Bangkok, Gay Friendly Hotels - Where to Find and Stay

The popularity of tourism has been growing steadily in Bangkok Thailand. This is true especially for gay and lesbian travelers looking for a holiday in an exotic destination. Bangkok offers some of the best nightlife for alternative lifestyles and finding the right hotel and area to stay in will make your trip more memorable.

When it comes to gay and lesbian nightlife the red light district of Patpong is the place to be. Though Patpong is more well known for go go bars and sex shows the area has always had a strong presence of popular gay bars and clubs.

These widely popular bars and clubs are spread out in several locations in Patpong's red light district:

Silom Soi 4 and Soi 2
Patpong Soi 2
Soi Pratoochai on Suriwongse Road, also known as Duangthawee Plaza

Though spread out they are all still within a 5 minute walking distance to each other. All of those places can be easily reached by using the BTS and MRT trains if you're not staying in Patpong. But ideally it's best to stay in a gay friendly hotel nearby so you won't have to worry about travel time.

One new hotel that just opened up recently in Patpong is called Glitz Hotel. It's a small 4 story boutique hotel with a totally gay friendly attitude. Just one word of caution though, they don't have elevators but they do have plenty of people to help you with your bags.

Siam Heritage Boutique Hotel is another place to consider for your stay in Patpong. Though it has been around for awhile the hotel property especially the rooms have been very well maintained and decorated in true Thai style, a rarity these days in newer hotels.

Finally there's the budget friendly Wall Street Inn which is directly opposite Duangthawee Plaza and it's gay go go bars. Overall the hotel is not in the best condition but the location and rates which usually includes a free breakfast is definitely a good deal.

Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and is also the largest city in the country. Bangkok is one of the biggest cosmopolitan cities in Asia and has a population of around 11 million. It is widely known as Bangkok's political, spiritual and cultural hub. The city is huge in terms of space and population. It is also known as a traveler friendly city with bustling commercial and political centers located around the various districts dividing the city.

Climate

Bangkok has a tropical climate and rain lashes the city quite frequently. Due to the humidity, the city remains hot and humid most of the time. Foreign visitors would be well advised to book a hotel with around the clock air conditioning as the summers can be extremely hot. The city is often covered with haze contributed by the weather and the air pollution generated by the hundreds of vehicles. The people of Bangkok are known for their hospitality and that is why, despite the climate issue, thousands of visitors throng to the various attractions of the city.

Getting Here
Most of the visitors arrive in the city through the Suvarnabhumi Airport, as it has now become the busiest airport of the country. The airport offers all the international airport facilities like travelers lounge, internet and telephone services etc. From the airport, most of the people use taxis to move to their destinations around the city. Metered taxis are also available for cheap traveling around the city.

Moving Around
Inside the city, the travel options are huge for a first time traveler. Public bus transport system is available in the city and is a cheap option for moving around. You can also move around in private cars but be aware that the traffic in Bangkok is quite hectic and messy. In order to ease the traffic congestion, Bangkok has recently introduced the sky train. The sky train covers most of the downtown Bangkok areas and towns, and gives you some relief from the traffic congestion. Bangkok also has the metro which can be used in place of the sky train. Boat rides around the city are also very common and will take you to various points around the city in least possible time. Tuk Tuk is also a very common transport means around the city.

Major Attractions
Some of the major attractions of the city include a visit to the old city areas. You can visit various temples of Bangkok; the most famous being Grand Palace, which is one of the biggest in the city according to its size. Wat pho is also a must visit temple, which houses largest reclining image of Buddha. Other temples include the Golden Mount and Wat Rajnadda. You can also visit the various museums in the city which gives an insight into the cities past and history. You can visit the National Museum and the Museum of Siam in order to relive some history of the city. Lumpini Park is one of the largest parks in the city and can be visited in order to get away from the congestion of the city.

Food
Bangkok is famous for its Thai cuisine. Food is relatively expensive in the city and it is of high international standard. You will also find top class international cuisine in the city which will surely add to the flavor of the foods. Phad Thai, Northeastern Thai, Ya Dong and bugs are some of Bangkok traditional food items. Dinner cruises are also quite famous among visitors, and eating while on boat ride in Chao Phraya is one of the experiences that should not be missed.

