Ask Lonely Planet: Get a Bangkok rooftop view

Bangkok's Moon Bar will give you the modern perspective. Photo / Supplied

At the end of this year I'm on a tour of Cambodia and Vietnam. I have a few days in Bangkok before the tour starts and want to see as much as possible. What would you recommend to see and eat? - Lisa

Lonely Planet's Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater write:

Bangkok is an exciting mix of old and new. It's best to explore both, which can be achieved easily in a few days.

On your first day, get up as early as you can and take the Chao Phraya Express north to Nonthaburi Market. On your way back, hop off at Tha Chang to explore the museums and temples of Ko Ratanakosin, followed by lunch in Banglamphu.

Get a different perspective with sunset cocktails at one of the many rooftop bars, followed by an upscale Thai dinner at Nahm, the best Thai restaurant in Bangkok and known for its exotic and adventurous dishes.

On your second day, board the BTS (Skytrain) to be whisked off to shopping destinations, or visit Jim Thompson House, former home of the American silk entrepreneur and art collector. Lunch at MBK, the granddaddy of Bangkok food courts, then wrap up the daylight hours with a traditional Thai massage. After dark, work off those calories at the dance clubs on Royal City Avenue. Spend day three at Chatuchak Weekend Market or if it's a weekday try a cookery course like Khao.

We are a family of four, with kids aged nine and 11, looking to do a family OE in Europe. The major expense is accommodation, particularly in Italy and France. Do you have any ideas? We will stay in a few regions for up to seven days. - Anne

Lonely Planet's Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater write:

Accommodation in Italy ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous with prices to match. Hotels and pensioni make up the bulk of the offerings, covering options from cheap sleeps near the train station to luxury hotels.

B&Bs are a burgeoning sector of the Italian accommodation market. Located throughout the country in both urban and rural settings, options cover everything from restored farmhouses, city palazzi (mansions) and seaside bungalows to rooms in family houses.

Campgrounds are a well-priced option in both Italy and France. Good resources for Italy include campeggi.com and camping.it for Italy. In France, try camping.fr and campingfrance.com.

Remember that an apartment or studio will allow you to self-cater, representing a big saving. Check out homelidays.com and holidaylettings.co.uk.

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