Bangkok without the smut

QUESTION: Please advise of suitable Bangkok hotels for a 5 day holiday stay in March. We are planning a trip and would like to stay at a comfortable hotel (3* or 4*), which is centrally located near the sky train and shopping areas, away from the seedy quarters and which is great value for money. Please also provide info on “must see” places and dining experiences whilst there. - Anil Makan

ANSWER: The best area for you to stay in would be in the main shopping areas of Siam and Sukhumvit Road, away from the Silom-Suriwong area, which is home to most of the gogo bars and "red light" venues. There are many excellent hotels that would satisfy your criteria. My advice would be to check out the websites offering discounted hotel rooms in Bangkok and choose two or three in your price bracket. Among the best websites are www.asiarooms.com, www.bangkok.com and www.hoteltravel.com. Then check out the hotel's rating and read a selection of reviews for the hotel on the excellent www.tripadvisor.com website. The reviews will provide you with all the information regarding transport availability and location to shopping.

However, three hotels I recommend are the Majestic Grande Hotel (modern, clean and friendly), the Davis Bangkok (classy Asian design) and the Pathumwan Princess Hotel (adjoining the amazing MBK shopping centre and skytrain station). Some of the best bargain choices would be the Bossotel Hotel (near the riverfront), the Bedrooms Boutique Hotel (off Sukhumvit Road) and the Ibis Siam Bangkok Hotel (hotel chain quality close to shopping). When in Bangkok, you will have no problem getting information about sightseeing and tours. A must-see is the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. For dining, make sure you eat at the roadside stalls. That's where the Thais eat, and rightly so. The food is delicious. For a special meal, try one of the swanky rooftop restaurants with spectacular views of the city. The best are Sirocco and Vertigo.