Bangkok first timers - your #1 tip?

[ozbeachbabe]

I plan on having one night in BKK later this month prior to an award flight BKK/xDOH/BCN on QR the following day & wanted to stay at an IHG hotel as there's a current promo. Which one would you recommend as good value plus proximity to BTS? All rates are best flexible.

1. HIX BKK Siam (THB2,299.00)
2. HIX BKK Sukhumvit 11 (THB1,999.00)
3. HIX BKK Sathorn (THB2,199.00)
4. HI BKK Silom (THB2,200.00)

 

[Archipelago]

I plan on having one night in BKK later this month prior to an award flight BKK/xDOH/BCN on QR the following day & wanted to stay at an IHG hotel as there's a current promo. Which one would you recommend as good value plus proximity to BTS? All rates are best flexible.

1. HIX BKK Siam (THB2,299.00)
2. HIX BKK Sukhumvit 11 (THB1,999.00)
3. HIX BKK Sathorn (THB2,199.00)
4. HI BKK Silom (THB2,200.00)

HI BKK Silom and HIX BKK on Suk 11 are both around a 10+ minute walk from their respective BTS stations (Surasak and Nana). Sukhumvit 11 is a bit noisy and congested at night, although there is a good selection of bars & restaurants all the way along the street.
HI BKK Silom is not really convenient to the BTS, traffic is a nightmare in peak hour, and it is dead later in the evening.

So that leaves Siam and Sathorn.
Given you're only there for a night, the closest property to a BTS is HIX Siam (adjacent to BTS National Stadium and MBK mall). It is one stop to the main interchange BTS Siam, which is connected to Siam Paragon and Discovery malls. A no brainer I think, it is right in the middle of everything. 2300 odd baht is decent value given its prime location.
What were you wanting to do on your one night in Bangkok?

 

[nonpop]

I plan on having one night in BKK later this month prior to an award flight BKK/xDOH/BCN on QR the following day & wanted to stay at an IHG hotel as there's a current promo. Which one would you recommend as good value plus proximity to BTS? All rates are best flexible.

1. HIX BKK Siam (THB2,299.00)

Option 1 IMHO.
Good BTS and good mall. Too easy.
I'm in BKK right now and have passed through the BTS many times as a good interchange stop.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Thanks for the great tips Archipelago & nonpop - I've now booked HIX BKK Siam, 889 Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai, Pathumwan.

I'm travelling solo on this trip as a course has come up in PER SO has wanted to do for some time so I won't be doing anything too adventurous in the evening but shopping & sightseeing during the day are definitely on the cards.

 

[wandering_fred]

Enjoy your stay. My choice of hotel are normally under 1500 baht so I would have no experience in choosing between your four choices.

Sukhumvit has changed radically since my first visit about 33 years ago. And the confusion and mass of people in the evenings is still the same. The BTS does help though. I haven't tried the bus system in about ten years.

If you want a slightly different perspective on shopping, try Central Chidlom which is a mid-range department store frequented by the "up and coming" local family set. Food court is definitely upscale when compared to Australia. And prices tend to a bit more competitive than the "fashion malls".

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[JohnK]

1. HIX BKK Siam (THB2,299.00)
2. HIX BKK Sukhumvit 11 (THB1,999.00)
3. HIX BKK Sathorn (THB2,199.00)
4. HI BKK Silom (THB2,200.00)

They are all OK. Siam or Sukhumvit 11 are probably better choices.

 

[nonpop]

A couple of pics of Siam BTS. I passed through again tonight on the way to the Mil Hilton for a few drinks.

If I were you, jump the BTS train going to Saphan Taksin (5 stops from Siam) - train will show heading in direction of Bang Wa.

Then exit train, walk down steps / escalator towards river (50 metres), turn left and you will see a pier ... it will have many hotel names on it for transfers as the pier shares services with public ferry.

Catch a Hilton shuttle boat (will have a big Hilton flag on the back) free of charge to the Hilton on the river.
Go up to the rooftop bar and have a drink. The views are sensational and they make an excellent Martini.

Then when you are done, catch the free water shuttle back to the same BTS station then head back to Siam (train heading to National Stadium).

The Hilton ferry shuttle leaves the Hilton every 20 mins on the hr. And you don't need to be staying at the Hilton.

At the rooftop bar ask for a wifi code for free wifi.

