Insider Tips

Flight attendants and pilots know the most diverse cities on most continents. They know probably the best corners. Due to their many trips, they know where to find the best restaurants. Here they tell where they prefer to shop. Reveal which is their favorite destination. Insider travel tips.

Bangkok

The capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. One of the most beautiful cities in Asia. A special culture, in a city that probably never comes to rest.
Since 2016, Bangkok has been the number 1 most visited city in the world with over 20 million tourists annually. Immerse yourself with us in the wonderful flair of this city.
Bangkok River View
Of course, it makes a difference whether you only visit Bangkok as a stopover or want to get involved with this metropolis a little longer. Often the experience of the short stay becomes the desire to get to know this city for a longer time.
Many plan their trips down to the smallest detail, others are rather spontaneous, especially on the spot. So here in part 1 of this Bangkok Tips we will depict a small cross-section of this. The journey almost always takes place by plane. Unless you have been to the south of the country before and then continued by bus or train.

The airport of Bangkok "Suvarnabhumi Airport" is located about 30-45 min south-east of the city center. As at this major airport, the distances are sometimes quite long. There are two ways to get to the city. By skytrain or taxi. After a usually long flight time of the non-stop flight to Bangkok, we recommend taking a taxi. Even if the traffic is often very heavy, especially in the afternoon, you still have the opportunity to sit back and let the first impressions affect you. Please make sure that the taximeter is switched on. Who for the first time
In principle, it is advisated to have booked a hotel before departure, at least for the first few nights. there are an incredible number of hotels in Bangkok. So there will certainly be something for every taste.

Of course, travel time is always an issue. In the period from mid-March to May it is quite mild. The rainy season in Thailand is annually from June to October. In the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Tao & Koh Phangan), on the other hand, the rainy season is between September and mid-December at the most. In contrast, the Andaman Sea, e.B Phuket, Ranong, Krabi, Trang, Tarutao, Phi Phi, Ko Lanta etc. has the greatest rainfall between April and October. The weather forecast is mostly very accurate.

In the morning it is cloudy At noon there is a short cloudburst for about half an hour In the afternoon the sun comes out In the evening there are violent thunderstorms with heavy rain showers

Once you arrive at the hotel, it is advising to end the afternoon / evening relaxed.
One of the most beautiful places for this is the Oriental Hotel, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is dignified, you should not wear flip flops, in the evening long pants apply to the man.

If you still have energy, you can still explore the Night Market in the evening. the Asia Antique Market. It is open every day and is very cozy and beautiful! Is only about 10 minutes away from the Oriental by taxi and always open in the evening from 5pm.
For the night owls, it is essential to plan a visit to the Scirocco Sky Bar. Known from the 2nd part of the Hangover trilogy, the most impressive view in town. On the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower Hotel.
Admission is free, but appropriate clothing is important. No flip flops and no shorts for the men.
Shopping bags are handed in below.

What is now annoying that it has become such a rip-off and you are arrested directly to order something to drink (just say you look for your friends first before you order something and take a look around) The imposing bar is the bar DOM, where you go down the stairs (down on the left after the elevator. There is another small outdoor bar if you keep to the right after the elevator.

A real insider tip is the Lebua State Hotel itself. Mostly passable room rates. The rooms are very spacious, and each room has a large balcony where you can see the imposing city on one side. On the other hand, the view of the Chao Phraya River is another highlight.
If you have quickly got used to the time difference, you should definitely celebrate the best breakfast in the city in the morning at the Lebua Hotel. Nothing is missing, from sushi to all sorts of hot dishes to freshly baked croissants. No wish remains unfulfilled.

Lebua State Tower
For all those who are visiting Bangkok for the first time, we would like to create a small overview here. Surely you can not discover this city in one visit. Therefore, in this first part a small insider list, compiled by the many countless visits of the crews in the layover Bangkok.
Maybe another tip, the Thais are basically very friendly, with a smile we Europeans often get ahead. Of course, the Thai likes to make a business with the tourists, you must not be angry, they often only have this one option to earn money. Often they stand with their taxis and tuk tuks in front of the hotels, and promise almost free rides, but this always includes the small detour to a friendly tailor or other dealer. It is advisated to say clearly where you want. A trip by taxi is always billed with the taximeter. If you are familiar with the locations, you can also make fixed prices. This is very often used during rush hour. Otherwise only taximeter. With the Tuk Tuks, the path is usually never longer than 1-5 km. Since there are no taximeters there, astronomical prices are often called. You should never pay more than 50-150 baht.
Restaurants:
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok 10500
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is located directly on the Chao Phraya and the terrace offers a beautiful view over the water. You can sit here at tea time in the afternoon or for a sundowner in the evening before, for example, having dinner in the nearby “Harmonique Restaurant”. In any case, the stay offers a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle on the Silom or the Sukhumvit. However, if you want to go to “High Tea Time” in the Author's Lounge, you should pay attention to the dress code (elegant clothes, men with long trousers, elegant shirts and closed shoes).

