3 days in Bangkok - some questions on activities & getting around

I was looking at http://www.bangkok-maps.com/ and trying to figure out
the most efficient(time wise) to get around to (places I want to visit)
& fro (my hotel on Silom Rd). I'll be in Bangkok on ONE day in DEC and
then returning for 3 days in mid Jan, staying on Silom Rd both times.
On my list a
1) Day trip to Ayyuthaya - better to go up river to very early and take
train down? Can i catch a non-cruise, express boat ride off the docks?
If so, where?
2) Jatujak market - but i leave before the weekend. Are there any other
comparable places for clothing, accessories?
3) River cruise - would like to do an evening one, perhaps even dinner.
Any personal recommendations for one that is not too crowded,
reasonably priced, with good food?
4) Afternoon Tea - been told this is a something of an institution in
Thailand. Any recommendations for somewhere nice, but not formal,
during the week?

Thanks everyone, for all your pointers on my previous Bangkok post. I
appreciate the info and look forward to reading your kind replies, once
again.

-T

1. If you're doing a day trip to Ayutthaya, just about all go there by
bus/coach and come back via a river cruise. It's a wonderful day and the
trip back on the river is very relaxing and interesting.

2. There is nothing like Chatuchak markets. The size, the crowds, the stench
etc make it an experience not to be missed. Most the street markets are just
much smaller versions. You'll find them in the main tourist areas - Patpong,
Sukhumvit, near the Indra Regent Hotel.

3. Most of the river cruises seemed to be offering pretty much the same
thing at the same price. We were going to do one but ended up spending so
much time on the river (back from Ayutthaya, doing the Chao Praya express a
couple of days) that we decided against it.

4. Most of the big 5 star hotels do a great afternoon tea. If you're going
to be in Silom maybe consider going to one by the river - Oriental,
Sheraton.

Enjoy your trip - Bkk is one of the most wonderful cities in the world.

"TanQ10" wrote in message
oups.com...
I was looking at http://www.bangkok-maps.com/ and trying to figure out
the most efficient(time wise) to get around to (places I want to visit)
& fro (my hotel on Silom Rd). I'll be in Bangkok on ONE day in DEC and
then returning for 3 days in mid Jan, staying on Silom Rd both times.
On my list a
1) Day trip to Ayyuthaya - better to go up river to very early and take
train down? Can i catch a non-cruise, express boat ride off the docks?
If so, where?
2) Jatujak market - but i leave before the weekend. Are there any other
comparable places for clothing, accessories?
3) River cruise - would like to do an evening one, perhaps even dinner.
Any personal recommendations for one that is not too crowded,
reasonably priced, with good food?
4) Afternoon Tea - been told this is a something of an institution in
Thailand. Any recommendations for somewhere nice, but not formal,
during the week?

Thanks everyone, for all your pointers on my previous Bangkok post. I
appreciate the info and look forward to reading your kind replies, once
again.

-T