Wednesday, 19 December 2012

WHERE TO BUY ART ON JAT U JAK MARKET.





WHERE TO BUY ART ON JAT U JAK MARKET, BANGKOK.
                            AFFORDABLE- QUALITY LOCAL INDY-BIZ WITH LOK8RBOUTIQUE.


Affordable-Quality Art by Talented Local Artist's



This huge market is a home to an ever growing group of really talented artist's, it is very bewildering when you come onto this market and I have often wondered during my 6 years in Bangkok, what is available here and how the hell do I find it, that's seems to be most peoples dilemma, it's just too big and bewildering.
We'll take a look at being a little more focused on actually what Am I looking for and exactly where canI find it.
I love to explore and discover new places andmeet new people, a luxury that many visitors to Jat u Jak don't have, so let me give you a helping hand to find exactly what you want! Here we are going to focus a on Art and Artist's. We will be focusing on a variety of subjects and missions to discover the Best of Jat U Jak, and over the weeks we will be exploring the market to uncover it's hidden gems and Talent! Cool, Amazing Affordable Quality products and services on offer  to you , on this great Market, and try to turn your trip into a fruitful one!
Art is a passion for  me, let me say first of all I am not an artist, I am terrible at art and drawing ( photo's well that's OK), I am also not an Art critic!, BUT, I love creative people and I love Talent and I also believe in Affordable-Quality...That is where we are coming from ...LOK8RBOUTIQUE..ART 4 ALL.
Simply we believe Art is for everybody, and it is not the preserve of the rich and it is not only the elite who can afford or appreciate ART! I am just humble Guy from Liverpool, England, who is lucky enough to have discovered himself in Thailand, I'm living my dream. So now I am trying to help artist discover their dream and normal folk to discover genuine quality art at a very affordable price. The Artist's we feature offer high quality genuine work, it is either genuine one off work or limited editions! We do not encourage copy artists or sweat shop art factories! WE BELIEVE IN FAIR TRADE..FOR THE ARTIST AND FOR YOU!
artist's chilling out! always ready to help !
Here at Jak u Jak Market you'll be able to see many of the artist's at work or simply sitting around chatting or doing the favourite Thai pass time of eating! Thai people love to eat!
OK, So where will you find the Artist's on Jat u Jak Market?
That is fairly easy to answer, and not difficult to find (you'll be pleases to know!). 
They are in the main based on Section 7, but not exclusively as the numbers are growing they are spreading out around the Market a little bit , we will feature these at a later date, coming soon!.
 Section 7 is really close to Gate Number 2, this is one of the main gates based close to Jat U Jak Park. As you walk in the market through Gate number 2, section 7 is to your right hand side, you will see several walkways going up and down this is where the Artist's are based.
There is a fantastic selection of Affordable-Quality Art work here.
The majority of artist's are Thai with one or two exceptions. There are some European and Laos Artist's  based here.
Styles are really varied and it can be a little bewildering, but try and have an idea of what your looking for, it will make it easier, otherwise you'll be spoilt for choice! Or make it simple and buy what You Like, Trust your own feelings!
Please, Please, Please, DO NOT Barter the artist into the ground, I believe their prices are very, very competitive and even at the marked price they offer exceptional value for money! Try to remember in Thailand a person will usually get about 350 Baht a Day ( if they're lucky)! that is supposed to be the minimum wage for one days work, so if you ask for 1.500 Baht Discount, that is nearly the same as a WEEKS WAGE!!!! Come on your getting a Great Deal! FAIR TRADE FOR THE ARTIST AND FOR YOU...THAT'S lok8rboutique's promise!
So Much talent and affordable- quality.
The artist's will usually only have a limited number of their work on display, have a chat to them, they will usually have a portfolio around with a mus ch wider choice or they may be able to do a commission! Several of the Artist's can speak English and they will usually help out their friends who can't speak English.
So overall, take a good look at section 7, have an idea of what you're looking for, walk up and down the walkways and chat to the artist's and try to find what your looking for, don't get carried away!
 One thing SIZE REALLY DOES MATTER!,
I 'm  often amazed by some really impressive art work that is WOW! and SO COOL, ...
BUT IT WILL NEVER FIT INTO MY ROOM ! Take a tape measure check out your space and measure your picture!
Once you have decided to buy, you can take your art back home or to your hotel and arrange shipping if necessary or use one of the many shipping and freighting companies on Jat u Jak Market, ( Blog coming soon!).
 Actually it's often really relaxing even just to take a walk up and down the art walkways and admire the work that these  talented artist's are producing! Stop and have a chat or have a drink or a bite to eat, take your time and enjoy yourself!
TIME!
I know this can be a real problem, you're on Holiday and don't have the time to search your schedule is too tight, or maybe you live or work here and you can't get to the Market at the weekend! WE at lok8rboutique Art 4 All have a really simple solution, 
Send  me an email or call me by telephone, let me know what your looking for and we with our huge portfolio and knowledge will do our best to find what your looking for, and we'll even bring you a selection to your hotel and/or show  you the selection on line, and we'll deliver it to you for your approval and then we'll arrange shipping for you, it's a comprehensive service and yes we will charge you, we want you to be delighted with your choice! Our charges at lok8rboutique Art 4 All are very affordable and we offer a top quality Service at affordable rates, call us and see! We believe in Art 4 All and we can tailor make our services to suit your requirements, from DIY just come and see our selection of Artist's and Designer's on www.lok8rboutique.com, to giving you a helping hand to find what your looking for to our full bespoke service where you can sit back and enjoy your holiday or carry on working and let me do what I love and explore and Discover some amazing Affordable Quality Art for You!
Kenny Riley +66 (0) 84 316 4368, email......lok8rboutique@gmail.com.  or try or website
  www.lok8rboutique.com
lok8rboutique offering Affordable-Quality Local Indy-Biz and a whole lot more besides!

