by Tamara Hock

Created on: September 28, 2007

I have been to bangkok alone 3 times, travelling alone. Here's some tips if you plan to do the same. The attractions and shopping malls I have listed all can be reached by public transport, and are very safe for single lady travelling alone.

Accomodation:
The 4/5 star hotels in Bangkok are very cheap compared to other cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo or Singapore. It's best to find a hotel directly connected to the BTS Skytrain. I would recommend the following hotels for a single lady.

1. Intercontinental Bangkok
2. Holiday Inn Bangkok

Both hotels are next to each other, right beside Chitlom skytrain station. The major shopping centres are within walking distance, or only 1 or 2 skytrain stops away. This is the best location to stay in Bangkok.

Transportation:
Stick to BTS Skytrain or the Chao Phraya Express river boat. Avoid taxis, and the traffic jams are a nightmare.

Shopping and Food:
1. Central Department Store
Beside Chitlom station. Best collection of baby/toddler/kids clothes.

2. Siam Paragon
Beside Siam station. Huge shopping mall, many upscale stores like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc. World class aquarium in the basement, Gourmet market and food hall. Lots of restaurants, I love eating there. My favourite is MK restaurant, very nice restaurant selling mainly steamboat, but there is also a good choice of meat and rice dishes, very reasonably priced. There is also an internet cafe with very reasonable rates.

3. Central World Shopping Complex
Near Chitlom station, across the road from the Intercontinental hotel. Huge place with 2 department stores, Zen and Isetan, 500 stores, 21 cinemas and many restaurants.

4. MBK shopping center
Beside National Stadium station. Not as upmarket as Siam Paragon, but huge and very popular.

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market
5 mins walk from Mo chit station. Massive market selling anything you can think of.

Attractions:
To reach 1, 2 and 3, take the skytrain to Saphan Thaksin, change to the Chao Phraya river boat at Central Pier.

1. The Grand Palace
If you have time for only one attraction in Bangkok, then you should not miss the Grand Palace. The architecture is amazing. Make sure you visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is part of the complex.

2. Wat Pho
About half a mile south of the Grand Palace, you can walk from there. Wat Pho is famous for its huge reclining Buddha measuring 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl.

3. Wat Arun
Located on the west side of the Chao Phraya river. The temple is beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain in intricate patterns.

4. Erawan Shrine
Beside chitlom station. Very colourful shrine filled with floral garlands.

5. Jim Thompson House
Near National Stadium station. Very beautiful and interesting house of Jim Thompson, founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson silk company. You can tour the house with a guide. Adult 100 baht.

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