Bangkok useful travel advice

Truly a fascinating metropolis and the country’s capital, Bangkok is a much visited tourist destination with millions of international visitors travelling to this pulsating place year-round. If you might have plans to explore Bangkok, then, there are some essential travel tips to keep in mind helping you to enjoy an unforgettable holiday

As for the most ideal visiting time, Bangkok can be visited any time that suits you the best. However, try to avoid visiting this hectic city in April because the heat might reach unbearable temperatures. Between July and October there’s a change that heavy rainfall may have a negative effect on the quality of your voyage. The period between December and August is probably the best time to visit Bangkok. During this period Bangkok welcomes the most visitors but if you want to escape from the huge crowds you may wish to visit the city in September, May or June.

Knowing how to get the best food is another main concern for travellers visiting an unfamiliar destination. The tourist guides or locals in Bangkok would happily assist you in where to find the city’s tastiest food spots. In the Thai capital you’ll certainly find the finest and tastiest dishes of your choice. Bangkok features a wide and varied range of national as well as international gourmets and cuisines. Apart from the restaurants you can also sample some of the mouth-watering Thai cuisine at one of the many street stalls who serve very cheaply priced and nutritious rice and noodle dishes. Bangkok travel facts

Finding a suitable place to spend the night is another thing you won’t have to worry about. Bangkok is crammed with good guesthouses, hostels, serviced apartments, hotels and resorts. Some of the most reputable names include: the Artist’s Place, the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Majestic Suites and the Landmark Hotel.

Be impressed by the famous Thai hospitality of the Bangkokians while you enjoy your stay in the best first-class hotels which are internationally acclaimed for their competitive rates and exclusive suites. Another great thing about ‘the city of angels’ is that you can find plenty of ATM services conveniently positioned throughout the entire metropolis.

Complete Thailand travel and tourism resource

Where to find some of Bangkok’s best massage parlours

Ratchadapisek Road, also known as Ratchada, is a well-known and modern entertainment area which is situated in downtown Bangkok’s outskirts. This road houses a great selection of seafood restaurants, vibrant nightspots and massage parlours.

Soi 4, several city blocks of bars and nightlife venues, is one of this area’s most popular locations. Some pub hopping on soi 4 should not be missed and it is quite easy to pop into more than ten bars in one night while the beverage’s prices are very reasonable. In addition, there no cover charges at any of the area’s venues. However, none of these bars are special, and you might find yourself to be rather an oddity as a foreign visitor in this location, so it may be more enjoyable to meet a few local buddies to step out with as the majority of the Thai people frequenting this entertainment area tend to be in bigger groups all washing away plenty of watered-down cheap whiskies.

Positioned on the other side of soi 4 you’ll find an incredibly popular dining facility named Pad Kung Pao. This spacious outdoor Chinese and Thai seafood market remains open until the early morning hours. The range of the served, cheaply priced dishes is extensive. Sample a bowl of Tom Yum Kung, which is truly delicious.

Also positioned on Ratchadapisek Road, halfway down the nightlife strip, is the well-established Emerald Hotel. This establishment houses the outstanding ‘Sparks’ nightclub offering great techno music, and here you’ll see a lot of young Thai people with maybe a little more than solely alcohol in their system. This venue as well is mostly visited by Thais.
Having a special cultural experience is possible by checking out ‘Mirage’, located across the road from the Emerald Hotel.

Your first impression may be that it is a massage parlour, but actually this venue is a big club visited by wealthy Thai business people who pay a certain amount of money to have woven garlands created. These garlands are then gently put around the ladies’ necks onstage, while these girls are lip-syncing some popular songs.

However, Ratchada is perhaps most reputed for featuring several excellent massage parlours. These establishments offer all the types of Thai massages. There are more than 20 massage shops located along this street, many of them are owned by the now notorious Davis Group.

The multi-story ‘Poseidon’, which is located nearby the strip’s end, is one of the favourite parlours here. This establishment stays open until 01:00am and welcomes Thai as well as customers coming from many other Asian countries. Poseidon is not for member only but, according to Thai standards, the fees are quite costly. Nonetheless, experiencing a treatment here is definitely worth the price.

