It looks like I may be going to Bangkok on business the first week in August. I have never been there and it has always been a place I have wanted to visit.

While I'm working I'm going to be pretty busy and there won't be any time for sightseeing. We're staying at the JW Marriott.

But I'm going to tack on one day at the end to see Bangkok and experience one of its famous hotels.

So for those of you who have been to Bangkok, do you have any preference for the Peninsula Hotel or the Oriental? And what are the must-see sights. Thanks so much. Tom.

Tom, We've stayed at the Oriental with a balcony room smack on the river....it was wonderful and a much better location than the Four Seasons where we've also stayed. Not sure about the Peninsula Hotel and it's location??
So happy you get to go there! Does Mona get to go with you?

Marcie, the Peninsula is across the river from the Oriental. Regent put the full WC-ers there in 2007.

Tom, my choice would be the Oriental with out a doubt.

Peggy

Hmmmm Peggy. We were on full '07 WC and we were at the Four Season, Regent must have used 2 hotels.

My vote is for the Oriental also - my opinion is that the Peninsula is on the wrong side of the river - traffic on the bridge is often at a standstill although the Pen does have a boat shuttle across the river.

Must see sights for one day - definitely the Grand Palace (suggest hiring a guide from the hotel). When I'm in Bangkok, I never try to do more than one thing a day since it usually becomes impossible with the traffic and the heat/humidity will get to you. Also, you will be in rainy season which means rain just about every afternoon/evening.

Oops . . .sorry Marcie. We didn't go up to Bangkok so I'm wrong.

On the 2006 WC, full world cruisers stayed at the Penisula. Having stayed at both the Penisula and the Oriental, my choice would be the Oriental. Have a great trip.

Thanks Elaine - I got my year wrong . . . .

Peggy

Thanks for your help everyone. It seems like I should stay at the Oriental. I'm sure the Four Seasons is very nice too. There will be a very important guest at the Four Seasons during part of the time I'm in Bangkok so I won't even try to go near there.

Marcie, Mona is not coming along. I would extend my stay if she were able to come. But she has some problems to deal with at her job. And besides, at this late date business air would cost almost $10,000. Tom.

Hi there. I am also going to be in Bangkok in Mar 09. I tried to book the Oriental but it is apparently booked so was going to go with the Peninsula. Anybody know of an "in" witht he Oriental? I tried Amex, Expedia and directly with the hotels website. Any suggestions?
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Helen