Two weeks in Bangkok: your off-the-beaten-path suggestions (page 2 of 3)

When I initially decided to stay only one week in Bangkok, I organized the extra week like this: 2 days/3 nights in Kanchanaburi and 3 days/4 nights in Ayutthaya. I think I’ll go back to that plan and drop the idea of two weeks in Bangkok. But I’m worried one week in Bangkok might be a bit too short... I also think it’s better to cancel the guesthouse room and keep the apartment to better organize my evening meals (if I buy food outside) and my morning teas. But the landlord won’t be happy, and he’ll probably change the price we’d agreed on (long-stay discount).

When I’d decided to stay only a week in Bangkok, I’d planned the extra week like this: 2 days/3 nights in Kanchanaburi and 3 days/4 nights in Ayutthaya. I think I’ll go back to that option and drop the idea of two weeks in Bangkok. But I’m worried one week in Bangkok might be a bit tight... And I think it’s better if I cancel the guesthouse room and keep the apartment to better organize my evening meals (if I buy food outside) and my morning teas. But the landlord won’t be happy, and he’ll probably change the price we’d agreed on (long-stay discount).

I would’ve swapped it: 2 days/3 nights in Ayutthaya and 3 days/4 nights in Kanchanaburi.

Whether you do 1 or 2 weeks in Bangkok really depends, in my opinion, on whether you plan to come back. If you’re thinking of returning, obviously just do one week.

I would’ve reversed it: 2 days/3 nights in Ayutthaya and 3 days/4 nights in Kanchanaburi.

That’s what I was thinking too, but you also told me there’s so much to see in Ayutthaya that 3 days wouldn’t be enough...

Whether you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Bangkok depends, in my opinion, on whether you plan to come back. If you think you’ll return, just take one week.

How am I supposed to know today if I’ll come back in a year...

That’s also what I thought, but you also told me there’s so much to see in Ayutthaya that 3 days wouldn’t be enough...

Whether you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Bangkok depends, in my opinion, on whether you plan to come back. If you do, obviously just take a week.

How am I supposed to know today if I’ll come back in a year...

If you check the link I sent you (which I’d posted on VF at the time), you could easily spend a full week there if you want to explore thoroughly. But not everyone’s into history or archaeology. Two full days to see a few sites, visit the museum, and take a boat tour—you can start with that. Again, everyone has their own pace and saturation point.

For exploring around Kanchanaburi, there’s more traveling than in the city, so that extra day won’t be too much. Beautiful landscapes in the area.

Finally, especially for those who love Thailand, how can you imagine someone *not* wanting to come back?

I have another concern I hadn’t thought of—the language barrier. Used to English in India, I stupidly assumed I’d manage the same in Thailand, forgetting India’s historical background that explains why a large part of the population speaks English. That’s not the case in Thailand. Will a voice translator on my phone be enough for hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist sites? I don’t think I’ll need to have long conversations with Thais. I do read essential words and phrases here and there, but I forget them almost as soon as I’ve read them—and even then, you still need to know how to pronounce them to be understood.

Indeed, I didn't think it would take so much time. I was planning to go by train...

For Kanchanaburi, I’d strongly advise against the train. First, because you have to catch it at Thonburi station, which is in... Thonburi. Then, because it’s always one to two hours late, and finally, because it’s a third-class local train (so no reservations) that stops everywhere.

From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by public transport (other than the train), you’ve got three options: - **Bus 81 a/c**: 2-hour trip, departs every 20 minutes from Sai Tai bus terminal. It’s the farthest from the center, but it’s the best choice if you’ve got a lot of luggage since you can check it into the hold.

- **Minivan a/c from Sai Tai Guo minivan station**, a bit closer than Sai Tai. No luggage hold—you carry your bags on your lap* or buy an extra seat* (around 130 baht for this route) to put them there. Some don’t have headrests*. On the way, the minivan stops for LPG*, and all passengers have to get out*. Make sure to note your van’s license plate number so you can find it again—minivans tend to stop at the same gas stations and all look alike*.

- **Minivan a/c from Mo Chit minivan station**, the most accessible and the one that’ll save you the most time in traffic jams.

All the transport options mentioned above (not the train) leave every 15 to 20 minutes, so there’s no need to book ahead. Just go to the ticket counter—if there’s no space on the next departure**, they’ll put you on the next one, and that’s that.