On the first and second floor of the building you’ll find the “fish bowl ladies”, who are cheaper compared with the sideliners. Staying for one-and-a-half hour in a themed guestroom with a lady and Jacuzzi will usually not cost more than 3,000 baht. Beverages may also be ordered during your time in the room.  The Thai body massage experience
On the VIP floor there’s the availability of a cigar bar, and obviously cigars are being sold here. In this well-stocked bar you can view a photo album, which contains images of numerous pretty and sexy girls. You have the option to select a lady out of the album, or choose the girl in person. If needed, the assistance of a few mama sans is available as well and they aren’t pushy at all. It is even possible to just enjoy a drink here without being hassled or pushed to pick a girl. The price for foreigners is around 5,000 baht.

The on-site restaurant serves Japanese and Thai cuisine. Whether or not this is the kind of action you’re looking, it is absolutely top of the line as far as the Thai capital’s famous massage parlours go. If by now you’re curious and plan on visiting, the most ideal time would be on weekends around 7:00pm. Whether you are an expatriate or visiting tourist, Ratchadapisek Road is definitely worth a visit. It might be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

A scam victim’s true story

Singaporean seeking justice after encountered of Thai Gem Scam in Bangkok
After browsing several web sites, I could not help crying over the scam happened in
Bangkok on 21 August.

The incident was exactly the same as what most of the people described. Met with a
friendly thai, told to go temple, met another friendly thai, asked you to go to
another place. Then found to lure into a scam after payment has been made……

My wonderful vacation has been ruined by this scam!!!

On 21 July at around 10.30, I was outside Pratunam Center. A local Thai man in his
fifties approached me and started with simple conversation. He claimed to be a
watchman for Pratunam Center , and just got back from Singapore after purchased of
laptops at Sim Lim Square for his boss who owns Pratunam Center . He asked me to
visit a Temple called “ Lucky Temple ” which opens once a month. He claimed that I
was so lucky as the temple opened that day for month of July. He even recommended
shopping at Thai Export Center which I though it was a whole sale center for branded
fashions. He called over a tuk-tuk driver and bargained the price of 50 Batt.

At Lucky temple, I met a local Thai man and engaged into conversation. He said he had worked for Singapore Technology for the past 3 years. He came back to Bangkok in time for the prayers at Lucky temple and annual sales at Thai export. He claimed he was a monk in this temple for 12 years. He went further to say that it was a good
investment to buy gemstones in Thailand and they would bring luck, etc.

Each person was allowed to purchase maximum 5 items. NO 200% govt and vat tax and an additional 30% off for promotion which valid 7 days a year. That same day, 21 July was the last day of promotion. He claimed Poh Heng, Lee Hwa and Soo Kee Jewelry Shope were their loyal customers. Needless to say, his story made it sound
believable. I decided to visit the shop merely for curiosity and to kill time. My
flight back to Singapore was leaving in the afternoon.

We went to a jewelry store near the Bangkok Palace Hotel. There I was persuaded to purchase a set of Blue Sapphire, Red Ruby pendant and a multi colourful ring at about SGD10,000

On my way to Airport, I felt uneasy and started to think of the whole event leading
to the purchase of the gems. It was already too late! I have obviously fallen in
prey of the scam group. The flashes of temple having to open only once a month is
not possible, wholes sales center without any single soul in the shop, no interest
in gem, never once purchase one, never like gem and custom jewelry, etc.

When I returned to Singapore on the same day, I brought the jewelry to my friend who works in a reputable jewelry shop in Singapore to evaluate on the value of my
purchase. He told me those items were worth less than SGD2,000.

Immediately, I called UOB credit card company on that night to stop the payment. The operator told me that the bank cannot stop the payment and that I have to negotiate with the receiver, Yindee Lapidary Co., Ltd instead. No further assistance was given from UOB bank!

