Search
Destinations Main Page
|
Previous issues for Bangkok
|
||||
| Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance. |
Thailand : Bangkok - July 2008
Country Code: Dial +65 for Thailand
FROM THE AIRPORT
Taxi: Catch them at the Airport Transportation Centre. Average journeys to central Bangkok take 45 minutes in good traffic. Typical fares cost 250 baht, plus tolls and a 50 baht surcharge.
Bus: The Airport Express goes to most major Bangkok hotels. Public bus 522 connects with the Skytrain (BTS) at On Nut.
Limo: Sales staff will approach you in the arrivals area. Normal prices range from 600 to 1,200 baht inclusive.
TABLE TALK
Cheap chic
A Day in Summer
(345/6 Soi Prok-Arun 3, Arunamarin Road. Tel. (0)2 891-0756)
Itâs a hike (or boat ride) out to Thonburi but worth it to experience the simple, true Th ai-ness of this former shophouse. Sip on a lychee soda or apple jelly milkshake, or go for a tasty hot waffle.
(345/6 Soi Prok-Arun 3, Arunamarin Road. Tel. (0)2 891-0756)
Itâs a hike (or boat ride) out to Thonburi but worth it to experience the simple, true Th ai-ness of this former shophouse. Sip on a lychee soda or apple jelly milkshake, or go for a tasty hot waffle.
Mid-range magic
The Deck
(Arun Residence, Maharat Road, Soi Pratu Nokyung. Tel. (0)2 221-9158)
This 1960s riverside hotel restaurant attracts a well-heeled crowd of wealthy Thais and expat residents. Chose from hefty pasta off erings or Thai nibbles such as soft shell crab and popiah spring rolls, paired with decent wines. The upper deck offers sparkling views of Wat Arun. Upstairs is Amorosa, a peach-painted bar where the smokers lounge en masse.
(Arun Residence, Maharat Road, Soi Pratu Nokyung. Tel. (0)2 221-9158)
This 1960s riverside hotel restaurant attracts a well-heeled crowd of wealthy Thais and expat residents. Chose from hefty pasta off erings or Thai nibbles such as soft shell crab and popiah spring rolls, paired with decent wines. The upper deck offers sparkling views of Wat Arun. Upstairs is Amorosa, a peach-painted bar where the smokers lounge en masse.
Gourmet
Bel Guardo
(Ground floor, Siam Paragon. Tel. (0)2 610-9380)
Rated as Bangkokâs best Italian restaurant, this little-known contemporary diner and its open-concept kitchen is the work of Chef Marco Cammarata, who provides stunning dishes such as Carpaccio of Kingfish with Grapefruit and Black Truffle Gnocchi.
(Ground floor, Siam Paragon. Tel. (0)2 610-9380)
Rated as Bangkokâs best Italian restaurant, this little-known contemporary diner and its open-concept kitchen is the work of Chef Marco Cammarata, who provides stunning dishes such as Carpaccio of Kingfish with Grapefruit and Black Truffle Gnocchi.
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour
Nest Bar
(Le Fenix Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 11. Tel. (0)2 255-0638)
The roof of Soi 11âs latest boutique hideaway oozes designer flair and laid-back luxury, complete with huge day beds and hammocks. Sip a chilled Singha or Chardonnay. Good news for night owls â it closes at 2am. www.nestbangkok.com
(Le Fenix Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 11. Tel. (0)2 255-0638)
The roof of Soi 11âs latest boutique hideaway oozes designer flair and laid-back luxury, complete with huge day beds and hammocks. Sip a chilled Singha or Chardonnay. Good news for night owls â it closes at 2am. www.nestbangkok.com
Late night
Tokyo Joe’s
(Sukhumvit Soi 26. Tel. (0)2 259-6268)
Get into the groove with soul and blues at this cool after-hours venue. Look out for the sultry tunes crooned by the Soi Dog Blues Band. www.tokyojoesbkk.com
(Sukhumvit Soi 26. Tel. (0)2 259-6268)
Get into the groove with soul and blues at this cool after-hours venue. Look out for the sultry tunes crooned by the Soi Dog Blues Band. www.tokyojoesbkk.com
BODY & SOUL
The Oriental Spa
(The Oriental Bangkok, Charoen Nakhorn Road. Tel. (0)2 659-0444)
Splash out on holistic healing at the Ayurvedic Penthouse of The Oriental Bangkok hotelâs colonial-styled spa. Teak-lined rooms boast the traditional wooden tables used for treatments.
(The Oriental Bangkok, Charoen Nakhorn Road. Tel. (0)2 659-0444)
Splash out on holistic healing at the Ayurvedic Penthouse of The Oriental Bangkok hotelâs colonial-styled spa. Teak-lined rooms boast the traditional wooden tables used for treatments.
BOUTIQUE BEDS
CitiChic Boutique Suites
(Sukhumvit Soi 13. Tel. (0)2 342-3888)
This funky four-storey hotel is brimming with style, and within walking distance from the bars and shops. Apart from gorgeous rooms, thereâs also an in-house tuk-tuk to whiz you to the BTS train station. www.citichic.hotel.com
(Sukhumvit Soi 13. Tel. (0)2 342-3888)
This funky four-storey hotel is brimming with style, and within walking distance from the bars and shops. Apart from gorgeous rooms, thereâs also an in-house tuk-tuk to whiz you to the BTS train station. www.citichic.hotel.com
HOT SPOTS
Talaat Soi Suan Plu –Get a taste for real Thailand in this small market where the locals shop not just for fresh food and flowers, but old-school Asian kitchen utensils that grandma used to use. Everything is on sale here â all going for a song. Sathorn Soi Suan PluINSIDER TIPS
Shop till you drop –Some big Bangkok stores like Central automatically offer 5% to tourists (best if you show a passport). During the summer months, all major stores nationwide take part in a shopping bonanza, the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, with up to 70% off , much to shopaholicsâ delight.DAY TRIPPING
Bike around –Pedal through the greener parts of Bangkok on a day or night tour. Visit hidden gems, including Koh Kred, an ancient Mon island enclave famed for its terracotta pottery, and Khao Yai, for its wineries and floating markets. Tel (0)2 712-5305, www.bangkokbikerides.comIN THE KNOW
The demise of HRH the King of Thailandâs much-loved elder sister in January this year has initiated a long period of public mourning. Posters of HRH Princess Galyani are present in Bangkok festooned with bunting in traditional black and turquoise. The funeral is expected to take place later in the year.Compiled by Carla Sommers
|
Previous issues for Bangkok
|
||||
| Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance. |