Where to stay in Bangkok
Where to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a wonderful place to visit. The city has everything you could ever need! What you only have to do is choose your perfect spot. If you have no idea where to stay, take a look at GoSnoop guide below to help you decide where to stay in Bangkok on your visit.
1. Siam
Siam is the best shopping area in Bangkok and it is every shopaholic’s paradise. There are tons of shopping malls and designer shops located here. Moreover, this place is where most of local people especially teenagers come to spend time with their friends and family. The area is connected by the BTS Siam station. However, Siam is considered to be the busiest spot in the capital.
2. Sukhumvit
If you like spending your time shopping, eating, or clubbing, then Sukhumvit is the area for you! This area is very central, modern, and cosmopolitan. There are a lot of great shopping malls, international brand hotels, tasty street food and restaurants, cafes, and nightlife hotspots. The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) run over Sukhumvit road making it easy to explore. Moreover, this area is very popular for Expats to hangout.
3. Silom
A very high and modern energy area, Silom is the Central Business District with many office buildings and financial headquarters. The area is well connected with BTS Saladang station. The food in this area is really delicious with reasonable prices. At night, the small sois around Silom Road become alive with street food and sidewalk stalls.
4. Bangkok Old City
Bangkok Old City or Rattanakosin Island is the original spot of Bangkok. This is a historical area to Bangkok’s most spectacular historical attractions – including the Grand Palace, Was Phra Kaew, Golden Mountain and the fascinating narrow alleyways in this area. Moreover, there are plenty of budget guesthouses, lively bars, fun activities, and secret restaurants.
5. Khao San Road
This area is the center of the backpacking universe! It’s also a great place to meet other backpackers and travelers. If you are looking for the budget accommodations then this is where to go. You will find everything from hostel, bars, club, massage parlours, market stalls, and travel agents. The big drawback is that there is not very easily accessible by public transport such as skytrain.
6. Thonburi
Thonburi is a riverside area located on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River. The great part about this area is everything is connected by the river. Around this area, the ambience is very romantic and relaxing. Moreover, the traditional life and culture still remain in this place. You will find floating markets along the riverside selling their merchandise from their Thai long tail boats. Although this area is not the best connected in Bangkok for public transport, boats and tuk-tuks are the easiest way to reach Thonburi.
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Things about Thai culture you should know before visiting Thailand
Thai culture is well known for its unique culture. Its culture is made up of a wide range of different sources. If you are traveling to Thailand, it’s necessary to know the basics of Thai culture in order to help you understand Thai people better and to avoid issues. Here are basic cultural points you need to know before visiting Thailand.
1. Greeting
Thai greeting referred to as Wai. Wai is an action where the performer will pressing the palms together at chest or nose level and bowing head slightly. In addition, the word often spoken with Wai as a greeting is “Sawadee”. The word Sawadee is usually followed by “ka” when spoken by a female and by “kub” when spoken by a male person. Moreover, Wai can mean hello, goodbye, thank you, or to apologize. Thai people usually perform Wai when they want to greet someone who is older or respectable.
2. Feet low/Head high
In Thailand, the head is considered high and the feet are considered low and dirty. Since head is the highest part, never touch a Thai person on their head especially if they are older than you! In addition, point or touch something with the feet or simply put the feet on a desk or chair are considered extremely rude in Thailand.
3. Affection in public
Kissing with girlfriend or boyfriend in public may be romantic for Westerners but it is certainly a taboo in Thailand. In Thailand, people do not show a lot of affection in public. They won’t feel convenient to do hug and kiss outside as they think doing those things are about the 2-person’s things. When they go out, it is not a 2-person’s place. However, holding hands can be acceptable.
4. Unopened gifts
If you give a gift to Thai people and they just put your gift on the side and left unopened. Do not be mad.. In Thailand, it is considered rude to rip the gift open there in front of the giver. Thai people are more likely to wait until the giver has left to open the present.
5. Do not touch the monks
Since Buddhism is the national religion in Thailand, you will see many monks during your time in Thailand. People should be careful of the actions around monks. Women should never touch a monk or sit next to a monk or his belongings.
6. Smile
Thailand is known as the ‘Land of Smiles‘. Smile is a common thing to have here and a non-smiley person is often judged as not a friendly person. Try to smile at Thai people as much as possible and they will return in kind and making your experience in Thailand much more enjoyable.
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The best places to Instagram in Bangkok
The best places to Instagram in Bangkok – GoSnoop
If you do a search of Bangkok on Instagram, you will get over million results! Bangkok is a city filled with Instagram opportunities. The city has so many iconic places and hidden gems. It is an interesting city with a mix of everything form history and culture to grand architecture and unique landmarks.
If you’re planning to visit Bangkok and want to hit the Instagram famous photo spots in this city so you can make your friends jealous of the beautiful pictures. Then this is the guide for you! Get your camera ready… here are the most instagrammable places in Bangkok!
1. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun is the top instagrammable temple of Bangkok. It is located on Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River and it is one of the most striking riverside landmarks. Wat Arun has various cool spots for getting Instagram shots such as the main temple, the garden, and the buildings across riverside. You can climb to the top of the temple for a great vantage point of the city as it is a must-see spot in Bangkok. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset and the best way to get there is by taking a boat. If you want to get the photographs of Wat Arun at night time, visit any one of the restaurants across the riverside opposite to Wat Arun to get that perfect night photograph!
Address: 158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600
2. The Giant Swing
Just in front of Wat Suthat, the Giant Swing standing at over 20 meters tall has become one of the symbols of Bangkok. This spindly red arch is a religious structure built in 1784 from teakwood and renovated in 2004. The Giant Swing is a little off the beaten track but well worth a visit for Instagram shots. Moreover, this place has the beautiful landscape backdrops of Bangkok Old Town.
Address: Bamrung Muang Road, Khwaeng Sao Chingcha, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
3. Chinatown
If you are street style photographer then do not miss the opportunity to capture this place! Chinatown is local dining district that gives the authentic feel. After dark, the streets are flashing neon signs in Thai and Chinese characters and tuk-tuk lights crowding over the street, making a great photo! Since the traffic around that area is very bad, we recommend taking the MRT Underground to Hua Lamphong Station and then take a tuk-tuk.
Address: Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
4. Grand Palace
Grand Palace is Bangkok’s biggest sight located at the hear of the city. This place is the most well-known for all travelers and it is top of the bucket list for first time visitors. It is a very beautiful palace with stunning statues and outstanding details. Since, Grand Palace is the busiest tourist stop. If you want to get the best shots, make sure you come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Address: Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200
If you have visit one of these place, do not forget to upload your picture on Instagram and tag @gosnoopgame
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Rattanakosin Island : Amazing things you probably didn’t know about!
Rattanakosin Island : Amazing things you probably didn’t know about!
“Rattanakosin Island” If it is about this area, you may think of beautiful temples and palaces. Here we have the amazing things about Bangkok Old Town you probably didn’t know which will make you travel in this town more exciting. Let’s see if you have already known these yet!
1. Panorama of Bangkok
The Golden Mount (Wat Saket) is the place you should not miss when you visit Rattanakosin Island! This place is the highest hill of Bangkok which offered the great views that you can see 360 degree over Rattanakosin Island. From the ground, there are 300 short steps to climb to the top with numerous spots to look around such as a giant bell. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the spectacular views from all four points of the compass between Bangkok Old Town and the new parts of the city. Therefore, do not forget to take tons of photos!
2. Coolest activity in Bangkok happens here
If you want to discover hidden gems in Rattanakosin Island while do fun things together with your friends or family then enter GoSnoop. GoSnoop is the first outdoor adventure detective game activity in Bangkok! This game will take you on a 2-3 hours voyage to discover the wonders of Bangkok Old Town through a puzzling LIVE game experience. For more information please email contact@gosnoop.co or click here!
3. The center of bizarre foods
Eating bizarre foods in Bangkok is one of the top priority list for travelers! There are plenty of carts, stalls, or even restaurants that serve you tons of bizarre dishes in Rattanakosin Island. Can’t think of the menu right now? Let me give you some of the food menus you can try: deep-fried insects, pig organ soup, dancing shrimps, blood soup, and chicken’s Feet! Sounds delicious right? you can find all of these in Bangkok Old Town such as Khao San road and there are so many more to top up your bizarre food list. So when you eat, don’t forget to fill up your social media with bizarre food photos and share with your friends and us!
4. A hidden Thai dessert heaven located here
Notable Thai desserts, foods plaza, authentic experience, historic community, heritage site, and beautiful architecture all at once, Nang Loeng market is one of a kind. For over 200 years, Nang Loeng market is one of the most authentic and oldest market in Bangkok located in the heart of Bangkok old town about a 5 minute walk from Democracy Monument. There are various kinds of delicious Thai desserts available at reasonable price such as egg custard pudding, steamed custard, or sweet sticky rice with coconut cream. Most stalls and shops are open in the early morning around 8 am and finish up by 3 pm.
5. Ratchadamnoen Avenue light up for the festival period
During festival period such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and New Year’s, the city is lit up with special decorations. You will see beautiful lights are string up in trees, sidewalks, and buildings along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
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Top 5 hidden street foods in Rattanakosin Island even locals don’t know about!
