 baht because I asked for two stops instead of their “standard” one stop – Market and Barge Museum.  I suppose we could have bargained.  We were too tired at the time to bargain.  However, we ended up getting 3 hours which is significantly more than expected!)
• Stops on the way:
  • Royal Barges National Museum – 100 bht
  • Attraction Along khlong Dao Khanong:
    • Wat Sai Floating Market should be visited in the late morning when many boats assemble for selling souvenirs to visitors.
    • Snake Farm,35 minutes from Wat Sai Floating Market, is another stop for sightseeing and watching a snake show. The farm is open daily from 8.30
    • Wat Pak Nam is famous for amulets and is always crowded with a number of people who come to make merit during the weekend.
  • Attractions Along Khlong Bang Chuak Nang:
    • Wat Ko houses an old viharn (chapel) which was registered as an archaeological site.
    • Orchid Farms grow orchids for sale as cut-flowers.
  • An Attraction Along Khlong Chak Phra:
    • Taling Chan Floating Market is held every weekend (7am-4pm). Boats and stalls gather here for selling a variety of food.
• Wat Pho – 100 bht or $3, open 08:00 – 18:30 (best later in the afternoon)
• Museum of Siam – open 10-18:00 Tue to Sat. Probably closed due to renovations.

• The road off of Maharat Rd (with the dots) is Setthakan Alley.  The side entrance (only one open during renovations) is on that road.  Main entrance on the other road.
• Dinner near hotel

Day 5:  Sun 11/19 – Multi-transport Day (ferry, bus, tuk-tuk, khlong speedboat, BTS, bus or boat)

Walking time = 50 min + climb;

Entrance Fees + Transport Fees = 455 x 2 + 150 bht = 1060 = $31

Temples in am, none in pm.

• Go to Wat Benchamabophit (aka the Marble Temple), opens 8am (maybe 6am) 20 baht
  • Option 1 (best): Bus 53 from Wat Pho or Tha Thien south and around to United Nations (Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue) (every 15 min) then walk across canal and walk 11 min north. See map:

• Option 2: Orange Flag boat (15 baht) to Thewet Pier then walk east 23 min or tuk-tuk 5 min
• Option 3: Taxi (15 min drive) or tuk-tuk.
• Then south to Democracy Monument, Harder part may be finding a taxi to leave the wat.  (Wasn’t that the truth!!!!!)
• Tuk-tuk drive 6 min.
• Walking is 22 min to Fort, 27 min to Democracy Monument
• Walk to Loha Prasat (metal spire temple), 20 baht

• Walk past Fort Mahakan (5 min)
• Across Mahatthai U-thit Bridge (picturesque), then past the ferry pier and across another bridge south to (5 min)
• Wat Saket (Golden Mount) 20 baht, open: 7.30am to 5:30pm, 8am-5pm Sun Climb up 344 steps (26 stories).  Souvenir shop selling drinks and ice cream at top.
• Walk back to the Panfa Leelard Pier for Khlong Saen Seap Ferry
  • You have to be quick about getting on the boat.
  • Board the ferry and find a seat. No need to hesitate. The ticket collecter will find you and tell you how much to pay.
  • Fare is 8 to 20 bht.
  • Pay the fare asked from the attendent. He will make change and issue small paper tickets depending on the distance. This is your ticket.
  • You must tell the attendant where you are going so he can calculate your fare. Don’t worry too much, if you do not know how to say your destination, you can just pay the maximum and decide where to get off later. Telling the attendant where you are getting off also allows him to help you know where to alight from the ferry, but do not depend on the attendant to alert you to your stop as the ferry can be very busy
  • Weekends: 5:30am-7pm (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays)
• Ferry to Baan Krua Nua stop (third stop)
• Walk 2 min to Jim Thompson House (over bridge to south, then 1 block east).
  • Opening Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. everyday with the last Guided Tour at 6:00 p.m.* (* Compulsory guided tours around the house.) 150 bht
• Walk 13 min south then east to Siam BTS station.
  • From 6 to 7 min between trains.
  • Buy day pass. (140 bht)
• Take Suhkumvit BTS north to Mo Chit, 42 bht 14 min.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market, west of station
• Take Suhkumvit BTS south to Phraya Thai Bts 34 bht 10 min
• Suan Pakkad Palace Museum (open til 4pm)
  • Walk 4 min east of Phraya Thai BTS
  • Suan Pakkad is open daily from 09.00 to 16.00
  • The nearest Skytrain station is Phaya Thai where you should use Exit 4 and walk along Sri Ayudhaya Road in the direction of Bangkok’s tallest building, the Baiyoke Tower. It’s approximately a ten-minute walk from the Skytrain station to Suan Pakkad Palace. If you are combining this with a trip to Bangkok’s tallest building, the Baiyoke Tower is a 15-minute walk from Suan Pakkad.
  • Entrance fee to Wang Suan Pakkad is 100 Baht
• Baiyoke Sky Tower – 12 min walk from Phraya Thai
• Take Suhkumvit BTS south to 22 bht 4 min
• Mall: http://www.bangkok.com/top10-shopping-malls.htm
  • MBK, near National Stadium, less costly
  • Central World, near Siam BTS
  • Siam Paragon, near Siam BTS, Luxury
  • Siam Discovery, near Siam BTS and National Stadium BTS, upper floors designed like being in a home.
  • Central Embassy Ultra-Luxury, futuristic design, near Ploen Chit BTS

