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Bangkok Cinema Times

Farang — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:15:31 +0000

As you are probably aware there are 100s of cinema in Thailand and loads in Bangkok. Most films released in the UK or US get a release here although not always for long. The films are in English with Thai subtitles but there are also versions dubbed into Thai. Of course there are Thai films that are in Thai language and some even come with English subtitles.

The best online resource for finding out which films are showing and where is the Movie Seer website: http://www.movieseer.com/th/index.aspx

If you are on the road, however, you might be interested in this iPhone app that lets you know what films are showing at the popular Major Cineplex chain of cinemas thoughout Thailand: http://itunes.apple.com/th/app/major-movie/id321230030?mt=8

Just make sure you don’t forget to stand up!

Bangkok Canal Tour

Farang — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:09:31 +0000

Whenever we have guests visiting from out of town, particularly if they are a bit older and want to see a bit more of Bangkok than the inside of a bar we usually take them on a canal boat tour of Bangkok.

The tours start from Central Pier which is under the Saphan Taksin bridge, next to the BTS stop of the same name. You can chose from three tours of different lengths and each of which set off down the Chao Praya river before heading into the canals that are still in use on the other side of the river known as old Bangkok or Thonburi.

The tour gives you a good insight into what Bangkok was like before they paved over most of the Klongs, or canals, and replaced them with roads. Most of the canals are lined with houses built on the water and depending on the tour you chose you get the chance to visit a floating market selling a wide array of seafood cooked in front of you eyes on small boats.

Getting one of these tours is also good way to get to Wat Arun, AKA the Temple of Dawn which is a must see on the tourist trail in Bangkok. You also get your own long tail boat with driver which is a much more fun way to see the river than the standard tourist boat.

Prices aren’t cheap but are well worth it for something a bit different. Four people cost 2000 baht but I’m sure you could knock them down a bit if you try.

Central Pier:

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Cycling Tour

Farang — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:45:48 +0000

The other weekend we did a cycling tour in Bangkok. We did it through a company called Spice Roads and picked their Bangkok Jungle tour. It starts in the afternoon and lasts for about 5 hours leaving from Sukhumvit and heading over the river to Samut Prakan which is the big grassy area on the Nancy Chandler map of Bangkok.

There was a bit of cycling on the Bangkok road at the beginning and the end but it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be and everyone survied in the traffic. It is pretty hot so make sure you bring some water (even though it is provided for you on the tour).

I’d definitely recommend it although if you crossed the river yourself you can hire bikes over there and cycle around at your own leisure which would probably be cheaper and easier if you prefer to take it easy in the Bangkok heat.

I’m not sure I will be choosing the bicycle as a mode of transport from now on around Bangkok though!

Things to do in Bangkok

Farang — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:16:52 +0000

So far I’ve really enjoyed living in Thailand. I’ve loved going to so many cool beaches. I loved the low cost for a higher quality of life. I’ve loved the food and the sun. But I have to admit I’ve found living in Bangkok a bit boring. I am familiar with the saying ‘only boring people get bored’ and I must confess I am not the most interesting person you are going to meet but previous places I have lived have usually managed to keep me entertained.

The main problem I have found with Bangkok is that there just doesn’t seem that much to do. Once you have done the touristy things there doesn’t seem much to do unless you are happy to hang around bars drinking and doing all that goes with the Bangkok bar scene. Don’t get me wrong I like a good session but not all day every day. Bangkok also has some of the best malls I have ever seen so if you are into buying stuff then that can take up a lot of your time but after a while you will probably have most of what you want or need.

Back home I used to enjoy going out for a walk and visiting markets and seeing the sights and just generally being out and about. In Bangkok thanks to the oppressive weather that isn’t really possible and there also doesn’t seem to be anywhere to walk to. Yes taxis are very cheap but where do I tell the driver to go?

Anyone got any suggestions or things for me to check out in Bangkok?

Lumpini Park

Farang — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:09:48 +0000

Yesterday we went to Lumpini Park which is the biggest park in Bangkok. It is named after the birth place of Buddah and is a popular place with those looking to get away from the hussle and bussle of the Bangkok streets. There is a large lake in the centre of the park on which you can hire pedalos and have a float around. The lake is full of fish and the odd terapin and you can buy fish food to feed them with. It is definately worth it as its quite a sight to see the fish fighting to get out of the water and get the food – I don’t think the terrapin had much luck though!

Lots of joggers use the park and today was no exception. There is also cardio equipment such as rowing and stair machines for people to use and there is even a full outdoor gym which is used by the more serious trainers. Whilst we were there the evening occurance of the national anthem was played during which everyone stops what they are doing and stands still for the duration. It was a surrealy site to see all the joggers and people playing in the park suddenly stop and stand still for a few minutes. Then once the anthem had finished they all carried on with what they were doing.

But if I thought that was strange the next sight was even more surreal. There were about 500 people doing synchronised aerobics to Euro trance which was being played on loudspeakers. At the front there were a few people leading the moves but everyone seemed to know all the moves and they changed without stopping from one song and routine to the next. It looked like good fun but I decided not to join in but I did spot one Western couple who seemed to know all the moves! This is definiately the strangest thing I have seen in Thailand so far.