Bangkok

[International Expat]

Bangkok, known as the City of Angels is the center of life in Asia. This is the place to go if you want to find some hot exotic romance, shop at some of the best shopping Asia has to offer, partake in some of the most delicious food in the east or just hang out in a local park with the locals.

Still Bangkok has much more to offer than just hot nights. This is a city with a rich culture and history; so you can dive into the local culture during the day, eat wonderful meals at night and make the most of your vacation.

One of the most popular destinations is the Damnoen Saduak floating market. You can sample local food while an experienced guide will take you on a boat ride through the canals where you can purchase tons of souvenirs for friends and family back home.

No trip to Bangkok is complete without a bike tour through the city and its outskirts. Whether you take a guided tour, or decide to tool around on your own bike, this is the best way to be mobile and discover the life of the normal residents of Thailand. There are many bicycle groups that organize trips in Bangkok and throughout the country. Take a look at: http://www.tourdethailand.com for a fantastic charity ride that goes from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and then down to Phuket each year.

Temples abound in Thailand and will thrill nearly any western visitor with their splendor. Wat Trimitr,Wat Po and Wat Banjamaborpitr are three of the most beautiful. Plan to bring your camera and try to bring a local guide so you can learn the rich history and nuance of each and every place of worship.

The Grand Palace is the most popular tourist destination in the city. For centuries it was the residence of Thailand’s powerful kings. Make sure you take time to see the Reception Palace, the Funeral Palace, The Throne Hall and the beautiful revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Just be prepared; the Thais take their temples seriously and will not let you inside if you are wearing shorts or flip-flops.

If you want to be a little bit less active you can always take an overnight in a converted rice barge. The most popular cruises leave from Bangkok and travel to the ancient capital of Ayuthaya.

When you are done sightseeing Thailand offers nearly every type of cuisine from traditional Thai food to classic Western cuisine. No matter what your tastes, you should be able to satisfy your hunger before your night on the town!

Still many go to Thailand for one main reason, to meet and mingle with eligible single guys or gals. There is nothing wrong with that – everyone likes a little exotic nighttime fun on their vacations; after all when you are far away from home you can easily let yourself be free and assume that what goes down in Bangkok stays in Bangkok no matter who it is that you go down on.

Of course, like any city, the hot spots in Bangkok come and go constantly. What’s cool today might not be hot tomorrow and new places are popping up all the time.

The best thing about Bangkok is that it is ever changing.

[International Expat]

I have stayed in Bangkok a great deal over the years.  I love the city! Some of my favorite hotels are:

Courtyard Marriott - Close walk to Siam Paragon and the malls.  It is very cheap and has a great breakfast.  The VIP lounge is excellent and totally worth paying for if you are not one of their rewards members who gets upgraded for free.

The Ascott - this is a fully serviced apartment building in the Sathorn area.  The best gym in Bangkok as it is owned by the company that owns LIFE fitness.  A nice Greek and a nice Japanese restaurant in the building.  About 5 min walk to the Skytrain.  The apartments are fully furnished and had washer/dryer etc. 

[International Expat]

Lumpini Park in Bangkok

Lumphini Park is a park in the middle of the massive city of Bangkok. It is located right in the business area and is over 140 acres of land.

BTS Skytrain Silom Line Sala Daeng Station is nearby.

MRT (Bangkok) Lumphini Station and Si Lom Station are nearby.

It is also easy to take a taxi there as every taxi will be able to find the park. I would call it Bangkok's Central Park.

There is a great deal to do inside the oasis from the city.

You can ride bikes and train here. They have marked road signs that show you how far you bike and many take advantage of the great trails through this beautiful park.

You can work out at the outdoor gym. They also have a swim place there and another gym but I love watching the outdoor gym. It reminds me a bit of Muscle Beach at times.

You can take a ride on the paddle boats. There are different kinds to choose from.

You will see many different kinds of animals in the park. An abundance of birds, reptiles and other critters are always out and about.

You will see a variety of beautiful flowers and scenery.

Some people just relax. You will see many bring a mat and tap a lunch nap or just sit and read a book. The park is very relaxing.

Some people are there to play. I love playing chess in Washington Square Park and there is a group of guys that place chess here every day.

Some people are there to just enjoy life. After all, you are in one of the greatest cities on earth. How could not enjoy enjoy it?

 

 

[International Expat]

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a series of buildings right in the heart of the city. A visit to Bangkok without seeing this magnificent compound at least once is a shame. Every time I go there I am transported back to the King and I movie I saw as a child. It really is simply breathtaking and photos do not do it justice.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of my favorite areas. It is quite stunning.