2 days in bangkok- any tips?

I%26#39;ve got 2 nights booked at the Centara Grand at Central World (1st and 2nd Feb). As a first timer to Bangkok and with limited time there I%26#39;m trying to get some tips on the best things to see/do when we are there. Can anyone tell me the best authentic floating market we could get to easily from our hotel, the best area to vist of an evening for a wander round and to try good street food, authentic local restaurants etc.? Also as we are there on a Monday and Tuesday and not able to visit the weekend market are there any good markets that are worth a vist?

Any tips greatly appreciated.

Nicki

2 days in bangkok- any tips?

The floating markets are at Damneon Saduak and Amphawa, both a couple or more hours drive outside the city and best done by tour. The only floating market in Bangkok is only at weekends (Taling Chan).

For markets, try Suan Lum night bazaar and Silom Night market, both accessible close to Saladarng skytrain station. A 10-15minue walk from you is the Pratunam wholesale garment market.

You also like to check out MBK, at National Stadium station, its a huge mall with a market type layout and prices.

For good street food, check out any stalls that are busy with local people (not tourists) and the food will be good, avoid stalls with few customers. If you go to Silom night market, look for the California gym on the corner of Convent Road and Silom. The food at the stalls there is very good.

2 days in bangkok- any tips?

Thank you for your reply. If we were to go on a tour to either Damneon Saduak or Amphawa floating market would it best to do this from Bangkok or Hua Hin where we are staying for 10 days before we go to Bangkok?

Also is Silom Night market the same as Patpong Night market?

Nicki

Logistically easier from Bangkok to get to the floating market, and yes Silom is the same as Patpong, a misleading name as the market starts near Saladaeng skytrain station and runs all the way down Silom past the Bangkok Christian Hospital, one section also runs through Patpong into Suriwong Road.

Thanks, that%26#39;s really helpful. From your experience are there any must see places that you would recommend that would be feasible with the time we have and where we are situated? I%26#39;m not sure if travelling to the floating markets would take up too much of our time if it%26#39;s at least a 4 hour round trip. I think it would be a bit tiring and perahaps not allow us to see any of Bangkok itself.

We will be arriving at the hotel on the Monday afternoon and will be leaving there on Wednesday morning before we fly back to London.

This is a wonderful place that will give you a taste of all of Thailand, and is stunning: http://www.ancientcity.com its in Samut Prakarn province about an hour from the center of Bangkok by car. Go early in the morning (opens 8.30 I think). Best to organise a tour r private car, once there you can take the trolley, or bike, or walk, or drive around.

As far as street carts go, if you walk outside your hotel, cross the pedestrian flyover to Big C, there is a street just to the north (Bangkok Bazaar) that is a mass of food carts. If you continue north, to Petchaburi, then walk right to soi 30, you will find Kaiton, a great chicken rice shop.

cheapeatsbangkok.com/html_eat/…kaiton.html

Since the floating market trips are usually a desire to see ';classic Thai lifestyle';, why not just jump on one of the canal boats below the bridge at Petchaburi, just east of Ratchadamri? You%26#39;ll actually see more of real Thailand than you will at a floating market.