Page 115 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Bangkok

Practical Information ❮❮ 113

Where to Eat plenty of on-site bars and hotels offer good rates
restaurants and attentive on their own websites.
While in Bangkok, service (see pp114–15). If using Airbnb, double-
you can eat in fancy Mid-range hotels offer check the location of the
restaurants, at street all the basic comforts, property, since many of
stalls, and everywhere like air-conditioned the listings are far from
in between. While only rooms, bathrooms with the center of the city.
a few restaurants are hot water, and TVs, Hotel rates hit a peak
expensive, some of though without the during the cool season
Bangkok’s best food can luxurious touches and (Nov–Feb), when many
be found at street stalls, elegance of top-end establishments operate
so be adventurous and hotels. Within this price at full occupancy. For
try everything. Choose range, it is worth the rest of the year, it
street food in places off checking out the rapidly is worth asking about
the main roads, where growing number of discounts, especially if
it’s cooler and quieter. boutique hotels that offer you plan to stay several
Don’t miss the food courts a more personal touch nights. Some budget
found in most shopping and unique character, hotels and guesthouses
malls – the prices are often missing even in top- also offer competitive
only slightly above street- end hotels (see pp115–16). monthly rates.
food prices, and the air- Bangkok attracts a
conditioning makes things stream of budget tourists, DIRECTORY
more comfortable. Food mostly to Khao San Road,
courts use a coupon the “backpackers’ ghetto.” TRAVELERS WITH
system – you pay at a A typical cheap room will DISABILITIES
central kiosk rather than be small, often without Accessible Thailand
paying the vendors. windows, with a bed, a ∑ accessiblethailand.
Thais love children, fan, paper-thin walls, and com
and even if kids’ menus shared bathrooms. Khao SOURCES OF
are rare, taking children San Road is great for INFORMATION
along for a meal makes dining and nightlife, but Bangkok Tourism
everyone happy. nearby areas are worth Division
The concept of tipping, exploring for quieter MAP C2 • 17/1 Phra
once alien to Thais, has accommodations (see Athit Road
been happily embraced p117). Agoda is a useful § 02 225 7612–4
by restaurant staff. This booking resource. Airbnb, ∑ bangkoktourist.com
is especially true for the online peer-to-peer Tourism Authority of
tourist areas. The 10–15 accommodation service, Thailand
percent rule followed in also operates in Bangkok Off MAP R2 • 1600
the West does not apply and offers good oppor- Petchaburi Road
in Bangkok. Leave tunities to meet with § 1672 (toll-free)
whatever you think the and get to know locals. ∑ tourismthailand.org
staff deserve; every baht SHOPPING
will be appreciated. High- Rates and Booking
end restaurants often Tailor on Ten
add a service charge; if It is a good idea to book MAP T6 • Sukhumvit
Soi 8
so, no tip is necessary. your hotel room well in § (084) 877 1543
advance of your visit,
Where to Stay especially if the hotel in Peninsula Plaza
MAP Q3 • 153
question is highly rated,
In Bangkok, five-star and even more so during Rat cha damri Road
§ 02 253 9791
accommodation can cost the high season (Nov–
as little as a mid-range Feb) or major festivals. ACCOMMODATION
hotel in Europe or the US. Internet booking services Agoda
For your money, you can are useful, but be sure ∑ agoda.com
expect a large room with to check change and Airbnb
a decent view, luxurious cancellation policies ∑ airbnb.com
furnishings and decor, before booking. Some

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