Choose your style and subject.
Let's face it!
Sculptures stylish, unique,quirky!

the beauty of art!
Colourful wildlife

Warm sunset

Sophisticated Beauty!

Take a break and relax!

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

JAT U JAK MARKET BANGKOK THAILAND.

WELCOME TO JAT U JAK WEEKEND MARKET, BANGKOK,
                                                                         ARRIVE &SURVIVE WITH LOK88RBOUTIQUE. 


JAT U JAK or CHAT U CHAK OR J.J. , IT'S ALL THE SAME !

Explore & Discover the Real Jat u Jak!
.
Some people hate this place and others can't see what all the fuss is about, others will say it's full of copied rubbish, it's smelly, hot and dangerous. WE SAY .......... OH NO IT ISN'T!
I've been living very close to this market since I arrived in Bangkok some 6 years ago and it may have been true in the past. However, now Jat U Jak Market is improving all the time, the problem with the market is it's huge and it's full of small shopping walkways with stalls enclosed under a very hot roof!, although some stalls are out in the open! There are stalls catering for all tastes and  all pockets and it's hard, really hard to find just what your looking for you may stumble across something, but, due to it's size and complexity it's difficult, even with a map, to find your way around.
So let's try to make it easier,
HOW TO GET TO JAT U JAK MARKET.
This you'll be glad to know is the easy bit! There are a several options.
TRAIN. MRT (SUBWAY) & BTS (SKYTRAIN).
BothMRT and BTS offer perhaps the quickest and probably the cheapest options, they cover routes from the city center and several touristy areas to Jat U Jak, it would cost around 35 to 40 Baht from Asoke to Jat U Jak Park (Chat U Chak Park) using The MRT and would take around 20 minutes. Actually if you stay on one more stop to Kam Pang Phet, it's easier, as this Station has an exit ( Exit No. 3) that will take you direct into the market
.BTS is about the same, if you go from Siam it will cost around 35 Baht and take 15 minutes or so. You will then need to walk across the Park or follow the road into the Market, Gate Number 2 is probably your best bet!
TAXI.
 OK, Most Taxi drivers know the market, but may refuse to take you if the traffic is too heavy! Or you'll be stuck in A Traffic Jam watching the meter click over! Can be expensive! Usually 80 to 100 Baht from Siam Square, but it really does depend on the traffic. Usually a taxi may have to drop you by the MRT / BTS Station due to parking or waiting restrictions that the Police enforce.
Bus. 
Again there are many buses serving this area and it's really cheap using buses in Bangkok. But it can be a long boring wait, either waiting for your bus to show up or waiting in the Traffic Jams that usually surround Jat U Jak. Bus Number 3 or 524 from Kaosan Road Area will cost about 10 t0 20 Baht, depends if A.C. It can take an hour or more! Usually 20 minutes from Kaosan to Jat U Jak, when it's not too busy.
TUK-TUK.
Same old story, Traffic Jams, Usually they're OK. Be careful on leaving the market as many Tuk Tuk's will charge you too much! Especially when they see you laden with shopping! Get A firm price, usually 100 Baht would get you to Victory Monument. But who knows they can demand 400 or 500 Baht for the same trip! They are usually OK and you can get a better deal by going to the main gate and try to barter.
Moto-Cy Taxi.
They can be quick, as they can skip or weave through the Traffic Jams! But they are really only OK for short trips and offer no choice if you have a lot of shopping, a short trip can be 10 to 20 Baht maybe 1 KM.

