Your Low Budget Yet Fulfilling Trip to Bangkok
If this is your 1st time to Bangkok, this is a must read! It will save your hassle and money..÷
Pre-flight
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I recommend staying near the Pratunam area, which is famous for their wholesale prices on a large variety of apparel and it is in the centre of Bangkok, which makes it convenient to reach every corner of Bangkok.÷
There are a number of good hotels along Ratchadamri Road like÷ Courtyard by Mariott÷ and Four Seasons which is just 5mins walk away from major shopping malls like Central World Plaza and 10mins to Pratunam.
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For a cheaper alternative Baiyoke Hotel is right smack in the centre of the Pratunam area.
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Upon Landing
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Taxis are relatively cheap in Bangkok, but to save on the ride to the city, avoid the taxi touters in the airport who will approach you once you exit the arrival hall. Get out of the airport and you will see a booth that will help you call for a cab at extra 50baht.
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If you"re really on a budget, you can cross the taxi÷ waiting area just beside the booth towards the main road, and there will be taxis there calling out to you. These cab drivers just don"t want to pay extra charges to go into the taxi waiting area, thus there"s nothing wrong with hitching a ride on these taxis, just make sure before you get on you insist that they go by the meter rather than a fixed price.
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If you are going by the meter, there will be 2 tolls along the way which costs 70baht at the time of writing.
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The whole ride should cost between 350baht - 550baht depending on which part of Bangkok you"re staying.
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Shopping in Bangkok
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Designer goods are relatively cheap and can be found in the Central World Shopping Complex and Gaysorn Bangkok Mall. But if you"re looking for local flair at bargain prices, I recommend Pratunam Centre. It is air-conditioned unlike the market across the street and yet bargains can be found. It boosts of 5 storeys and÷ basement of÷ apparel at warehouse prices.
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However before you make any purchases, check out these shopping tips to avoid being ripped-off by the locals.÷
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You can find local designs at a slightly higher price at Platinum mall÷ but if you take the time to go through the whole mall, you can find a lot of good bargains as well.
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MBK centre is a good place for shopping especially if you"re looking at a variety of electronic goods as well.
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Be warned though that Malls close rather early at about 9pm, thus if you"re there just for shopping, start early!
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Food
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The first thing that comes to your mind is probably Thai food. However Bangkok has a variety of asian cuisine at relatively low prices that are worth trying. All the best food is of course along the street stalls, but for those who are not that adventurous, the Thai food at the food courts in the Malls can make the mark. I personally went for the Japanese food at the restaurants.
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For those who are adventurous, make a trip to Chinatown where you will find Shark"s fin soup at amazingly low prices, traditional hong kong style tim sum at the street corners as well as Pad Thai, a local Thai÷ noodle dish, hidden within÷ the alleys. It is worth a day to÷ explore every alley in Chinatown÷ and savour the delicacies.÷
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If you want to savour royal Thai style treatment and food, the Blue Elephant is a recommendation. It is located÷ opposite the BTS station Chong Nonsi. Check out the ambience! It is on the pricey side though, around 300 -600baht per dish, but hey, if you want royal treatment, it comes with a price..
Nightlife
Of course what is a trip to Bangkok without trying their Thai message I highly recommend Health Land Spa if you"re looking for a clean and high end treatment. It is popular among the locals and the tourists and it is located at a few places in Bangkok. The branch at Sathon area is pretty near the Chong Nonsi BTS station as well. Very good service with up-to-date facilities. It feels like a hotel when you enter the place with their own concierge.
A good place to chill out after all the shops have closed would be the open-air pubs just outside Central World Shopping Complex. Not only do they serve good beer but great fingerfood and performances as well. Performances by live bands are common and if you"re lucky a few fashion parades might be in store. Definitely a must go after you have finished shopping in the area and need a break.
This sums up eveything. Check out my experience!
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