5 hours in Bangkok
#1
5 hours in Bangkok
My son and I are off to Tokyo in the September-October school holidays. Because of the holidays, the cost of air fares is high and the best I have been able to book means a fairly long stop-over in Bangkok. Instead of staying in the airport, I want to go into the city. I reckon we'll have 5 hours to do something (one thing really). It will be during the late afternoon, early evening. Any ideas?
Before anyone says it, I know that Bangkok offers many OTHER, err, interesting things to do/keep you occupied, my son is 14 years old!
Before anyone says it, I know that Bangkok offers many OTHER, err, interesting things to do/keep you occupied, my son is 14 years old!
#2
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
My son and I are off to Tokyo in the September-October school holidays. Because of the holidays, the cost of air fares is high and the best I have been able to book means a fairly long stop-over in Bangkok. Instead of staying in the airport, I want to go into the city. I reckon we'll have 5 hours to do something (one thing really). It will be during the late afternoon, early evening. Any ideas?
Before anyone says it, I know that Bangkok offers many OTHER, err, interesting things to do/keep you occupied, my son is 14 years old!
Before anyone says it, I know that Bangkok offers many OTHER, err, interesting things to do/keep you occupied, my son is 14 years old!
#3
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
If you take the airport train to Phaya Thai (about 20 mins I think for an express) you are pretty much in the thick of things. Very nearby you have the Jim Thompson house which I remember being pretty interesting. The MBK shopping centre is nearby which I would imagine could be interesting if he is an electronics geek like yourself! There's basically a string of shopping centres actually...all have great food courts.
I'm sure you are but plan on taking the airport train and not taxis.
Something to be aware of. Not sure if you've booked separate tickets or are on a single ticket. If a single ticket you will be liable to pay 700B departure tax each if you go landside and then go airside again.
I'm sure you are but plan on taking the airport train and not taxis.
Something to be aware of. Not sure if you've booked separate tickets or are on a single ticket. If a single ticket you will be liable to pay 700B departure tax each if you go landside and then go airside again.
#4
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
If you take the airport train to Phaya Thai (about 20 mins I think for an express) you are pretty much in the thick of things. Very nearby you have the Jim Thompson house which I remember being pretty interesting. The MBK shopping centre is nearby which I would imagine could be interesting if he is an electronics geek like yourself! There's basically a string of shopping centres actually...all have great food courts.
I'm sure you are but plan on taking the airport train and not taxis.
Something to be aware of. Not sure if you've booked separate tickets or are on a single ticket. If a single ticket you will be liable to pay 700B departure tax each if you go landside and then go airside again.
I'm sure you are but plan on taking the airport train and not taxis.
Something to be aware of. Not sure if you've booked separate tickets or are on a single ticket. If a single ticket you will be liable to pay 700B departure tax each if you go landside and then go airside again.
Wasn't aware of the tax. We are on Thai Air PER-BKK-HND, so we are only in transit at BKK - so I guess a single ticket. It might not be worth it if we have to pay a DT. May just go and spend the money on a lounge instead if that is the case
#5
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
If you take the airport train to Phaya Thai (about 20 mins I think for an express) you are pretty much in the thick of things. Very nearby you have the Jim Thompson house which I remember being pretty interesting. The MBK shopping centre is nearby which I would imagine could be interesting if he is an electronics geek like yourself! There's basically a string of shopping centres actually...all have great food courts.
I'm sure you are but plan on taking the airport train and not taxis.
Something to be aware of. Not sure if you've booked separate tickets or are on a single ticket. If a single ticket you will be liable to pay 700B departure tax each if you go landside and then go airside again.
I'm sure you are but plan on taking the airport train and not taxis.
Something to be aware of. Not sure if you've booked separate tickets or are on a single ticket. If a single ticket you will be liable to pay 700B departure tax each if you go landside and then go airside again.
#6
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
Why would you let a (possible) $20 tax interfere with your plans? It's a great chance for you to get a quick visit to Bangkok in, and beats hanging about airport lounges (despite BKK being a superb airport). A taxi into town only costs 300B and would take 45 mins as long as you're not in rush hour (in which case take the train as bcworld suggested). It's such a vibrant city, and a complete contrast to Tokyo. It really just depends if you have the energy after a long haul flight to do a bit of extra tourism, but if you do it's well worth it. With some planning you can do some interesting and make sure your back on time to catch your connecting flight.
#7
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
Have to be honest, with just five hours I think I'd be finding the lounge.
However if you do want to go out, and if it's open, Chatuchak is always a fun experience.
edit: If Mrs Zulu is into silver jewellery, there is a fabulous shop near the Oriental, look up Lin Jewellers. Whatever you do don't take a taxi and ask for it (or any other jewellery shop) or you will end up at the taxi driver's uncle's place instead - go to the Oriental Hotel and walk.
Also in that vicinity is the State Tower with the Sky bar atop - great views over the city any time of day or night.
However if you do want to go out, and if it's open, Chatuchak is always a fun experience.
edit: If Mrs Zulu is into silver jewellery, there is a fabulous shop near the Oriental, look up Lin Jewellers. Whatever you do don't take a taxi and ask for it (or any other jewellery shop) or you will end up at the taxi driver's uncle's place instead - go to the Oriental Hotel and walk.
Also in that vicinity is the State Tower with the Sky bar atop - great views over the city any time of day or night.
Last edited by Kooky.; Aug 27th 2017 at 1:53 am.
#9
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
Sorry, I edited while you were replying.
#10
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
Try the Pantip Plaza 5 floors of wall to wall it geek gear. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantip_Plaza
#11
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
#12
Account Closed
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 0
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
This sounds like a really bad cover of a Murray Head song
#13
Re: 5 hours in Bangkok
Just came back into BKK and can confirm that we didn't have to pay departure tax
Bangkok was okay but it was bucketing down and the crowds were.mental. Had a nice meal though
Bangkok was okay but it was bucketing down and the crowds were.mental. Had a nice meal though