The final city has been announced. Let the TJs know where they should go.

first and foremost you gotta go to the floating markets. these markets are an amazing array of boats filled with products and you go boat to boat buying anything you please

second you gottta go to the reclining buddha at the Wat Pho temple. Its one of the biggest reclining buddhas in the world and the temple itself is th biggest temple in Bangkok

Ah yes Thailand.

First suggestion - make sure you save a weekend day to go to Chatuchak Market - it's the weekend market in Bangkok - and it might be my favorite place in BKK. Luckily for y'all, it's now reachable by the Skytrain. (In the past we had to make our way there by public bus which sucked).

Accomodation - by personal request, please don't stay on Khao San Road. Yeah, I know it's where all the other backpackers go - but it's my least favorite place in Thailand, not a true representation of the Thais, has an incrediably high wanker-per-square-foot ratio and is disgusting as well.

If I may make a suggestion, the Atlanta Hotel on Sukhumvit, Soi 2 is a good choice - but it's been at least 15 years since I've had to hunt for cheap accomodation in Bangkok - ever since my cousin moved there.

Other stuff to see in Bangkok - the standard stuff is the Temple of the Emerald Bhudda, Wat Po (mentioned above - also - try the Thai Massage there - they even have a school), the Teak Mansion (I really liked this), the Temple of the Sun on the 'other' side of the Chao Prayha, the floating markets mentioned by chubs (but try to find the less touristy one - I forget which one it is).

And then there's Patpong. I think it's something you need to make a decision on yourself - I've been down to Patpong a few times - just to shop for gifts and eat street food, and to say I've been there. But I always have to leave, because it just feels sad. But it's a significant part of the thai tourism scene (jsut like *shudder* Khao San Road). You can't really ignore it. I'd suggest going - besides the night market there is pretty cool.

I wrote a long post about things to do - but it's being 'reviewed' right now - so I'm just going to get my accomodation suggestion posted.

1. Please don't stay on Khao San Road. I hate that place.

2. Suggested place to stay: Atlanta Hotel - Sukumvit, Soi 2

TJs,

I hope that you guys will be in Bangkok before June 12th. The most important event that you all CAN'T miss is the Royal Barge Procession, as a part of the big celebration for the 60th anniversary of our king's accession to the throne. Please follow some links here for further details ...

http://www.60thcelebrations.com/english/royal_barges.php
http://www.navy.mi.th/sctr/royal_barge_60/indexeng.php
http://flash.manager.co.th/show_photoslide/slide_new.as...oj=7_25052005_163923
mms://tv.manager.co.th/videoclip/11News1/Footage/royal barge news_H.wmv --> This is a link to the video clip of a rehearsal on last Friday. Unfortunately, the narrative is in Thai, not in English.

In a nutshell, it is a flock of 52 old time Thai royal barges, parading (in a royal style) along the Chao Praya river, starting from Tha Wasukri and ending at the Temple of Dawn. This event will be on Monday, June 12th, starting around 4:30 PM (local time). There are spots along the river that you can watch the event for free. Try to get to Thammasat University (also situated by the river and is not far from the Royal Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha) before 4:30 PM, you can find some spots there to watch the event. Again, you guys can't and shouldn't miss this. It is not held regularly, just only for very special occasions. And this is the only place in the world that you can watch something like this.

Hope you all can make it,
Art

Since my long post isn't here yet, I'm just going to add my major suggestion was to make sure you schedule some weekend time to go to Chatuchuk Market - luckily now the SkyTrain goes up there.

It might be my favorite outdoor market in all of Asia.

Although - having read each and every one of yours blogs and your slight claustorphobia (in Taipei) then I'd have to tell you get ready. It's CROWDED at Chatuchuk. And the smells are strong. And loud.

But really go. Go.

Gabe: Check out "Cabbages and Condoms", a restaurant run as an outreach program by a sex education-AIDS prevention organization. I don't know how the food is, but an interesting concept nonetheless. All proceeds go towards educational programs run by the Population & Community Development Association in Thailand.

Josh: Try your hand at muay thai (thai boxing). These guys are tough!

Renee/Tiff: Visit the Chatuchak weekend market, where everything imaginable is for sale. The market's specialty however, is clothing. Come early to avoid the crowds and don't forget to bargain!

Tony: Check out the Moon Bar at Vertigo. Located way up on the 59th floor, this bar has one of the most impressive views in all of Thailand.

in thailand they have many elephant shows that are really fun to see.
http://www.viator.com/tours/Bangkok/3685BKK17C/Sampran-Elephant-Show
if this is the one i think it is... they let you take pictures with the elephants, feed the elephants, and they even have more animals there that you can hold and take pictures with (including koala bears).
http://www.tourismthailand.se/about_thai/attractions.htm
this website also gives you some fun places to go.

