My daughter and her three children are visiting for a holiday and staying in Bangkok for a week.
Now I know things to do for a single male or a couple in and out of the nightlife scene but with three children aged 11 -13 in tow I am a little worried about keeping them occupied.
My daughter enjoys a drink and sitting in a bar but does anyone know of any places which are children friendly. I guess evenings are definately out but what about daytimes, places like the Dubliner etc I mean and not the girlie bars that I am familiar with.
any ideas or advice re Bangkok appreciated

(Ps I am not interested in teaching them the things their grandad knows about).

I would strongly recommend Suan Siam / Siam park. Bit of a hike on the outskirts of town. Take a taxi, and swimming gear. Be prepared for a full day out and evening if they have a firework show on. The swimming area is the best I have seen anywhere - and if you look around carefully you will find somewhere to buy ice cool beer while you relax!

On a more cultural front, I never understand why so many people go to Muang Bolan - an utterly brilliant recreation of famous Thai buildings to almost full size spread over several hundred acres of parkland. Best to hure a car to go there?

Ian

the evening performance at www.siamniramit.com might prove to be suitable (i've seen the show and can recommend it). i’ve sent a pm to u with a travel agent’s contact details if u want more information.

but bangkok for a week? why would anyone want to do that?

ian.

The new aquarium in Siam Paragon! (Ocean World?)

I haven't been yet (I think I'll have to borrow a small child to take!) but have heard it's brilliant.

Dream World is another place you could take them, ideal for 11+ years. We went by mini bus, about 6 of us about 1500 baht that was to wait all day for us aswell. I have been there twice and its a good day out.I would not trust a Thai taxi driver, there are too many who will try and rip you off.

Out of principal I wouldn't go to any Thai wildlife parks. They have an awful reputation for dealing in the illegal trafficing of endangered species.

See here: Monkey World Thailand Report

quote:

but bangkok for a week? why would anyone want to do that?

Well I survived it for two years and enjoyed every day. Still didn't get to see everything I wanted too either!

Another suggestion is the Bayoke 2 tower in Pratu Nam. Fairly cheap and a wonderful view from the top. Downstairs there is a huge clothes market where you can stock up on cheap T shirts etc..

Ian

PS Trust Keith to suggest where NOT to go! While I agree with him, the list of places that various people don't go on principle could be very long!

quote:

Out of principal I wouldn't go to any Thai wildlife parks. They have an awful reputation for dealing in the illegal trafficing of endangered species.

See here: Monkey World Thailand Report

Not even to educate your children as to what the animals are and why it's bad to trade in them?

quote:

Not even to educate your children as to what the animals are and why it's bad to trade in them?

There are many reputable wildlife parks all over the world where that can be done.

quote:

Originally posted by Marcus:
The new aquarium in Siam Paragon! (Ocean World?)

I haven't been yet (I think I'll have to borrow a small child to take!) but have heard it's brilliant.

Yep couldn't agree more Marcus. I have been there and there are some facsinating creatures there... some of the marine life is interesting too.

Peter

How about the rose garden , soon sampan crocodile and elephant park , the floating market , at night the suan lum night bazaar is a good night out as well.
There are loads of places in Bangkok , its a pity that they only have a week.

quote:

Originally posted by peterinkendal:
There are some facsinating creatures there... some of the marine life is interesting too.

LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by storm1fishing:
There are loads of places in Bangkok , its a pity that they only have a week.

Agree totally, as the link provided by SteveR shows.

Steve R
Thanks for that link
Excellent site for my needs
Alan

quote:

There are loads of places in Bangkok , its a pity that they only have a week.

Thanks Colin and Ying
We will be spending the second week in Chiang Mai and I have no problem with that as it's my favourite location in LOS
Alan

Thanks to all contributors for your help in adding to my list of things to do.
Alan

Having just returned from Bangkok I can thoroughly recommend the following:

Safari World Bangkok

A full day out and great for the kids. Get there for opening at 9am to be able to see all the shows, about 200 baht in a taxi meter from the city centre. You can begin with a bus ride around the park, followed by a full day of activities and shows starting at 10am in the middle of the park which will fill your day right up to closing time:

Giraffe feeding
Polar Bear feeding
Sea Lion Show
Dolphin & Beluga Whale Show
Spy Wars Show
Orang Utan Boxing Show
Bird Show

Currently being developed/refurbished:
Elephant Show
Hollywood Cowboy Stunt Show

Highly recommended. We have a 3 year old and an 11 year old and they both really enjoyed it there.

Regards

Good advice Paul,

We did that trip with Dao's 13 yr old daughter and her mate!

The Girls thoroughly enjoyed it as well as the 4 star hotel we were staying in!
Regards
colin 244