Those in Bangkok must be enjoying the unusual cooling weather that reaches 17 degree at night. Not sure how long it will last though, should be back to normal in few days time.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Dec 20 2013, 03:29 PM

Sorry, not too good with direction to Dusit Zoo so best wait for someone more familiar to comment. Never visit any zoo while I was in Bangkok, only human zoo....

This post has been edited by Xccess: Dec 21 2013, 12:59 AM

Bangkok is relatively a safe place to visit but please don't let your guard down especially if you are travelling alone. When venturing to bar areas such as Pat Pong, Soi Nana or Soi Cowboy, never follow touts, there's chances of you getting scam. Always keep your wallet in front pockets.

Make sure all valuable belongings are kept in safe provided by hotel especially if you bring girls to your room. Have fun and enjoy your trip.

Novotel Hotel Platinum Prathunam, this hotel is link with Platinum shopping centre. Very much depending on your budget too. Check Agoda for more information.

In terms of safety, keep yourself update on situation after Bangkok "Shutdown" expected on 13th of Jan.

My favourite is MUSE boutique hotel. You may want to state for family or couple.

No one can foresee the results of shutdown, better update via news daily. For reports directly from tourist on ground, try check Tripadvisor Bangkok Forum.

Shutdown may last till 2nd of February as reported. Blockage of major intersection in Bangkok already started.

If you want convenient then stay Novotel Platinum, hotel just situated above Platinum shopping centre.

You sure about visiting Soi Cowboy? Not a place for girls you know? Since you will be there for a number of days, try to squeeze in ASIATIQUE, TERMINAL 21, CHOCOLATE VILLE & YAOWARAT(Chinatown).

You can start doing your research using google. Book a tour van for 5 adults for your day tour will be great. Price should come up to about RM400 +/-

For private tour, I suggest you type "Bangkok Private Tour Tripadvisor Forum", browse through individual review. I've lost the contact for my previous driver, sorry.

Chocolate Ville is about an hour away(depending on traffic) from central Bangkok, something like a theme park with plenty of restaurants. Yaowarat (Chinatown) T & K seafood restaurant not to be missed, I go there purely for dinner, shark fin soup, bird's nest and many more. Simply delicious.

We only paid van driver at the of the day, this arrangement is better. The van is super comfortable, seats are exactly like those in Alphard/Vellfire, got TV and Karaoke.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jan 16 2014, 04:02 PM

Anything away from protest area will be as per normal, people still need to make a living. I'm sure your hands will be full just shopping in Chatuchak. Appreciate your update.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jan 20 2014, 12:10 PM

Take a taxi, it won't cost you much. Will be a pain lugging luggages with public transport to hotel and not forgetting it's your maiden trip.

What is your budget for accommodation and for how many pax?

Why not just proceed if can't get a refund? Protest is hardly noticeable unless you are in the zone itself.

Sigh...I fully understand your predicament. Can you email hotel to share with them your situation and concerns, ask for post phone to a later date? Are they charging cancellation fees for one night?


(Side track a bit.)
Not sure if bank in Malaysia will help in such cases. I had 2 Australia friends who fell into tourist trap in China, paid USD300 dollars for few cups of Chinese tea, luckily they made payment via credit card. Upon reaching OZ, they issued a report to their respective bank, bank manage to pull back funds from merchant and made full refund.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jan 21 2014, 02:48 PM

If 5 pax you definitely require 2 taxis due to luggages, just print 2 copies of hotel address in Thai with Map and place it in your pockets. Taxi booth counter is on extreme left after exiting Don Muang airport. You may like to purchase a "Happy Tourist Sim", unlimited data for 7 days, price should be 299 baht.(If airport not selling, just get it from any 7/11 near hotel, get the staff to configure for you.)

Upon checking in hotel, ask for their name cards with addresses and distribute among everyone in case someone get lost. Are you with small kids or 5 adults? If 5 adults then traveling will be difficult because taxi can only accommodate max 4 pax.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jan 21 2014, 03:08 PM

Do check with Taxi counter for bigger transport, should be available. Happy Tourist Sim can make calls too. There's plenty to explore in Bangkok, very much depending on what you are targetting. Below are some of the places you can visit.

1) Chatuchak weekend market aka J.J market (Open only on Sat - Sun) - dress simple - Bermuda shorts, Tees and slippers will do as it can get really hot and humid at noon hours, expect crowds.

2) Terminal 21, Platinum Mall, Central World, Siam Centre, Siam Discovery etc are some of the popular malls for shopping.

3) Asiatique The Riverfront - Open air theme mall with plenty to shop and dine.

4) Chinatown (Yaowarat in Thai) - go there for nice seafood dinner (T & K Seafood, try to grab a table at 5p.m or prepare to queue)

5) Night Market - a walk in the night market can be interesting, many street food can be found and plenty of cheap buy. Bargain all you want with items such as clothes, souvenirs, bags etc (Don't bargain for food, at least not for me.)

Many information can be gather from internet or you can start reading this thread starting from page 1 if you have the time. Happy hunting

This post has been edited by Xccess: Jan 21 2014, 06:57 PM

Appreciate your sharing. Now Army is stepping in, not looking good.

Quite unlikely Air Asia will cancel flight unless opposition take over airport. IMO under state of emergency, worse case scenario is the implementation of curfew nearing reelection date, this will allow Yingluck's party to get election rolling.

Got this from www.travelthaiservice.com

2,200 Baht ride from DMK to Hua Hin.

Most advertise 2,000 Bht from BKK Airport to Hua Hin but this is from Suwannabhumi with an extra 200 Bht for DMK Pickup.

Return prices range from 1,900 to 2,000 Baht with a small discount for booking the return trip in advance.

Check this link http://www.minibushuahin.com/