3 things:
1) There will be a million hair salons in Bangkok. Go to one and tell them you want "sawt dai". They will wash your hair and give you a head massage and then blow dry it straight, all for less than a dollar. It's definitely one of my favorite things in Thailand - super relaxing and your hair looks great.
2) Eat at the Food Loft in Chidlom. It's got Thai, Asian, and Italian food, and is pretty swanky for not too much money.
3) Get some clothes tailor made at Raja's across from the Hotel Nana. He's cool and the clothes are awesome and reasonably priced.

definitely do avoid khao san road. even though it is cheap, it is NOT an accurate representation of bangkok, and it is definitely too much ON the beaten track.

DO eat as much local cuisine as possible. one of the biggest things about thai people is that we love to eat. we're eating and snacking all day long. never really a big meal; just enough to tide you over for a couple hours until the next meal (plan on at least 5 meals per day - 3 main ones, plus 2 or more snacks). it really is the thai way. avoid places where mostly foreigners eat. eat at the sidewalk street-vendors. order food by pointing at what other people are eating.

if you go to jatujak, try to find traditional thai clothing and try it on !

look for the "boat noodles" (called "gutiew reau"that are sold near the jatujak market if you go there. it's a pretty unique opportunity to eat a spicy noodle soup that's thickened with pork blood. don't let that throw you; it's really good !!

visit koh-kret (watch thai handicrafts being made) in nonthaburi (a suburb of BKK)

travel by boat along the chaophraya river

try to go to a buddhist temple if there is a temple fair going on, or perhaps during a young man's temporary-ordination ceremony (thai men traditionally enter the monkhood for a brief period)

don't just go to the regular nightclubs BKK is so famous for. try going to one where you can listen to thai "lukthoong" music.

try to get tickets for a show at the national theater. i'm not sure of the price, but the exchange rate favors the TJs

that's all i can think of for now...

oh actually one more thing: thai word "sanook" - FUN... have FUN !!!!!!!!! that's the real thai way !

Two of the sites that I would recommend are Wat Pra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). Both of them are just breaktaking in my opinion. Although somewhat ironic, I would recommend seeing Wat Arun around sunset if possible.

Wat Pho is an incredible temple and certainly is well worth a stop on its own accord. However, it is also home to an incredible Thai massage school. They offer massages to visitors and sometimes offer two weeks courses in learning true Thai massage.

If you would like to get away for a short time, try walking around Lumpini Park or Queen Sirikit Park. Both are lovely strolls when you need to recharge in a bustling city.

Finally, if you're still worn out from running around a city with so much to do and see, stop by the Buddhist Meditation Center at Wat Mahathat. The university there also offers meditation classes to foreigners, although I'm not sure about the specifics.

Enjoy your time in Thailand.

I'll also quickly recommend Anna's Cafe on Soi Saladaeng. It's clean, you can order in English - it's a respite from the heat and humidity and grimyness of Bangkok - and it's GOOD.

http://www.annascafes.com/

the ruina at ayutthaya are a nice 1 and a half hours away. Ayutthaya was once the capital of Thailand and has many temples.

to stay try theAsha Guest House. Its cheap (don't remember so I checked online [$5 2 bed private room $9 single room!!!!!]) and close to the public transit.

the floating markets are named Damnoen Saduak. They are like and hour or two from the city but are problaby the most famous things in Thailand.

In Bangkok …
* Stroll along the Ratchadamnoen Avenue after the sun set to watch the lights, decorations, arches, and exhibits, as for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of our king
accession the throne. On June 12th around 7:30 PM (after the Royal Barge Procession), there will be a light and sound performance in the Chao Praya river, just right in front of the Grand Royal Palace, as well as the floating of 60,000 lanterns in coconut shells along the river.

* Climb up the Golden Mountain Pagoda (a.k.a., Phu Khao Tong) to see the scenic views of Bangkok. There is a restaurant not far from the pagoda that makes the best Pad Thai ever. It is quit well known among Bangkokians. The restaurant is at the corner of Bamrung Muang road and Maha Chai road (near Wat Thep Thidharam, but on the other side of the [Maha Chai] road). They wrap the fried noodles, other ingredients, and some big shrimps, within a thin layer of omelet.

South of Bangkok …
* Go to the Ancient City (http://www.ancientcity.com/muangboran/th_index.htm) in the city of Samut Prakarn. It is a place where they resemble buildings, constructions, mansions, temples, palaces, etc., all over Thailand in one place. You would need a whole day for this place. But I think it’s worth it, since it is like you are visiting the entire country within one day.

