Bangkok
Transportation
Taxis – in the past, when we took a taxi from the airport into the city, trip cost was either determined by the driver’s aspirations, or we had to go up one level to Departures floor and get a taxi that just dropped off passengers and is eager enough to leave the airport not empty to agree to go on a meter. Today things got much more convenient – you just go down to the first floor and look for the “Public Taxi” sign. The service itself costs 50 Bhat. Taxis are lined up and all you need to do is take a number from the machine. You can choose a large taxi or a regular one and pay by the taxi meter to your destination (with additional toll way and highway fees). Overall, it should cost around 350 Baht. In general, taxis are the preferable way of transportation within and around Bangkok as they are cheap (as long as you rely on meter), comfortable and air-conditioned. Their only disadvantage is traffic jams, and Bangkok has plenty of those at all times.
BTS – Bangkok’s sky train. Very quick and easy to use. Could get very crowded at times, and may be more expensive than a taxi (especially for a family. Would be cheaper normally for a single or a couple). Its major pro – skips Bangkok terrible traffic jams. In addition, can serve as an attraction on its own right. There are several central locations (like the MBK shopping center) to which the BTS station would have a direct connection.
Food
The overall recommendation in this section is just to try street food, and as much of it as possible. It is always accessible, very fresh and cheap, and most importantly – extremely tasty. The Green Papaya Salad (Som-Tam) definitely ranks high among our favorites and it goes really well with sticky rice that you dump in its delicious sauce. If you don’t like spicy – you need to emphasize it (more than once) while its being made. Stir fried dishes, noodle soup, different kinds of meats on sticks, cold fruits – just try and you will not look back.
Sites
The Ancient City – Muang Boran – a huge park that lets you get a first-hand impression about structures and ruins from all around Thailand (and is shaped as Thailand’s map as well). Besides the unbelievable amount of reconstructions of temples and stupas and houses and you name it, it is also filled with natural vegetation as well as astonishing gardens, lakes and streams. Entrance costs 700 Baht for adult and 350 Baht for a child. Bicycle are included in the entrance fee, though you are not likely to find bicycles for kids younger than 6-7 years. Those you can put on a back or front seat on adults’ bikes. You can also rent an electric club-car. The part is located about an hour out of Bangkok (depending on traffic). We took a taxi with a pre-fixed price of 350 Baht one way and 300 on the way back (not including toll ways). You should plan to spend at least half a day there. There are also places to eat, drink and buy souvenirs.
Chatuchak Market – a huge market, open on Saturdays and Sundays, where you can find anything. Foods, homeware, souvenirs, bags, cloths, pet stuff and anything else you have in mind. Divided to sections and you could either get straight to your section of interest or just wander about. There are open areas and roofed areas, but you better get there out of the hottest hours. We got there using the BTS, dropped off at the Mo Chit station.
