Celebrity 'Grand Bangkok' overnight

[DYKWIA]

Is it quite safe walking around in the evenings or should we avoid certain areas? Only asking as we have teens in our party and I don't want to wander where we shouldn't, or where it's not advisable.

 

TIA

 

I think it is relatively safe to walk around most of the tourist areas - just take the usual precautions.

 

I find Taxis in Bangkok difficult to use - the taxi drivers always want to tell you

(1) The road is closed

(2) The place you're going to is closed for a public holiday

(3) The meter is broken

etc etc etc

 

We've usually previously stopped at one of the river side hotels and we try to stick to the using the air-conditioned monorail combined with the efficient hotel boat shuttle service. We've also hired a hotel car and driver in the past at reasonable cost. If picking a taxi up from a reasonable hotel the bell captain should be able to sort you out a reliable taxi (rather than relying on the ones parked up outside the hotel). The Bell Captain will instruct your driver where you want to go and will take details of the driver and vehicle should there be any issues.

 

If you've got teens - depending on their age, you might want to avoid the patpong night market - the market is surrounded by a large number of seedy bars and clubs with staff outside with menus advertising what "shows" are available inside.

Edited October 3, 2016 by DYKWIA

[chemmo]

The hotel conceirge can be a great source of information about safe/unsafe areas to go to near to your hotel and best methods of transport.

 

We did, in Bangkok, have a tuk-tuk driver who once he had agreed on a price to take us to our hotel took us around a few bends and then say he was taking us to his brothers 'best price, best price' jewellers first...We had to be quite assertive. Another hotel guest had a similar experience in a taxi....We didn't find this scary, it didn't put us off, but if it had been at night in an unknown area....

 

We did find Bangkok a little more iffy later at night than other places we have visited (for example Hong Kong and Singapore, both of which we felt very safe in). Perhaps, it is our perception rather than actuality though...As long as your hotel is in the main tourist area as a seasoned traveler I am sure you and your family will be fine.

Edited October 3, 2016 by chemmo

[villauk]

Thanks both :). We've booked our hotel separate from our 2 day tour with BKK, it's in the Sathorn area (unsure if this is good, but they confirmed it was easy for transport links). Our youngest is 14, so we will be avoiding the Patpong night market :rolleyes: (even if the lads say otherwise :D). Tbh, we'll probably be quite exhausted after a long day sightseeing and then an early start the following day.

[DYKWIA]

Thanks both :). We've booked our hotel separate from our 2 day tour with BKK, it's in the Sathorn area (unsure if this is good, but they confirmed it was easy for transport links). Our youngest is 14, so we will be avoiding the Patpong night market :rolleyes: (even if the lads say otherwise :D). Tbh, we'll probably be quite exhausted after a long day sightseeing and then an early start the following day.

 

Bangkok and Thailand are fantastic places to visit I'm sure you'll have a great time. It's been a few years since we were last in Bangkok and we used to stay at the Riverside near Saphan Taksin monorail stop at the Peninsula or Shangri La. Not familiar with the Sathorn area but it looks quite close to where we stay and close to the river and monorail - walking any distance in Bangkok should not be underestimated - heat - humidity - pollution etc.

 

Most of the hotels offer excellent food and drink options so if you're tired after a day out you should have no trouble. In addition to specialised restaurants most hotels have a buffet rivalling if not significantly better than you will find on Celebrity.

 

I think you've made the right choice re Patpong. We enjoyed the night market and whilst neither my wife or I are prudish some of things you will see or be told you can see by the touts if you want to (without asking I add) might offend or at least take some explaining :D

 

The only other slightly unusual thing I can think of to be wary of in Thailand (and cases of its enforcement seem to be on the rise) is the country's very strict rules on Lese-Majeste.