A Simple and Easy Guide to Renting a Service Apartment in Bangkok, Thailand

What are the best areas of Bangkok to rent? What facilities and services can I expect from a Bangkok serviced apartment? What are the best and worst serviced apartments in Bangkok? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and much more in my simple and easy guide to renting a serviced apartment in Bangkok for both expats and travelers.

Bangkok is the Center of Southeast Asia

As the commercial center of Thailand and the hub of business and leisure travel within Southeast Asia, Bangkok has exceptional hotels of all kinds catering to the business elite and casual traveler.

Recently, a new kind of accommodation has gained favor with business executives on short stays in Bangkok--the luxury serviced apartment. With increased commercial expansion over the past several years, serviced apartments are quickly becoming the favorite choice of living style for their affordable luxury.

What is a Serviced Apartment?

The serviced part of the equation usually refers to the daily or twice weekly cleaning of your room, the furniture, kitchen amenities and so on that normal apartments do not include. Some service apartments also function as hotels, and these are called Aparthotels.

What's So Special About Bangkok Serviced Apartments?

Real estate and relocation agents believe Bangkok has the most number of sophisticated apartments the world has to offer. There are not just one or two luxurious apartments, but close to 50. This is because skilled labor is cheap in thailand, and the city itself is a major business hub for the southeast asia region.

Renting a serviced apartment in bangkok can be a daunting task for several reasons--the primary one being there are so many 'fine print' and extra costs involved when signing a weekly, monthly or yearly contract.

I have been living in Bangkok for a few years now, and have gone through several serviced apartments, learning on the way which 'services' are included and what to expect from your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok's City Plan

The Bangkok Jungle has several meanings, one of them being that the city was never built with a city plan or urban design in mind. The city is a sprawling landscape, a montage of residential and commercial buildings juxtaposing one another. It is home to 10 to 15 million people, depending on who is arriving from the rural country and abroad. The people as well, from poor to affluent, live side by side.

The city itself is lopsided; if you look down any major road in bangkok, you will see that both sides of the road arent balanced, building heights are different, and there is an overall lack of symmetry. This is what makes Bangkok unique and charming. And what makes it a jungle.

The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok

Bangkok contains inexpensive to exclusive apartments, but the best ones are found in the following regions of Bangkok:

Sukhumvit, the main road or artery of Bangkok



Asok, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live



Thong Lo, the chic and fashionable street,



Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok



Silom, another business and red light district



Ploenchit, business district



Chit Lom, business district The areas listed above are all within easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, trains, skytrains, and expressways. If you choose to live in one of these areas, you will experience life in the center of Bangkok's thriving business and shopping centres while indulging in an ultra private serviced apartment in Bangkok. I personally recommend Asok and Chit Lom, as they are the classiest areas of Bangkok, but if you are looking to be close to the night markets Silom is perfect, and Sukhumvit is always a colorful experience.

Facilities and Services of Typical Bangkok Serviced Apartments

These vary between the different types of apartments and condos, but a standard of excellence has been establlished from the increasing competition among serviced apartments. Facilities and services are upgraded regularly to keep up with rival residences. However, before investing in a serviced apartment, be sure to check if these services and facilities are available.

5 Services That Should Be Included Free of Charge:

Room Cleaning



Water/Utilities



Internet Usage



24 Hour Security



Room Service/Errand Boy
4 Facilities That Should Be Included

Restaurant



Gym



Pool



Convenience Store
The Loopholes: Length of Stay, Deposits and Electricity

If you are staying for a month or year, the serviced apartment may charge you for electricity. Make sure that you negotiate this price to 6.5 Baht/Unit. A lot of times the apartment owners will charge 8 Baht/Unit for more profit. They only pay 3 or 4 Baht/Unit.

Be careful when signing leases; most require a 2 month deposit, and if you move out before your contract is finished you forfeit this deposit.

Make sure the serviced apartment has a laundry service, either in house or out of house. Most serviced apartments have coin operated laundry rooms as well as pick up services. More deluxe suites will have washing machine in the room. Note that most places do not have dryers.

How much Should I Pay?

This is a difficult question to answer, but the more facilities a serviced apartment has, the more it will cost. If a serviced apartment has a pool, gym and also serves as a hotel for 24 hours, then the monthly price of 30,000 baht.

