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Thailand : Bangkok - November 2009
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

Tuk Tuk Restaurant, Pub & Art Gallery
(Samsen Soi 1. Tel. (0)8 9107 2380)
At this artsy little number not far from Khao San Road, paintings by Suchart Vongthong adorn the walls and cost a small fortune, but food prices are much cheaper, with most dishes ranging between 50-100 baht. Be warned – spicy is the default option.

Mid-range magic

Pizzeria Limoncello
(Sukhumvit Road Soi 11. Tel. (0)2 651 0707)
One of BangkokÂ’s most popular Italian restaurants. Recipes are pretty authentic and generally minimalist; a number of white pizzas (pizza Bianca) have olive oil instead of tomato paste on the base. Bookings are essential.

Gourmet

Trader Vic’s
(Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa, Charoennakorn Road. Tel. (0)2 476 0022)
The Mai Tai Sunday jazz brunch buffet here is a glorious way to spend a Sunday afternoon. For many though, the best part is the free-flow beer, wine and cocktails. Reservations are essential. www.marriottdining.com

AFTER DARK

Cocktail hour

Wine Pub
(Pullman Bangkok King Power, Rangnam Road. Tel. (0)2 680 9999)
An unusually intimate hotel bar, Wine Pub at the Pullman is decorated with minimalist polished concrete walls, wooden floors and mood lighting. They also serve a broad range of decent wine and cocktails at some of the best prices in Bangkok. www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com

Late night

Demo
(Th ong Lor Soi 10. Tel. (0)2 711 6970)
This predominantly Thai nightspot is known best for its fantastically long drinks list. Walls are spraypainted; comfy stools punctuate the main floor; and the mezzanine is perfect for people watching. DJs play house and electronica.

BODY & SOUL

Love Fish & Love Feet
(Soi Kedsineewill. Tel. (0)8 7833 3884)
This small friendly venue joins the recent craze of fish spas. Sit back, dunk your feet in the water and enjoy the ticklish tingling as scores of small fish nibble at the dead skin on your toes and soles. www.spafootbyfish.com

BOUTIQUE BEDS

S15 Sukhumvit Hotel
(Sukhumvit Soi 15. Tel. (0)2 651 2000)
A slick modern 72-room downtown hotel located on the corner of Bangkok’s buzzing Sukhumvit Road and Soi 15. The facilities include a café, restaurant and spa, plus free WiFi for guests. The décor exudes a certain bachelor pad appeal: think oversized black leather loungers, angular shapes and lots of metallic. The location is close to unbeatable. www.s15hotel.com

HOT SPOTS

Sukhumvit Soi 11 –This road is lined with a number of bars, clubs and restaurants that attract a good balance of tourists, Thais and expats. Start the barhopping at Cheap CharlieÂ’s at the top of the road, drop in at Nest for some rooft op cocktails, then end with Bed Supperclub for a danceathon.

INSIDER TIPS

Propaganda –This award-winning design store is renowned for incorporating a typically Thai, irreverent humour into its creations. Siam Discovery Center, Rama 1 Road, tel (0)2 658 0430, www.propagandaonline.com

DAY TRIPPING

Nakhon Pathom –This small town is an hour out of Bangkok and makes for an easy half-day trip. While the massive Phra Pathom Chedi temple is the main draw, the hidden gem is Sanam Chan Palace. Built in 1907, it comprises a number of buildings with a curious mix of Thai, French and English architecture. Entry is 50 baht.

IN THE KNOW

Get the right rub –A Thai massage, or nuat Thai, is an enjoyable experience, but expect moments of intensity, even pain, especially if your muscles are stiff and sore. Learn these handy phrases to receive the ideal amount of pressure: mai ao nuat nak means I donÂ’t want a heavy massage; bow bow means softer; and heavier is nak nak.

Compiled by Greg Lowe

Previous issues for Bangkok
 
   
Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy,
please confirm event/venue details in advance.

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