I also disagree about leaving Bangkok so soon. Haven't been for a few years but can also highly recommend the Baiyoke Sky. There are a few LARGE malls nearby and underneath it.
Take a river cruise. Also, go and visit the mini Thailand park. About 40 minute (SE?) of the city. Again, Lumphini Park. The large market halfway to the airport. Patpong is worth a visit purely for the freak value. Word of advice, sit to the side of the performers unless you want to get a dart in your face or a well used ping pong ball in your beer. Be careful here though and ask before entry if there are any extra charges as some of them operate like SoHo clip joints.
For a day trip (or you can do an overnight) the River Kwai Bridge. We stayed on a river boat nearby for the night and did a canoe trip there as well as an elephant ride.
If you can, change the Phuket booking for Chiang Mai. Lovely place. In the foothills of the mountains. There is a great elephant reserve nearby where they beat the elephants for your entertainment and for a little extra they savagely beat them for your entertainment. The elephants also paint pictures for you whilst the gonads are being electrocuted and you can buy the painting afterwards.
Not far from that was the Queens Orchid farm or similar. Really great for a couple of hours to while away your time. You can combine this with the Elephant Torture farm as they are not too far from each other.
To end off, take almost empty suitcases and buy all your "branded" clothes there and bring them home. If you want a hand made suit, organise this at the beginning of the trip as it takes at least three days and two fittings.
Bangkok never sleeps and is absolutely frenetic and hectic but we loved it. Buy fresh coconuts to drink every day. Drink Leo over Chang over Singha. Papaya salad is awesome but is actually unexpectedly spicy. Try Dragon Fruit (known as Khao Mangon). Generally, offer 50% of the price offered to you in the markets and settle around 60%-65%. Always smile and be polite and don't be afraid to walk on...the same stuff is offered everywhere and if you walk, they will usually follow you and close the deal or you will find someone who will be more willing to negotiate. Follow the advice above on Tuk Tuks and taxis.
Most of all, have an awesome time. It is a wonderful country.
NB
Take a river cruise. Also, go and visit the mini Thailand park. About 40 minute (SE?) of the city. Again, Lumphini Park. The large market halfway to the airport. Patpong is worth a visit purely for the freak value. Word of advice, sit to the side of the performers unless you want to get a dart in your face or a well used ping pong ball in your beer. Be careful here though and ask before entry if there are any extra charges as some of them operate like SoHo clip joints.
For a day trip (or you can do an overnight) the River Kwai Bridge. We stayed on a river boat nearby for the night and did a canoe trip there as well as an elephant ride.
If you can, change the Phuket booking for Chiang Mai. Lovely place. In the foothills of the mountains. There is a great elephant reserve nearby where they beat the elephants for your entertainment and for a little extra they savagely beat them for your entertainment. The elephants also paint pictures for you whilst the gonads are being electrocuted and you can buy the painting afterwards.
Not far from that was the Queens Orchid farm or similar. Really great for a couple of hours to while away your time. You can combine this with the Elephant Torture farm as they are not too far from each other.
To end off, take almost empty suitcases and buy all your "branded" clothes there and bring them home. If you want a hand made suit, organise this at the beginning of the trip as it takes at least three days and two fittings.
Bangkok never sleeps and is absolutely frenetic and hectic but we loved it. Buy fresh coconuts to drink every day. Drink Leo over Chang over Singha. Papaya salad is awesome but is actually unexpectedly spicy. Try Dragon Fruit (known as Khao Mangon). Generally, offer 50% of the price offered to you in the markets and settle around 60%-65%. Always smile and be polite and don't be afraid to walk on...the same stuff is offered everywhere and if you walk, they will usually follow you and close the deal or you will find someone who will be more willing to negotiate. Follow the advice above on Tuk Tuks and taxis.
Most of all, have an awesome time. It is a wonderful country.
NB