Situation is largely to do a service for an apartment in Bangkok are the costs. If you live in an area not close to skytrain or subway access, the price will be much lower. Instead, stay in the business district of Silom or trendy as Ekkamai Thonglor or monthly rent increase.

Residence which to choose?

Maintenanceapartment market in Bangkok is lead by three groups, The President Group, The Ascott Group, and Centre Point. Most of them offer first class accomodation and have a decent system of serving their customers. However, there are numerous independent serviced apartments to choose from.

The 2 Worst Serviced Apartments in Bangkok

Ascott Bangkok Sathorn There have been several articles written in trade journals about the decline in service at the once famous and most prestigious serviced apartment in Bangkok. Once known for attention to customer relations, their lack of it is now glaringly obvious to everyone who stays there. This place is an example of a chain serviced apartment becoming too much like a corporation with no human touch of service.
Lebua Rumor is their staff is very untrustworthy. Read the trade journals and 'google' the residence for reviews.

Top 2 Most Luxurious Bangkok Serviced Apartments

Siri Sathorn Apartments Siri Sathorn is a five-star luxury `boutique` property which epitomises private and elegant living in a residential setting. It is a concept of the perfect home which appeals to international traveller. This place caters to Japanese clientelle but of course is open to everyone.
Fraser Place Urbana Langusan They have an exclusive 45-metre driveway leading from the main road to the serviced residence for great privacy. They also have some of the best services and customer relations I have ever experienced, pampered is the only word that comes to mind

Best Value Bangkok Serviced Apartments

Silom Convent Garden Newly built in November 2006, this chic serviced apartment is located in the Silom-Sathorn area but has some of the cheapest rates for this business and night market district. For 36,000 Baht/$1000 a month you can have a 38 square meter, 1 bedroom, fully furnished luxury apartment with kitchen, washing machine, flat-screen TVs and rain shower. The only drawback is the place do not have a pool or gym, but that's why the price is so low and because it is one of the best values in Bangkok.

If you travel undecided over whether to stay in Bangkok was recently announced on your first place that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in Bangkok City plans a "paradise". ArticleThe Bangkok Post states the BMA set up a fund of problems, address the transport of waste, and pollution. Now is the time to take Bangkok next vacation or business trip to yours, how could not get a better life in the city of angels!

Looking for cheap airline tickets?

We all love different places for our holidays. However, there are some who go to a strange place for commercial purposes. At this point in time you hunt for airplane flights, we can be fast to our goal. To order this we fare on a regular basis or we can find the option for air travel with low-cost tickets.

This type of airline ticket low cost and can be found with several airlinesbudgeted airlines as well. The only thing you need to decide on is the maximum amount you are ready to pay for your flying. This factor when coupled with your total time spent in your destination can actually help you choose air flights cheap tickets much easier.

To find such air flights offering cheap tickets as well as quick departure days you need to contact your regional travel agent or you can check various airline websites on the internet. You will be overwhelmed after seeing massive amount of air flights your destination place has to offer and that too quite inexpensive.

Well, after selecting minimum of five to six flights that can lead you towards dream cheap ticket, the next thing is to check out the various fees and costs attached to it. Cheap ticket generally means that you require doing some shopping around to grab a really good travel deal.

The plus point here is that shopping and looking around will enhance your knowledge about the several price ranges that are available in different travel sectors. You will discover different departure times and dates that are available for each of these cheap air ticket. This information can really prove to be fruitful and help you select the best airline for your vacation or business trip.

After finding the place where you can get your cheap ticket you need to check is whether they have any empty seats available on the days that you desire to travel. This is really important and plays key role in whole of the process as your entire travel plan can get disrupted if you don't possess correct travel times. The moment you are able to arrange your dates as per your satisfaction you can go ahead and book your cheap ticket.

Pay for your air flights only when you are thoroughly satisfied with the seating arrangement as well as travel dates. A bit of doubt or unawareness can make you sad later on. So, in order to avoid all such chaos and stress later on, check numerous times or you can also call airport authorities for insuring a great vacation for yourself.