Rattanakosin Island or Bangkok Old City is a fascinating area where most of Bangkok’s “must see” sights can be found. Located in central Bangkok bordered by the Chao Phraya River, this remarkable area contains most of the popular spots such as the giant swing, the Golden Mount, and the Grand Palace. However, Rattanakosin Island does not only show the dozens of traditional attractions but also has a lots of great street foods. As we all know, Bangkok is one of the best city in the world for street food and food lover. Therefore, here is a list of best secret spots for Bangkok street food we feel you shouldn’t miss out on when you’re in Rattanakosin Island.
- Lueng Pha Pad Thai
For more than 40 years, Leung Pha Pad Thai is a restaurant devoted to Thailand’s most famous authentic noodle dish. This restaurant is not only good but excellent. They use traditional noodles and cook over a charcoal fire instead of gas. It is literally located next to the other Pad Thai restaurant (Thip Samai). However, Leung Pha Pad Thai is more local and the atmosphere is more relaxing which perfect for people who are looking for non touristy place to eat (as you don’t have to wait in a long queue like the next busier pad Thai restaurant). Don’t forget to order fresh orange juice! It is a great combination with Pad Thai.
Venue Details
Address:
315/1 Maha Chai Road, near the corner of Soi Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Opening hours: Daily 10.00 – 02.00 hrs
Price: 40+ THB
Phone: 02-6210082
- Nai Ouan Yentafo
Yentafo is a pink noodle soup combined with many yummy toppings such as fish balls, squid, and crunchy deep fried wonton and a pinkish sauce that made from red tofu which you won’t find anywhere else. Nai Ouan Yentafo has been opened for more than 50 years and located near the Giant Swing. This place is one of the best Yentafo shop in Thailand and it is one of the Michelin recommended restaurant! Their special recipe make everything on their bowl become perfect and yummy.
Venue Details
Address:
315/1 41 Soi Nava Thanon Saochingcha, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok
Opening hours: Daily 09.00 – 21.00 hrs on weekdays and 09.00-16.00 hrs on weekend
Price: 50+ THB
Phone: 02-2229701
- Gui Chai J’Toy (J’Toy Chive Dumpling)
Gui Chai J’Toy is a fantastic snack, perfect for a light appetizer. It is made from a combination of tapioca, rice and sticky rice flours then filled with variety of delicious fillings such as taro, chives leaf, and coconut. Gui Chai J’Toy are served with sweet and spicy dipping sauce. If you are looking for healthy snack that tastes amazing then this is well worth trying.
Venue Details
Address: 122 Mahannop Road, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Opening hours: Daily 7:00–16:00 hrs.
Price: 6 THB per one dumpling
Phone: 02-6221221
- Kao Moo Dang Nai Chun
One of the most authentic kinds of street food in Bangkok is Kao Moo Dang, the red barbecued pork on steamed rice and pour with porky red sauce. You can find Kao Moo Dang almost everywhere at street food stalls in Bangkok. However, there aren’t many good ones left in Bangkok, but one of the best places to get it is Kao Moo Dang Nai Chun. Kao Moo Dang Nai Chun serves with the original and unique recipes and a very good quality of ingredients. The dish is drowning in tasty sweet red gravy and they give a plenty of pork. We are sure that you will love it!
Venue Details
Address: 142, Dinso Road, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: Daily 07:00 – 17:30 hrs.
Price: 40+ THB
Phone: 02-2248773
- Cheng Sim Ei
Looking for best spot for dessert? Hit one of the most famous and oldest ‘street’ dessert shops in Bangkok; Cheng Sim Ei. This place serves various desserts where you can customize it by yourself. They offer a wide-selection of dessert ingredients with choices of syrups where you can mix and match it together. So if you are looking for something sweet, then this is the place to go.
Venue Details
Address: 212/1, Dinso Road, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: Daily 11:00–23:00 hrs.
Price: 40+ THB
Phone: 02-0033152
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Getting around in Bangkok
Getting around in Bangkok
“How am I supposed to get around Bangkok?” this might be one of the first questions that pop up in your mind when you arrive in this beautiful city. Bangkok is a city where numerous transport options available. Therefore, to help you figure out how to get around Bangkok easily, here is a list of the city’s transportation options.
Airport City Link
This is the train connects Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) with downtown Bangkok. From Suvarnabhumi, the entrance to the Airport City Link located on the first floor. The train operates from 6.00 A.M. until midnight. The fares start out at 15 Baht, maximum 45 Baht. The tickets can be bought directly from automatic machines at the stations. The Airport Link also connects with the MRT at the Makkasan station and with the BTS at the Phaya Thai station. One of the good things of Airport City Link is that the price is much cheaper than using a taxi!
BTS Skytrain
Skytrain known as The BTS by locals. It is the easiest and quickest way to get around Bangkok in air-conditioned comfort. Moreover, it is very convenient for both short and long distances. The BTS connects you to most places of interest in Bangkok such as shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, or attractions around Sukhumvit Road. The service runs between 06.00 to midnight daily. However, The BTS can be very busy during peak hours (07.00-09.00 and 17.00-19.00) and best to avoid if possible. Note that it is forbidden to eat or drink inside the train and the BTS does not take 2 baht coin for the ticket machine.