Harmonique
No.22 Charoenkrung 34, Bangkok 10500
Small and cozy, excellent price-performance ratio.

Lean On Tree
5 Soi Sukhumvit 18
Original Thai cuisine, a more elegant atmosphere, you can sit outside or inside. Prices are a little higher. E.g.
Phad Thai 150THB, Shrimp Red Curry 230THB, Papaya Salad 150THB, Mango Sticky Rice 150THB
Very nice service, clean western toilets. We really (!) Ordered a lot, everything was delicious without exception!

Klang Suan Southern Thai Cuisine
143, S. Sainamtip 2, Sukhumvit 22Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Very good, authentic southern Thai cuisine. Relatively spicy, very pleasant service.

P. Kitchen
11 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Nice café / restaurant on the first floor. You can sit outside on the covered gallery, or in the AC area inside. There is breakfast, coffee / cake and a rich menu. (also a lot of vegetarian) only cash payment possible.

Shopping:
Chatuchak (Jatujak) Weekend Market
One of the largest flea and flea markets in the world. The market is opposite the Nothern Bus Terminal, Skytrain Station Mo Chit.

MBK Center (Ma Boon Khrong Center)
444, Phayathai Road Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Probably one of the largest shopping centers in the city

Pantip Plaza
604/3 Petchaburi Rd. Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
The largest shopping mall for electronics items

Asiatique Night Market
Asiatique - the Riverfront
asiatiquethailand.com
2194 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok 10120
The large and modern Asiatique Night Market with an extensive range of restaurants and shops.

Patpong Night Market
Located between Silom and Surawong Road
It used to be the market, but today it is only the third choice. Nice to see. But unfortunately the quality on offer has decreased significantly over the years. Look, yes, but without great expectations.

Tour Tips:
Just Nok Bike Tours
No1 Sapanwanchat Prachathipatai Rd., Baan Panthom Pranakhon Bangkok

Tip from Frank B.
If you want to experience a few special moments in Bangkok then on the bike at Just Nok Bike Tours. Located in the heart of old Bangkok, a total of 9 different bike tours and so far a walking tour start. You will be accompanied by two very good guides with a lot of knowledge and good English. The tours follow the secret paths to the most beautiful places. The tours start at 1150THB, just register by email. The price includes the bike (good mountain bikes), helmet and insurance, drink and snack, as well as entrance fees. We were thrilled and can unconditionally recommend Nok.
Mail: justnoktours@gmail.com
Tel .: +66 084 308 6098

Authentic Bangkok

Tip from Julia F.
Aside from the offers of mass tourism, HiveSters offers authentic tours to places and restaurants in Bangkok.
Achi and Mint - sisters and founders of HiveSters contribute to sustainable tourism with their offers.
The project was developed in 2015 with the United Nations, among others.
The HiveSters team works directly with local communities and individuals.
In addition to the cultural offers, the team also offers food tours through BKK - food plays an important role in Thailand.
Info at: www.hivesters.com

Silom Thai Cooking School
68, Silom Soi 13, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok

Tip from Johanna D.
Half-day cooking classes introduce you to Thai cuisine. After shopping together at the market, a three-course menu is cooked in groups.
Tel .: +66 847 265 669

Secret Food Tour

Tip from Andrian L.
Learn about the city's history, how locals buy food, and how food shaped the region's culture. Perfect for all ages and for all occasions. An authentic, unforgettable experience that will leave you full and happy. A tour that takes a few hours through the city, is fun and takes a look at other corners of the city. With a professional English speaking guide.
Information at: www.secretfoodtours.com

Klong ride

Tip from Anna H.
Duration 4 hours, the price is staggered depending on the number of people (with 3 people each 2000 Baht per person). You switch between water taxi, longtail boat and speed boat, receive great information and explanations, and visits to temples are also possible. The guide Ben would be happy to simply ask for her when booking or send her an email in advance.
Mail: benj-m@hotmail.co.th
You can also take a taxi to the Shangri La Hotel to the boat dock and take a small boat tour of 1-1.5 hours, the cost of the boat is around 1500 Baht. Very nice for a first impression. (Just don't get off at the snake farms and the like, that's NEPP, stay seated until you're back at the Shangri La Hotel.

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