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Q: I am about to make my first visit to Bangkok and would like to avoid tourist traps. Is the flower market worth going to? Any other recommendations? Thanks, James
A: Things should be easy enough as long as you don't get caught in the sticky web of a tuktuk driver.
Use the Skytrain (BTS) or subway (MRT) to get around as much as you can in the city. There are plenty of places to visit along the routes. The Skytrain also connects with the Chao Phya Express Boat service, which will set you down for a short walk to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Temple of the Dawn and the flower market. And yes, the latter is worth visiting, especially at dawn when the place is a blaze of colour and smells.
A classic but easily spotted scam comes in the form of a guy who approaches with an offer of help, especially if you look lost with a map in your hand. Befriending you with a spiel about being a teacher, he'll tell you that your destination is closed or too crowded to visit right now, then recommend a few of his own choices - usually involving a strain on your wallet and a kickback for his. Just smile and tell him you want to wander around the area first.
Thais are friendly by nature but it's hard to avoid the occasional scammer, especially around major tourist attractions. So bear in mind that you don't have to be friendly with every local you meet, especially if someone outside the Grand Palace wants to help you with more than just directions.
However smartly dressed - or even if wearing a monk's robes - do not take up their offer to show you jewellery shops (or faraway temples). Tourists fall for these scams all the time.
And to ensure you never get lost however far you wander, keep the address of your hotel handy, preferably in Thai.
Good luck!
Q: Hi there, I'd like to visit Bangkok's Little India district. Could you tell me where it is and the easiest way to get there from Sukhumvit? Jennifer
A: Bangkok's "Little India" is called Phahurat and is defined by Phahurat Road, Chakra Phet Road and Tri Phet Road, just to the west of Yaowarat - Chinatown. The atmosphere can be every bit as chaotic as its Chinese neighbour's and just as fun to explore.
Phahurat is way of the Skytrain route but you can take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and then a Chao Phraya Express boat to Saphan Phut or the Memorial Bridge and walk from there. Be warned that it's a fair walk, though (10 to 15 minutes), passing the statue of King Rama I, Suan Kularp School and Porh Chang Arts Institute before turning right onto Phahurat Road.
Indian immigrants moved into the area shortly after the road was constructed in 1898. Ity takes its name from Somdet Chaofah Pahurat Maneemai, the son of King Rama V.
The area is well known as the centre of the city's rag trade, with haberdasheries offering a wide range of textiles in silk, cotton, wool and cashmere. Elsewhere, manyhanded statues of Indian deities spill from shops onto the pavement, vying with displays of Bollywood films and music, bracelets, trinkets and sandals.
The alleyways of Little India are where to head if you're feeling hungry. Among the many authentic Indian restaurants they hide is the Royal India, where delicious food is served in the simple surroundings of what's said to be Thailand's first Indian restaurant. Oh, and look out for the Indian sweets on sale, too.