Holiday In Bangkok

[jourdain2]

My old school friend (did 'A' levels together in 1967 - went on hols. tog. too) has lived in Bangkok since mid 1970's. She worked for Thai Airways so got cheap travel and visited here every few years. Now she can no longer travel, so I must go to see her. I've booked a flight in January and put injections etc. in train. Flying from Leeds/Bradford to Schiphol and thence to Bangkok. Once I get there I'll be OK (an army of her friends is organised too look after me). I'm a bit worried about finding my way around Schiphol, but I daresay I'll manage (after heart thing Mr. J2 cannot accompany me). Ideas (apart from meeting old friend) of what to see and do, please? This is a once only trip. Any suggestions about travel or being there are very welcome.

[Buenchico]

Finding your way around Schiphol is really easy. (The free wifi is good too). Further info here if you need it:
https://www.schiphol.nl/en/page/smooth-transfers/

Wikitravel is definitely worth a look for information about Bangkok:
https://wikitravel.org/en/Bangkok

[jno]

in Bangkok or Schiphol? In Bangkok see the royal palace, go on a river cruise, get a massage, visit the reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), try a shopping mall if only to get out of the heat (Paragonis said to be good, I haven't seen it), try the nightlife (it's not all sex shows)

[snags]

I've been through Schiphol on route to BKK a couple of times: no problem finding your way around the airport/locating your departure gate etc.

As far as 'things to see and do', how long will you be there and will you be exclusively in BBK or have the chance to go further afield?

[saintpeter48]

If you get a chance whilst in Thailand you've got to go to the Bridge on the River Kwai, visit the small war museum there and the war graves, take a trip over the river Kwai on the train and also walk the bridge, the whole trip is very moving.
I have done this trip twice and intend doing it again, most travel agents in Thailand organise the trip, you can stay overnight in a floating hotel on the river Kwai.
The trip normally includes a visit to Hell Fire Pass where many Australian soldiers suffered at the hands of the Japanese.
The area is Kanchanaburi, check it out, good luck.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchanaburi

[jourdain2]

Thank you all very much for your ideas, which I'll check out, and the reassurances about Schiphol. I should be able to get out from Bangkok once I get my bearings. I'd not thought about the River Kwai, but that will definitely go on the agenda.

[albaqwerty]

can't help, but really do hope you have a lovely time x

[jourdain2]

Thank you, alba. I'm a little nervous, but it will be fine, I'm sure. :) x