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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.
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.
Top 10 Restaurants in Bangkok
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Gaa
Address: 68/4 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor, Bangkok
Website: www.gaabkk.com
Instagram: @gaa_bkk
Best Dish: Lamb & Mango
Best Time to Visit: Evening, reservation recommended
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Jay Fai
Address: 327 Mahachai Road, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Website: www.jayfai.com
Instagram: @jayfai_bkk
Best Dish: Crab Omelette
Best Time to Visit: Lunch or dinner, arrive early due to high demand
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Le Du
Address: 399/3 Silom Soi 7, Silom Road, Bangkok
Website: www.ledubkk.com
Instagram: @ledubkk
Best Dish: Modern Thai Tasting Menu
Best Time to Visit: Evening, book in advance
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Bo.lan
Address: 24 Sukhumvit Soi 53, Bangkok
Website: www.bolan.co.th
Instagram: @bo.lan_
Best Dish: Gaeng Massaman (Massaman Curry)
Best Time to Visit: Evening, reservation required
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Issaya Siamese Club
Address: 4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chua Ploeng Road, Bangkok
Website: www.issaya.com
Instagram: @issayasiameseclub
Best Dish: Crab Fried Rice
Best Time to Visit: Dinner, especially weekends
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Michelin-starred Sorn
Address: 56 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok
Website: www.sornrestaurant.com
Instagram: @sorn_restaurant
Best Dish: Southern Thai Omakase
Best Time to Visit: Evening, advanced booking necessary
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Nahm
Address: 27 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok
Website: www.comohotels.com/en/metropolitanbangkok/dining/nahm
Instagram: @nahm_bkk
Best Dish: Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Best Time to Visit: Lunch or dinner, expect a fine dining experience
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Praya Palazzo
Address: 9/1 Praya Road, Wat Arun, Bangkok
Website: www.prayapalazzo.com
Instagram: @prayapalazzo
Best Dish: Traditional Thai Royal Cuisine
Best Time to Visit: Dinner, sunset views
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Blue Elephant
Address: 233, Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok
Website: www.blueelephant.com
Instagram: @blueelephantthai
Best Dish: Pad Thai
Best Time to Visit: Lunch or dinner, elegant ambiance
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Thip Samai
Address: 313 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Website: www.thipsamai.com
Instagram: @thipsamaiphadthai
Best Dish: Pad Thai (original recipe)
Best Time to Visit: Lunch or dinner, tends to be busy during peak hours
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.
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.
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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