* Info applies to all minivans leaving Bangkok, no matter the station. ** No more passengers than seats available.

or I give up on Kanchanaburi...

Bad idea.

Anyway, I’ve already bought my bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai—non-refundable, non-changeable—so I’ll have to come back to Bangkok.

That’s a shame since there are really good direct a/c buses from Kan to Chiang Mai—one in the morning and one around 2 PM. If you’re doing Kan → Chiang Mai via Bangkok, take a minivan from Kan to Mo Chit, then use the walkway to the "regular" Mo Chit terminal where your Chiang Mai bus leaves. That’ll save you 2 hours of crossing Bangkok.

2 days/3 nights in Kanchanaburi and 3 days/4 nights in Ayutthaya.

Same opinion as Jojoone: I’d say the opposite.

Will a voice translator on my phone be enough in hotels, restaurants, shops, and places to visit? I don’t think I’ll need to have long conversations with Thais.

In all these places, at worst, you’ll always find someone willing to make an effort to speak a few words of English—they won’t leave you stranded. In tourist sites, the written explanations are mostly available in English too.

From your questions about this trip, I think you’re worrying a bit too much. I’ve been to India a little, and if I had to compare the two countries, I’d say traveling in Thailand is much easier.

- Take bus 81 a/c1 (2-hour journey, departures every 20 minutes) from Sai Tai bus terminal. It's the farthest from the city center, but this bus is the best option if you have a lot of luggage since you can put it in the hold.

I prefer this option over cramming into a minivan with all the luggage.

It's a shame because from Kan to Chiang Mai, you have great direct a/c1 buses—one in the morning and one at 2 PM. If you're doing the Kan-Chiang Mai route via Bangkok in one go, take a minivan from Kan to Mo Chit, then use the walkway to the "regular" Mo Chit terminal where your bus to Chiang Mai will leave. That’ll save you 2 hours of crossing Bangkok.

I’ll do as you say, but that means I’ll have to cram into the minivan with my backpack and suitcase. No big deal since it’ll save me from crossing Bangkok. Thanks

2 days/3 nights in Kanchanaburi and 3 days/4 nights in Ayutthaya.

Same opinion as Jojoone: rather the opposite.

I’ll do as you suggest. I’ll cancel the second week in Bangkok, but I’ll stay in the apartment instead of the guesthouse, even though it’s closer to the tourist center. I’d feel more independent coming and going. And I’ll book the rooms in Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya. Thanks to both of you. You must be tired of my questions 😉

We're tired but we still have some energy left!

I once took a taxi to the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal, and from there we bought tickets to Kanchanaburi or Songkhla Buri, opting for the blue-and-white government buses—back then, the best value for money. Especially price-wise.

In tourist sites, the written explanations are most of the time also available in English.

I was reading what you wrote on another forum about meals, restaurants, dishes... You mention dish names, words, phrases, but I know I won’t remember them. Now I *have* to write absolutely everything down since I got sick. And then there’s pronouncing those words...

Through your questions for this trip, I think you’re worrying a bit too much. I know India a little, and if I had to compare the two countries, I’d say traveling in Thailand is much easier.

You’re absolutely right, and I’m aware of it. It’s precisely because I know how complicated India is that I’m imagining Thailand will be the same. But mostly, it’s because in India, I’m as comfortable traveling as if it were my own country. I know all the difficulties (well, almost) and how to avoid them—or at least deal with them. But this is my first trip to an unknown country, with a language I don’t know at all, and even though I’m still upbeat and determined, I’ve lost a lot of my physical and mental sharpness since I got sick two years ago. More « neuron » aftereffects than physical ones. And then there’s my age, which I tend to forget. But I don’t like saying it, admitting it, or accepting it. There, now you know everything...

I once took a taxi to the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal, and from there we bought tickets to Kanchanaburi or Songkhla Buri, opting for the blue and white government buses—back then, the best value for money. Especially price-wise.

Okay, thanks for the info. Given what I let slip earlier, I now prioritize quality and comfort over price. As long as it stays within my budget as a retiree who isn’t exactly rolling in money. 😉

I’ve got another question for you two. Sorry about that! You mentioned going round trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. But I’m also heading to Ayutthaya after Bangkok. I’d originally planned to go to Ayutthaya first, then Kanchanaburi. Do you think it’d be better to return to Bangkok after Kanchanaburi and then head back out to Ayutthaya? I think Thierry forgot about Ayutthaya Here’s the updated plan: - January 19–25: BANGKOK - January 26–29: KANCHANABURI - January 30–February 1: AYUTTHAYA - February 2: Return to BANGKOK and depart the same day at 7:25 PM, overnight bus to CHIANG MAI

Thanks to both of you. You must be tired of my questions 😉

I’ll never get tired of it—I really enjoy it. Preferably by giving the clearest and most direct answers possible so they don’t sow doubt in the "questioner’s" mind.