ARRIVING AT JAT U JAK MARKET.
When you arrive at the market go to one of the main gates and get yourself a  map or guide, they will be great for you finding facilities and giving you a general idea of the Market layout and size!
Do not just walk around the main circuit of the market you will miss so much!
EXPLORE THE MARKET! YOU'LL DISCOVER SO MUCH!!!
There really is a lot of QUALITY ON JAT U JAK MARKET, ranging from ARTISTS to BARS to CAFES and more and more INDY FASHION STALLS! All offering a great selection of Affordable Quality Products.
FACILITES AT JAT U JAK MAKET.
This is an area which has seen some great steps forward in quality, cleanliness and quantity.
TOILETS.
The Toilets are well sign posted and at regular intervals around the outer circuit of the market, inside they are harder to discover and overall the are OK but not great!, there is usually a small 3 to 5 Baht fee ( I always want to put a wee charge! That must be some Scottish Blood some where! or maybe Irish!)
ATM & BANKS.
This has improved and as well as main Banks being present on the Market there are numerous ATM's around the market.Easy to find and safe to use, as always be careful and alert!
FOOD & DRINK.
This has also improved and continues to improve, however, some of the  Restaurants / Cafes do over charge and offer sub standard food, compared to comparable Thai frequented Cafes and Restaurants. Our solution, pick one frequented by Thai People, not Westerner's. Generally be adventurous try to sample Thai food and Cafes frequented by Thai folk, you'll be surprised, try local.
There are a couple of nice bars that break this rule! Lots of foreigners, not may Thai! These are good bars with great atmospheres and their prices are reasonable!
There are also several nice little coffee shops, but not so many comfy chill out coffee places.
SEATING & SHADED AREAS.
Few and Far between, it's very difficult to find a cool, or even a place, to sit down, best bet a coffee shop, or go to JJ Mall next door to cool down!
FREIGHT & SHIPPING.
There are numerous companies offering good service and reliability, if your unsure ask the person your buying from who do they usually use. ( Blog coming about Quality Service on Jat U JAk).

Overall I really love this place and I am spending more and more time here, I'm getting to know the Market Traders, the Artist's. and the growing number of Young Talented Entrepreneur's who are calling Jat U Jak their home.
We'll be doing our best to bring you regular updates and we'll be hopefully on the Market to help you out in February 2013 onwards, we look forward to seeing you, mean time keep an  eye on us at Blogger and also watch out for YOU TUBE, we'll be doing some slide shows and videos very soon.Come and join us on Facebook too and google +.


     IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A HOTEL, OR IF YOU'RE TRYING TO FIND SOME THING !
PLEASE CHECK OUT OR WEB SITE
 www.lok8rboutique.com 
 You'll find a great selection together with address phone numbers email etc,
Travel.Live or On Biz , Building Trust between you and Local Indy Biz.
 lok8rboutique Affordable-Quality Local Indy-Biz
..for Hotels and a whole lot more..check us out!
 We have some great Affordable Quality Local Indy Biz in Thailand & Laos.