The Hilton is so close to you and a fantastic view. And very safe for a SWF traveler. The BTS & Hilton shuttle run until midnight.

Here are a couple of pics of the Siam BTS station:







Hilton Pics: Arriving on the shuttle then drinks on the rooftop bar

 

[Alanslegal]

I just spent five days in Bangkok and visited Asiatique for the first time. It was also the first time I stayed on the river (at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, directly opposite the Millenium Hilton) as I wanted to view the hustle and bustle of river traffic. Normally I prefer to stay around Asoke (Four Points, Sheraton Grande or Westin Grande) and I'm pretty loyal to Starwood and hope to get to LTP one day.

Anyway, back to Asiatique, which although was pretty touristy, was very lively and entertaining come sunset and beyond. We had drinks at Checkmate? Restaurant and enjoyed live music. I think one should check it out at least once to see if they enjoy that area, I definitely set my expectations quite low (thinking it would be overrun by tourists) but was pleasantly surprised. To get there there is a free boat shuttle service (operates every 10-15minutes) from Saphan Taksin ferry stop.

 

[Archphoto]

Asiatique is really popular!! It is a nice place to get away from it all (sort of) and the restaurants on along the river are great - Happy Fish Restaurant serves some fantastic imported beers.

Took a friend from NYC there a little while back and he was having a craving for mango sticky rice. Unfortunately they didn't have it, but incredibly, they went across the road to the restaurant next door and bought for him - charged us on our bill at the end. I've experienced this at the roadside eateries, but didn't expect it there at all - great customer service!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

A couple of pics of Siam BTS. I passed through again tonight on the way to the Mil Hilton for a few drinks. If I were you, jump the BTS train going to Saphan Taksin (5 stops from Siam) - train will show heading in direction of Bang Wa.

Then exit train, walk down steps / escalator towards river (50 metres), turn left and you will see a pier ... it will have many hotel names on it for transfers as the pier shares services with public ferry.

Catch a Hilton shuttle boat (will have a big Hilton flag on the back) free of charge to the Hilton on the river.
Go up to the rooftop bar and have a drink. The views are sensational and they make an excellent Martini.

Then when you are done, catch the free water shuttle back to the same BTS station then head back to Siam (train heading to National Stadium). The Hilton ferry shuttle leaves the Hilton every 20 mins on the hr. And you don't need to be staying at the Hilton.

At the rooftop bar ask for a wifi code for free wifi. The Hilton is so close to you and a fantastic view. And very safe for a SWF traveler. The BTS & Hilton shuttle run until midnight.

Thanks for all the great pics nonpop, I'm seriously tempted to stay at the Hilton now!

I remember last year when we visited BKK we needed to have cash for the BTS and the train to/from the airport but is there some kind of travel card I should get similar to the Octopus card in HKG & is it valid for both the above trains? Is it worth getting one of these cards just for 24 hours?

 

[Archipelago]

Thanks for all the great pics nonpop, I'm seriously tempted to stay at the Hilton now!

I remember last year when we visited BKK we needed to have cash for the BTS and the train to/from the airport but is there some kind of travel card I should get similar to the Octopus card in HKG & is it valid for both the above trains? Is it worth getting one of these cards just for 24 hours?

For the BTS it is the Rabbit card. The Airport Rail Link is a different stored value card, and neither works on the others system yet. The MRT is a different card again

Could be worth getting a Rabbit for 24 hours (I certainly would - I hate queuing up at peak hour at the ticket machines). Like the Octopus, it can also be used as a cashless payment system in certain food outlets & stores. 100 baht deposit on the card, and the stored value is good for 2 years from memory (check that though)

You mentioned the Airport train - be aware that the Express line service is no longer operating due to stock maintenance. You can catch the all stops City Line instead, still convenient, much cheaper (45 baht) but it gets very busy en route.

 

[nonpop]

Thanks for all the great pics nonpop, I'm seriously tempted to stay at the Hilton now!

I remember last year when we visited BKK we needed to have cash for the BTS and the train to/from the airport but is there some kind of travel card I should get similar to the Octopus card in HKG & is it valid for both the above trains? Is it worth getting one of these cards just for 24 hours?

The Hilton is nice but will be more expensive vs the HIX and unless you have Hilton status expect to be charged for wifi at stupid rates until later this yr when it is free.