I went to Taka Jewelry Shop the next day and found out they have similar range of
gems and the prices were so much cheaper. I decided to visit a Gemology Consultant
to valuate on those items. It was valuated at SGD5.500 (retail price without
discount) I felt absolutely foolish for what had happened.

I called the UOB credit card company again. This time I insisted on my scam and the
operator asked me to file for dispute charge. I thought we were protected with
MasterCard and Credit Card Company. How can MasterCard and Credit Card Company allow these “black listed” stores to use its facilities in the first place? I hope the bank is investigating my case now.

After so many years and countless reports of similar scam incidents, these jewelry
shops in Thailand still manage to use touts at tourist attractions to lure shoppers
to their stores with false claims of huge discounts and promises that money can be
made by reselling the gems back home. The gems purchased are genuine, but
overpriced, many times higher then their actual value. This really spoilt the image
of Thailand and the name of God, Budda

I would like to inform you about the crooked sales tactics of this shop, …………Co., Ltd and ask for your help in getting my money back (preferably 100%). I never like jewelry. I am wearing a pair of earring at the cost of SGD2. I am very disappointed that such incident happened to me.
This whole event has unfortunately ruined my wonderful holiday in Thailand.

I have made countless phone calls to Ms …… of ……..Co., Ltd. She
asked for the valuation to be sent and promise to revert back to me. Till today, I
was unable to contact her. I was careful about confronting this shop. It seems to be
one of the key protected players in this decades-old scam and since such shops are
maintained by the local mafia.

I hope to get full refund if possible. I would rather donate the money to temple. I
am really stupid as to fall into this trap! Thanks for your kind attention to my
email.

I really hope the tourist police, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand Embassy
in Singapore can assist

How to avoid getting ripped off in Bangkok

*Note: We received this email from Mister Bernice Leau from Singapore and with his permission we published this story. Due to possible legal actions against 1stopbangkok.com, we have decided not to publish the jewellery shop’s name.

Australia’s foreign minister meets Bangkok’s ‘slum sister’

The new foreign minister of Australia had a remarkable request for embassy officials organising his first voyage to Thailand two weeks ago. The minister wanted to meet Sister Joan Evans, nicknamed ‘Slum Sister’.

Klong Toey slum

It doesn’t happen often that foreign government officials visit Bangkok’s biggest slum, Klong Toey. But the Australian minister, Stephen Smith absolutely wanted to meet the 76-year-old nun whose work with the needy has won her a small amount of fame in Perth, where he and the nun originate from.

Since 1992 Joan Evens has worked and lived in the slum community, helping to educate and feed the poor people. Smith’s visit was a fast show of encouragement and support, which was highly appreciated by the sister, who receives frequent donations from expatriates in the country, the embassy, plus Western Australian supporters.

More than one million Bangkokians live in slums.  More on Sister Joan Evens

The City of Angels

The nation’s capital as well as Thailand’s largest city, visiting and exploring Bangkok might be a mesmerizing experience. Bangkok is located in Thailand’s central region, on the Chao Praya River’s low flat plains, not faraway from the Gulf of Thailand’s northern tip. The Thais know the city as Krungthep, which means ‘City of Angels. The bustling metropolis is the country’s political, economic, cultural and educational centre.

Farther, it serves as the South East Asian nation’s main harbour. Bangkok’s history as a modern urban centre dates back to 1782 when the city was declared Siam’s capital by Rama I, a king of the Chakri Dynasty. Since that historic year Bangkok has experienced steadily development to become one of the globe’s most prominent capital cities, featuring 50 districts. Above all, Bangkok ranks among Asia’s most visited destinations. Maybe for these reasons, the city is also nicknamed ‘Venice of the East.’

Visitors to Bangkok can choose out of a wide range of varied attractions and entertainment. There are dazzling ancient Buddhist temples and spectacular palace as well as glitzy shopping malls and lively markets. Of the city’s tourist attractions, probably the most famous are the over 400 magnificent temples or wats. Comprehensive Bangkok travel guide

True gastronomist will be delighted as Bangkok offers cuisine which is simply amazing, with numerous first-class restaurants, cosy eateries and food stalls. Bangkok also provides a haven for shoppers, representing some of Asia’s finest facilities. Above all, the ‘city of angels’ is internationally renowned for having the most vibrant, naughty as well as fascinating nightlife scene.

