Bangkok, the cultural & commercial centre of Thailand, is a fascinating mix of the traditionally old and thoroughly modern. A mixture of ancient traditions and glorious temples are juxtaposed with heavy traffic, honking horns and the constant stream of people walking, talking and cooking on the pavements the city has a magical and highly charged atmosphere.
There's much more to the city than traffic and street-food, see the sights from a long-tailed boat on the Chao Phraya River or dine alfresco on the 60th floor of a five star hotel and admire the panorama from above.
In a country where attention to detail is everything, it pays to make the most of luxurious Thai design, the incredible hospitality and beautiful surroundings. Orchids, Oversized vases, Flickering tea lights and stylish
exotic hardwood furniture are just a few of the little touches that make all the difference in Bangkok’s hotels.
The Banyan Tree in Silom Sathorn is a luxe sanctuary of peace. All the rooms are beautifully decorated with sumptuous silks and teak wood, the service is immaculate and the rooftop pool has a jaw-dropping skyline view. Upgrade to a club-room and you get the benefit of plenty of great freebies and are treated like absolute royalty.
Right next door, you’ll find the slinky Sukhothai , where more luxury awaits. The hotel blends East and West, tradition and modernity perfectly – from its pristine interiors to the beautiful Jim Thompson silks and the calming water features of the gardens.
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For jaw-dropping views of the Bangkok skyline head for the Vertigo Restaurant, perched on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree. With gourmet Thai cuisine (try the tender Snow Fish and delicious pistachio-chocolate desserts) and a swish, twinkling bar, it’s the ideal spot for dinner or aperitifs.If you like your food on the spicy side, try the Metropolitan’s Namh which is all stylish dark woods, beautiful flower displays and sleek staff dressed head-to-toe in black. On the lower budget side of things - Bangkok is packed with cheap and cheerful places to eat, too, with small local restaurants offering curries and delicious Pad Thais. Or you can even try your luck at the street vendors…
For jaw-dropping views of the Bangkok skyline head for the Vertigo Restaurant, perched on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree. With gourmet Thai cuisine (try the tender Snow Fish and delicious pistachio-chocolate desserts) and a swish, twinkling bar, it’s the ideal spot for dinner or aperitifs.If you like your food on the spicy side, try the Metropolitan’s Namh which is all stylish dark woods, beautiful flower displays and sleek staff dressed head-to-toe in black. On the lower budget side of things - Bangkok is packed with cheap and cheerful places to eat, too, with small local restaurants offering curries and delicious Pad Thais. Or you can even try your luck at the street vendors…
w h e r e t o g o o u t. . .
For a little romance, the riverside terrace at the Mandarin Oriental is perfect. Flickering candle lights, fairy lights in the frangipani trees and smooth staff in bronze silk make it one of the best places to sample a cocktail while watching the water taxis cruise the river. Make sure you skip wine in favour of a local Tiger beer or a ‘Sense’ cocktail – a Mojito with a strawberry twist.
At the Sukhothai, the outdoor covered bar’s smooth DJ tunes and daybeds make for a chilled atmosphere in which to start the night. The ‘Sois’ (numbered side streets) just off Sukhumvit are packed with bars and terraces ideal for a drink or two al fresco as you watch the world go by. For some dancing, try the Bed Supperclub where beautiful people shake the night away to international DJs’ dance music, while hitting the cocktails.
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Bangkok is so meltingly hot, it’s tough to pin down a specific look. The key is to dress for the hot, sultry weather and go light. To make sweeping generalisations you could say that the Thais are on the petite side, so you’ll definitely see heels galore, and with the high humidity and searing temperatures, the outfits tend to be on the small side… but anything goes as long as it’s laid-back and on-trend. Summer dresses, shorts, playsuits and maxi's are my go-to option.
w h e r e t o s p a . . .
Thailand is renowned for its fantastic spas, combining the perfect balance of mind, body and spirit. Even in the city, it’s possible to have a totally serene experience. The big hotels all have their own spas, from the Banyan Tree where you can sip a Cardamon tea while taking in the water features before disappearing into one of the 23 treatment rooms for a Thai Ginger Healer, a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi or a Balinese Boreh!
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Bangkok is a shopping paradise. You’ll find everything from modern malls to traditional, chaotic markets. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t miss the amazing Chatuchak market where covered stalls stretch on forever, and different areas specialise in different goods – whether it's arts and crafts, home furnishings and mother of pearl dishes, silverware and beautifully made knick-knacks, leather chairs and vintage T-shirts, army gear and, of course, plenty of knock-offs… Just remember – haggling should be a pleasure. The best time to go on a spree? After sunset to avoid the knock-out heat. Try the Night Bazaar off Lumphini Station: a maze of stalls perfect for handicrafts from silk cushion covers to jewellery and Batik. At Paragon, another huge new mall – complete with aquarium on the ground floor, and cinema on top – you’ll find luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermes, but also high street staples like Zara, Mango and Guess.
Rachel x
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