• If it’s early enough (before 6:15pm):
  • Switch to Silom BTS south line
  • Return train to Sathorn Pier / Saphan Taksin station (Silom Line S6) 34 bht, 9 min
  • Take Orange Flag boat back north to Ta Tien (20 bht), last boats at 19:00 (7pm).  (Note: the Orange Flag boat goes to Tha Chang and doesn’t stop at Ta Tien!)
    • Yellow boat leaves from Saltorn until 20:00 heading north, but does not stop anywhere near our hotel, (Chinatown then Wang Lang.)
    • If too late, then bus #1 from Saphan Taksin to Tha Tien
  • If it’s too late, take a bus back:
    • #2 from Chit Lom and Central World to Tha Tien (long route)
    • #25 from Chit Lom and Siam Sq to Tha Tien through China Town
    • #27 from National Stadium
    • #48 from Chit Lom, Siam Sq and National Stadium (most direct) to Tha Tien
    • #508 from Chit Lom, Siam Sq and National Stadium through China Town to Tha Tien
  • Walk to hotel (2 min)

 

Exact timing:

Activity	Walk Min	Start Time	Elapsed Min	Stop Time
Bus, then walk to: Wat Benchamabophit, opens 8am		8:00	30	8:30
Wat Benchamabophit		8:30	30	9:00
6 min tuk-tuk drive to Democracy Monument		9:00	10	9:10
Walk past Fort Mahakan	5	9:10	5	9:15
Loha Prasat	3	9:15	20	9:35
Across Mahatthai U-thit Bridge (picturesque), then past the ferry pier and across another bridge south to	8	9:35	5	9:40
Wat Saket (Golden Mount) 20 bht, open: 7.30am to 5:30pm, 8am-5pm Sun  Climb up 344 steps.  Last Wat of the day – shorts only now.	30	9:40	60	10:40
Walk back to the Panfa Leelard Pier for Khlong Saen Seap Ferry	3	10:40	3	10:43
Ferry to Baan Krua Nua to Jim Thompson House		10:43	30	11:13
Jim Thompson House (over bridge to south, then 1 block east). 2 min walk. Opening Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. everyday with the last Guided Tour at 6:00 p.m.* * Compulsory guided tours around the house.	4	11:13	60	12:13
Lunch at café at house		12:13	60	13:13
Walk to Siam Square for BTS	13	13:13	20	13:33
BTS to Mo Chit		13:33	30	14:03
Chatuchak Weekend Market		14:03	60	15:03
BTS to Phraya Thai		15:03	30	15:33
Suan Pakkad Palace Museum		15:33	60	16:33
BTS to Siam Square	4	15:03	34	15:37
Visit a Mall		15:37	90	17:07
Back on BTS heading southwest to take train to Sathorn Pier / Saphan Taksin station (Silom Line S6) (9 min)	7	17:07	30	17:37
Take Orange Flag boat back north to Ta Tien (20 bht), latest boats at 19:00 (7pm)		17:37	30	18:07
Walk to hotel (2 min)	2	18:07	2	18:09

Day 6:  Mon 11/20 – Wat Arun, Chinatown

Walking time: 85 min or so; Cost = 210 x 2 = 420 bht =

Temples first thing and later too.