Mesmerizing Bangkok!

Farther, in Bangkok travellers may experience a variety of fun-filled annual events and festivals, including the booming Songkran Festival, the acclaimed International Festival of Dance and Music, the Vegetarian Food Festival, and the atmospheric Festival of Lights or Loy Krathong as the Thais say.

Bangkok offers unforgettable travel experencies

The Thai capital welcomes visiting tourists to a colourful, lively and fascinating travel experience which even can get mind-boggling. Bangkok’s guesthouses, hotels and resorts dot the metropolis’ landscape alongside huge skyscrapers which dominate the skyline.

Bangkok will certainly impress each visitor with its sights, past and present, which mix harmoniously together. This city offers a great option to discover, explore and experience the selection of unending hidden treasures that abound in the majestic city. The “city of angels” is all about outstanding exotic cuisine, exciting kick-boxing matches, glamour, glitz, shopping and spa and massage treatments in the capital’s first class hotel establishments.

Tourists and globetrotters who really appreciate to understand what the city is all about must be willing to take a deeper look far beyond the postcard images they are probably familiar with. The experience will be a sensory and delightful thrill. The Asian metropolis is a destination of diversity and contrast. Visitors here can expect to discover anything from robed Buddhist monks, floating markets to fruit carvings.

The more trendy travellers prefer to stay in centrally located hotels which are within a short distance of the city’s most famous nightlife area. Watching the glitz and glam of ladyboys cabaret or a Muay Thai match is absolutely rewarding and an unforgettable event. Also interesting is romantic dining and wining while cruising on the mighty Chao Phraya River.

A revitalising massage or spa treatment is highly recommendable due to the rejuvenating experience it will give you. These treatments are the most ideal antidote for visitors after an exhausting day of city sightseeing and shopping. Bangkok enjoys an excellent reputation as a food paradise offering a sensational gastronomic experience which will certainly delight the taste buds. The offered selection of culinary delights is varied and international visitors can expect to find every renowned type of cuisine on the globe. In addition, the relatively safe, laid-back, pleasurable, rowdy and naughty nightlife scene of Bangkok has established the city as Asia’s coolest capital.

Bangkok’s mass-transit systems and its influence on the real estate market

About ten years ago, when the miserable traffic conditions in Bangkok were getting worse, the introduction of advanced technology and the two-line Skytrain public transportation option became a principal push for numerous urbanities to adjust their lifestyles. In a short period of time the number of Skytrain passengers increased significantly. Urban lifestyle research made clear that two years ago urbanites spent two daily hours traveling around the city.

Today the residents – young couples, young professionals and singles demand more comfort and quality of daily life. They wish a rapid and short rail trip to work and the fastest access possible to fancy eateries, spas, fitness centres, huge shopping malls, museums, theatres, sidewalk cafes and cool spots to hang out. Advice on getting around Bangkok

The presence of convenient inner-urban transportation and higher travel expenses push Bangkok to change in other means, with cultural and social shifts away from large families to create the new way of life. Mom and dad will allow their unmarried sons and daughters, leaving their nest to stay in modestly-sized city condos or studios on working days and return back home on weekends.

A reputed professor from Thammasat University and well-known Bangkok lifestyles researcher recently declared that the demand for apartments located nearby mass-transit is still increasing, with the main group of buyers containing young middle-income urbanites. The one-and two bedroom condos are the most popular properties costing between two-and five million baht.

BTS Skytrain station

The professor’s research also explained that condo units have become Bangkok’s highlights in terms of the city’s real estate market, with inner-city transport costs and the urban lifestyle quickly changing as the main reasons creating the boom. Developers lure young buyers with a slogan of “new modern living”. The functions, location, amenities and even natural atmosphere are all designed to suit their customers’ lifestyle. Bangkok real estate guide

The city not solely provides the availability of units for young working people, but there are condos as well for mid-aged executives whose kids have already become adults. They prefer to live more independently but not wish to spend much time on transport. Research showed that many rich retirees are living in city condos. Their financial situation makes it affordable to purchase a condo as a second home. Often they let their children live in their original home.

