Honeymoon in Japan or Thailand?
Out of context: Reply #24
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- SteveZissou0
@microkorg
I go up to Chiang Mai fairly often but don't go out much, but I can tell you Doi Suthep mountain temple is worth a visit and the Grand Canyon is skippable! Also, the northern food is a lot less spicy than the south, so if you're not a fan of the heat, then get a plenty of food sampling done in the north. The huge central night market is cool and the Tuk Tuks are reasonable there.
Bangkok, obviously there's a load of info online, but some tips from me are:
Travel
I'd stay somewhere on the MRT/BTS lines as the traffic gets ridiculous, and anyway, Tuk Tuks are expensive and motorbike taxis are more like an extreme sport than a travel option. It takes a bit of effort to get a taxi to take you on the meter (and it's not a tourist thing, locals have it even worse), the average is three taxis before you get one willing.Eating and Drinking
Of course the street food is high quality as it is generally in Thailand, but the better cheap option in Bangkok is food courts, either at a mall, mini mall or Tesco Lotus! It's pretty much the same hawker stall set up and is only around 10-15 baht more expensive than the street and is cleaner and air conditioned. For a mid price option, steamboat and self grill places are popular here (even big blue river shrimp are included in the all-you-can-eat price at the better ones). You'll probably want to spend a night or two in Khao San, but the nicer areas are along the river. Chinatown is awesome for food and a must.Hotspots
Take your pick of floating markets, night markets and temples, but make sure you include the grand palace and Wat Pho as these are must sees. I recommend the flower market too, it's lovely. You might have time to take a trip out to Ayutthaya (the old city), there are a bunch of old temples, but I'd also make time for Bang Pa In Palace (and rent the golf cart, it's a tough walk in the heat).Maggie Choo's bar in Silom is a cool spot with ace music (although not particularly Thai). People like to visit the Skybar at Lebua, but honestly it's not much fun, you get ushered about and you can wait half an hour for your drink (after you've paid £20/$30 for it upfront), there are better options. My tip is to skip Lebua and go to the buffet at the Baiyoke, you can buy the VIP tickets to sit out on the balcony on the 81st floor right up against the glass. The food is mediocre by local standards, but the views are incredible, you can get comfortable and relax with some cocktails, and it's cheap too.
Have a good one man :-)