Bangkok, Thailand Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel
There is a song from the world famous musical, "Chess" called “One night in Bangkok.” Whether it helped the tourist business or not, there certainly are day time aspects of this teaming city that are a must for the urban nomad. They include the “klongs,” which are waterways that run through this city and the various temples dating from the 14th century - particularly the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the reclining Buddha and the Temple of the Dawn - which are all a must. Bangkok understands luxury travel with some of the best hotels in the world to pamper you all day and night. Don't forget, Bangkok has wonderful restaurants that are not just in hotels.
Activities
Wat Phra Kaeo Temple (The Emerald Budda) Na Phra Lan Road (Inside the Grand Palace complex) Tel. +66.2.224.1833 No visit to Bangkok would be complete without visiting the temples. This is one of the most revered. It contains an exquisite Emerald Buddha that dates back to around the 14th century. No one is allowed near the Buddha except the King. The temple is beautifully decorated and radiates around it a great sense of peace.
Wat Po Enter at Th. Thai Wang or Soi Chetuphon Tel. 2.222.0933 www.watpho.com Just south of the Grand Palace complex, this temple was originally built in the 16th century, and today covers 20 acres. In one pavilion lies the enormous reclining Buddha (150 feet long and 50 feet high), a golden figure with an enigmatic smile. The hallway around this big Buddha is lined by smaller statues, fronted by tiers of candles, and fluttering with little squares of gold leaf stuck on by supplicants. Wat Po is also home to Thailand's most famous school of massage. Although you may have to wait half a day until a masseuse is available, it's worth it: A fantastic 60-minute full-body massage costs less than $8. Open daily 9–5.
The National Gallery 4 Chao-fa Road Tel. +66.02.281.2224 www.thailandmuseum.com Learn about traditional Thai art including ancient Buddhist paintings and numerous holdings from the collections of King Rama IX and Rama VI. The portraits of the past aristocracy are particularly attractive as the artist, Chamras Khietkong, had flattering way with the brush.
World Ice Skating Center World Trade Center Complex, Rajprasong, Radjamri Rd Tel. +66 (2) 268.4488
This ice skating center offers great relief from the heat. Do it just to see the look on people’s faces when they find out it’s possible to ice skate in Thailand. The Complex is the only full size ice skating rink in SE Asia and lessons (about 45 minutes) are available at a reasonable cost.
JIM THOMPSON HOUSE 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, th. Rama I Tel.2.216.7368 www.jimthompson.com/index.asp James H.W. Thompson was perhaps the most legendary expat in all of Thailand. An American adventurer and entrepreneur who came to Bangkok during World War II as a U.S. spy, Thompson later returned to settle down and single-handedly reinvent the Thai silk industry. He not only made the country's silk famous throughout the world, he also collected an amazing array of Asian artifacts, which he used to decorate the buildings and gardens of this gorgeous, idealized (and subtly Westernized) version of a traditional Thai home on a back khlong. Open daily 9–5.
Dining
Bo.Lan 42 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Klongtan Klongteoy Tel. +66 (0) 2 260 2962 www.bolan.co.th Bangkok's first chic Thai restaurant. Authentic Thai food is hot so be prepared.
Sirocco The Dome, State Tower, Silom Road Tel. +66 (0)2.624.9555 www.lebua.com/sky-bar Sirocco offers breathtaking views, live jazz, and excellent Mediterranean and international food. Be sure to have a pre-dinner cocktail at the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor.
Bed Supperclub 26 Sukhumvit Soi 38 Tel. +66.(0)2.651.3537 www.bedsupperclub.com Consistently good Pacific Rim cuisine and great ambiance (think white) and great vibe make this "Bed" supper club a must!
Suan Thip 17 Soknai (Wat Koo Rd) Tel. +66(0)2.583.3748 www.suanthip.com Outdoor dining on the river in a lush tropical setting. One hour by boat or a 10KM drive. Make this part of a great day activity.
Eat Me 1/6 Soi Pipat 2 Tel. +66 (0) 2.238.0931 www.eatmerestaurant.com This combination art gallery and restaurant is worth the visit. Informal and sophisticated with dining in the attractive inside area or the outdoor garden. The menu changes frequently but the food is always Thai inspired. IE. Lemongrass prawns with coconut cream and betel leaves.
Supatra River House 266 Soi Wat Rakhang (Arunamarin Road) Tel. +66 (0) 2.411.0874 or 0305 www.supatrariverhouse.net On the Chao Phraya River and across the river from the Grand Palace. The restaurant is the former home of Thai aristocrat and has both air-conditioned and outdoor riverside seating. Great steamed bass and other Thai favorites. The restaurant maintains an elegang teak boat that will pick you up and bring you back to anywhere along the river. (Charge is 250 baht per person or USD7.45)
Pla Dib Soi Areesamphan 7 Tel. +66 (0)2.279.818 This Thai/Japanese restaurant features a peaceful garden and inventive dishes like roast duck and pomelo salad with mint and chilies or tuna sashimi with a spicy dry rub.
