Bangkok, Thailand

This destination is best done as a stop over on the way to or from somewhere. this is the best way to get the most out of Bangkok whilst enjoying other, more tailored parts of your holiday.

"TukTuk?"
The most popular mode of transport for tourists is the infamous tuk tuk. Equally interesting as they can be scarey, this is something you HAVE to experience before pressing on. There is a slight chance you might need to close your eyes and hope for the best but none the less it's a ride that disneyland just can't replicate. The best advice I have for this is two things. Firstly, make sure you arrange a price with your driver for your destination BEFORE getting in the tuk tuk. It is much easier to negotiate before you owe someone money. And secondly.. brace yourself. Knees at right angles, feet shoulder width a part and hang on.

Markets to Market.
if it is Gucci Bags your after or a nice new Louis Vitton watch then Bangkok has what you need. On every street corner... and a few more times in between. The key to do any serious shopping here is knowledge. Know what merchandise is around you and what prices others stalls are willing to offer, this will give you an idea of how much money is in your item for the seller. Secondly, know your exchange rate! Some currencies sound very cheap but when you start using up those notes you find you have spend much more than, ironically, you bargained for. It's also good to know how much goods are worth to you personally. Occasionally it can be easy to be swept up in the excitement of market shopping and end up with a bunch of trinkets and dust collectors. Expert bargainers advise to bargain with a smile but I say bargain with a back up plan. You need to be prepared to walk away and miss out on your item before delving too deeply into the bargaining game. Last but not least, don't loose something you really want for 5 extra cents and a bunch of pride.

Once Upon A Time Restaurant.
http://www.onceuponatimeinthailand.com/restuarant_index.htm
This may seem like a little whole in the wall Oasis, and I can tell you it is, but it is also one of the best restaurants around! When you first walk down the street towards it I am sure that you'll be in two minds whether or not you have found the right place or are simply about the trespass into someones beautiful backyard but in a city where foliage is few an far between I am assure you, your in the right place. The food here is absolutely amazing and very cheap considering what your getting. Although there are two or three beautifully unique wooden houses you can dine in, I whole heatedly recommend pulling up a chair in the connecting gardens. There is a magical air about this place that will make you not want to leave. In fact you'll be hard pressed to not want to come back at least a few times before you leave!
"once upon a time" Traditional Thai Food
32 soi Petchaburi 17 (opp.Phantip Plaza) Petchaburi Rd. Pratunam BKK.
Tel. 0-2252-8629 Fax 0-2251-5975 Mobile 0-1833-8336
OPEN DAILY 11.00 AM.-11.00 PM.

Get to know Buddha.
Whether your into it or not, the historical background to the Buddhist religion, the statues and the temples is nothing short or fascinating. Take a bus, train, private car or tuk tuk around the city and visit some of the different temples an sites, it is truly amazing and will exceed any mediocre expectation you might harbour. When doing this make sure you get an early start from your hotel as these are popular tourist sites and with the walking involved plus the heat, the less people the better. Men and women need to be covered. Woman need to be wearing long pants or a long skirt and a top that covers your arms. I strongly recommend that you take a light, even sheer, wrap around top that can be stuffed in a bag since this is policed and the alternative is wearing a slightly skanky sack made into clothes and worn by millions of people before you. Men with short sleeves are fine but shorts (pants) won't cut it either.
http://www.thailand.com/travel/historical/historical_bangkok_watphrakaew.htm

Outback Steakhouse Bangkok.
If you have been to this place then you know it can get very very hot and whats the best way to cool down from that terrible heat that you just can't shake even at 10pm? Margaritas. And the best place to get them in Thailand is believe it or not, the Outback Stakehouse. They are wonderful and almost the same size as your head. This pleases me so.

I can't say much for the ridiculous menu this restaurant chain carries with their "bonza" burgers and Chilli Fries as I don't think anyone is Australia knows what they are as we don't say Bonza. "Reckon!".... spare me. However, credit where credit is due these chaps can make a mean drink the way the cocktail gods intended.


Thailand OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
2nd Floor
Siam Discovery Center
Rama 1 Road
Patumwan
Bangkok 10110
Thailand

Phone: +662-658-0202
Fax: +662-658-0204
Email: ajayvermaobs@yahoo.com
Drinks Menu PDF

Fried Grasshoppers... Yum.
Ok so maybe not so much with the yum part. Either try them so you can say you have or don't and pretend you did. Either way be prepared as fried bugs and insects are something you may see fairly commonly in your travels and while you are eyeing them off in curiosity or disgust, locals will come around and buy them in mass quantity and maybe even eat them right there in front of you. I am sure they are lovely but watching is not for the faint hearted.