• Wat Arun – 50 bht – take ferry across the river from Tha Tien pier 4 and back. (4 baht).  Best dawn or night view from hotel.  Opens possibly at 8am, possibly 8:30am.
• Orange Flag boat to Marine Dept Pier (15 bht pp)
• Then 11 min walk to Chinatown

http://bangkokforvisitors.com/chinatown/index.php

• Walk from pier through China Town to Phahurat Market is 48 min walk.
• Wat Tra Mit (Golden Buddha) – the red Buddha icon.  (just off the Google map) Entrance is 40 bht, musueum 100 bht.  Buy tickets across the street. Climb the stairs, remove your shoes and go inside.  Just go to the side gate and it will be open
• Gateway – the camera icon
• Thien Fah Foundation 12 min – green temple icon at right near Wat Tra Mit
• Li Thi Miew Temple 3 min – green temple icon on right
• Wat Khanikaphon 2 min – red Buddha icon above them
• Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Chinese-Buddhist temple, 12 min. Green temple icon on left on map.  You enter the temple through a passageway off Charoen Krung Road.
• Sampang Lane – Chinatown’s original main street is a small narrow alley which runs from the Phahurat Market all the way down to Songsawat Road. The lane is too small for cars, and is now a crowded market selling mostly inexpensive household items.
• Phahurat Market

• Romaneenart Park – green park at the edge of the screenprint above.
• Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing – 8:30am to 21:00, 20 bht
• Chao Por Ho Klong shrine
• Drum Tower

Food

Eat:

• stir-fries that have been cooked in a sizzling wok right in front of us,
• skewers of meat that are actively cooking on a fiery grill, or
• soups that have been ladled from a near-boiling cauldron.

Avoid:

• Seafood (shrimp, etc)

Most food stall vendors specialize in one food type, whether it’s beef noodle soup, stewed pork leg, or banana roti and then offer a few variations. You can count on these vendors to buy their fresh ingredients regularly and then close up business when their stash runs out. With such a high turnover rate, there’s less time for the ingredients to spoil.

Thailand’s tourist friendly restaurants (whether serving up Westernized Thai food or a Thai interpretation of Western food) are notorious for their book-sized menus. No joke, they often come in three-ringed binders!

Casually observe them before buying anything. Is the work station generally clean? Is the raw meat kept in a cooler before being cooked? Does the vendor use a different hand or tool to touch the food than the cash? Do the ingredients look bright and moist and not dull and limp? Are hundreds of people eating from the food stalls? If the answer is ‘yes’ to these questions, then order something!

It’s possible to determine what ice is safe to drink in Thailand by its shape. We suggest steering clear of crushed ice and keep an eye out for ice that’s in large, uniform pieces and that most often has a hole through it. That’s a telltale sign that the cubes have been made from filtered water at an ice factory and not hacked or shaved from a block of ice with a potentially unsanitary blade.

But most vendors don’t sell plastic bottles of water at their stalls.  Instead, vendors set up free, self-serve coolers filled with filtered water and safe ice.

You can count on the vendor to use filtered water, but stick to smoothies where you can see that the ice is either cylindrical or in cubes (which indicates it’s filtered) and opt out of smoothies made of crushed ice.

Good foods?

• Rotee, a snack similar to a flattened stuffed crepe.
• Khao soi. It’s a cross between yellow and red coconut based curry ladled over fresh egg noodles and topped with a smattering of deep-fried egg noodles. (in Chiang Mai)

Tipping

Item/Place	Tip
Restaurant	Not necessary, since a 10 percent service fee is usually included, perhaps round up.
Taxi	Round up to the nearest 100 baht; so, if the meter reads 250 baht, give 300
Guide (pp per day)	300 to 500 baht = $9 – $15 consensus on TA was $10/day if they don’t take you shopping (get commissions)
Drivers (pp per day)	half the guide’s tip: 150 to 250 baht = $5-$7.50
Housemaid	50 cents

Money

Exchange $$ to Baht.