Try some cooling Thai style drinks!

A fan is not a bad idea!

Keep cool!

Hungry! Lots of choice!

Taxis & Tuk-Tuk's by the Main Gates.

Friendly staff to help you, Free Maps too!

Have a Beer an' chill to some cool tunes!

A great place to chill out!

Keep in the shade!

Eat on the move, lot's of great snacks!

Keep an eye on the Kid's!

Toilets are well sign posted!

A busy cafe !



HAVE A GREAT TIME AT JAT U JAK MARKET AND BE SURE TO TAKE A LOOK ON


www.lok8rboutique.com




.


Wednesday, 12 December 2012

Pattaya Bus Station. Arrive And Survive.


WELCOME TO ARRIVE AND SURVIVE WITH LOK8RBOUTIQUE.
PATTAYA BUS STATION, THAILAND.


EASY TO USE AND CLEAN...PATTAYA BUS STATION.


Pattaya Bus Station is situated on North Pattaya Road very close to its junction with Sukhumvit Road. It's a few KM away from the Beach and main Shopping Area.
If you're planning a trip to Bangkok, or you're you've got itchy feet and are in the mood for a spot of travelling, you'll probably need to get to Bangkok for the Airport or Train or Bus Stations then you 'll probably be using this Bus Station, PATTAYA AIR CONDITIONED  BUS TERMINAL .
As Bus Stations go this is one of my favourites , it's really easy to use for arrivals to Pattaya or departures from Pattaya. It's clean modern and simple to use.
It can be a little difficult to get here as it's not that well served by a direct route service, but it's not too far and not so difficult!

DEPARTURES FROM PATTAYA.
It can be a liittle bit tricky getting here mainly because Song Tauw drivers want to charge you 100 Baht each, too much!, a normal Song Tauw will take you to North  Pattaya Road from the Center of Pattaya for 20 Baht and then a short tip along North Pattaya Road will cost 10 Baht.
Once you're here you'll find the Ticket Booking Office on Your left and the Destinations are all clearly marked. Ekamai, Morchit Going North or North East Thailand !, Southern Bus Terminal all points South Thailand, Phuket, Samui etc.
the facilities are very good in Pattaya Bus Station.
TOILETS. The toilets are excellent, very clean and well looked after, wash basins and toilets are very very clean. Fresh smelling too! They're at the end of the seating area next to the cafe.
ATM's There are several situated just outside the Bus Station.
FOOD & DRINK. Again there is a nice little cafe at the end of the station close to the toilets.There's a very good coffee shop serving a good selection of nice coffee and drinks! There are also a couple of little kiosks selling a variety of food and snacks.
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. In the station is a good little shop selling a variety of snacks and drinks.
PUBLIC TELEPHONES. There's a bank of tlephones very close to the seating area.
SEATING & WAITING. There's ample seating (usually) and they are all in rows facing the electronic departure board.
Once you've got your ticket the area where the buses leave from is only a very short stroll around the corner, it's to the right of the ticket counter, head towards the convenience shop. Everything is easy and simple as it is only a small Bus Station, Look at the departue Board and you'll find your bus, number and destination,leaving tome a Bus Stop or gate number. Easy as pie!
Have a great Trip!

ARRIVALS AT PATTAYA.
This is again fairly and simple and not too much of a hassle. The bus usually will stop and drop you off in front of the ticket booking Office.
TOILETS. The toilets are excellent, very clean and well looked after, wash basins and toilets are very very clean. Fresh smelling too! They're at the end of the seating area next to the cafe.
ATM's There are several situated just outside the Bus Station.
FOOD & DRINK. Again there is a nice little cafe at the end of the station close to the toilets.There's a very good coffee shop serving a good selection of nice coffee and drinks! There are also a couple of little kiosks selling a variety of food and snacks.
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. In the station is a good little shop selling a variety of snacks and drinks.
PUBLIC TELEPHONES. There's a bank of tlephones very close to the seating area.
SEATING & WAITING. There's ample seating (usually) and they are all in rows facing the electronic departure board.
HOTELS. You have a good choice in Pattaya, we are preparing a blog on some great boutique hotels that offer Affordable Quality , coming your way soon!!

