What to do in BKK for half a day

[madmat777]

Hi All,

I have a 10 hour wait at BKK for a connection in May. Any suggestions on what I can do for that long? Do I have enough time to clear immigration and make it to anything worth while? Or is the QF F lounge so good that there is no reason to leave?

I appreciate any tips.

Matt.

 

[Mal]

Plenty of time to leave and come back, although I think about 45-60 mins each way into and out of Bangkok. I think taxis are around 350 baht, or about $12 each way.

As for what to do depends on the day to some extent, and the times. Some quick suggestions (others might have better ideas). Visit a Temples or two, catch the ferry up/down the river for a look. Visit one or more of the huge shopping malls (they are pretty much all around each other), or (if a weekend or early evening) visit one of the huge markets.

The F lounge doesn't open until about 2 or 3pm. It's posted in another thread here. The J lounge opens up earlier. The F lounge is a nice lounge, although small. Nice nibbles, and the standard types of champers, beers, waters, spirits, etc. You'd probably need a shower if you head into Bangkok when you come back to the lounge.

You should get some good ideas from others here though. These are only what I've quickly remembered and can suggest. 10 hours in an airport would just about drive me birko!

 

[madmat777]

As for what to do depends on the day to some extent, and the times.

Thanks Mal,

I arrive at 2:55pm and meet mrs at BKK at 10:55 for a departure to LHR at 00:45. So a night market may be the go. Do they have lockers for hand luggage at BKK? Would hate to drag the laptop all around the city for the afternoon.

Matt.

 

[Mal]

Here's an overview of most of the night markets on offer:
Bangkok night market - 1stopbangkok.com - 1stopbangkok.com

I'd recommend Suan Luam Night Bazaar (reasonable food area, cheapish beers) and a decent market covering all sorts of clothes (some fakes, others are just general clothing), craft, souvenirs, brick-a-brac etc.

There is of course the infamous PatPong if you're after your fake Rolex's or sunglasses etc.

I think both set up soon after sunset.

As for the rest of the time, depends what you're into. Shopping in one of the shopping malls? (get some presents for Mrs madmat777), or just a leisurely ferry ride up/down the river etc to see the river sights.

 

[JohnK]

It has been a while since I have played the tourist in Bangkok. As Mal mentioned visit one or two temples or go to the floating market. There is also the various trendy shopping areas around Ploenchit or even the big shopping centre MBK (Mah Boon Krong) which is closer to National Stadium.

If it was me I would go to Sukhumvit Road and have a nice meal at Foodland on Soi 5 where you can sit at the counter at Tok Lae Dee restaurant. Normally I have the sirloin but they have a variety of western and asian meals all reasonably priced.

The Londoner pub on Sukhumvit Soi 33, underneath Novotel Lotus, is also a nice place to have a nice meal. It has live music and I think it is played Thursday-Sunday. If you eat at the Londoner then pay with Amex and receive a 15% discount off the food bill.

If you are into shopping then after the meal you can walk up and down Sukhumvit Road and browse all the street stalls selling clothes, dvds and various trinkets. Never accept the first price and as a rule you can bargain down to less than 50%. Just last week I bought some silk scarves for mum and the lady wanted 250 baht each and I got them for 90 baht each. They will make the sale regardless but they are just surprised that you actually know how much to pay.

I love to go New Wave on Sukhumvit Soi 7 and play pool or even the Biergarten across the road. New Wave has 6 pool tables and great music. Easy way to pass some time and only costs 20 baht when you lose at pool. The winner stays on for next challenger.

Also if you are into that type of entertainement then a visit to Nana Plaza would not be too far away as it is in Sukhumvit Soi 4. I would not go inside but just sit in one of the beer bars outside and have a few beers soaking in the atmosphere.

As they say in Thailand, up to you....

 

[Alanslegal]

As they say in Thailand, up to you....

ahhh Thailand aka the Land Of Smiles

 

[Happy Dude]

I think you'd have enough time for a short afternoon river adventure, stopping at Wat Arun, Wat Po, Wat Phra Kaew (sp?) or the Grand Palace. Probably not enough time to do all.

After that I'd be inclined to cab it (or tuk tuk) to Chinatown. It's a great place for shopping (depending on what you want to buy or course) but IMHO better than any of the main market areas like Patpong, Sukhumvit and Khao San Rd, that sell awful tack and fake stuff (although there's plenty of that too). It's a great place to sample food and people watch too. A cab back to the airport should be around 350-400 bt.

There's merit in sitting in an bar somewhere too, but you could do that at the airport.

 

[ianbaker]

For any male, here's how to go to heaven. Or even better. Go and have a Bangkok soapy massage. At Anny's off Sukhumvit Road it's 1600 baht for 2 hours in paradise. You should give the girl a tip, depending on just how blissy it is, say 300-500 baht (not more, don't spoil it for others!) And a beer or two may total another 200 baht. So all up, allow 2300 baht, about $77: the best spend of your life. For a listing of soapies, many with web sites and price lists, check www.bangkoktonight.com

 

[ellein]

I will definitely go shopping at MBK, chit lom area. I will also try the thai message and local food at the roadside stalls.