The Agency for Real Estate Affairs in Bangkok did research, which showed that almost 50 per cent of the 117 residential property projects, which’s building activities in Bangkok started during the year’s first two months, will be condo complexes. The developers built nearly 53 percent of the condos along the Skytrain. Sukhumvit Soi 65 is a good example of a booming residential area, housing mainly young professionals with straightforward access to the Phetchaburi and Sukhumvit roads.

Bangkok’s best places to shop (part 2)

Located south of Siam Square, Silom Road houses several great places to shop as well. The most popular malls here include: Silom Center, Silom Plaza, Silom Village, Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, Central Department stores, and Thaniya Plaza.

Enthusiastic shoppers should definitely not miss visiting the vast JJ Weekend Market. Each weekend this vibrant market boasting numerous stalls, selling a wide range of cheaply priced goods comes alive. Also known as Chatuchak, you can find the market nearby Mo Chit BTS Sky Train station. This incredibly spacious outdoor market offers everything from different kind of pets to clothing, DVDs, computer games and Thai food and electronic devices. If you learn some bargain skills before you visit you probably will be successful purchasing goods at cheap prices. The many food stalls here serve mouth-watering and nutritious Thai food such as fried rice, papaya salad, noodle soup, barbecued chicken and grilled fish. Guide to Chatuchak Weekend Market

Another lively booming commercial area in the city is known as the Bangrak Market. This atmospheric market is crammed with colourful flower stalls selling orchids, jasmines and a selection of cut flowers. The bustling China Town boasts an extensive network of alleys with numerous quaint shops dealing in almost all kinds of products. Particularly reputed for its mouth-watering food products is the Pratunam Market, while Woeng Nakhon Kasem is the best place to go shopping for Chinese porcelain, antiques, industrial items, classic furniture and brassware goods.

Colourful cut flowers at the Bangrak Market

Visitors should not forget touring several of the area’s excellent night markets, which is undoubtedly an unforgettable as well as rewarding shopping experience. The renowned Suan Luam Night Bazaar is the most significant night bazaar in Bangkok, specialised in goods from each region in Thailand.
Fashion lovers should head to the Pratunam Market Complex, which is the finest spot to purchase trendy accessories such as purses, handbags, modern apparels, and designer items. Patpong is mostly known for its notorious nightlife but does also houses a great night market, selling a wide range of designer goodies at amazing low prices. Quality food products and a huge selection of clothing are available at both the Memorial Bridge Night Bazaar and Buanglamphu Market.

Bangkok night markets guide

Bangkok ex-pat life

Thailand’s commercial and cultural heart, Bangkok is the country’s capital and a huge and booming cosmopolitan metropolis. Located on the mighty Chao Praya River, Thailand’s commercial and cultural centre has an estimated population of seven million. Most of the ex-pats living in Thailand are based in Bangkok.

Around 25 percent of Bangkok’s residents are expatriates. This group contains long term holidaymakers, retirees and many people making a living here. Most of Bangkok’s ex-pats are westerners coming from Europe and North America. Foreign run and owned businesses provide the majority of the ex-pat jobs. However, there’s also a large Japanese community working mainly for legal companies, which were established in the Thai capital. Y’s Men’s Club of Bangkok

Other Asian ex-pats come from nations such as the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and China. Many of them occupy teaching jobs or work in the export industry. In a nutshell, it isn’t surprising that Bangkok has become one of Asia’s most diverse cities.

The very affordable living cost is one of the principal reasons why so many foreigners choose to stay and relocate in Bangkok for a long period of time. Daily consumer goods and rental rates are relatively inexpensive in the city. However, the quality of living might depend on your personal demands and earnings but both, an English teacher, making 30,000 per month as well as the president of a reputed international school, earning a monthly 120,000 baht salary, should be able to comfortably live in Bangkok.