Quote from Jojoone1: "Sai Tai Mai, and from there we bought tickets to Kancha or Songkhlaburi, opting for the blue and white government buses—back then, the best value for money. Especially price-wise." End of quote. Unless I’m mistaken, I don’t recall Sai Tai-Sangkhlaburi buses ever existing. However, for about ten years, there were around ten buses a day from Mo Chit to Kanchanaburi (via a different route), with four continuing to Sangkhlaburi. They were really handy as the only direct option from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi—unfortunately, the route seems to have been discontinued.

The blue and white bus is the 81 a/c bus I mentioned earlier: departures every 20 minutes from Sai Tai, 2-hour trip, and now the only bus option from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (the 81 thamada and 81a/c2 lines were discontinued long ago).

* *thamada* bus: regular bus that stops anywhere on request for boarding and alighting, no A/C but fans (watch your head if you’re over 1.75m), 5 seats across. Increasingly rare on medium and long distances.

I was reading what you wrote on another forum about meals, restaurants, dishes... You give names of dishes, words, phrases, but I know I won’t remember them. Now I have to write everything down since I got sick. And then you have to know how to pronounce those words

What you really need to remember are the useful phrases if you don’t like spicy food (if that’s the case, you must be miserable in India...). The rest is secondary. As much as possible, I wrote the words as they’d be spelled in French to pronounce them like they do there.

As long as it stays within my retired budget—I’m not exactly rolling in money. 😉

I’ll repeat what I already told you earlier (I get the feeling you didn’t see it): with the conditions I listed, your budget will be enough.

Do you think it’d be better to return to Bangkok after Kanchanaburi and then head to Ayutthaya? I think Thierry forgot Ayutthaya Here’s the new plan: - January 19–25: BANGKOK - January 26–29: KANCHANABURI - January 30–February 1: AYUTTHAYA - February 2: Return to BANGKOK and departure the same day at 7:25 PM, overnight bus to CHIANG MAI

No, I saw it, but I thought you wanted to visit each of those two destinations as round trips from Bangkok. Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya-Bangkok—given your situation, that’s how I’d do it too.

However, there’s no direct public transport from Kan to Ayutthaya. To avoid going back via Bangkok, you’d first need to take the yellow *thamada* bus (only option) from Kan to Suphanburi, then another *thamada* bus to Ayutthaya—about 5 hours total.

But there’s another option: the Kan-Ayutthaya tourist shuttle run by local agencies. It’s about twice as expensive (500 baht, I think), but faster (3–4 hours) and saves you the detour through Bangkok. I can’t tell you much more about it since I’ve never taken it, but it’s highly likely tourists are packed in (often the case with tourist-focused public transport run by agencies), and there’s probably a luggage storage area. If you’re interested, check with the local travel agencies on the touristy Thanon Mae Nam Kwae the day before, or ask your guesthouse.

No, this message definitely slipped through the cracks—I didn’t see it!

Financially, I’ve budgeted 3,000 € for this 46-day trip (44 days on the ground, excluding arrival and departure). Is that a good budget? Average? Not enough?

If you avoid: -beach resorts -the "party" scene -French-speaking spots (accommodation, services, restaurants, etc.) -renting a car (with or without a driver) -excessive beer -international restaurant chains and if you mostly eat at local street stalls*, your budget of 66 € per day (all-inclusive except airfare) will be more than enough. For reference, with the same criteria, Madame Songsam and I travel on 50 € per day for two. *which are the best places to discover the incredible variety of Thai cuisine.

I just emptied my pockets: I’m at 3,200 €, so 71 € per day. All my hotel bookings add up to less than 1,200 €. That leaves 2,000 €. I’d like to rent a car (with a driver) from time to time...

