Bangkok Accommodation

Hi guys,

I've posted before regarding accommodation in Bangkok but was just wanting a bit more advice. Basically, I am travelling into Bangkok on 6th Sept and will be there for 2 weeks before heading off on a tour of Cambodia and Vietnam. I have looked at some accommodation in the Soi Rambuttri area and I am interested in booking some nights there to start with. I was just wondering whether people would advise me to just book for 2 weeks in this area and make this my "base" for those first 2 weeks away or if I should just book the first few nights here then see what else I can find when I get there? I'm going into to this pretty much blind so all suggestions would be welcome!

Cheers
Steven

I wouldn't spend 2 weeks in Bangkok; I'd recommend spending 2-3 nights there and then heading down to one of the beaches/islands for the rest of your trip, or up North to Chiang Mai and Pai. You couldn't really use Bangkok as a base if you wanted to explore elsewhere in Thailand.

I've never booked in advance at any of the guesthouses in Bangkok and never had a problem finding somewhere so you should be fine just turning up.

I noticed you asked in your previous post about particular guesthouses on Soi Rambuttri - I stayed at both My House and Bella Bella which were both fine. A double room with ensuite was around 500 Baht.

[ Edit: Edited on 05-Jul-2009, at 04:50 by bex76 ]

Steven,
I think Bex gave you good advice. I don't book anything before arriving either. I wing it and have always found something acceptable. Most Thai GHs will sell your 'reserved' room if others arrive before you do. The Thais are not going to turn down cash, just the way it is. If they are full when you turn up, that GH will send you to another nearby. Your 'reservation' did not hold a room. If you feel the need, book one night accomm. on your arrival date. Then you can move on if you find a better place the next day. I also would get out of BKK after a few days. You have plenty of time to hit the beaches down south or go trekking up Chiang Mai way. Or if you like wine, women & song, head for Pattaya!

Send me a PM if you have Pattaya, VN or Cambodia questions.

[ Edit: Edited on 05-Jul-2009, at 13:01 by vegasmike6 ]

Hey Guys,

Thank you for the swift replies and the valuable information, much appreciated! My plan was to spend 2 weeks in Bangkok as, after doing my tour of Cambodia and Vietnam, I fly back into Bangkok and then have another 1 1/2 months in SE Asia before I fly from Singapore to Australia. So my plan was to travel down to the islands/beaches upon my return from Vietnam, travel through Malaysia and into Singapore. However, I am getting the feeling that there is not much to Bangkok to last me 2 weeks (whilst I do enjoy the odd alcoholic beverage or two I doubt I could put up with 2 weeks worth of it in 1 place) so was wondering where else you would recommend for those first two weeks? My trip departs from Bangkok on Sept 19th so as long as I am back for then I should be ok. I see you both mention Chiang Mai, would you recommend heading there as part of the 2 weeks?

Cheers again

Steven,
I suggest you hit some of the historic parts of Thailand and get in some trekking before heading over to VN. Many find Kanchanaburi worth a stop. Bridge, waterfalls, elephants, trekking. You might also stop at Sukothai & Ayutthaya on the way to Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai is a short bus ride away and worth your time. A few days trekking should be on your itinerary while in the area. Good luck with your planning.

[ Edit: Edited on 05-Jul-2009, at 16:51 by vegasmike6 ]

Hi, i would personally reccomend spending one or two nights in bangkok. Then moving down to pattaya for a week odd. This is the party are, its bouncing down their. If you go to the right places such as soya6 down their you can get beer as cheap as 35baht. Remember when booking rooms unless you need to, never go to the tourism places that book you rooms. I have found that they charge double the prices.

hey steve i stayd at the paragon inn in bangkok its near the airport and very very nice the pick u up from the airport and also they offer a car and driver for hire at about £30 for 8hours, i hired him over 2days and it was amazing he took me to all the good malls, the ancient city, and the zoo, well worth it, wish id done that at the start of my trip would of saved me on rip off tuk tuks and scams,

but like the others sayd just stay in bangkok for a 3days MAX then head up north or down south,ao nang in krabi is fantastic,