Re BTS ... there are coin operated machines or you can sometimes buy a ticket at the booth (the manned booth will give you change for the machine). Or go to the booth and tell them the station you want to go to. They will change money for you and tell you a price. Then you go to the ticket machine.
I'll get a photo later tonight to explain how it works ... all very, very easy.

In short ... the coin ticket machines have a simple map on the wall next to them. You look at the station you want to go to and you will see a number e.g 25. You then press 25 button on the machine and insert you coins. A ticket comes out. And change (in coins) if needed. Most of the machines only take coins but some will take notes (max 100THB note). After you have your ticket, go to the inwards gate, insert your ticket and the gate opens and take your ticket. You'll need your ticket to get out of the destination station. It really is a very good and easy system.

The buttons only have fixed numbers which correspond to the fare price if you use a coin only machine (majority of machines are coin only we tend to find).

We don't buy all day passes and just buy tickets as we need them. So you will be fine to stay at Siam then take the BTS using coins.

Oh for coins, I also change notes at our hotel into 10THB coins.

And the subway & skytrain are 2 different systems run by 2 different companies with no ticket interchangeability. For your 1 night, stick with the BTS Skytrain for where you are staying at IMHO.

 

[Cynicor]

For the BTS, get a rabbit.
Just tap in and out each time.

Btw, is it just my sick mind, or does anyone else go straight to the adult toy when they think "rabbit"?

 

[Archipelago]

Btw, is it just my sick mind, or does anyone else go straight to the adult toy when they think "rabbit"?

Spare a thought then for the Londoners flashing their Oyster, and the Hong Kongers waving their Octopuses about...

 

[nonpop]

A Quick guide to using the BTS Skytrain from a regular Joe traveller i.e I don't live in BKK but do come here often.

There are 2 BTS lines. 1 in dark green and other in light green. The process works the same. This example is on the light green line for ozebeachbabe example.
If staying at HIX Siam (which seems to be closer to National Stadium vs Siam stop)

You will see a map like this which shows all the stops


Each stop you are at will have this same graphic next to the ticket machines except the numbers (fare pricing) will change subject to where you want to go.
Just look at the station you want to go to (regardless what line it is on). There will be a number. This if your fare price for a single 1 way ticket.

Not the direction of the train you will need to catch as this is the platform / train direction you will want.


Turn to the ticket machine. Press the button with the fare price (from the graphic on the pic above).
Insert your coins and collect the ticket and your change. This machine will only accept coins THB 1, 5, 10s. Most don't seem to accept notes.
If you need change ... get it from your hotel prior OR go to the manned change booths at the station (they can also tell you the price you need to pay if you can't work out the graphic. They will give you change and likely send you back to the ticket machine)


Here you can see the manned changed booths as well as the turnstiles to enter the platforms


And there you have it. To go back to where you started just reverse the process.

Now ... to get to the Hilton ... from the dark green line. Catch Skytrain to Saphan Taksin.
Exit train and go to exit # 2 and go down stairs

 

[nonpop]

Walk down the steps (just follow everyone else as exit #2 is most popular as everyone walks down to piers)


Just keep following everyone


They take a little short cut under some stairs ... just follow them as it will save about 20 extra steps which is good to save in the heat


This is the sign as you approach the pier you want ... you can't miss it. It is where all the hotel shuttles stop


Jump the Hilton shuttle with a big white flag at the back and sit back and relax.
When you hit the hotel pier just walk straight up about 50 meters then turn right into the hotel lobby and find the elevators then go to the top floor and exit left to the ope air roof top bar ... or if bad weather, turn right and go up the enclosed bar.

When sitting outside as you enter the roof, try to get seating on the right where there are sofa type chairs vs normal chairs (on the left). But either way is good. Ask for a wifi code.

The shuttle leaves the Hilton every 20 mins on the hr.


Happy drinking.

 

[moa999]

For the BTS it is the Rabbit card. The Airport Rail Link is a different stored value card, and neither works on the others system yet. The MRT is a different card again .

Agree worth getting Rabbit as the queues at the ticket machines in afternoon peak can be 5 minutes.
Rabbit was meant to be extended to MRT within 12 months of launch (that was 4 yes ago) but that happens a lot.

FX rates on the street are generally pretty good for AUD if traveling with cash and want to avoid the ATM surcharge which is now 150/180 thb depending on machine - apart from reportedly the 3 Citibank machines in Bangkok.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Is this thread sponsored by Thailand Tourism as I am getting BKK withdrawals!