Here’s the new plan: - January 19–25: BANGKOK - January 26–29: KANCHANABURI - January 30–February 1: AYUTTHAYA - February 2: return to BANGKOK and departure the same day at 7:25 PM, overnight bus to CHIANG MAI

I’m guessing that if I leave AYUTTHAYA by bus in the morning, I’ll have plenty of time to catch my evening bus to CHIANG MAI. Unless there are more trains on that route and it’s better to return to Bangkok by train?

I just emptied my pockets: I’ve got 3,200, which works out to 71 per day. All my hotel bookings add up to less than 1,200. That leaves 2,000. I’d like to rent a car (with driver) from time to time...

That gives you an average of 1,000 baht per day for accommodation without beach resorts—it’s great, you’ll have really decent rooms. Under the same conditions, I spend around 700/day with AC, a private bathroom, and a bit of decor and comfort, so yours will be even better.

For the car with driver, you’ll be able to afford it occasionally for full-day trips. Anyway, from what I know of your itinerary so far, only the in-depth exploration of Nan Province (not the city) will really require a car, because aside from the Nan-Huay Kon route (Laotian border) served by regular minivans, public transport is extremely rare*. Everywhere else on your route, you’ll always find transport options, even songthaews ready to turn into taxis**. About cars with drivers, just know that for it to be legal, the driver (and any guide) must be Thai. In Thailand, there’s no legal way for a foreigner (even if legally settled) to work in tourism, even occasionally. At least for this reason, refuse any offer from a non-Thai who might propose their services under the table, whether in person, by email, or PM (to them, you’d be the "ideal client"). Also be careful with expats who recommend a Thai driver—most of the time, they do it to earn a commission from the driver. * No problem, though, getting to Nan from other provinces (e.g., Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Rai, Phrae, Phayao—a city worth 2-3 nights). ** Songthaew turning into a taxi: as long as you know how to haggle.

I assume that by leaving in the morning by bus from AYUTTHAYA, I’ll have plenty of time to catch my evening bus to CHIANG MAI. Unless there are more trains on this route and it’s better to return to Bangkok by train?

Yes, you’ll have plenty of time, even if you leave around 1 PM. Personally, I’d leave around 3:30 PM (1.5 hours by minivan + 10-minute walk to reach the "normal" Mo Chit + 40 minutes to grab a bite and get to the bus platform, leaving me with 1.5 hours of "buffer time"). But I get the feeling you’d prefer to leave before 1 PM... I’m not sure if buses are still running, but consider a minivan too (more frequent departures than trains).

By train: The tourist schedules (the ones you find online) show about a dozen Express or Rapid trains per day (both with a supplement) coming from far away* (all trains stop at Ayutthaya) and terminating at Aphiwat. In reality, there are also 17 others not listed on those schedules because they’re "commuter trains"** (suburban trains). They don’t stop at Aphiwat and terminate at Hualamphong. If you take one of these commuters, get off at Bang Sue Junction. From Aphiwat or Bang Sue***, it’s just a short taxi ride to Mo Chit.

* Delays of 1–2 hours are common, and you have to take the one specified on your ticket. ** These are trains (often self-propelled) with only 3rd class. With your 3rd-class ticket, you can take the first commuter that comes along. *** Sue: pronounced somewhere between "seu" and "sé".

Yes, you’ll have plenty of time, even if you leave around 1 PM. I’d personally leave around 3:30 PM (1.5 hours by minivan + 10-minute walk to reach "normal" Mo Chit + 40 minutes to grab a bite and get to the bus platform, and I’d still have 1.5 hours "as a buffer"). But I can tell you’d rather leave before 1 PM...

You really made me laugh! You nailed it. 😏😉

I don’t know if buses are still running, but consider a minivan too (more frequent departures than trains). By train: The tourist schedules (the ones you find online) show about a dozen Express or Rapid trains per day (both require a supplement) coming from far away* (all trains stop in Ayutthaya) and terminating at Aphiwat. In reality, there are also 17 others not listed on those schedules because they’re "commuter trains"** (local trains)—they don’t stop at Aphiwat and terminate at Hualamphong. If you take one of these commuters, get off at Bang Sue Junction. From Aphiwat or Bang Sue***, it’s just a short taxi ride to Mo Chit.

* Frequent delays of 1–2 hours, and you must take the one specified on your ticket. ** These are trains (often self-propelled) with only 3rd class. With your 3rd-class ticket, you can take the first commuter that comes along. *** Sue: pronounced somewhere between "seu" and "sé."

I’ll decide on the spot at the last minute... Well, not *the* last minute—two days before 😉