Here are the highlights from our time in Bangkok:
Ø Chatuchak Weekend Market (Sat, Sun 7am-6pm): Chatuchak was great. Huge and over-whelming, but there's actually some really nice stuff. They have the tourist schwag that you'd imagine, but they also have a great selection of ceramics, furniture and decor that looks like it's right out of Pottery Barn or Harvest, art-work, clothing, etc. Definately worth going to. The Weekend Market tends to have the lowest prices we saw. (still try to knock off around 20% through bargaining
Ø Grand Palace (8:30-noon, 1-3:30pm), Wat Po (8am-5pm): I'm not a huge Wat/ Palace guy, but pretty interesting. Not a must see for me, but interesting
Ø Thonburi canals to take longtail boat ride (?): We actually ended-up taking the ferry instead which is really cheap--$0.50 a person I think. Great way to see the city and canal side-doesn't require walking and the breeze is nice the otherwise hot environment. The longtail boats were more expensive, incredibly noisy (they are powered by a car engine), and threatened to splash you with not so clean water.
Ø Muay Thai Boxing Match--They have matches pretty much everyday at night in one of two stadiums. Pretty interesting experience--it really looks straight out of Bloodsport with locals chanting and gambling in the stands. Good stuff. Most of the tourist were in the ringside seats which have good views. We went upper deck which still had a good view (these are small stadiums) and also got a vibe of the gambling crowd.
Ø Dining: One last thing: We went to one of the starred restuarants in Frommers--a vietnamese restaurant. Don't bother. The food was decent-but not quite as good as what we get in San Francisco. The service and decor were amazing for the price (about $40 for 2), but you'd do a lot better in terms of food and price at a Thai joint.
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