Many great bits of info here - certainly wish this thread was around ten years ago when I made my first trip to BKK!

I know taxis are cheap but I love using the BTS skytrain especially during peak or rain - nothing worse than being stuck in a taxi for 1-2 hrs when you could be drinking or eating or massaging!! Also I think just avoid tuk tuks altogether - nothing essential about them and they are more trouble than they are worth.

I've never made it to Nahm but will be sure to book on my next trip - as crazy and scammy as BKK can be it really has a special place in my heart - no other city in the world makes me feel as alive as BKK (NYC comes close). If you're not getting two massages a day you're not doing it right!

 

[nonpop]

I know taxis are cheap but I love using the BTS skytrain especially during peak or rain - nothing worse than being stuck in a taxi for 1-2 hrs when you could be drinking or eating or massaging!! Also I think just avoid tuk tuks altogether - nothing essential about them and they are more trouble than they are worth

We use the Skytrain or the subway all the time when in BKK. Both systems work so well and seem to cover the city well enough. Both are incredibly cheap as well.

For the airport ... we've also reached the point where we no longer use taxis to / from due to traffic.
Especially from Syd on QF the inbound to BKK flight arrives late afternoon and then sticks you in the middle of 'rush-hour' ... so sitting on the freeway going nowhere isn't fun. As we often stay in Asoke (near Terminal 21) the airport train then metro works perfectly. And so cheap 35THB for the airport train then 16THB to Asoke = 102THB for 2 pax vs the 400-off they want for a taxi. So that leaves me 300THB for more coughtails. So $$ saving & not dealing with taxis drivers is a nice side-effect.

With Tuk Tuks ... I admit we do use them for short journeys where we don't want to walk. I usually take the expected taxi price and add 20%. 9/10 times they end up taking the fare. You just need to be firm with them and when they ask if you want to 'stop to go shopping', I just say "no, no stopping" and they get the message real quick and get on with the job. At least a fixed price fare means they aren't taking the long way round as they need another fare.

But I do agree ... BKK is a fantastic city that I never bore with. It feels like so inviting once you get the hang of it.

 

[Alanslegal]

With respect to taxi's and I reported on the 'Scams like these' thread, so now will try to avoid taxi's when and where possible - so staying on a BTS in the future will be an important factor. Luckily my next visit to Bangkok in August I will be getting in via EK's Chauffeur Drive

Got scammed in Bangkok last night, in the end the taxi fare costed me $4 instead of $6 but it was the principle that it happened. The driver wanted a fixed fee of 200BHT (~AU$8). We said no and asked for meter which he agreed. The meter appeared to run normally, then the meter started to run 'fast'. Our 7km fare turned into a 21km fare!! I pointed at his meter and I told him he had a fast meter but he was pretending to know. We cursed him a few times and told him karma will get him.

I'm having a bad run in Bangkok with scams/tricks this visit. A couple of days earlier when we caught a cab at the airport, the driver wanted to charge me a fixed rate 800BHT(~AU$32) to the City, when regular metered fares are usually closer to 300BHT (~AU$12). He was tempted to offload me and my luggage outside of the airport and on the highway - no joke. In the end he used the meter however as we were stuck in traffic alot, and it took almost two hours for the trip, the fare ended up at 320BHT + 50BHT airport fee.

I've been here two dozen times and never had such a poor run with taxi drivers and it definitely is leaving a sour taste to my mouth, so that I have decided that next time I will be staying at a hotel that is adjacent to the BTS so that I can access the airport and get around the city without any reliance on taxi drivers.

I've never made it to Nahm but will be sure to book on my next trip - as crazy and scammy as BKK can be it really has a special place in my heart - no other city in the world makes me feel as alive as BKK (NYC comes close). If you're not getting two massages a day you're not doing it right!

I agree, Bangkok is definitely a favourite city of mine and is also reflected by the number of visitors they get each year. It is consistently always in the top 3 in total numbers visiting, often beating cities such as NYC, London, Paris. We have been looking at buying a condo in Bangkok yet the prices are ridiculous (well maybe not for us Australians) but $500K does not go a long way in Bangkok if you want to live in a nice'ish condomimium block in the city.

We also visited Nahm in our trip, for lunch though as dinner was booked out, and as much as the food was very good. I would not consider the food to be Top 20 in the World quality as it has been ranked. Being ranked that high, the food should stand out, should be inventive, creative and something you couldn't really cook yourself at home.