Coins:

25, 50 satang

1, 2, 5, 10 baht

Notes:

20	60 cents
50	$ 1.50
100	$3
500	$15
1,000	$30

 

Scams

https://www.tielandtothailand.com/avoiding-tuk-tuk-taxi-scams-thailand/

Super Cheap Tuk Tuk Rides – It may seem rude to turn down a stranger’s help, especially from someone who seems genuinely interested in providing suggestions. However, it was a little odd that these men were adamant about providing help when we didn’t really need it and when we didn’t start the conversation. If we could do it over again we’d simply decline the offer, firmly but politely. And we’d put away that silly map!

Going a Roundabout Way or to the Wrong Destination – Nowadays we use Uber instead of hailing a random taxi. It’s in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Get 50 THB off your first three Uber rides when you download the app, register, and use promo code: tielandtothailandsue (or just sign up here).

Refusing to Use the Meter

The Red Flag

A hawker approaches you before you make it to a ticket booth – He or she will try to sell you tickets for a trip.  As tempting as it is to buy from these people, don’t buy something if they approached you. Look around to see where other Thai locals are buying from, such as a permanent ticket booth.

Don’t share rides with anyone.

Getting Around

Getting Around by Boat

http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/services/index.aspx#timetable

http://bangkok.sawadee.com/canals.htm

• You should note that none of the boats stops at all piers, so you’ll need to check which boat goes to your destination before you get on. The Orange Flag Boat is the best overall, as it runs all from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week.
• Blue flag The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (blue flag) only runs from Tha Sathorn (Central Pier) to N13 (Phra Arthit), and only stops at piers CENTRAL, N1, N3, N5, N8, N* (Maharaj – between N9 and N10), N10 and N13. From 07:00 to 18:25.  40 bht one way; 100 bht day pass.  These only come every 30 minutes.
• Orange Flag: Route : Nonthaburi (N30) – Wat Rajsingkorn (S3)
  • Operation : Everyday (06.00 – 19.00 hrs.)
  • Fares : 15 Baht
  • The boat stops at most of the piers that connects to tourist attractions. So it is safe to say that tourists can take this boat to get around most of tourist sites along the river, including Koh Kred – an island and popular weekend getaway just outside Bangkok. The trip between Sathon pier and Koh Kred is about one and a half hour.
  • Boats come every 20 minutes until around 16:00 when other lines kick into action and boats appear more frequently.
  • Read more at: http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-waterway/chao-phraya-river-chao-phraya-river-pier-guide.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

• Local Line Boat (No Flag)
  • Route : Nonthaburi (N30) – Wat Rajsingkorn (S3)
  • Operation : Monday – Friday
  • Morning Service 06.20 – 08.05 hrs.
  • Afternoon Service 15.00 – 17.30 hrs.
  • Fares : 10 / 12 / 14 Baht (Depends on distance)
  • This boat stops has the cheapest fares and stops at every pier. So you can take this boat to anywhere. The downside of this boat is that it is not running on the weekends and operates in the morning and late afternoon only.
• Green Flag – the only one that goes all the way to pier N33.  Stops at Tha Chang but not Tha Tien.
• Yellow Flag: It can fit more passengers on, has better quality seats and is faster in the water. Stopping at only 10 piers, it is an express boat designed primarily to service commuters coming to and from work from the northern outskirts of Bangkok. Fares range between 20-29 baht. Does not stop anywhere near our hotel.
• Boat services on the Chao Phraya River which connect Bangkok with the northern neighboring province of Nonthaburi are operated by two companies: Laem Thong Co. Ltd., and Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.,Ltd. Tel (02) 623-6143 http://bangkok.sawadee.com/expressboat.htm

 

Getting around by Sky Way

http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current_new.aspx   (calculate route and fare)

http://www.bangkok.com/bts/

There are 2 BTS lines:

• SILOM LINE runs west to south, between the National Stadium in the Siam shopping area to Bang Wa in Thonburi (across the river), while
• SUKHUMVIT LINE runs north to east from Mo Chit to Bearing.

