We are planning to stopover in Bangkok from Colombo to Melbourne next January 09.
We would like (read I would like) somewhere close to shopping.
Is the new airport closer to the main cbd of BK?
We have previously stayed at Indra Regent.
Is this still a good alternative?
We only need ok accomodation, dont need more than 3 stars.
What sort of transport is available from airport to eg Indra Regent or should we arrange for our chosen hotel to pick us up?
How far out is the Bridge over the River Qway, relating to WW2 significance?
Floating market ?

Any help and suggestions welcome.
TG

New airport is 35K from CBD, you can get meter taxis from airport. Location of Indra Regent is excellent for shopping, you'll get clothes all around, computer software and electronic stuff at nearby Panthip Plaza, plus there are a few big depertment stores within walking distance. A trip to River Kwai will take up the best part of a whole day, so as you only have 2 nights and want to go shopping I'd be inclined to ditch the idea, but if you really want to go there then the Indra's tour desk will arrange a trip for you. My personal recommendations are a boat trip on the ChaoPhyrara River (easy to do - great scenery) and a night on the town to sample BKK's famous nightlife.

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I appreciate your reply.
We have now been recommended Swiss Park Hotel Sukhumvit. Maybe interesting for a change.
I think the trip to the River Qway is out now, maybe next time.
The hotel are quoting 950 Baht to pick us up from the airport. Does that sound reasonable or would we be better off getting a taxi from the airport?

I think there are night markets over the weekend close to Sukhumvit ???

The Sukhumvit area is very popular with tourists, you'll find plenty of eating & nightlife all around. A big plus is the BTS sky train running right up Sukhumvit, which will make it easy to get about the city.
Forum regulars report that a meter taxi fare from the new airport into the city costs around 350-400Bt, so 950Bt is certainly more expensive. I'd say getting a meter taxi is the way to go. Make sure it's a meter taxi and make sure he uses the meter. If he quotes you a price get out and take another taxi.
I'm not familiar with night markets around Sukhumvit but you certainly won't have any trouble finding plenty of good eating, both Thai & International food is everywhere.

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You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.

There is a nice enough hotel right opposite MBK mall. It is 3 minutes walk from the skytrain, MBK, Siam square and all the other huge malls which form probably one of the worlds best shopping districts.

The website is:

Reno Hotel

It won't be as luxury as the Indra Regent, but if your after 3* quality for a good price in a really good location you can't go wrong. I've stayed there and didn't have any problems, my parents and my 80 year old Grandmother also stayed there and also liked it!

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