Even ex-pats earning about 20,000 baht per month could still enjoy living here. For example, a furnished studio facilitated with hot water, cable and telephone can be rented on a monthly base for 5,000 to 8,000 baht. Also available for a monthly rent of about 5,000 baht are two-floored townhouses, especially in the suburbs.

Ex-pats who really want spacious, beautifully designed and the most comfortable accommodation facilitated with a full set of modern guest comforts should expect a rent of at least 20,000 baht per month. If you really can afford it, a serviced apartment at one of the city’s glitzy condominium complexes can be hired for a monthly amount between 25,000 to 100,000 baht.

A foreign resident in Thailand can own a house or land via his Thai spouse. Another possibility is leasing land for three decades, with an option to extend the lease for another three decades. The first three decades are guaranteed as the Land Department registers it. However, less complicated is buying a condo in Bangkok as this is the sole type of property, offering legal foreign ownership.

Bangkok offers a wide range of apartment accommodation

When it comes to cuisine, a wide range ranging from seafood, authentic Thai, Indian, French, Chinese and Italian dishes are available here. The cheapest but still tasty and nutritious meals can be enjoyed at the shopping centre’s food courts or at one of the numerous street stalls. Bangkok also represents plenty of international as well as Thai top restaurants, offering sumptuous dining and wining within the most luxurious comforts. All you should know about living in Bangkok

Despite the recent inflation, many food products are still quite cheap. However, you should expect to pay much more for western food products such as cheese, cornflakes, peanut butter, pasta, chocolate, canned fruits, and marmalade.

Nearly, all of the western nations operate an embassy in Bangkok, including the American Chamber and Australian Chamber. In addition, there are numerous agencies offering visa services. Medical clinics and hospitals in Bangkok offer world-class services and treatments.

Bangkok, a shopper’s paradise (part 1)

One of the most popular as well as one of the hottest tourist city destinations on the globe, the bustling Thai capital also ranks among Asia’s top of the finest shopping places. Without a doubt, shopping in the city of Bangkok is truly satisfying as well as an unforgettable travel experience, boasting a wide range with of shopping districts and areas, ranging from trendy modern mega shopping centres to traditional vibrant street markets filled with stalls selling antiques, DVDs, CDs, clothing, sports gear, watches, jewellery and much more cheaply priced goods.

This cosmopolitan metropolis provides truly a mecca for shopping junkies, and you probably will be desperate not having enough space packing all your purchased items. It is simply hard not to buy a load of such attractively priced goodies.

Siam Square is probably Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. This location is ideally situated along the efficient BTS Sky Train line at Central Station. Here visitors will find dozens of high-end department stores including the two most famous and prestigious Siam Discovery Center and Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center malls, which both are great places for buying branded products.

Inside a Bangkok shopping mall

On Siam Discovery Center’s highest floor exhausted shoppers may enjoy watching one of the latest Hollywood features in the modern and comfortably equipped cinema complex. The Mahboonkrong Shopping Center is located within a short walking distance from Siam Discovery and is another of the city’s popular venues, housing numerous outlets selling electronic devices and clothing at knock-down prices.

More significant shopping centres are positioned nearby the BTS station Chit Lom. This is also the location of the huge eight floors counting World Trade Center, offering several duty-free outlets. On the building’s eight floor visitors can have fun at the ice skating rink. Several other reputed shops here include: Gaysorn Plaza, Narayana Phand and Maneya Centre. Comprehensive Bangkok shopping guide

Computing buffs should head to Pethburi Road where they’ll find Pantip Plaza. Once they enter this venue they’ll think they’ve just discovered paradise! Available here is a wide range of inexpensive computer-related goods. Each level within this mall represents several outlets selling original as well as copied hardware and software items. You can buy pirated DVDs here for about 150 to 200 baht. However, you should convince yourself about the stuff’s quality first.

Situated along Sukhumvit Road and Ploenchit Road visitors will find spacious shopping centres including: Landmark, Emporium, Times Square, Ploenchit Plaza and Robinson.

Stay tuned for Bangkok shopping part 2