What must I see while in Bali and Bangkok?

[thehappychappy]

Heading off to Bali for a two week trip and I know very little about the place. (I am on limited funds)

Any must see's?

Also I have 36 hours in bangkok on the way back and are there any must see's from a tourists perspective? (I am not interested in the seedy side(ok I am curious but with only 36 hours Id rather see some culture)

Cheers.

[XeN]

The Balinese temples are fantastic as is the Monkey Forrest, but watch out for your "guide" taking you into their shops at the end of the tour to buy over expensive wares.

The Tanah Lot Temple is fantastic for the sunsets but is packed with toursists.

The place is very beautiful and for most the people are very kind and giving.

A trip around the countryside and the paddy (SP?!) fields is also good and to the Volcano (cant remember its name )

If you want nightlife and bars / clubs etc then I think it Kuta is the place to be (full of aussies)

HTH

Edit: All the above are in Bali btw...

[Graham Smith]

The trouble with Bangkok is where to start! If you only have 36 hours and want culture then possibly one place to see would be the Royal Palace which is quite interesting - that will take a good four or five hours to get round.

Dont know where you are staying but getting around is easy with a travel card on the Skytrain (Air conditioned and boy is that welcome) and cheap. A Tuk Tuk ride is also quite good fun but the noise they make can be horrendous. Almost all of them will want to take you to a tailor or jewelery shop. They are all on commission and one even gave us a free trip if we went into a tailors for 10 mins - he got his commission (turned out to be petrol) even if we didnt buy anything (which we didnt).

Shopping is a bit one thing (tat) or another (High end boutiques) with little in the middle but fun.

Pat Pong is the area you want to avoid (or not, providing you dont shock easily).

Enjoy - it is a wonderful city and the people are really welcoming and helpful. have fun,

[Ant P]

Check out the Vertigo bar in Bangkok. Have a sunset drink there - stunning views, although a bit pricey.

Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar - Best restaurant with view in Bangkok Thailand

Cheers, ant

[Crazy Badger]

Pauline's thrown in a vote for a meal at the Banyan Tree as recommended above. Just don't fall over the edge...

[NotDeadYet]

River bus ride around sunset is brilliant. There are too many temples (and I didn't think they were that interesting after about 30min) and the best way to see them is from the river. A tuk-tuk ride anywhere is worth doing as well, pick two destinations a fair way apart and tell the guy you want to get there quick. Best ride in Bangkok

[macstinator]

Bangkok is a shithole in my opinion but a lot of people like it.

Patpong Market has its limited amusements!

[Jim Shaw]

What must I see while in Bali and Bangkok?

a shop that sells penicillin !!!!!! ,

[Mystery Dive bum]

Bangkok is awesome

Westin Banyan tree bar called vertigo is a must
Muay Thai boxing is a real experience and is on a Wednesday and Sunday night i think.
PatPong is also well worth a visit at night (not too late) for a wander around the markets and the most expensive pint of Guinness ever.The visit is as seedy as you make it. My girlfriend was happy to walk around there.
The river tour is a bit time consuming and a bit boring TBH
Get measured for a suit - although time is not on your side for fittings. They keep your measurements on file and you can order suits when you get home. Handmade with two pairs of trousers for £100 ish

Have a ball

[rodt1968]

Nobody's mentioned diving?? The Liberty Wreck in Tulamben (Bali) is a must.....and Nusa Penida for currents, cold water (relatively) and (maybe) Mola Mola. Ubud for arts and crafts and because its much more relaxing than Kuta.