Spring and Summer 199 Soi Promsri 2 Sukhumvit soi 39 Tel. +66 (0)2.392.2747 Sprng and Summer offers Thai food and cocktails in a glamorous setting. Try the crunchy fresh spring rolls and creamy braised scallops with sweet onions and chili oil.
La Normandie 48 Oriental Ave. atop the Oriental Bangkok Hotel Tel.+66 (0) 2.659.9000 The royal family of Thailand has been known to spend an evening at La Normandie, and not just for the sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. The menu offers classic recipes reimagined by a Michelin-starred mind. Lunch is casual, even in these plush, elegant surroundings. But for dinner, men must break out the jacket and tie.
Vino di Zanotti Soi Saladaeng. Tel: +66 (0)2.636.3811 This is the wine bar Bangkok has been waiting for. Opt for the airy outdoor deck or pull up a stool inside. Live jazz is at just the right volume and the food meets the expected excellence of the parent restaurant Zanotti's across the lane.
Shopping
Siam Paragon 999/1 Rama I Road (Pathumwan) Tel. +66.2.610.1000 www.siamparagon.co.th/ Opened in December of 2005, Siam Paragon is Southeast Asia’s largest shopping center. The mall claims to feature more than 1,000 brands in 300-plus, high-end stores on Siam Square.
DJ Siam 292 Siam Square Soi 4 Tel. +66.2.251.2513 This is the place to find CDs of innovative Thai rock, lounge, hip-hop, punk etc. The collection is extensive and is a great place to relax and browse.
Playground! 946/4 soi Thonglar Tel. +66.2.714.9616 www.playgroundstore.co.th/index.html There is a wide variety of Thai and international labels of fashion, jewelry, luggage and furnishings in this store which surrounds a sunlit atrium. The top floor features two restaurants, an art gallery and an auditorium. Stop in for spaghetti with Thai anchovies.
Resorces
Spa I am Co., Ltd 88 Soi Ladprao 18, Ladprao Road Ladyao, Chatuchak Tel. +66.2.938.4888 www.spaiam.co.th/ This peaceful and serene environment in the heart of the city provides total relaxation in 26 private treatment suites, each individually designed and lavishly fitted with a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Facilities include a beauty salon, fitness room, fitness classes and a health bar. There is a complete spa experience for ultimate relaxation and pleasure.
www.utopia-asia.com/thaibang.htm A useful gay travel resource for Bangkok. It features shopping tips, restaurants and other activities.
Nightlife
Bed Supperclub 26 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Tel. + 66.2.651.3537 www.bedsupperclub.com/ Since dinner reservations are nearly impossible to get, just stop by for a drink and some people watching. Here, well-dressed and well-heeled patrons recline on white mattresses and munch Asian-Mediterranean fare while an international cast of DJs spin in the adjacent bar.
Astra 29/53-64 Soi Soonvijai Rama 9 Road Tel. + 66.9.497.8422 www.club-astra.com/ The current anchor of the RCA Club scene, this is the place to go for dancing or enjoying live local talent. If not the bar where Eastern opulence meets European chic, the Astra Bar houses a VIP lounge-bar and a chill-out room with an open air terrace, a perfect haven with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Vertigo 21/100 South Sathon Rd Sathon Tel. + 66.2.679.1200 Hours: 5:00 pm - 12:00 midnight Perched 60 floors above the city on the roof of the Banyan Tree Hotel, Vertigo and its Moon Bar provide amazing city views; however, the lack of a roof makes this difficult when it rains. However it is one of the chic open-air lounges popular with the cocktail-drinking glamour set and Amex carrying ex-pats. The view of the city and the winding Chao Praya River with the sun sinking into the horizon is worth the visit alone.
Sky Bar at Sirocco 1055 Silom Road Tel. + 66.2.624.9555 www.thedomebkk.com/web/sirc_home.html The Sky Bar is not for the faint of heart since it is 64 stories up and outside on the top floor of the State Tower Building. It is still one of the places where the hip meet for cocktails to watch the evening come to life in Bangkok. Try the very smooth Blue Sky Martini made with quadruple distilled New Zealand Vodka.
Trot Bar Soi Saladaeng Tel. +66.2.636.3811 Chill in this swanky, outdoor lounge venue if you need timeout from Envy, the sexy red bar upstairs. The outdoor chandelier, fountain and white wicker makes for a chic 'garden party'. And the occasional celeb also adds glamor.
Hu'u Bar The Ascott, 187 South Sathorn Road Tel. +66.2.676.6677 A sophisticated choice for drinks after work or stay and get into the groove (a blended mix of 'gospel soul' and 'sulphuric house') especially on the P.O.R.N. weekends - Pure Orgasmic Rhythms Nocturnally - with a spinning roster of DJs and live vocals.
Distil The Dome Meritus Suites State Tower Silom Rd Tel. +66.2.624.9555 Up on the 64th floor and heating up the competition in the night skies. 4 bars in one including a cigar bar. The open air terrace is bordered by deep loungers, and glass screens offer dazzling views.
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