we love thailand
Bangkok is usually the #1 destination when planning a trip to Southeast Asia. With excellent tourism infrastructure and a much-loved cuisine around the world, Bangkok is the perfect landing spot and first point of entry for Thailand. Bangkok is big. It’s dirty. It’s crazy. But it’s also a complex, fascinating, and very charming city. We loved the food, temples, history, and gentle nature of its residents. It’s also home to some of the most fabulous hotels in the world, and there’s nothing better than eating delicious Pad Thai from a street cart, followed by tucking into a beautiful five-star hotel for the night.
Sleep — at the Okura Prestige Hotel, conveniently located on the border of both the shopping and business districts. After a day mixing business with pleasure, relax with a cocktail at the magnificent pool deck on the 25th floor, overlooking the bright lights of Bangkok.
Experience — the dynamic city of Bangkok by klong (canal) and see why the city earned the nickname the ‘Venice of the East’. From the bright lights of skyscrapers in the modern district to the rickety traditional water dwellings in the old, a visit to Bangkok would not be complete without a trip on its waterways.
Splurge — at the world famous Nahm Restaurant at the Metropolitan Hotel. Headed by Michellin starred Chef Thompson, Nahm offers traditional Thai food prepared to the very highest standard. Expect to see celebs and politicians in attendance.
Eat — and eat and eat! Bangkok is famous for its amazing street food and you will never go too far without a vendor offering their fresh and flame grilled wares. The food is really tasty and incredibly well priced and provides the perfect on-the-go fuel for a day of sightseeing.
Drink — at Maggie Choo’s Bar – the newest brainchild of designer Ashley Sutton. Located in an old Dutch East India Company underground vault, Maggie Choo’s is unlike any bar you’ve ever been to before and has to be seen to be believed.
Savor — the strong Buddhist traditions of Thailand by visiting the reclining Buddha in the old city of Wat Pho. The complex is filled with incredibly ornate temples and murals and offers visitors a real feeling of serenity.
Visit — Khao San Road – the pulsing heartbeat street of Bangkok. Walking along this street at any time of day is sure to set the senses alight, but Khao San is best experienced at night when the bright lights of the many restaurants, bars and clubs all vie for the attention of the cosmopolitan crowd.
See — Rama XI Park, the largest green space in Bangkok. After a few days and nights exploring the city, a quiet place to reflect amongst beautifully landscaped gardens will be most welcome! It also offers an inside look at how locals spend their downtime in the city as it is surprisingly free from tourists.
Shop — at the incredible weekend market, Chatuchak. There aren’t really any words to describe the sheer scale and variety of this sprawling marketplace that’s home to some 8000 stalls. No matter what you’re after, chances are it’s sold at Chatuchak.
Know — more about the Land of Smiles by visiting the Bangkok National Museum, home to the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. Learn about the different periods in Thailand’s history and marvel at the beauty and precision of the art and handicraft throughout.
Bankok Guidebooks:
1. Fabsearch operates in cities around the world and provides the ultimate travel and event guide from local trendsetters.
2. Afar takes all the hassle out of planning your trip by putting it all in one place. Plan where you want to stay, eat, drink, shop and be merry then save your itinerary to your smartphone. The site also comes with pre-planned excursions ranging from 1 day in the City to three or more.
3. The ultimate guide to Bangkok. With regular updates from locals in the know to popular Top 10 Lists of Attractions, both locals and tourists alike frequent Bangkok.com. The site also features a free downloadable e-book for use when you’re out and about.
4. While not the most visually appealing site, Bangkok Posts event guide is the most comprehensive there is. From business events to art exhibitions to musicals, if it’s happening in Bangkok, it’ll be on this calendar.
5. Travel and Leisure’s Bangkok guide is a constantly updated source for niche interest categories like ‘the most Romantic restaurants’ and ‘Bangkok’s top tailors’ to ‘best places to people watch’ and ‘Bangkok’s best vegetarian dining experiences’.
