GDT

Haven't had one for a while and I'd like to give it a shot. Any chance of this Friday?

I stayed here in for a week in late March and concur with everything said. It is a great place for someone who wants to spend in the 1500 baht neighborhood.

One word of warning: do not skimp and stay in the lesser-priced rooms that face the street. Even with earplugs and travel exhaustion I still found myself unable to sleep at 3am from the pounding bass lines. Plus, if your blinds aren't drawn there's a good chance anyone heading into the BTS station will see exactly what you're up to...whatever that may be.

GDT

There's a really good Italian in Convent Road, just off Silom Road near Saladaeng BTS. It's just by Molly Malones (Irish Exchange) and on the corner opposite the Swiss Lodge Hotel.

I've had the Calzone in there and it's as good as any I've had in Europe, sadly it's name escapes me at the moment and not sure how they cook, but the food has always been good.

I've been planning on hitting that joint as well, but there's this cutie at the pizza place across the street that keeps drawing me in. Not entirely across the street, but if Molly's is behind you it's across and to the right a bit. The pizza slices in the window for 45B are shite and to be avoided. But if you go inside and get a pie it's 199 for a tasty thin crust. Dunno why there's the difference.

Had one tonight and note to the wise: the upstairs is quite stylish and well worth bringing a couple of friends along. I had a chat with the manager and feel bad for the whole area. The protests are just killing some of the businesses.

GDT

Hey guys,

As far as rucksacks/backpacks go, is it worth waiting until Bangkok to pick up a new one or is it a better idea to get something in London? I know the quality is guaranteed here, but a good 65L pack is about 150 quid. Surely Bangkok can do better???

GDT

Actually something I forgot to ask was how is the proliferation of street food around that area? I'd like to be able to walk down the street for no longer than 10 minutes before I found some good places to eat. Possible? Or is it mostly restaurants?

I appreciate all the advice folks. I'm thinking City Lodge might be the best bet.

Well thanks guys for all that. I'm pumped! Yeah, the street vendors are always where it's at. Sure, sometimes I need an Indian buffet or a western pizza, but by and large I look for the the line of locals and wait my turn.

Hey all,

Just getting to virtually know my way around BKK before the trip in late March. Going on a bit of a budget but nothing too bad. Both for the wallet and the experience I'd like to steer clear from the Western restaurants and hit the food stalls as much as possible. I like Asian night markets quite a bit. But everything tells me that Sukhumvit is a busy area. What kind of prices are we talking about for street food? Substantially different than restaurants?

GDT

Oh and guys, this might sound very noobish, but at these types (rates) of places, is it cool to leave my laptop in the room? This is a must.

Hey guys,

Thanks very much! I'll have a look at all those sites tonight.

Eh Rowyco, I was thinking 1000/night (and I'll stay 7 nights) but quiet is of the utmost importance. I have to be rested for this thing so if that means 1500 or even more then that's what I'll do. Hell, I want wi-fi and a pool as well, but I don't know how much that means. Well, I guess I can ask, right? What are you guys thinking: minimum in that neighborhood for a full week's stay with wi-fi, pool, and a good quiet sleep.

Oh and BG friendly! :lol:

GDT

Hey all,

Just to preface this, I haven't been in BKK in a long time and don't know the city at all past these Google maps I've been checking out.

I need to be at the Westin Grande (Sukhumvit, Bangkok 10110) for a three-day fair in late March. I checked the map and this seems like a minor stagger from NEP no?

But the Westin is out of my budget. I'm looking for the best place that's nearby with the prime feature of safety, and hopefully Wi-Fi. A balcony couldn't hurt either. I'm not talking backapacker digs here -- just not the Westin prices. I don't need to be particularly near NEP, so north of the Westin would be great. I need it to be quiet enough as I have to be on the money for the fair.

Possible? Any favorites? Maybe the Ever Rich Inn?

Cheers!

GDT