Traveling in Thailand

Sorry for absence! I spent the last week in India, tagging along on one of J’s business trips. I hope to post a little about Delhi and Mumbai soon, since both cities are just a few hours from Bangkok and are potentially fantastic side trips (did you know how much of an impact Hinduism has had on Thai culture?), but for now I want to talk about another bargain opportunity in here in Bangkok…

Custom cushions, not the coolest thing you can buy here, but one of the best bargains!

Thailand is a great place to get clothing made (if you go to the right tailor), but few visitors realize that you can also get custom home furnishings made here, too.  This might not appeal to everyone, but if you’re in the market for bedding, pillow cases, furniture covers, drapery, etc., you can save a bundle. It’s also easy to do if you know what you need before you arrive: read more »

Cathay Pacific is offering a great deal to Bangkok. Fly between September and November for just $810 RT from LAX or $1060 from NY (including all taxes and other charges). If you’re flying to Singapore, it’s about $1 cheaper, but why fly there when you can come to Thailand? Seriously though, this is one of the cheapest prices available right now, and Cathay is a great airline with convenient connections.

As of yesterday, Bangkok’s elevated rail (called the BTS or Skytrain), serves Thonburi as well as central Bangkok. Two stops, Krung Thonburi and Wongwian Yai, have officially opened, adding fast public transportation to a part of the city that was previously only accessible by car. read more »

Great piece from wapo on street food in Bangkok’s Chinatown — A Snackers Guide to Bangkok Street Food. Yawalot (as Chinatown is known) probably has more than a thousand street food vendors and Nick Malgieri lists some good ones to try. 

The Times just ran a great piece by Matt Gross (aka the Frugal Traveler), Research: The Traveler’s Best Friend with some trip planning tips. read more »