East of Bangkok …
* Go to Pattaya beach in the city of Pattaya for beach activities and the night life. It is sort of a tourist place. But I would suggest you going there to watch the Drag Queens
Cabaret shows at either Alcaza (78/14 Pattaya 2nd Road, Pattaya City, 20260) or Tiffany
(http://www.tiffany-show.co.th/intro.htm). On the way back from Pattaya, don’t forget to stop by Nong Mon market (near Bang Sean beach). At the market, you gotta try these foods, Khao Larm (sweet sticky rice in bamboo), Khanom Chak (sweet coconut wrapped in palm leaf), Khanom Mo Kaeng (Thai egg custard), and Hor Mok (steamed seafood with red curry and coconut milk in banana leaf cup). Other place for the night life is Royal City Avenue (a.k.a., RCA)
http://www.discoverythailand.com/Bangkok_Royal_City_Avenue__RCA_.asp, locating on King Rama IX Road in Bangkok.

South East of Bangkok …
* Take a train ride from Bangkok to Hua Hin. It will take about half a day to get there, but you will enjoy the scenic views along the way. Or you can take the Chao Praya Express
Boat from Bangkok to the city of Nonthaburi. The trip should take about 45 minutes. Again you will enjoy the scenic views on both sides of the Chao Praya river. The other option is to take a Long Tail taxi boat (a.k.a., Reau Hang Yao) to cruise along several cannels in the western
part of Bangkok (http://www.thailandguidebook.com/b_river.html).

West of Bangkok …
* For various kinds of food, you might want to go to Wat Don Wai Market, in Sam Phran district
(http://www.gothailandhotel.com/nakhon-patom/attraction.htm). It is pretty popular among Thai people to go shopping during the weekends, but not quite well known to tourists. You can find all kinds of Thai food and tropical fruits that you can imagine. Over there, you should try Mee Krob (sweet crispy noodles), BBQ ducks, and everything else. The market is situated by the riverside of Nakhon Chai Sri (or Tha Chin) river. You might also want to stop by the Rose Garden
(http://www.thailandguidebook.com/rosegarden.html), also in the Sam Phran district.

One of local games that you might want to try is “Takraw.” They play this game either by kicking or hitting the rattan woven ball cross the net (more or less like Volleyball) between 2 teams or by shooting, using foot, knee, head, or elbow, the ball into a hoop hanging up high
the middle of circle of players.

Welcome to the land of smiles,
Art

The only thing I have to say about Thailand is that while you're there you should try and check out a Muay Thai fight. What's better than seeing the authentic thing!

Like someone posted previously- Khao San Rd. definately is NOT an accurate depiction of Bangkok... that said, I still recommend checking it out.

It's like a hub for backpackers that are either arriving or leaving Southest Asia. On any given night you'll have an eclectic mix of people from all over the world with some great stories and advice on places to see. And if you are really burned out, get into the "D&D Inn" and head up to the pool on the roof with a good view and chill out. Great place for some "last impressions." Again, this is not a "cultural" spot, just a cool international spot for you to cool down on the end of your trip.

Gotta run right now, but will try to write more later. Can't believe it's almost over!

HEY EVERYONE I NEED YOUR HELP......

I really want to check out some live Thai LUKTHUNG
music....I am having trouble finding where to do that in Bankok....can anyone help me out with some suggestions...we will be in town this sunday night...and will be filming for 5 days....basically till thursday....I need venues or wherever you find this....

Thanks in advance!!
Cheers!
Gabe

Check out jade mountain guys! Killer view at sunrise. Try to catch the sun before its risen.

Gabe... checking on the music thing for you right now, hopefully one of my friends there will get back to me soon (I couldn't post any phone numbers here, so check your myspace account for some phone numbers of contacts in Bangkok).

In the meantime, here's some more suggestions:

There is a restaurant called "Sky Lounge" in the "Baiyoke Suite Hotel." I recommend it for two reasons- the prices are inexpensive (at least two years ago they were), and the view is incredible, overlooking all of Bangkok. Left a huge impression on me.

As for nightlife, two of my favorite spots, although heavily frequented by ex-pats and foreigners, were "Bed" (really cool architecture and style) and "Mystique." Just ask around, especially on Khao San, for directions.

I'll keep thinking of more stuff. Hopefully something that's actually "cultural" will come to mind soon! Either way, these are some fun spots.

-Brad Hasse

You guys are going to have so much fun in Thailand - you can get far on 50 bucks a day. Just watch out for the heat. Definitely go to Chatuchak market and see the reclining buddha. Don't waste your time on the river cruise if you are considering it. When I was there they offered massages at some of the wats - totally worth the 5 bucks. My favorite wats were wat pho and wat saket

Gabe, you aren't going to have any trouble finding stuff to eat. Thailand is a great place to try all sorts of different things. Please don't drink the snake blood - I really dont want to see that!!!

Tiffany, being the nature lover you are you may enjoy the flower market at Pak Khlong. It's the largest flower market in the city and it's sooo cheap.