Touristy recommendations

[heathcliff81]

Hi All, I have already found a ton of useful info on these boards but do have a few questions if I may.

 

Just as background info, I am blind and flying solo to Thailand but will have a Thai lady to escort me. I have been warned about traffic and walking difficulties in Bangkok but I am hoping that I wouldn't find it too difficult as I spent 27 years in India before moving to the UK. India presents similar difficulties for pedestrians and I did survive there, somehow. Also, I can easily get a taxi as they don't seem to be too expensive in BKK.

 

I am very interested in Thai history and architecture and would like to visit a few places when I am there. On my list, I have got the grand palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Hua Hin, ancient city, Chatuchak market (just for the experience not too interested in buying stuff), China town, floating market (is it the CC market above), Chao Phraya river boat tour. Did I miss anything else that is worth going to in BKK?

 

Also, should I look at going on a day tour with an organised tour company or should I just go to these places on my own? I typically don't like organised tours because they don't have any sort of flexibility. If I liked a spot and I wanted to stay longer, I won't be able to do that if th etour is moving on.

 

I also want to definitely make a trip down to Kanchanaburi for the railway bridge, Tiger Temple and also bamboo rafting (if it is safe enough). Again the question here is should I just go with a tour group or negotiate with a car and a driver? I am guessing a car wouldn't be too cheap for a journey to Kanchanaburi and back and the wait.

 

I also have Ayutthaya on my list but I am not sure if I can get to it this time because I do want to go to a beach. I am again looking at a day trip to Jomtien.

 

I know that the list sounds a bit too long. I have a week in BKK (Nov 9-16) and so I am hoping that I can get to a few of those. I should also keep some on hold for me to give me a reason to come back to Thailand again :).

 

Thanks in advance for any inputs.

[house516]

I have done a little research on Kanchanaburi for my upcoming trip. There are 2 areas related to the war: the town with the bridge, cemetery and a museum and further north at Hellfire Pass including also an Aussie-built area/memorial. Sounds doable but rushed to see both areas in a day. It would be a quick run-through.

 

I am considering hopping the train at the Nonthaburi Station (west side of the river) to Kanchanaburi. Then rent a motorbike or car to Hellfire Pass and take my time getting back to the town. On the way back, maybe check out some other things/restaurants/etc. Dinner and hotel in Kanchanaburi. Go to the cemetery in the morning and return to Bkk by train/bus/taxi. On the other hand, some of the nicer hotels near the pass offer transfers from Bkk for a fee.

 

You can take the train to Hellfire Pass but you will be on their timetable for return.

 

You could spend your day at the beach in Hua Hin instead taking an extra day to go to Jomtien.

 

Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the palace are easy to do in a day utilizing the boats. You could add in the markets in Chinatown including the huge flower market.

 

Chatuchak (or Jatujak or JJ) is weekend only and I think it is a must see. Some of the surrounding shops and stalls are neat too. This is definitely not a floating market - well maybe in the rainy season. Easy to reach by BTS - Avoid some of the human crush by getting off at Saphan Kwai and walk north.

[heathcliff81]

I have done a little research on Kanchanaburi for my upcoming trip. There are 2 areas related to the war: the town with the bridge, cemetery and a museum and further north at Hellfire Pass including also an Aussie-built area/memorial. Sounds doable but rushed to see both areas in a day. It would be a quick run-through.

 

I am considering hopping the train at the Nonthaburi Station (west side of the river) to Kanchanaburi. Then rent a motorbike or car to Hellfire Pass and take my time getting back to the town. On the way back, maybe check out some other things/restaurants/etc. Dinner and hotel in Kanchanaburi. Go to the cemetery in the morning and return to Bkk by train/bus/taxi. On the other hand, some of the nicer hotels near the pass offer transfers from Bkk for a fee.

 

You can take the train to Hellfire Pass but you will be on their timetable for return.

 

You could spend your day at the beach in Hua Hin instead taking an extra day to go to Jomtien.

 

Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the palace are easy to do in a day utilizing the boats. You could add in the markets in Chinatown including the huge flower market.

 

Chatuchak (or Jatujak or JJ) is weekend only and I think it is a must see. Some of the surrounding shops and stalls are neat too. This is definitely not a floating market - well maybe in the rainy season. Easy to reach by BTS - Avoid some of the human crush by getting off at Saphan Kwai and walk north.

 

Thanks a lot for the info House516. That is very useful indeed. I have dropped Jomtien based on other recommendations too. I will research Hua Hin.

 

Do let me know if you visit Kanchanaburi. A bit expensive for at 6500 BHT for two people but this one seems to be less hassle http://www.travelbangkoktours.com/river-kwai-tours/river-kwai.html. When is your Thailand trip? I would be very interested to know how your Kanchanaburi trip goes.

 

Thanks again for responding. Have a nice trip.

[kopite]

Try some not so normal places, sights off the beaten track. Nakhorn Pathom, Suphanburi or any Thong.

 

All have humongous Buddha statues and Suphanburi also has a hell garden which itself is a reason to go.