Robinson (Bangkok)

Advantages: attractions
Disadvantages: busy

...Bangkok is a traffic crazy city, and apparently the traffic has greatly reduced since the asia economic crash! On the other hand it is a wonderful city for sight seeing, and the Grand Palace in particular is simply amazing. Kao San Road, as shown in the film : The Beach, is definetly the place to stay for backpackers, and although Bangkok had many impressive tourist sites, Kao San Road was a highlight. Very cheap Guesthouses line the road and there are many resturants, market stalls, internet cafes and travel agents also for the travellers. Beware of "business men" who are very keen to help you, as it will enevitably lead to a trip to a gem shop or tailors. The same is true of tuk tuk rides. The main problem with Bangkok is getting around from place to place. The bus service isn't tourist friendly, and there are long distances between... Read review

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Advantages: safe if you're careful, cheap, good food
Disadvantages: pollution, traffic congestion

...Having spent several years in Bangkok I've come across several dangers to the unwary traveller. One such crime sometimes reported in the news involves lone arrivals at Bangkok airport. You arrive at Bangkok Airport late at night. A friendly guy (not Thai) approaches and suggests sharing a taxi into town. You accept, assuming that he too has just arrived in Thailand, and genuinely wants to share a taxi. You go outside the terminal and he waves a nearby taxi to approach. You get in and he offers you a yoghurt or something similarly creamy and flavoured. The yoghurt is drug-laced and the taxi driver is his accomplice. Barely conscious and unable to resist, you are taken to a remote location, robbed of everything and dumped in the middle of nowhere. Use only official airport taxis, (which can be arranged from the airport taxi desk... Read review

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Advantages: Can be very cheap
Disadvantages: con merchants abound

...I went to Bangkok as the first stop on a tour of Thailand. I was in the city for four days and absolutely hated it! The pollution was so bad that it was impossible to walk around - air conditioned taxis were needed to get around. Some of the sights were wonderful, the temples etc. the food was good and cheap as long asyou chose to eat Thai, we had an horrendously expensive meal at TGI Fridays which is right by Patpong market. This market felt so sleazy with all the girlie bars around it. Beware cab drivers who want to take you to very cheap shops - they are on commision if you buy.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful