Korean Job Discussion Forums

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

I'm going to spend a few days there when i go to thailand next month. what are some of the must see and must do things, and anyone know of a nice cheap place for me to stay? cheers.

articulate_ink · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

You might want to rethink where in Bangkok you stay. Although there are plenty of cheap places to crash on Khao San, the navel lint of the world tends to accumulate there. It's worth a visit but unless you're into the backpacker scene its appeal fades fast. Besides, the transportation links there are not so great. Look in Silom, Sukhumvit, and Thong Lo for accommodation. The Plaza Hotel on Surawongse is basic, reasonably priced, decent, and very well-located in Silom a block or two from a skytrain station.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

If you are desperate for KSR you can walk from the train station.

Stay somewhere else. Visit KSR and have the ability to leave. unless of course you want to get your hair braided, henna tattoo and pick up a free lancer in Gullivers.

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

Well....i don't mind slumming it. Actually i was wondering about any touristy type places that are a must see round there.

articulate_ink · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 6:49 pm Post subject:

http://www.timeout.com/travel/bangkok/

This will get you started. The forums over at ajarn.com are full of information for expats in Thailand (I'm also a member there because I'm spending the summer in Bangkok); there are specific forums for nightlife and restaurant recommendations. I'd suggest stopping by a bookstore soon after you arrive and picking up a copy of Time Out Bangkok. Lonely Planet's widely available here but way overrated.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

www.ajarnforum.net is for knobs

www.teakdoor.com is a lot better for travel in Thailand threads.

Thwartley · Joined: 19 Feb 2008

Long timers and veterans of Thailand have a habit of bashing Khao San but it's still got a good buzz worth checking out. As mentioned, many cheap hostels. Also, the food choices, Thai and non-Thai, are quite good. Some good Israeli restaurants, falafel stands and kebabs. Many side streets have been built up near Khao San now as well, and those have many decent food choices too.

For things to do, Wat Pra Kaeow is within walking distance but waaaaay over hyped in my opinion. OTOH, if it's your first time in Thailand, it's worth a few hours. China Town is a fairly short cab ride away and worth an hour or two as well.

As others have mentioned, Khao San isn't that close to good transportation within Bangkok though Hua Lompong--both the train station and underground station--aren't too far off. Probably a 60 or 70 baht cab ride. Get to Hualompong and then make your way to National Skytrain station (you'll have to switch somewhere) and you could go to the Jim Thompson museum. Not bad for an afternoon outing.

Avoid van tours or bus trips booked on Kha San IMO. Most trips will be faster and cheaper through the bus terminals in Bangkok.

And, if you want to go clubbing or hook up with other travelers to head off to the islands, hanging out on Khao San for a few days you would probably have no problem meeting some people.

bossface · Joined: 05 Aug 2006

I didn't think Khao San was that bad. I didn't actually stay there though, I stayed on Pra Athit, a 10 minute walk away. I don't remember the name of my guesthouse, but it was south of Ricky's Coffee Shop. The river is really close, so it's easy to catch a boat to Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun. The guesthouse was dirt cheap, maybe 300 baht a night with AC. Plus, it had a surprisingly rocking bar that was pretty much all Thais, and it was open until 4 a.m. for some reason, despite all the KSR bars closing at midnight-ish.

It was a fun area, and I was a first-timer and alone so it was easy to meet people. That said, I wouldn't stay there again. What the others said about transportation is true, it seems like I spent several hours a day in a taxi.

discostar23 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: getting the hell out of dodge

Don't stay on Koh San. Its too noisy at night...The bars don't stop the music until 2am then there is still loud drunks around.

There is another road just behind it...you need to walk through the monstery. There are a bunch of cheaper hotels there and it is much quieter. I am sorry I can't remember the name of the street...i am sure someone will chime in with it. Koh San is fun to party on and meet people but when you want to lay your head down, you want to leave the party behind...

Bryan · Joined: 29 Oct 2007

Toon Army · Joined: 12 Mar 2007

Khao San is okay I suppose if you`ve never been to Thailand and have no clue about where to stay etc

I stayed at the D&D Inn on Khao San Road.....good sized and clean rooms for about USD 15 a night for a double room (at least it was when I stayed there). they also have a pool at the top of the building but it can get crowded

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

psychohel · Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Location: South Korea

I was dreading going to KSR, but was pleasantly surprised. Okay there are bars, restaurants, shops and tourists, but what's wrong with that every once in a while. Enjoy it for what it is.

I stayed in Lamphu House Hotel, www.lamphuhouse.com, just off KSR, which was a little oasis and did a damn fine Thai green curry and strawberry shake!

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

goo_stewart · Joined: 08 Oct 2007

Try this link, it should have all you want to know: -

http://www.khaosanroad.com/

Some people will bash the place, some love it. Personally I just go there to have a good meal (Oh My Cod) and drink every couple of months. It is a great place to organise onward travel. It is close to the Wat Phra Keaw, Wat Pho and the river. There is plenty to do and see there (including the braiding, fisherman's pants etc.).

Since being thrown out of a GH there for having a bike (the peddling kind) with me, I have not stayed there. There is, however, accommodation to suit all people.

www.silkwheels.com