• The two lines meet at Siam Station, and also interconnect at two points with the underground (MRT) – at Sala Daeng and Asok stations. A new train arrives every 3 – 6 minutes or so between 06:30 and midnight.
• In rush hour, starting around 7 am until about 9 am trains run very frequently at roughly 3 minute intervals.
• Expect to pay between 15 and 50 Baht for a ticket; 140 bht for a day pass.
• The trains can be packed during peak hours (07:00 – 09:00 and 16:00 – 19:00).
• Tickets:
  • Single Journey Ticket
    • This ticket is valid for a single journey, with fare according to chosen destination. (starting at 15 baht, up to 42 Baht per journey)
    • Valid for travel on date of purchase only.
    • Ticket will be retained at an Automatic Gate upon exit.
    • Single Journey Tickets can be purchased at any Ticket Issuing Machine (TIM), Integrated Ticketing Machine (ITM) and Ticket Vending Machine (TVM).
    • A Ticket Issuing Machine (TIM) requires 1, 5 or 10 Baht coins. Change can be obtained at any BTS Station Ticket Office. (Machines only give change in 1, 5 or 10 Baht coins)

Getting around by Canal Boat

Saen Saep Express Boat

To Sukhumvit

The Saen Saep Express Boat service is a rough, but entertaining way of getting in and around Sukhumvit. The Saen Saeb canal forms the northern boundary of Sukhumvit’s sois and is a cheap alternative means of escaping the traffic jams if you’re coming from Khao San Road, the eastern side of Rattanakosin or Ramkhamhaeng.

There are two lines:

• The Golden Mount Line runs from Panfa Leelard near the Golden Mount in Rattanakosin east to Pratunam near Ratchaprasong intersection.
• The NIDA Line runs from Pratunam all the way northeast along Ramkhamhaeng Road to Wat Sriboonreung.

A single trip from Panfa Leelard to Nana Nua takes about 35 minutes and costs 13 baht. You must switch boats at Pratunam. Other stops along Sukhumvit’s northern sois (from west to east) are Nana Chard, Asoke-Petchaburi, Prasanmit, Italthai, Wat Mai Chonglom, Baan Don Mosque, Soi Thonglor, Charn Issara and Vijit School.

If you’re coming from the Grand Palace area in Rattanakosin, there are two ways to get into Sukhumvit.

• The fastest way is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Sathorn pier in Silom. From there, continue your way north using the BTS Skytrain Silom Line. You’ll need to switch trains at Siam BTS station and continue your way east onto the Sukhumvit Line. The whole ride from Rattanakosin takes about 40 minutes.
• The 30-minutes walk (or a five minutes taxi ride) to Panfa Leelard pier and continue your journey using the Saen Saep Express Boat.

Saen Saep Express Boat  “Tourist” Canal Boats

Departing roughly every 20 minutes from 10:00 to 18:00, these boats start at Pratunam and cruise west on the San Saeb Canal, stopping at most of the same piers as the regular khlong boats (Hua Chang, Bo Bae Market, Phanfa Leelard). But from Phanfa Leelard they continue west on Khlong Banglamphu and make a final stop near the corner of Chakrabongse, Samsen and Phra Sumen roads, just north of Khao San Road and west of Phra Arthit Pier on the Chao Phraya river ferry lines. The tourist boats do not run east of Pratunam. Tickets cost 200 baht for a full-day pass, which is quite expensive if you’re only taking a single trip.

 

Getting around by Tuk-Tuk

• http://www.bangkok.com/information-travel-around/tuk-tuks.htm?cur=THB
  • Fare negotiating and haggling is a must because the price named by the driver is always an ‘inflated rate’ (especially if you’re a tourist). The trick is to negotiate 5 – 15 baht off the proposed fare, and take it from there.
  • Avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours (07:00 – 09:00, 16:00 – 19:00). You don’t want to be stuck in traffic for hours, sweating and breathing in the hazardous fumes from engines all around you.
• Length:
  • Take a short trip: A 20 minute trip will cost you more money in a tuk-tuk than in a metered taxi; sometimes the prices are double.
  • Pick a friendly looking old driver who is alone and not with a bunch of others.
• Price:
  • Recommends getting at least 5-20 baht off the original fare price
  • Never walk up to a parked taxi or tuk tuk. Always flag a moving driver, preferably off the main roads.
  • The cheapest price for the shortest distance in a tuk-tuk should be 40 baht. Make sure that the price is for the whole car, not per person, before you get in.
  • Between 70 and 150 Bhat for each trip. Most agreed at around 110 or 120 but quotes started at 3/400.
  • Drivers often start by asking for 200 baht for even a short ride and haggling is expected.
  • tag-teams on motorbikes occasionally snatch handbags from tourists obliviously caught up in their tuk tuk adventure.

