http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12885
Firstly what's bad about it? Well it's crowded, infested with touts, some of the rudest staff, some of the most pathetic travellers ... did I say crowded? Give me some room to breathe!

Well that's Khao San Road. Yes I rarely go there - and only when it's a trip to a specific establishment. But I do go to Banglamphu (or 'Phra Nakorn'). That's the name for the district surrounding the eponymous street.

Particularly convenient is the Soi Rambuttri/Phra Athit area. That's the area to the west, behind the Wat, by the Chao Phraya River.

Here you have the wide open space of the Wat, you're close to the river which is convenient for transport, and you're within walking distance of two dozen landmarks on Rattanakosin Island. And you've got your cheap eats, sleep, travel agents and local markets.

Back to Khao San Road itself: One myth is that this is dominated by 'farang'. Absolute rubbish! Local Thai customers began to outnumber the foreigners ten years ago and now in the evening it's 80% locals (mostly students).

If it's your first time to Bangkok try the area around Khao San Road. It's the best spot for exploring the palaces, forts and Wats of Rattanakosin Island.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12885 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12028
Check out table manners – Thais tend to eat from communal dishes in the centre of the table – don’t pour everything onto your own plate! Don’t knock the royal family – even in jest. Don’t point your feet at people – the body is seen as hierarchical and the feet are the lowest part and should not be waved about (this is like a “fingers up” sign). It’s not necessary to “Wai” people - the Thai greeting - as you’ll probably get it wrong. If they Wai you, you might wai back. Remember, this is the Land of Smiles and you will find everything goes much better when you have a smile on your face - whatever the situation.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12028 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10425
Around are traditional houses with orchards, gardens, peace and clean air.

Suit family with children and animals as the place is safe and has a terrace under the elevated on stilts house.

A much better option of staying in Bangkok than the town centre, with its noise, pollution, traffic jams and crowds of tourists.

In a Taling Chan home-stay you will immerse yourself in a traditional lifestyle and learn a little bit about Thai culture and customs. Walks through the fruit orchards and flower groves make a very challenging experience.

You can feel here like living in a traditional thai village - yet five minutes walk is 7/11 shop, cash machine and a daily street market. A short ride there is a famous traditional thai floating market in Taling Chan by the Chakphra Canal.

There are several nice homestays in that area - old thai teak wood houses on stilts just overlooking slowly moving canals. You are in the middle of verdant and vast, lush gardens.

There is nothing comparable to it in the whole of Thailand - a dream student home stay or a holiday accommodation.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5360 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5360 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4088
Don't listen to the touts outside who offer you tuk tuk trips to temples and so on.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3775 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3775 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3754
It's a major university and the streets around it are thronged with market stalls for great food and 'alternative' goodies.

There are a few cafe/bars with live music and the students will be keen to practise their English on you!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3754 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3732 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3732 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3691
Unlike Jim Thompson's House, this museum is concerned with everyday life, and has plenty of exhibits to give you a feel of rural Thailand 100 years ago. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, entry is 100 baht.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3691 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3667 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3667 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1311 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1311