Usually it  can be tricky finding your way around a new town or city, it's not too bad getting from the bus station, your choices are a little limited.

SONG TAUW. This is a great way to get into Pattaya cheaply, jump into the back of you pick up with two benx ch seats and squeeze up as the other passengers get on board! Good Fun! It will cost 20 Baht each to get you to Pattaya beach and/or shopping Mall. You can get to Jontiem for 30 Baht each. Prices may vary if you want dropping at your hotel it can be 50 baht + to central Pattya Hotels.
MOTO-CY TAXI. Not a bad choice if you're travelling light or by yourself! Around 50 Baht for a short trip.

Generally you shouldn't find it too difficult, the traffic is usually OK it can get very busy at Peak Holiday times!
Have a good Stay in Pattaya!

IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A HOTEL, OR IF YOU'RE TRYING TO FIND SOME THING !
PLEASE CHECK OUT OR WEB SITE www.lok8rboutique.com 
 You'll find a great selection together with address phone numbers email etc,
 lok8rboutique only offers Affordable-Quality ..for Hotels and a whole lot more..check us out!
 We have some great Affordable Quality Local Indy Biz in Thailand & Laos.

SUPER CLEAN TOILETS !

SEATING AREA IS COMFY & CLOSE TO EVERYTHING

GRAB A COFFEE OR  A SNACK.

SHOP WITH A GREAT SELECTION!

 BEST CHOICE TO GET TO PATTAYA

MOTO-CY ARE OK TOO!

PUBLIC PHONES CLOSE TO SEATING AREA.


THANKS FOR USING LOK8RBOUTIQUE....HERE TO HELP!






Tuesday, 11 December 2012

EKAMAI BUS STATION, BANGKOK, THAILAND.

 WELCOME TO ARRIVE AND SURVIVE WITH LOK8RBOUTIQUE.
EKAMAI BUS STATION, BANGKOK, THAILAND.

Eastern Bus Terminal Bangkok, Ekamai Bus Station.


When you're planning a trip away from Bangkok Where you're going to will decide on What bus Station you travel from. If you're going East or along the Eastern Coast or to the Island's East of Bangkok  you'll need Ekamai Bus Station.
Ekamai is situated on Sukhumvit Road,it's well served by Road and Rail, it's about 15 minutes by BTS (SkyTrain) fom Siam Square. It will take considerably longer by road, Sukhumvit is a very busy and  congested Road, use BTS it's quicker and cheaper.
Get off the BTS at Ekamai Station, Easy!
 The Bus Station is a  little hidden it's set back a few metres from the main Road. It's opposite the Junction of Ekamai Road and Sukhumvit Road.
Ekamai Bus Station has seen better days, it's a bit old and outdated, however it all seems to work well enough and  it's surrounded with some great facilities.
Once you walk into the Station you'll see a Departures Board in front of you and to your right and left are the main Ticket Booking Kiosks, it depends on your destination, but everything is in Thai and English. For example if you want to go To Pattaya, it's clearly marked and displayed, in the window of the kiosk is the time of the next bus, pay your money and get your ticket. Check your destination and time, date and your seat number and then look for your bus stop. Usually it's clearly numbered. The Bus will have it's destination and leaving point written on the side and it will have a number too!
Finding your seat is always a bit of fun as the seat numbers are written on the back of your seat! it's not usually the number you see in front of you when you sit down....
The Facilities in Ekamai are a bit dated, but they all work OK and everything is fairly clean and in good order.
TOILETS. The toilets are well sign posted and are on the side of the main building, there's the usual fee, around 3 to % Baht, but the toilets are clean and are quite pleasant.
A.T.M's.. There are several ATM's in the station, they are all in clear open places and fairly safe to use!
FOOD & DRINK. The choice is not so good in the station, but very close to the station there is a really good selection of Noodle Shops and Thai Food stalls. There is a great little coffee shop in the station by the benches in the bus terminal area.But if you've got some time to kill I would suggest one of several exca ellent coffee shops that are very close to the station and you can sit down and chill out in AC comfort. ( A Blog about these on its way!).
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. You have an excellent choice, inside the station are several great little stalls selling drinks and just outside there's a 7-11, there are more in the malls that surround Ekamai.
SEATING & WAITING.There's not a bad selection of seating, but it can get a bit hot and sticky.
There's a departure board at the front of the station, but Ekamai is a small Bus Station and it's easy enough to sit and wait by the Bus stop that you're leaving from.
PUBLIC TELEPHONES. There is a fairly good selection of Phones if you need them.

