Apr 24, 2010

Bangkok Transportation

Dear tourists,
I had run acrossed a website, www.iguidebangkok.com. In the web, they got a interesting information about our beloved city. I copied some of the useful detials for the guest who wants to explore Bkk more!


BTS Skytrain
Providing a rapid option for traveling within the city, BTS skytrain is ideal for anyone seeking to wade through the congested traffic of Bangkok streets. BTS skytrain stations can mostly be found along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phaholyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok’s business and noted shopping areas such as Siam Square, Ratchaprasong, Ekamai and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The skytrain has minimum and maximum fares from 15 to 40 Baht in relation to the distance. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets to save money, only 250 Baht/10 trips or day tickets only 100 Baht. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at
Tel. 0-2617-7300,0-2617-7340 or visit
www.bts.co.th


Subway (Metro)
The MRT is another fast and comfortable transportation alternative. It links many of the famous tourist attractions with the accommodation areas, markets and business districts. The beginning of “Chalerm Ratchamongkhon” Line is Hua Lum Phong station which is also the main train station in Bangkok. There are a total of 18 stations with major stations at: The Queen Sirikit International Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada, Ladprao and Phaholyothin roads. The fares range from 15 to 35 Baht. The Silom and Asoke stations are connected to the BTS. The trains run daily from 05.00 a.m. to midnight. For more information,
Tel. 0-2264-5200 or visit
www.bangkokmetro.co.th


Bus
Bangkok is laced with plenty of buses going to all directions. The bus network within the metropolis is very efficient and economical. It is also a magnificent way to visit most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok reasonably. The fares start at 10 Baht for ordinary buses. Air-con blue buses have minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 Baht. Euro II or orange air-con buses charge 12 to 24 Baht. Air-con microbuses charge a flat fare of 25 Baht all routes. A bus route map is available at many leading bookshops. A free city map can also be obtained at the Bangkok Tourist Division Office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths throughout Bangkok and the TAT Office. 184, 02246-0973



Long-tail Boat
River taxis or long-tail boats are similarly convenient. They ply and run along the mighty Chao Phraya River and inner canals within the city. There are assorted types of boats identified in color flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern adjoining province of Nonthaburi, starting from Tha Nam Non pier and terminating at Saphan Taksin pier (Sathorn). Charge fares depend upon the distance. There are boat piers that stop near major commercial districts including Sukhumvit and all the way to the World Trade Center. It has minimum and maximum fares from 25 to 35 Baht. Long-tail boats could too be hired for special river


Taxi
Taxis in metropolitan Bangkok are metered. They may be superb for trips around the city. Taxis charge a minimum of 35 Baht for the first 3 kilometers and around 5 Baht per kilometer thereafter. When in traffic the meter is timed and calculated in the fare. Make sure you have enough change as taxi drivers often do not. Passengers must pay tolls in case of using an expressway. Some drivers would want to bargain a price for a trip rather than using the meter. Inform the tourist police if you are treated unfairly by taxi drivers.


Tuk-tuk
These small, three-wheeled and open-air motorized taxis are so conductive for short trips in Bangkok. To enjoy this ride, you must negotiate the fares in advance because there are no standard fares. For trips of up to 3 kilometers, minimum fares are roughly 30 Baht as well as not over 100 Baht for a longer trip. This vehicle is unique to Bangkok. A tuk-tuk can be hired anywhere, but not outside the city. The tuk-tuk could take you to almost anywhere in the city and afford you a memorable riding experience in Bangkok.


Motorcycle Taxi
Probably one of the best modes to escape the traffic jams and rush hours in Bangkok is taking motorcycle taxis. You can find them anywhere in Bangkok especially on main roads as well as in front of sois. Fares are very similar to those charged by tuk-tuk and minimum fares are 5 Baht. It is always a must for you to negotiate the fares before taking the ride. Though a bit riskier, this type of transport gives a faster answer for traveling if you are late or want to be on time. Motorcycle taxis can go anywhere in Bangkok

Hired Car
If you aspire to go your own way then rely on the services of international car hire firms in metropolitan Bangkok such as Budget, Hertz and Avis. To rent a car, contact these reliable car hire firms. The road system is good and well signposted. An international driving license is needed.

Minnie

Apr 19, 2010

Iceland Volcano Eruption


Dear all,
Follow the latest developments as the ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano continues to affect travel across Europe and the world. We are so sorry to hear about this terrible incident. The Old Charm are willing to provide 20%off for the room rate to anyone who can't find any flight to fly home, in any parts in Europe.



with loves,
Minnie

complimentary from our guest

Mehmet is one of our guest who rode "the" bike from Turkey to Thailand, and more countries to go! He was walked to us and asked to stay for 1 or 2 nights. It turned out to be more than 20 nights in a row.


Created with flickr slideshow.


We loves him, one of a kind!

Apr 13, 2010

Happy Thai's new year to you!


Sawaddee Songkran to ALL!! This time of the year in Thailand is the HOSTTEST time to all people in Bkk, so I think our ancestor might have created the amazing ceremony,,,just to cool us down, lol!
For guest who will check in around this week, we have prepared some Thai-traditional-meet-Thai-hip-style complimentary souvenir to you all.



It is a combination of Traditional Thai bowl, which our ancestor had used to sprinkle a little water to each other(very classy, huh?) and a tiny hip-style water gun:)

I know, in Thailand and especially in Bkk, we got a Big ISSUE about the redshirt protest right now. I have to say amazingly that the guests are still coming to stay with us from all around the world, such as Germany, Wales, Hongkong, USA, India, Italy, Turkey and France. I have asked them myself about how they felt about the situation, since they are actually in the middle of Bkk right now??! They all say that they are fine! and also admitted that in the news,,,,sometime it is over exaggerated.

As i always tell our lovely guests:
1. just keep the red outfits in your luggage
2. don't try to run in the middle of the protest area/people
3. keep your hands and feet in your vehicle, incase that the redshirts are running around on the street
4. take a lot of photos and enjoy the weird but great experience in Bkk:)

with loves and fun,
Minnie

Apr 1, 2010

Thai Splash Festival: Songkran!!

In Thailand we do have 3 seasons which are hot, hotter and HOTTEST! Now we are really closed to the HOTTEST season. The Old Charm team is waiting to accommodate any guest to this beautiful and fun splash festival that is called Songkran.

The traditions of Songkran have a long history and are still observed in the Thai homeland of Sipsong Panna in southwestern China, in Laos and in northern Burma. Songkran or the Thai New Year, is actually the occasion of the passing of the sun from Taurus into Aries. It is a solar event and it marks the beginning of a new astrological year, and this is very important in Thailand. Songkran day is always on April 13.

The Thai New Year celebration will be held on April 12,13 and 14 but to be honest an entire week will be filled with fun in Bangkok.

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns (sometimes mixed with mentholated talc), or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors.



Cheers!
Minnie