Getting around by Taxi

• The polite way for asking a taxi to stop is to stretch out your arm with your palm facing downwards and move your arm slowly up and down.
• If the red light in the corner of the windshield is turned on, the taxi is available to be flagged down.
• Under no circumstance would we take a non-meter taxi ride within Bangkok city limits.

Getting around by Bus

http://www.transitbangkok.com/lines/bangkok-bus-line/53

Buses run 5am to 11pm.

Orange and Yellow buses are airconditioned

Red no A/C – about ½ of the red buses are free.

Tickets bought on board, change is given

Neighborhoods

Sukhumvit

• The longest road in Thailand, both it and its many adjoining ‘sois’ (sub-streets) are poor on traditional tourist attractions but rich in of-the-minute shopping, eating and nightlife. The many fashionable restaurants, bars, air-conditioned malls, luxury hotels and hip clubs give the area a distinctly modern, cosmopolitan flavour.
• Some of the city’s most sinful spots, red-light districts Nana Plaza (Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (off Soi 23) are also found here. And little, stress-busting pockets of calm can be found in the sweet cafes, atmospheric restaurants and lush day spas that hide down many of its sois. Making exploring its staggering length incredibly easy is the Skytrain (BTS) that runs through most of its downtown stretch.
• The sois are numbered from west to east, with odd numbers north and even numbers south of Sukhumvit Road. The sois on the north and south sides of Sukhumvit don’t line up; for example, Soi 33 is opposite Soi 24. Confusing is that these sois also have names of their own (for example, Soi 55 is better known as Soi Thong Lo) and these sois can also have sois of their own (such as Thong Lo Soi 1).

Khao San Road

• Packed into a 1km long strip are countless budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels, internet cafes, swanky bars and clubs, restaurants, massage parlours, travel agents, bookshops, market stalls, tattoo shops and much, much more.  So much in fact, that the people, peddlers and party spirit have spilled over into nearby Soi Rambuttri. With its carefree, anything-goes vibe, it’s quite unlike anywhere else in Bangkok, and so infectious is its atmosphere it’s also popular with locals, especially young hipsters and art students.

Silom

• Silom is undoubtedly one of the city’s most important financial districts with many bank headquarters, financial institutions and office buildings. Fine hotels, smaller type malls and great restaurants abound in the area too – and then of course there’s the famous nightlife scene of Patpong.
• Bangkok’s two most sophisticated mass transportation systems – the Skytrain (BTS) and underground – both have Silom connections, which are also conveniently connected by the walkway between MRT Silom and BTS Sala Daeng stations. Siam, Chidlom, Ploenchit, Sathorn, and the riverside are only a few BTS stations away.

Ploenchit and Chidlom

• The area of downtown Bangkok all urbanites aspire to be.  Ploenchit Road, Chitlom, Ratchadamri, Lang Suan and Wireless Road represent the new face of Bangkok. Shaped by high rise offices, upscale apartments, embassies, expensive shopping malls and luxury hotels, the area is low on traditional tourist attractions (other than several popular shrines), but high on chic and prestige. During the day, it’s mostly about shopping of the designer, status-symbol variety. Food courts adjoining these ritzy malls and a slew of quality restaurants, also do a brisk trade.

Thonburi

• If you want to eat like the locals, or if you are on a budget, head for Wang Lang Market. The main roads and their side streets are filled with plenty of unnamed restaurants and simple carts selling meals for less than 50 baht. It is known as one of the best places in Thailand to get food from Southern Thailand. The story goes that Southern Thais settled in this area as trains from the south used to arrive at the Thonburi Train Station nearby.
• Wang Lang. It’s the easiest point of entry as all lines stop there and the Wang Lang area is one of the more interesting ones in Thonburi.
• Royal Barge National Museum, Arun-Amarin Rd (Phra Arthit Pier, then walk over the Phra Pin Klao Bridge, take a left into Wat Dusitaram Road, passing the Wat Dusitaram School, then walk through an alley that snakes through a residential neighbourhood; follow the signs until you reach the museum, so you won’t get lost),
• Wat Sai Floating Market, 11 Moo 2, Ekkachai Rd (bus 43 and 120 from Wongwien Yai). 06:00-09:00 daily. This floating market along Sanam Chai Canal used to be a popular tourist site for visitors to admire the traditional canal side way of life. Unfortunately, construction of new roads within the area left the floating market abandoned. It was recently revived, though it does not feel as authentic as it used to. It is still interesting to book a canal tour along this historic waterway, and enjoy the floating market that is crowded with boats that have farm produced products for sale.