ARRIVING AT EKAMAI BUS STATION.
Everything is really easy to find. Usually the buses will stop near to the front of the station.
Toilets.The toilets are well sign posted and are on the side of the main building, there's the usual fee, around 3 to % Baht, but the toilets are clean and are quite pleasant.
A.T.M.'s.There are several ATM's in the station, they are all in clear open places and fairly safe to use!
FOOD & DRINK. The choice is not so good in the station, but very close to the station there is a really good selection of Noodle Shops and Thai Food stalls. There is a great little coffee shop in the station by the benches in the bus terminal area.But if you've got some time to kill I would suggest one of several exca ellent coffee shops that are very close to the station and you can sit down and chill out in AC comfort. ( A Blog about these on its way!).
CONVENIENCE SHOPS You have an excellent choice, inside the station are several great little stalls selling drinks and just outside there's a 7-11, there are more in the malls that surround Ekamai.
SEATING & WAITING. There's not a bad selection of seating, but it can get a bit hot and sticky.
PUBLIC TELEPHONES. There is a fairly good selection of Phones if you need them.
HOTELS. There are many Hotels and Guest Houses within a short distance,( blog on its way!).

On leaving Ekamai there's a good choice of transport.
TAXIS. Taxi's are usually plentiful.You should be able to get one directly outside, beware of traffic jams!
BTS (SkyTrain). The BTS Station at Ekamai is only a very short walk away! Usually 15 to 45 Baht depending on your destination.
MOTO-CY TAXIS. Moto-Cy Taxis are available by the BTS Station.Short trips Usually start at 15 baht upwards, expensive for longer trips, no good if you've got luggage.
TUK TUK's. Are OK but again pricey and no good if you have a lot of luggage.
BUSES.. Buses run up and down Sukhumvit Road to numerous destintaions.They are also very cheap around 10 to 20 Baht depending on your destination.Can be very slow and packed in the rush hour!
 Honestly, a Taxi or better still BTS is usually your best option.

We wish you a Happy stay in Bangkok.

IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A HOTEL  OR YOU'RE SEARCHING FOR ANYTHING!
PLEASE CHECK OUT OR WEB SITE www.lok8rboutique.com 
 You'll find a great selection together with address phone numbers email etc,
 lok8rboutique only offers Affordable-Quality ..for Hotels, Restaurants, shopping,
 and a whole lot more..check us out!
 We have some great Affordable Quality Local Indy Biz in Thailand & Laos.

Waiting for your Bus, Numbered Bus Stop & Destination.

Waiting! Have a snack or a coffee!


Buying your Ticket is Easy!

All Buses are Clearly Marked!

It's easy to  get a Taxi, right outside the Station.
Your Ticket Details!

THANKS! PLEASE USE US TO MAKE IT EASY AND FUN IN THAILAND AND LOAS!
      

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

HUA LAMPHONG TRAIN STATION BANGKOK


HUA LAMPHONG TRAIN STATION, BANGKOK, THAILAND.

                                                                         ARRIVE AND SURVIVE WITH LOK8RBOUTIQUE.


