bangkok in transit

[mogambo]

I will be arriving bangkok @1am and will be departing @8pm.

Planning to stay in the hotel till morning (dont know if i hv a choice) and then go around the city. before returning back to airport. so i think i have around 10hrs - 7am till 5pm

Can you suggest any good places to go around during this time?

I will need some place to relax for couple of hours and shower. if the airport has the facility i will not mind staying at the airport.

saw this http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/141 train line supposed to start in october 2008. is it started?

[JohnK]

There are some good suggestions in these threads

What to do in BKK for half a day
Millenium Hilton in Bangkok

train line supposed to start in october 2008. is it started?

I was there last month and the train line is not complete. From my understanding it should be complete towards the end of 2009. But keep in mind TIT (This is Thailand) and anything can happen.

[schomers87]

Wouldn't rely on that train line mate. They tried to finish in late 2007 in time for the king's birthday and it didn't happen. Went back 6 months later and looked like nothing had been done.

I'd get a taxi when you get there to get to city at that time of night. If you want to do something different and save some coin on the way back- head to the Victory monument and catch the airport bus- 50 cents instead of $15-20 cab trip.

Good value for money place are the Ibis' in town. Particularly if you have Advantage. The Ibis Siam is dead set centre of the city (if there is one) whilst the Huamark is quite close to the airport and a cheap taxi trip to most city landmarks.

[mogambo]

did quick check on hilton and ibis. hilton not available on that day but ibis has and looks lot cheap. Is it safe to book on their website with credit card details?

thanks for the links john, will hv a look at the places to see.

[schomers87]

did quick check on hilton and ibis. hilton not available on that day but ibis has and looks lot cheap. Is it safe to book on their website with credit card details?

thanks for the links john, will hv a look at the places to see.

Ibis in Thailand is more like a 4 star hotel in Aus. Good service + rooms clean. Website is fine. Booked using at 3+times.

[mogambo]

Ibis in Thailand is more like a 4 star hotel in Aus. Good service + rooms clean. Website is fine. Booked using at 3+times.

Booked the ibis huanmark - only $28.00(650BHT) cant believe 4star hotel that cheap.
$20 cheaper than ibis siam.