Laundry

By the KG:

1. see https://hormbangkok.com/en/pricing/ price is 50 bht / kg. We have 6.5 kg (14.3 pounds (7 shirts, 3 pants, pj top / bottom, 7 socks for each of us).  That’s 50 bht per kg or 350 bht  or $10.30
2. They do Undies but we have to pay 10 bht per piece. So if we had undies done, that would be 14 undies x 10 bht = 140 bht or $4.12.  24 hr turnaround.     Then the sheet, that’s approx 140 bht or $5.
3. Delivery 10 bht per km, of which there are probably 20 = $6.

Laundry total of $21

http://www.hispeedlaundry.com/ price is 69 bht / kg = 7  * 69 = $14.21

By the piece:

but anywhere from 30-60 Baht per item can be charged at mid-range hotels.  We will have 24 pieces or $35+  (price from 2012!)

Weather

City	Low	High	Humidity
Bangkok	75	90	68%	muggy
Chiang Mai	65	86	74%	oppressive

Food

MSG is very commonly used in restaurants throughout Thailand. The easiest way to avoid it is to say “Mai sai phong churot”. Most restaurants and even street stalls (in well-touristed areas) are used to foreigners asking this.

MSG is not only used in the cooking process but is often also used as a garnish — in particular watch out at street-side noodle places where the standard practice is to dollop a spoonful of MSG onto the finished dish.

Sorry to miss (nearby)

• Siam Museum past Wat Pho (under construction until Nov 2017)

Sorry to miss (far away)

• National Museum – Orange Flag boat to the north to Phra Athit, (15 bht) then walk to 9 min south along the river then east on the major bridge road. Opening Hours: 09:00 – 16:00 (Wednesday – Sunday)
  • Walk 9 min back to Phra Athit, then orange flag boat south to Tha Tien (15 bht)
• Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, 20 Borommarachachonnani Rd (close to the Taling Chan Floating Market)