If you're travelling by Train from Bangkok or arriving in Bangkok you'll probably be coming across
 HUA LAMPHONG TRAIN STATION. It's a grand old station, with some very impressive arches and has a really nice ambient light when the sun shines through the roof at certain times of the day. Generally it's an old station that is in need of an overhaul and general refurbishment.
Hua Lamphong is situated very close to Rama 4 Road, a short distance from China Town and is fairly close to Bangkok City Center, MBK, Siam Square, Siam Paragon are all within easy reach.
You shouldn't have much trouble getting there. Hua Lamphong is served by:
MRT (SUBWAY) with a direct link, also several buses stop at the station or very close to it. Taxis
TAXI S are really easy and cheap, always always use the meter and just ask for HUA LAMPHONG...SATHANEE ROT FAI ( train station), allow plenty of time for your trip to the station a YES... it's Bangkok and YES... the traffic will be heavy!!!!!
BUSES, TUK TUK's and MOTOR CYCLE TAXIS 
 These are also options, but honestly not a good choice if you've got baggage!
To give you an idea of cost, a taxi from MBK should be no more than 50 to 100 baht depends on the route and traffic! A Taxi from Asoke around 100 to 150 Baht again depends on traffic.
Once you arrive by your chosen mode of transport walk through the busy opening and head to the Information Counter and get a time table...split into regions North, South And North East, and figure out your desired route or destination.
You'll then need to go to the Ticket  Booking Office, usually you'll get your best help near here, there are several people standing around here sometimes with Thai Railway Brochures these are employees of the Train Authority, these are your friends! They'll help you with the counter to use and help you communicate with the Ticket officer! It's fairly easy...YOU CAN BOOK IN ADVANCE well worth it if you're travelling at a busy time!!! PLEASE BE AWARE OF TICKET TOUTS OR AGENTS WORKING FOR TRAVEL COMPANIES..DON'T USE THEM! 
NOW You.ve got your ticket check destination, time, date,tyre oe train (sleeper etc.) seat and car number..OK DONE!
Now what about the facilities while you wait....
SEATING...well there are seats in the main waiting area, sometimes it's OK and you'll get a seat other times the floor is your best option!
ATM's & BANKS. There are several ATM's in the station, be careful and watch your back. A better choice of ATM's are available in the concourse of the MRT Station, also outside the station on the main road sre several major banks.
TOILETS. erm the best best description is basic and smelly! oh and there is a small fee..between 3 & 5 Baht should do it! There is a disabled toilet and access is OK.
FOOD & DRINK. The food and drink on offer certainly doesn't reflect Thai Cuisine, in the station is probably the worst food I've ever tasted in Thailand! Some of the little noodle shops just outside are OK, but, give the Food Court a Miss!
The best food is outside either on the small street adjacent to the station or on the main road. There are several good coffee shops around and they're a nice place to relax for an hour or so!
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. There are several shops around the station, there's one shop in the station and it's well stocked, you'll pay a little more than outside, there are several 7-11's near to the station, you'll get a good selection of snacks and drinks.
PHARMACY / DRUG STORE.Inside the station there's a little pharmacy at the entrance of the convenience store. Usually you can find basic pharmacy products in 7-11 stores.
LEFT LUGGAGE. There is a left luggage Department inside the station, honestly, I've never used it! Say No More!
PUBLIC TELEPHONES.There are several banks of phones situated near to the platform entrance and close to the toilets.
HOTELS. If you need a hotel there are several hotels around the station varying in price and quality. There are some really good quality hotels that are very affordable. A Budget Guest House may start at about 180 Baht can vary and a nice Boutique Hotel around 1,000 Baht. (A blog will follow on a good selection close to the station).

OK now the clock is ticking and you're departure time is getting closer. Keep an eye on the DEPARTURE BOARD, your destination time, platform number and train destination will all be displayed in Thai and English. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your platform and time to find your car and seat and get comfy for your trip. Ensure you have your ticket to hand to check your car and seat number etc. there can be a bit of confusion at this point! Trains may only give a short notice before leaving and time flies, don't get caught out running down the platform weighed down with your bags waving frantically...it happens!
Don't worry about food on your train, usually you can order food, snacks and drinks on the train and you'll be well served by local Thai people selling snacks and drinks as the train weaves it's journey through the towns and villages of Thailand!
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

