Shouldn't compare Chatuchak to Platinum because Chatuchak is a mixture of everything unlike Platinum is focused on fashion stuff like clothes and etc. For me I prefer the former as I'm not really into clothes and prefer looking at a variety of stuff. It's possible to cover Chatuchak in a single visit if you walk systematically.

If you're a first time visitor to Bangkok, I'd recommend the Groovy Map.

You can also try Taling Chan. Not as big as Damnoen Samduak but it's where the locals go to and not many tourist.

About 20 minutes from town and you do not need to hire a boat to move around. On foot only.

This post has been edited by justanothername: Oct 31 2012, 11:11 PM

I've taken the train from Butterworth to Bangkok. Takes about 24 hours. Long journey but generally very comfortable. You get to meet and talk with fellow backpackers. To and fro will cost about RM200. You can either book your return ticket online or get it at Hua Lam Phong station when you reach there. I got mine when I got there.

Yes you can get a guesthouse easily provided it's the low season. If you're looking for an affordable guesthouse, I wouldn't recommend Khao San road as it is very generally very touristy, busy and noisy. Public transport is also a major problem. When I was there, I stayed at U Baan Guesthouse. It is located at Thonburi, the other side of town but very near a BTS train station which I think is the best way to explore Bangkok apart from the public ferries and khlongs.

http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.p...e/Bangkok/53668

https://www.facebook.com/ubaan

And yes, as usual, I would recommend a Groovy Map for Bangkok which will come in handy with all the clearly marked attractions on the map, complete with a Chatuchak minimap.

This post has been edited by justanothername: Nov 6 2012, 12:58 AM

You mean Wat Arun? Wat Arun has a high vantage point...

I can't recommend other places as I've only tried U Baan and the host Joy was very friendly. If you plan to get the Groovy Map, it is slightly cheaper to get it at Kinokuniya. The map is printed in Thailand though. So how will you be travelling to Bangkok since the train is full?

This post has been edited by justanothername: Nov 8 2012, 08:22 PM

Train from Hatyai also full? Bus will be faster I think but may not be as comfortable to sleep as compared to the train. Anyway, enjoy the journey!

This post has been edited by justanothername: Nov 9 2012, 06:57 PM

Naraya is a shop where you buy can all kinds of lady stuff especially bags for very low prices. There's one shop along the Patpong Night Market. As you walk along the stalls and bars (ignore the ping pong scams... 555), you will come across a shop called Naraya. Usually packed with people.

You can refer to this: http://www.naraya.com/index.php?option=com...emid=80&lang=en

I think the one nearest to Pratunam is at Siam Discovery, next to the Siam BTS station.

Did it all in KL.

gay street? haha

read about it before I went... will avoid hahaha