TCU

Hi there
I'll be connecting through Bangkok airport next month and will have approximately 6 hours between flights. I'd be very grateful for suggestions as to how I could enjoyably pass the time (would this give me time to get into the city and, if so, what should I aim to see/do?)
Thanks

quitecontrary

Depends on day of the week and time but if you are there between 7am and 6pm on a Sat or Sun I suggest you take a taxi to Chatuchak weekend market and do a little shopping get lunch etc.

stimpy

After a long flight to BKK, I always go straight for a long Thai massage session. After that, who cares?

minatonka

If you are up to sightseeing, take a cab north less than an hour (I took a train for 1.5 hours) from the airport to Ayutthaya and see the temples. It is well worth it.

TCU

Thanks for the suggestions

Sandal

If yes, I don't recommend Chatujak, or taking the taxi or especially Ayuthaya by train. There is a counter of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. You can go ask about the program. There might be something fit to your time. If there is nothing interest you, try some Thai spa or massage at the airport. It's worth the trial.

Good luck

mikeinseattle

I don't suggest you go to Chatuchak weekend market either. It's quite enormous, can be very difficult to navigate and you will die a slow death in the heat (especially as there is no safe haven from the heat nearby). I suggest you go into the Siam area (MBK, Discovery Centre) and do some light shopping in comfort and style. Otherwise, you could visit the Grand Palace or Reclining Budda (both closeby)

Mike

Tiojelly

Sorry,

All those choices will be closed the day you are there (as you may be told).

I am sure that a tuk-tuk driver will be able to take you to a jewelry store that is having a once-in-a-lifetime sale, and a few other stores instead!

Scandalous

.....

feymaiden

I agree with Sandal on the Ayutthaya visit. 6 or 7 hours on transit is definitely not enough to explore the oldest capital city of Thailand, which is about 80km north of Bangkok. Besides, you have to be back at the airport at least an hour before your take-off?

The last time I was on transit for about 7 hours (as well), I actually took a taxi to the Chatuchak weekend market. Not too far away from the airport and no risk of severe traffic congestion. Even with that number of hours, I couldn't cover the whole market. It was a mosaic of shops which proved to be an interesting maze. Then again, could be just me. However, I agree with mikeinseattle on the heat. Gets warmer as the afternoon approaches. Tackle this market early in the morning.

Otherwise, yes, 2 hours (or longer) of Thai massage is bliss! ^

YVR Cockroach

I thought that honour belonged to Sukhothai?


There is sort of. The MRT (underground) statiomns at each end of the market would provide a refuge of sorts. Not the most attractive one but still....

feymaiden

Oops, yes indeed. Sukhothai period was in the 1200s and Ayutthaya 1350s. I should have put "one of the oldest capital cities".

stimpy

I thought the Lanna period was in the 1300's, when the King built Chaing Mai for his new home?

SK AAR

You find some useful info on going down town BKK on 6 hours lay over in the TG (Thai airways) threads. It has been discussed in the last 14 days or perhbs easier for you do a search.

Pickles

Mrs. Pickles calls BKK Ganeftown. Simpleminded ones at that too. The more creative ones are the ones that indicate that "they will open in a couple of hours after the special ceremony for Thai people only finishes, so why don't you come visit a special store run by my cousin Sarantapoon Pornografoon?"