Hi Jason.
Places to Stay:
The main tourist hotel area is located in the Sukhunnit area. Lots of hotels in this area at varying prices. The most expensive hotels are usually found along the river (like the Oriental star, Royal Orchid Sheraton) or near Siam Square. Sukhunnit is serviced now by the new metro and the existing Skytrain. Just remember that your hotel will be a bit of a distance from the major tourist attractions.
There is so much to see and do in Bangkok that it depends on how much time you have available.
(1) Grand Palace.
Don’t leave Bangkok without a visit to the Grand Palace with it's emerald Buddha. Nearby is the Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha, over 40 metres long!)which is worth seeing aswell. Need a half day for this visit.
(2) Thai Boxing, most evenings in the Lumphini Boxing stadium. Just buy your tickets at the entrance. Right beside it is the Lumphini Park and night market. Great place to pick up some cheap souvenirs.
(3) Canal tour (on other side of river, Thonburi area). Take a long boat trip in around the canals and waterways, great way to see normal Thai life. Could also visit the Barge Museum and Wat Arun temple when your there. Can negotiate with boat owner on price. Remember to negotiate hard!
(4) Floating Market and cultural show. This is very touristy and if your time is short, worth skipping.
(5) Patpong, red light district, attracts a lot of tourists just wanting to have a look, Not a whole lot to see, top-less lap dancing and lots of hookers. I found it tacky and couldn’t wait to get out of there. The women working there don't bother couples though some of the touts might offer you shows for both of you. If time is short, worth skipping.
(6) River Kwai and Erawan waterfalls.
A day trip to Kanchanaburi to the famous Bridge Over The River Kwai, made famous by the film of the same name (original bride was blowing up soon after it was completed). take the train through the countryside, up though the jungle gorge. Then you get off and have a wonderful lunch and catch the train back or a minibus will bring you back to Bangkok. wonderful experience. Includes visit to the museum and war cemetery. This mighn't appeal to everyone but i thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a full days trip.
(7) Evening River Cruise and Meal.
This is a nice romantic way to round off a trip. The skyline monuments looks fantastic at night Recommended
Shopping:
Bangkok is a real shoppers paradise. Very good prices on everything though haggling is required and expected. You should allow at least a day for shopping, more will be preferable.
Probably need to be careful buying expensive electrical equipment though as you have little or no comeback when you come back home and find it's faulty. It’s the fake capital of the world, so treat everthing as fake.
The main shopping areas is around Siam Square. So many good stores near here, MBK is a must visit store, it’s huge with lots of bargains, v good prices on electronic equipment and phones. Other places near there include the Siam Paragon, Central World Plaza (use to be called the World Trade Centre!, newly renovated) Easily reached using the Skytrain (Siam station)
If you fancy visiting a market, then the Chatuchak Weekend Market is worth seeing. Open not just at weekends. Take the Skytrain to it. Huge and very cheap.
I got some clothes made while i was there. this is a good option if you have a few days in the city and some spare cash (visa acceptable too). Gives the tailors time to measure, fit, second fitting and finish. Your hotel could recommend a reputable company.Avoid the 24 hour tailor, quality or workmanship will be poor.
Jewelry: Thai craftsmen are some of the most skilled in the world. Again, be careful of where you buy. your hotel or guide will suggest a good place. Don't fall for the famous gem scam, where a stranger approaches you, gets chatting and offers to bring you to a gem shop that he knows. This is the most famous tourist scam in Thailand. I got approached but declined his generous offer. Thai mined pink sapphires are very nice and are of a v high quality.
Bangkok is very spread out and the noise and traffic is chaotic all the time. Worth investing in a good guide book. Free city maps are easily found in the airport and hotels which list the main attractions and skytrain and subway stations.
Just 1 thing to rememebr for Thialand, don't drink the tap water or even brush your teeth with it and get the required vaccinations in good time before you travel.
Good luck with the wedding and trip
Regards,