Discards

• River City, a riverside shopping plaza famous for selling antiques and old maps from Southeast Asia with great selection of handcrafts and silk clothing.  Why discarded? Well have plenty of time to shop later in Thailand.
• Asiatique The Riverfront
  • Ferris Wheel – Asiatique Sky opens daily from 5 pm until midnight. Prices are 300 Baht per adult, 200 Baht per child (height under 120 cm). You can have a private gondola for 2 people for 1000 bht. ($30)
  • it revolves-3 times ie around 5 mins
  • Take the BTS Sky Train to Saphan Taksin station on the Chao Phraya river. From the adjoining Sathorn pier a free Asiatique shuttle boat runs every 30 minutes between 4 pm and 11.30 pm. The last boat back to Sathorn leaves at 11 pm.
  • To return: Bus #1 to Tha Thien from Sathorn
  • Why discarded?  not convenient to Rattanskosin in evening
• Blue Flag Boat (Tourist) from Tha Tien. A blue flag can be seen at the back of the boat
  • Tickets at Phra Arthit, Tha Chang, and Sathorn piers, some say every pier.
  • The tourist boat service is more expensive than the other boats, but it is less crowded
  • Route : Sathon pier – Phra Arthit Pier (N13)
  • Operation : Every day (09.30-16.00 hrs)
  • Fares : 40 Baht (one-way ticket) and 150 Baht/per day (a full day pass)
  • The routing of this boat is designed for tourists. It stops at all of the main tourist attractions along the Chao Phraya river. The 40 baht fare is good for one stop only while the full day pass (150 Baht) allows you to get on and off any pier and take any boat (from Chao Phraya Express Boat company) until about 9 pm without extra fare. The boat has a tour guide on board to give information about each tourist attraction along the river.
  • The blue Flag boat stops at these piers and nearby riverside attractions.
    • Sathorn Pier – connects with the BTS sky train line at Saphan Taksin station
    • Oriental Pier (N1) – walking distance to the Oriental Hotel and Chareon Krung road, which connects to Bangkok’s business district at Silom road
    • Rajchawong Pier (N5) – Tourist attraction: China Town, a good place to find delicious Chinese food and buy Chinese herbs and medicines.
    • Tha Tien Pier (N8) – Tourist attraction: Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn)
    • Maharaj Pier (N9) – Tourist attraction: The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
    • Wang Lang Pier (N10) – Tourist attraction: Patravadi Theatre (an open air playhouse), Siriraj Hospital and Museum
    • Phra Arthit Pier (N13) – Tourist attraction: Khao San Road (Backpacker’s haven), Phra Sumane fort (one of the old forts left in Bangkok)
  • Why discarded?  Orange was cheaper and we used it to go from here to there, not conduct our sightseeing, since we were staying in Rattanakosin.
• Hire a boatman: agree on the price before departure (400 – 500 baht per hour; negotiable). However bear in mind that he’s your driver not your guide; his English may be minimal but he will know where to go.  You can hire a long tail boat to tour the river and Bangkok’s old waterways. It costs about 1,200 Baht per hour for 4 persons.
  • For private: Prepare to bargain but don’t pay more than 1,000-1,500 baht for a two-hour trip without any stops.
  • 1 boat for 2 people for 1500 bht for 1 1/2 hrs around the Klong loop.
  • You can hire a colourful painted long-tail boat (hang yao) from any major tourist piers, and go exploring. Ask to explore Khlong Mon, Klong Bangkok Noi and Klong Bangkok Yai, and also the Royal Barges Museum.
  • Why discarded? Did not trust ourselves to not get scammed.  I’d rather choose Mit Chao Phraya Co.
• Shared Tours: 1 hr, ½ hr or 2 hr tours http://www.mitchaoprayatravel.com/?cid=1671049  operating from Tha Chang pier (not private)
  • CANAL, TEMPLE, FLOATING MARKET TOUR PACKAGES
  • TOUR DURATION 1 HOUR
  • -TRAVEL TO BANGKOK-NOI CANAL PASS TO ROYAL BARGB NATION MUSEUM
  • -SIGHTSEEING THE WAY OF LIVING ALONG THE BANGKOK-NOI CANAL
  • -VISITING THONBURI MINI FLOATING MARKET
  • -VISITING PHRA PRANG AT WAT ARUN AND SEE THE STRUCTURES BUILT FRAME II
  • -RETURNING BACK TO CHANG PIER
  • (NON STOP TRIP)
  • RATE 450 BAHT / PERSON or approx $13
  • MINIMUM 2 PXS (JOIN IN GROUP)
  • Why discarded  We wanted private.
• Pandan Tour Company, http://www.thaicanaltour.com/small_teak_weekday.php
  • to get there:
    1. either 500 bht for hotel pickup (ea way, but we only need one way), or
    2. Orange boat south to Saphan Taksin, to BTS Wutthakat station (11 min). 4:50 between trains.   East side ticket machine (direction to the exit #4),** short walk to get to our boat.  Meet at 8:30am.
  • Company hours: 08:30-16:00 daily.
  • The weekday tour starts at the Wat Sai Morning Market and then takes you to an orchid nursery, a lotus pond and the Forest Temple and the Mouth of the Canal Temple (you will see a good contrast!) and the “Artists’ House” which is the house of traditional Thai puppets.
  • The weekend tour takes you to the Artists House first and then brings you to the Lat Mayom Weekend Floating Market. Orchid Farm visit is possible as well.
  • These tours use a small traditional Thai teak boat, and life-vests are offered. Unlike other tours, you can ask the staff to stop anywhere along the canals. 2,395+ baht for 4-5 persons (2 groups). Don’t know private cost.
  • Tour ends at BTS Krung Thonburi at 3pm. Take BTS to Saphan Taksin.
  • About $200
    
  • Why discarded?  We were going on Khlongs Tour with Mit Chao Phraya and this was too much of a duplicate and we didn’t have the time for a day-long trip.  It sounded great, though.

Check out this article of mine:

Thailand Travel Blog – Itinerary, Impressions and Diabetic Travel Tips