In and around Bangkok

Flight of the Gibbon

We'll fly like monkeys from tree to tree. Weeeee!


Chonburi is a few hours drive from Bangkok on the way to Trat. It's about $65/ person
http://www.treetopasia.com/thailand-holiday/bangkok-pattaya

Amphawa Floating Market

Take a deep breath and enjoy the escape from Bangkok traffic.


Amphawa Floating Market is open every weekend evening all year round. It's H-O-T, hot, but you'll forget about that quickly. Shopping along the river is quaint and lovely. The food is even more delicious! Be sure to try coconut roasted in banana leaves. You'll see few non-Thai tourists here. It's ideal to go during the cooler months--December to January. Book a long boat tour and see the glittering fireflies/lightning bugs (Thai "hing hoi") in the evening.


It's also worth seeing King Rama II Museum, a short walk from the floating market.

Golfing

There are tons of golf courses in and near Bangkok.


Caddies (they are generally mandatory)


One thing that has not changed is the Thai caddie. Generally female, often young and pretty, she will lug your bag around the course with a smile on her face. She will mark and clean your ball, give you the distances, and some of the experienced ones will even read your putts. Strangers to Thailand should beware, however, not to confuse their caddies with the types of girl who work in the bars of Patpong. Your young caddie may be genuinely upset if you upset Thai taboos such as touching her hair or head, pointing a finger or throwing things about.


Check this website for all the information you need:
http://www.golfthink.com/golfbangkok.htm

Shopping

This is my favorite past time, so I can lead you in the right direction. Just let me know how much time you want to dedicate.


Yaowarat, Bangkok
It's the China town of Bangkok :
You'll find everything you need. Bring patience, a safe place to keep your money, and your own canvas shopping bag. There's just too much plastic wasted in Bangkok.


Sanamluang:
It's only shoppable by night. You'll find excellent bargains and it's located directly in front of the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Keaw) which looks beautifully lit up at night.


Platinum Fashion Mall:
Do you hear the angels singing? It's probably because you are shopping at Platinum fashion mall. You won't believe your eyes or your pocket book, for that matter. At Platinum, you will find 6 American football field sized floors of shopping--handbags, accessories, jewelry, t-shirts, jeans, professional clothing, sports wear, winter clothing, summer wear, and SHOES! Each stall being different and unique.


Usually buying 3 items will give you a wholesale price. If you're not good at bargaining, come here. You'll find prices low and fair, so there's no need to bargain. Come one come all, but it's best if you come in threes.


Siam Square
Siam Square is an outdoor strip mall paradise.
Don't let the heat stop you from shopping. They have ice cream and coffee shops too. Stroll casually from stall to stall, window shop or buy everything in sight. You'll love this place and so will your wallet. Bargaining is highly reccommended.


Khao san Road
Make an afternoon stop at backpacker central--Kao San Road, and have a drink while you're there.
There's a lot to look at here. Things are cheap, but bargain your way to a cheaper deal. Be mindful of your belongings, and watch out for the Indian men asking you where you are from. They're trying to waste your time by getting something taylor made at their shop. "Mai ow ka" (I don't want it, thanks) comes in handy at these times.


Chatuchak Market
There is nothing under Thailand's sun that you can't find at Chatuchak's weekend Market. The locals call it J& J Market.
The market is layed out like a flea market. I've never seen prices so cheap. Speaking Thai will probably give you a better price. Try to make the store owners believe you've been in Thailand for a long time. Bargain up to half the price. The owner might laugh, but will come down in price if you're sweet. The trick is to act like you don't really want the item.

Temples

We can see a few Wats (temples)


Most tourists see Wat Pra Keaw and Wat Pho. They are very ornate.


I thouht it might be nice to take you to Wat Arun (the temple of Dawn) because I know its history.


An inscription written on the stupa is somewhat a mystery. Rumor has it that King Rama III took the royal crown from Prince Mongkut. To denote this history, he placed the crown from Wat Nang Nong utop the steeple.


Going to Wat Arun by ferry is an absoulte must. The grounds are open from 7:30 - 5:30pm according to the Bangkok Tourism office. Entrance fee is 50 baht for farang, but free for Thai nationals.

Vimanmek Mansion

The largest Golden teak mansion in the world resides in Bangkok.


It was built in the early 1900s by King Rama V, and it was the Royal Palace for several years. The history inside the mansion is interesting too. I learned that the royal family would have ice shipped from Singapore!! and that King Rama V had 77 children.

The Blue Elephant

It's a bit expensive, but fun and we'll all learn how to cook together. Then we have to eat what we make... haha.


$70/ person/ half day
http://www.blueelephant.com/school/index.html