Bangkok, Thailand

After our honeymoon in Thailand, many of our friend's decided to explore Thailand a bit further as well. Many of them did a stopover on route to India. Few pointers, if you are taking a very short trip to Thailand.

For a 4 day trip to Thailand, I suggest you don't waste more traveling to other areas as Bangkok has enough stuff and variety.
-- Shopping: Siam Center, world trade center and finally the “Pra Tu Nam” market for cheap stuff.
-- Historical in BKK : Royal Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun and others that your concierge may recommend.
-- Nightlife in BKK: though a bit risqué, you have to check out Patpong...one street behind the Patpong street, there is a nice upscale street with great dance places and good crowds ..it is quite a contrast from the crass on your face sex stuff of Patpong.
-- Other dance places: Rivas at Sheraton on Sukhumvit road/Ashoka road is nice too.
-- Food: plenty of choices, though definitely try a unnamed street Thai food restaurant in Soi 5, Sukhumvit . (Soi is a small perpendicular lane to the main roads, in this case Sukhumvit). It is a big place and you will see a lot of Non-Thai people there. Also, try a Indian restaurant called 'Bukhara'..also on Sukhumvit road at Nana Air Train station. (all
these names I am dropping around are fairly well known so anybody in your hotel can point you to it).
-- Massages: You have to get one...typically go to the massage parlor and get the masseuse to your hotel, it will cost you 2 dollars more but is much more comfortable. Typical, prices are around 500 bahts so don't pay more than that. Your hotel staff can also arrange to get u a masseuse as well, but it'll cost u a little more. At the end of the day,
it is definitely worth trying a foot massage. They are pretty ubiquitous in all parts of BKK and u can't miss them...quite a joy after a long touristy or shopping day.
-- Day tour: Ayutthaya on Taxi or by boat on the river is a great trip. You see ruins of their old capital and on top of the historical bldngs, u may also see some telecommunication equipment/towers, which ‘our own man Vivek’ help install to provide phone service to the area!
-- Day tour to beach: another must do, since u are not flying out to Phuket or Koh Samui...two choices, for quiet romantic beach for couples, go to Hua Hin; for more happening nightlife, parties etc., go to Pattaya.
“SaWatDee” [Farewell in Thai]