Bangkok Sightseeing Vacation - Frugal Tips

Have you been planning a Bangkok sightseeing vacation but always holds it back because of budget constraints? Don't worry because there are many ways to enjoy Bangkok even with limited vacation funds.

Bangkok is really one of the best places to visit if you want quality but inexpensive vacation. It has numerous tourist attractions that are usually accessible by public transportation. So before you cave in to the luring sales pitch of the tour guides that charge hefty fees, it is worth to read the following frugal tips for your future Bangkok sightseeing vacation plan.

Use the Map. You can ask a free copy of Bangkok map at the hotel concierge. If you cannot find any, though rarely, you can always refer to the maps located in the public transportation stations of the metro train or express boats.

Also, majority of the tourist attractions have tourist information booth nearby that you can approach.

Research Earlier. Guided tours are always expensive because you pay for their service and knowledge. Tour guides will provide you with the history, its significance and other related information of the sights you wish to go.

But why spend a dime for information that is widely available with no cost at all. Before you pack your things, do some little homework. Research and read about those famous tourist attractions that you plan to visit. This will save you a substantial amount of money while you will enjoy the thrill of exploring unguided Bangkok sightseeing tours.

Take Express Boat. This is the great way to get around in Bangkok because it is cheap and fast, away from the congested roads. Express boat is also known as the public boat. With regular trips and several routes, you can visit major tourist attractions using express boat.

Here are few local tourist attractions that you can reach through Express boat.

• Emerald Buddha & Grand Palace
• The Golden Buddha
• The Reclining Buddha
• The National Museum of Royal Barges
• Wat Arun

Tour guides will approach you in every sightseeing site. Don't succumb to their overcharged fees as most of the local attractions are just walking distance from the pier (where the express (public) boats dock).

For instance, Wat Arun is located just across the pier Tha Tien where you get off for the Reclining Buddha. There is available ferry that will take you for five minutes or less to the Wat Arun from the Tha Tien pier for only 3 bhat per way.

Bangkok Mass Transit System. It is also known as BTS Sky train, a quick and convenient way to reach shopping malls and other tourists destinations. Aside that it gives you a top view of the city, BTS Sky train is also clean. It will cost you between 30-40 baht per trip per way.
Here are few places you can go using the BTS Sky train.

• Siam Square (Bangkok's shopping heartland)
• Victory Monument
• MBK Shopping Mall
• Chatuchak or Weekend Market

Pack Extra Traveling Bags. Bangkok is always associated with shopping because there are so many things to buy at reasonable prices from clothes, shoes, silk, tailor-made suits, jewelries to souvenir items. You will definitely end up with an extra travelling bag on your return.

To pack all these new shopping goodies, you will need an additional suitcase on your return but why you have to buy an extra suitcase when you can pack some old folding traveling bags you keep in your closet back home.

Now that you know few Bangkok sightseeing vacation frugal tips, it's about time to let go your travel qualms and enjoy the thrill of exploring frugally the various local attractions in Bangkok.

Turkish Flights Cheap

When your flight to Turkey reaches its destination, you'll be in a region of secret and mystique, and one that is rapidly modernizing to charm to today's tourists. The country is divided between Europe and the Middle East and is a melting pot of sacred sites for many religions, mainly Christian, Islam and Judaism. History buffs booking flights to Turkey will love all the artifacts any historian could wish for from the Byzantine era.

Tourists stepping off flights to Turkey will have no shortage of things to do. Behind the ancient ruins and endless relics there is also a small decadence in Turkey. Because of its perfectly situated location on the Mediterranean, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can trek the Turkish surroundings while others soak in mineral mud baths at top-rated resorts along the sea-coast. Turkey is a covered gem among travelers - it's low-priced enough for any traveler and boasts more to do and see than many of its neighboring countries. Find a cheap flight to Turkey and enjoy the Turkish hospitality while you enjoy all the history and contemporary excitement you can handle in one country.

Reserve with all family members some turkish flights cheap and relax in the comfortable climate. Surrounded by the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, there are many holiday destinations with direct flights to choose from.

It's not hard to find Turkish flights cheap by air. Turkish Airlines has direct flights from Istanbul to various European cities and New York, as well as the Middle East, North Africa, Bangkok, Karachi, Singapore and Tokyo. From the UK, other airlines which may offer cheap flights to Turkey include: - British Airways - Air France - Lufthansa - Alitalia - KLM

What You Must See in Bangkok

Bangkok is an exhilarating destination, with her interesting mix of traditional sights and attractions, exotic aromas and western influence. To unravel the layers of this city, you'll need to understand its history and culture. A trip to this Kingdom of smiles will allow you to do this if you allow yourself enough time to see some of the treasures this place has to offer. At least three days, and this is not a problem with an abundance of cheap flights and good hotels Throughout the year in Bangkok. This article shows some of the highlights and all the traditional attractions.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is one of the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and is located near the Grand Palace. E 'famous for its large and magnificent reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf and measuring over 150 meters long. There are some things cool under the trees next tothe temple for rest and rejuvenation as well. Treat yourself to their famed massage services where they offer trained professionals in the school of traditional massage housed within the temple itself. You will also enjoy the action of dropping coins into a long line of small containers around the reclining buddha, as an act of accumulating blessings for yourself and others.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, with its glittery, extravagant architecture, is simply grand. This famous palace was built in 1782, and it continues to capture visitors' imagination with its magnificent buildings and intricate details. It gives you an insight into Thai royalty, in local Siamese style with its wonderful mix of colours.

Entering the palace grounds, you will have to wear long trousers or skirts. The dress code states no jeans, but don't worry, you can always rent the appropriate clothing for free if you turn up in them. Audio guides are avaliable near the entrance and are helpful if you are not in a tour group.

There's always touts outside the palace scamming unaware tourists that the grand palace is closed, and suggesting to follow their tours. Just don't be fooled by them.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo)

Located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace, and regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Pra Kaeo enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.

This temple is a huge incredible riot of glittering gold and colours, everywhere you look. There are a million details not to be overlooked and part of visiting the Grand Palace is seeing this Emerald Buddha. If you happen to visit the palace on the same day as the King himself, grab the chance to see the Emerald Buddha clad in its gold outfits!

Floating Market

The floating market has been reduced to a touristy state nowadays, but even though transactions are more involved and to do with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh coconut juice and local food cooked right on the boat itself.

With each boat jostling for space within the narrow canals, it's absolutely frantic and disorderly. The paddling skills of each boat-woman are to be admired at and they will stop and bargain with you at any time. It's vibrant, noisy but great fun.

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River flows through the capital and is where Bangkok's historic roots lie. One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night. The river is also one of the major transportation systems of the city, with massive traffic jams along the roads all day. The water-taxis ferries commuters up and doen the river, and heavily laden rice barges can also be seen in the waters.

The river is set against a backdrop of glittering temples, palaces and historical landmarks. You can also find luxury, five-star hotels, as well as cheap hotel deals along the riverside.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a busy area, packed with market stalls and has probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city. Always crowded, especially during the Chinese New Year period, this area still retains its old look and relatively untouched by modern high-rise developments. The Chinese community here still continues their own traditions and religious practices. Restaurants can be found abundant along the streets, offering Chinese cuisines, delicacies and seafood. One of the best places to enjoy sumptuous seafood at relatively cheap prices, and this area has lots of budget hotels for any backpacker.

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson or James Harrison Wilson Thompson was born in Greenville, Delaware in 1906. He is an American who started the Thai silk industry in Thailand after World War II. With his natural flair for design and color, and his dedication to reviving the craft, Thompson gained worldwide recognition for his success in generating international demand for Thai silk. This former residence of his houses a magnificent collection of Asian art and many unique displays, in addition to it being best place to purchase silk in Bangkok.

This place has an intriguing history to boot as well. During the Easter weekend in 1967, Thompson disappeared while on holiday with friends in Cameron Highlands, a northern Malaysian resort. An extensive and extended search failed to reveal any clues about his disappearance. Theories abound about his disappearance, but there has been no answer as yet.

Vimanmek Mansion

Built by King Rama V upon his return from Europe in 1897, this palace is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion featuring an elaborate and unique blend of Victorian and Thai architecture. Altogether there are 31 exhibition rooms, with the bedrooms, the throne room and the bathrooms maintaining the atmosphere of the Thai past. Some display rooms house exhibitions of Thai art including silverware, ceramics, crystal ware, and ivory.