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