When you arrive at Hua Lamphong it's a fairly simple affair.Check you've not forgotten anything...kid's..wife etc!  Most immediate essentials can be found close to the end of the Platform.
 Your basic facilities.
TOILETS. erm the description is basic and smelly! oh and there is a small fee..between 3 & 5 Baht should do it! There is a disabled toilet and access is OK.
ATM's & BANKS. There are several ATM's in the station, be careful and watch your back. A better choice of ATM's are available in the concourse of the MRT Station, also outside the station on the main road sre several major banks.
FOOD & DRINK. The food and drink on offer certainly doesn't reflect Thai Cuisine, in the station is probably the worst food I've ever tasted in Thailand! Some of the little noodle shops just outside are OK, but, give the Food Court a Miss!
The best food is outside either on the small street adjacent to the station or on the main road. There are several god coffee shops around and they're a nice place to relax for an hour or so!
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. There are several shops around the station, there's one shop in the station and it's well stocked, you'll a little more than outside, there are several 7-11's near to the station, you'll get a good selection of snacks and drinks.
PHARMACY / DRUG STORE.Inside the station there's a little pharmacy at the entrance of the convenience store. Usually you can find basic pharmacy products in 7-11 stores.
LEFT LUGGAGE. There is a left luggage Department inside the station, honestly I've never used it! Say No More!
PUBLIC TELEPHONES.There are several banks of phones situated near to the platform entrance and close to the toilets.
HOTELS. If you need a hotel there are several hotels around the station varying in price and quality. There are some really good quality hotels that are very affordable. A Budget Guest House may start at about 180 Baht can vary and a nice Boutique Hotel around 1,000 Baht. (blog following).
SEATING...well there are seats in the main waiting area, sometimes it's OK and you'll get a seat other times the floor is your best option!

OK you now your settled had a coffee, freshened up and so on you need to get out of the station.

IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A HOTEL PLEASE CHECK OUT OR WEB SITE www.lok8rboutique.com 
 You'll find a great selection together with address phone numbers email etc,
 lok8rboutique only offers Affordable-Quality ..for Hotels and a whole lot more..check us out!
 We have some great Affordable Quality Local Indy Biz in Thailand & Laos.

MRT STATION (SUBWAY). Easy to find follow the signs to the MRT it's a short walk, down an escalator and along an underground walkway. The MRT is a really convenient way to get around the city it will link you to BTS (SKY TRAIN) at Sukhumvit / Asoke Station. You can buy tickets at the counter or from machines.
TAXI. The main Taxi Rank is near to the Station Entrance during normal worling hours it's usually OK. Always use the Taxi Meter.
 Taxis after Midnight and between 6 am can be very very dodgy usually they refuse to use the Meter and they also may want 400 Baht for a short trip. REFUSE!!!!!!!
Walk outside the station onto the busy main road (RAMA4) and you'll get a Taxi with usually with no problem or hassle!
An idea of cost, a taxi to MBK should be no more than 50 to 100 Baht depends on the route and traffic! A Taxi to Asoke around 100 to 150 Baht again depends on traffic.
BUSES, TUK TUK's and MOTOR CYCLE TAXIS are all available,but if you have baggage not a great option. One word about TUK TUK's they may offer you a great trip around Bangkok and all for 20 Baht....it's a scam, you'll be taken to Tailors, Gem Shops and Every other dodgy place around....don't do it it will drive you crazy!!!
Please be aware of travel agent touts offering you deals ...they are generally over priced and deliver poor quality services....wait until you get settled in your hotel before you decided on your next trip!
ENJOY YOUR STAY IN BANGKOK!

WE ARE WRITING MORE AND MORE BLOGS EVERY DAY... PLEASE HELP US, SHARE WITH US ANY AFFORDABLE-QUALITY MOMENTS FROM HOTELS TO RESTAURANTS TO BARS..
LOVE IT-SHARE IT....! LET US KNOW THANKS !

 WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU,
 KENNY
 AND THE TEAM AT LOK8RBOUTIQUE.

SOME PHOTOS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE STATION.........




a view from outside
contact us anytime for great help!
It's easy to get a timetable!

sit in the shade!

advanced booking no problem!
arrive and survive
Taxi and a friendly policeman!
cool lookin' train.