Bangkok Advice, please

[Blue Peter]

Provided that the polical situation does not get any worse in Thailand, and that the volcano situation improves in the UK, I am due to visit Bangkok in mid-June to attend a trade show at the BITEC.

I'm flying in J on the BA9 / BA10, but have not experienced the new cabins. Being someone who always tries to face the direction of travel can anyone comment on "flying backwards"? Any preferred locations on a 744 - upstairs or down?

Having not visited the city a hotel tip would be much appreciated. Prices seem reasonable, so while GBP120 seems a fair price for a good hotel by UK standards, it seems to be top end in Bangkok.

Off topic. UK airspace is shut until 0100 BST tomorrow. It all semes pretty bizarre here as the sun has been shining brightly on all the grounded aircraft in London. UK schools start their summer term on Monday so a lot of stranded families trying to get home. Some ingenious methods using anything from bicycles to container ships to get home have been employed.

 

[HardieBoys]

The BITEC site is a way out of the nicer or more interesting areas to stay in Bangkok. I note that there are a range of hotels to stay that are close to the site. Alternatively, you might consider staying in either the Sukhumvit or Silom road areas, which are popular with tourists, and have a good range of hotels, restaurants, bars and so on. Both of these areas would require a taxi ride to the site, but would have the advantage of having more things to do after hours.

For my $0.02, I'd fly upstairs in a 747, as the cabin is much smaller: fewer passengers means less likelihood of being exposed to a noisy passenger or children.

 

[JohnK]

As mentioned Sukhumvit and Silom areas have nice hotels but also keep in mind the hotels around Wireless Road.

The Millenium Hilton is a really nice hotel and the executive floor has gorgeous and unforgettable views of Bangkok in the evening.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. you won't be disappointed.

 

[samh004]

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. you won't be disappointed.

Would also recommend that hotel, always been good to us.

 

[Pvcmenace]

Sofitel Silom Rd, is pretty nice. Good restaurant.

 

[markis10]

Would also recommend that hotel, always been good to us.

+1, a very nice property, HI is also good as is the Banyan Tree, at least grab a drink on the rooftop bar at the BT!

 

[Mojopac]

I've stayed at a number of hotels in Bangkok. The Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit is well worth it with lively enterntainment around. The Sheraton Royal Orchid as well as the Shangri-La are really good hotels with Club floors ( free drinks & nibblies from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.) each night. Great views over the river but a taxi would be needed to get to your conference.
On this next trip 27th April, we'll try the Oriental, expensive but a great hotel, terrific jazz bar at night and a great location on the River Chao Praya

 

[Blue Peter]

Many thanks for all the advice - most welcome.

If I arrive at the airport around 1900 for an 0020 flight, will I be able to access the QF/BA lounge for a shower and a beer? (not planning to need to check any baggage).

 

[Mojopac]

Many thanks for all the advice - most welcome.

If I arrive at the airport around 1900 for an 0020 flight, will I be able to access the QF/BA lounge for a shower and a beer? (not planning to need to check any baggage).

I'm unsure about Qantas/BA lounge. I travel with Emirates now and use their Business Lounge.
When using economy, I've used the CIP/Louis Tavern Private Lounge ( you need to pay) and found that to be fine.

 

[simongr]

I'm flying in J on the BA9 / BA10, but have not experienced the new cabins. Being someone who always tries to face the direction of travel can anyone comment on "flying backwards"? Any preferred locations on a 744 - upstairs or down?

I tend to take seat 10B downstairs - forward (in fact I always take seat 10B downstairs) and 62A upstairs - backwards. I have no issue with backwards facing. The only issue is the reach over for service. However 62A affords the ability to have unlimited legroom (not a major issue on BA) and easy access.

Many thanks for all the advice - most welcome.

If I arrive at the airport around 1900 for an 0020 flight, will I be able to access the QF/BA lounge for a shower and a beer? (not planning to need to check any baggage).

I assume you will do OLCI. The BA/QF lounge is open from 13:00 until the last flight per the QF website.

 

[JohnK]

If I arrive at the airport around 1900 for an 0020 flight, will I be able to access the QF/BA lounge for a shower and a beer? (not planning to need to check any baggage).

