Bangkok is quite safe lah.....
I normally stay at Sheraton Sukhomvit or Grand Hyatt (I think it is
Hyatt - gone to too many places lah)... typical super 5 star
business hotel. All have superb breakfast.
Shopping at MBK - I don't think one can bargain much, especially
the clothing. Most places sell at 199 baht for all sizes, which is
about S$10. Very good quality. Most of my sons and my T shirts are
from MBK. Buy more get slightlycheaper (but I don't think it's
worth the hassle - a few cents only lah). Alternative there is a
chain store called "No Problem" that sells even cheaper T-shirts or
Collared-T-shirts (but design not as good). Food stuff is good: the
bak hu (floss type or hard ones looking like dog poo) is superb.
Then there's the dried durian (can bring back) too. Don't buy
pirated DVDs - not cheap. Original DVDs can be cheap - can check it
out. PS2/Xbox games available too but I think these are cheaper
across the not-so-scenic bridge.
Chaktuchak - Not necessarily a weekend market, weekdays shopping is
also available, slightly fewer shops and possibily less crowd.
Super cheap. Can bargain. Plan a day there if you like shopping and
mingling with the crowd. Bring lots of water and wear singlet and
shorts. See bay juat!
Chao Phraya river cruise - can't remember the BTS (their
aboveground train system) station, but one that ends. Has a dock
and a cheap tourist attraction in the form of a river cruise - good
to spend half a day, there are stops along the way where one can
visit the royal barge museum. Can get off at any one stop and board
again without charge.
The temples - my family enjoyed that too. Good to get some
knowledge of the Thai and Buddhist culture. Good photo
opportunity.
World Plaza (formerly called World Trade Center) - I hope the
renovation is over. If not skip it. There's a big Isetan
there.
Siam Sq/Siam Discovery Center/Siam Paragon - all in the same area,
adjacent to MBK. Quite upmarket - look, see, enjoy the aircon, walk
out. Siam Paragon has these series of 3D TV advertisement - quite
cool.
Another thing to buy for gf/mother/auntie/future mother-in-law :
Naraya silk products - lipstick holder, wallet, bags, dam
cheap.
Travel by the subway or the BTS - cheep cheep.... Careful of the
tuk-tuks, sometimes they rip you off... Taxis are metered, but kena
the jam, that's it.
Don't forget the Silom Night Bazaar, or Patpong.....