MRT Underground Train
Another quickest modes of transport in Bangkok is MRT. The name of MRT officially called in Thai as the “rot fai tai din” which means underground train. The line operates from 06.00 to midnight daily. Same as the BTS, the MRT can suffer from overcrowding at peak hours especially at Sukhumvit station. The BTS and the MRT are operated by different companies so you need to buy a separate ticket for each one. Anyhow, there are interchange stations at Silom, Mochit, and Asok where you can have the possibility to change into the BTS.
Tuk-Tuk
Riding in a Tuk-Tuk is one of the not to be missed experience in Bangkok! Tuk-Tuk or “sam lor” (the famous 3-wheeled vehicles) have become one of Bangkok’s most recognisable transportation and very popular among tourists and visitors. It is very unique and fun experience. Your trip would not be complete if you did not try this ride. Since Tuk-Tuk does not have a meter, the price may vary depending on the distance, time, or even the mood of the driver! It’s very important to negotiate the price before you getting on. However, if you need a practical way and comfortably to get around Bangkok, you can get a taxi instead for the same or less price!
Taxi
Taxi is the most comfortable way to get around Bangkok. Bangkok Taxis are readily available throughout all major locations even at night time. Moreover, Taxi system in Bangkok is very reasonable for payment with the meter system. Fares will charge by the meter which start at 35 Baht and it runs on a combination of both distance and time. Before you go, do not forget to make sure that the taxi driver agrees to use the meter as some of them often refuse to turn on their meters!
Motorcycle Taxi
If you are looking for cheap and immediate transport that can easily beat the traffic, Motorcycle Taxi is the best option. Motorcycle Taxi can be found on most of street corners. The drivers must wear an orange vest. Fares normally start from 15 Baht and some Motorcycle Taxi stations will have a fare board to show the prices with destinations. For the stations that do not have a fare board, you can just walk up to the driver and tell him/her where you want to go. The driver will tell you how much the ride cost. Motorcycle Taxi can carry only one passenger and please do not forget to wear helmet which will be provided by the driver.
Express Boat
If you want to see a different side of Bangkok from waterways, then Express Boat is a ride not to be missed! Express Boat is an interesting way to get around Bangkok and the routes are very easy to use. Bangkok has boats run along the city’s major canals such as Chao Phraya River. If you are visiting Bangkok Old town then Express Boat is a perfect way to getting there. Most Express Boats run from 5 A.M. and finish around 7 P.M. The boats usually leave every 10 to 15 minutes. The ticket price is about 10 to 150 baht depending on the distance and boat types.
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Team Building Trends 2018
Team Building Trends 2018 – Do you want higher productivity, higher performance, greater efficiency, and better communication for your company and employees? One of the success in business is driven by a high team performance. Setting up a successful team depends on many factors, such as satisfaction, motivation, team spirit and teamwork.
However, the question is that how to encourage the employees to collaborate and connect together?
One way to accomplish this goal is to have a team building activity. Team-building activity allows employees to gain multiple skills, such as communication, planning, problem solving and conflict resolution.
In addition, it also helps employees to have fun and release tension. The idea of a team building is to perform on activity that are both fun and challenging and building skills that can help improve performance and productivity of employee. Therefore, if you are thinking to improve the team performance to achieve success, here are some suggestions of top team building trends 2018…
Team Building Trend #1 : Reality TV Activities
Recently there has been a lot of activities that based on reality TV show. The concept of reality TV inspired activities will make employee enjoy and want to try the activity for themselves as they are familiar with the concepts and rules.
Team Building Trend #2 : Collaborative activities
Collaborative activity is a type of team building where everyone works together to take on a single challenge. This kind of activity is all about the friendly competition which build engagement, excitement, and team bonding with everyone in the group as they having one shared goal.
Team Building Trend #3 : Outdoor and Adventure-based activities
Outdoor or adventure-based activities are great for excitement. This kind of activity promote strategic thinking and teach employees in adaptability and leadership traits!
Team Building Trend #4 : Shorter Team Building Activities
As we all know, time is very important to employees during working hours. So, they don’t want too spend time over night on team building activity. Moreover, longer team building activities doesn’t show more effectiveness. In fact, shorter team building can still reach the same or even better effect! Therefore, half day session is a good choice for team building activity.
If you are looking for the activity that match all those trends, then GoSnoop is your answer! GoSnoop presents you GoTeam Corporate Service. GoTeam is a CUSTOMISED TEAM-BUILDING PROGRAM. Incorporating live mysterious adventure game, GoSnoop adapts to the needs and culture of each company and create an unique fun and memorable experience. For more information click here
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