Assuming you do not need to use the check-in facilities at the airport then lounge access at that time of the evening should not be an issue.

 

[Fantic125]

The Dusit Thani,
946 Rama iV Road is my preferred place.
They can also arrange Airport transfer - a bit expensive but nicer than a taxi.

 

[joeymelb]

The Dusit Thani,
946 Rama iV Road is my preferred place.
They can also arrange Airport transfer - a bit expensive but nicer than a taxi.

+1
We spent part of March and couple of weeks in April in Dusit Thani and love it. (Our 8th stay in 3 years.) The hotel is serviced by BTS (Saladaeng) and MRT (Silom). Should Red/Yellow/Pink Shirts blockade the area, you can use BTS/MRT to make quick getaway (to a nearest point where you can catch taxi to airport).

My recommendation is to get a Junior Suite (aka Dusit Grand Room), if not, at least Club Room. You get to enjoy coughtail/happy hours in the evening, compliementary internet and various club benefits. Depending on your "activities", "hobbies" and/or who you are with, Patpong is closeby Errr... So I have been told, I have NEVER visited those places.

 

[Blue Peter]

The Dusit Thani,
946 Rama iV Road is my preferred place.
They can also arrange Airport transfer - a bit expensive but nicer than a taxi.

Thanks for this one. I'd also come across the Dusit Thani Chatrium Suites, though they seem a bit more pricey. I was thinking of a Club Room as the internet access is a must and a few snack in the evening are usually enough for me. Advance purchase seems to give a good rate.

 

[Bang4Buck]

...

Having not visited the city a hotel tip would be much appreciated. Prices seem reasonable, so while GBP120 seems a fair price for a good hotel by UK standards, it seems to be top end in Bangkok.

If you can afford it, I recommend the Peninsula. Lovely hotel; 2nd IMHO to the HKG one. Sometimes they have "suite promotions". If interested, look at the PEN website.

 

[1022]

I'm recently returned from Bangkok. Qantas/BA Business Lounge was open and busy around 8pm while I was waiting for a (ahem) JQ flight home. The First lounge across the coridor was closed at that time however.

We stayed at the Metropolitan. It's now my new favourite hotel. It's painfully fashionable with huge, tasteful rooms, amazing bathrooms, excellent breakfasts and decent location (next door to Banyan Tree. Short walk to Silom and public transport). I'm not a fan of beige American chain 5* hotels where once inside the only thing to distinguish a Sheraton from a Hilton from a Marriott from a Westin etc etc is the proliferation of advertising and marketing gumph strewn all around the room. The Metropolitan was the antithises of all of that. The bathrobes alone make a stay there worthwhile!

 

[joeymelb]

Feel sorry for the staff and workers in Bangkok Hotels:

Bangkok hotels in Red-Shirt occupied territory shut down - Business Traveller Asia

But I am not at all surprised about the closure.

 

[Blue Peter]

Well, the Volcano dust problem seems to have past in the UK, but things are going from bad to worse in Bangkok. The Foreign Office now advise against all but essential travel, so I'm hoping for an improvement in the next month or so if I'm to travel. I think if hotels are having to close, there's little prospect of a worthwhile trade show taking place. Let's hope for a resolution.

 

[joeymelb]

Well, the Volcano dust problem seems to have past in the UK, but things are going from bad to worse in Bangkok. The Foreign Office now advise against all but essential travel, so I'm hoping for an improvement in the next month or so if I'm to travel. I think if hotels are having to close, there's little prospect of a worthwhile trade show taking place. Let's hope for a resolution.

It is going from bad to worse. I have reports from friends on the ground telling me that several grenades exploded outside Dusit Thani Hotel damaging shops, bank, BTS and MRT platform. Both BTS and MRT has been shutdown for safety concerns.

I wonder if Dusit Thani and Pan Pacific will join InterContinental and Hyatt in the closing down...

Edit: A more complete report in Bangkok Post - http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/36462/bomb-terror-grips-silom my thoughts goes out the families, shop keepers and workers in Bangkok.