> > by Tanya Joslin
Not only is Bangkok one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities, it is perhaps the world’s most contrary!
Here, spirituality and sensuality co-exist in absolute harmony. Consumerism rubs shoulders with poverty. Shantytown-like structures and ancient temples sit amongst glitzy skyscrapers.You can visit Bangkok a hundred times and create a different experience for each visit. Immerse yourselves in the luxury of a ‘beyond-stars’ hotel, a world-renowned spa or one of the many glamorous shopping malls before hitting the streets to find a crowded street-stall where you’ll enjoy the best Thai meal of your life, and only pay around $1.
Although Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis, getting around is made easy by the user-friendly Skytrain system that will connect you with most of the important points. It also offers the bonus of an elevated perspective of the city.
A typical day in Thailand can see you go from one extreme to the next, and then back again. Start with an early morning visit to the Floating Markets, a fascinating look into life in ‘old Thailand’ when much of the day-to-day trading and living centred around the major river which starts in Northern Thailand and goes through Bangkok before dispersing into the Gulf of Thailand. Lunch at a Thai food stall (make sure it is crowded).
Return to your hotel for some R&R around the pool, before heading out in the early evening to one of the city’s fashionable bars. Then, indulge at one of the many world-class restaurants before heading to an up-late hot spot – from live music to funky DJs spinning vinyl into the wee hours, Bangkok is the city for party-animals!
City’s sexiest bar: Lebua at State Tower, one of the city’s best luxury hotels, has dubbed their dining and bar area ‘The Dome’ and here you will find not one, but two of Bangkok’s sexiest bars.
Distill – part smoking lounge with its outdoor cigar terrace, part DJ spin and part restaurant with its own oyster bar, is famous for its extensive range of premium malt whiskies, vodkas and cognacs. But the bar that trumps the ‘sexiest bar’ card has to be Skybar, part of Sirocco restaurant, also at The Dome. Come for the jazz, the views or just to be seen and mingle with Bangkok’s chic set at one of the city’s coolest hang-outs.
So cool, in fact, that Hangover Part II was filmed there!
Best Romantic Dining: It’s that place again – The Dome at Lebua, and namely their Mezzaluna restaurant. After undergoing a complete revamp, Mezzaluna is firmly placed as one of Asia’s most inspired restaurants. Famous ‘twin chefs’ Thomas and Mathias Suhring have created an incredible six-course chef ’s tasting menu, which can be complemented with wines if you wish. For an unforgettable night it’s well worth every cent. And, as the menu changes according to produce available, you’re unlikely to enjoy the same meal twice. The ambience is ... dare we say it? ... romantic. The service is slick. And those views – you’re at The Dome, next to the famous Skybar, 65 floors above Bangkok with glass walls. Need we say more?
Sensational Shopping: Head to the Siam area for a range of shopping malls (and price points). MBK is home to more than 2000 stores and perfect for bargain hunters. Siam Centre was one of the city’s first malls, and the enormous new Siam Paragon is the pièce-de-résistance of what is dubbed the battleground of shopping malls. Here, you’ll find everything from Jimmy Choo to Ocean World, the largest aquarium in South East Asia.
Don’t miss: The Chatuchak Weekend Markets a must-see, even for non-shoppers. The sheer scale is mind-boggling – 35 acres, more than 200,000 visitors a day and a range of products that includes everything from animals to funky clothes and jewellery.
Couples will love: The fact that they can make this city conform to their idea of the perfect romantic getaway. Bangkok can be anything you want it to be!