Thailand BANGKOK
Capital ideas
Vibrant and trendy but with an ancient heart, Bangkok is one of the world’s must-see cities
First timers should visit the dazzling golden Grand Palace and cruise the Chao Phraya river. Repeaters will need no encouragement to hit the great value shopping malls or markets. The city’s nightlife is legendary. There
are cutting-edge clubs for party animals, while those after a more sedate evening will be wowed by skyscraper-top bars and restaurants. Smart hotels are clustered around
the Chao Phraya river and Sukhumvit Road which is near the best shopping districts and markets. Popular day trips from Bangkok
include the Bridge over the River Kwai and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Above clockwise from left: Vertigo at Banyan Tree; three jolly monks; colouful tuk tuks; Wat Arun; Wat Pra Kaew;
Things to do • See the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho
• See Wat Arun, the Royal Barges and Klong life by longtail boat
• Take a dinner cruise on a rice barge • Get a dress or suit made cheaply • Bargain hunt at Chatuchak weekend market or Siam Square’s mega-malls
• Visit the SkyBar and Sirocco restaurant atop State Tower,
• Day trip to Ayutthaya, the Bridge over the River Kwai or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Get affordable pampering in a hotel or high street spa or at the Wat Pho massage school
• Cycle Bangkok’s ‘jungle’ with Spice Roads
www.spiceroads.com
• Learn to cook green curry, create a papaya salad or mango sticky rice
18 Thailand Travel Guide 2012
Just opened Anantara Bangkok Sathorn Anantara’s first urban hotel comprises 425 rooms and suites and is opposite a BRT station. There’s a kids’ club, conference facilities and pool butlers.
www.anantara.com Centra Sukhumvit 15 Hotel Centra is the new value brand of Centara Hotels & Resorts. This Sukhumvit property offers 79 rooms and one food and beverage outlet.
www.centarahotelsresorts.com FX Makkasan, Bangkok This new three-star hotel is handily located near the Airport Link at Makkasan and the Phetchaburi MRT station. The family-oriented rooms can sleep three adults.
www.furama.com The Siam This boutique riverside retreat has 39 suites. Facilities include a spa, gym, children’s pool and private pier with barge and speedboat.
www.thesiamhotel.com Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers This 726-room hotel by the Chao Phraya River has re-opened after a $35-million renovation. Improvements include upgraded entertainment
centres and faster internet.
www.sheraton.com/bangkok
Coming soon U Sathorn Bangkok Opening early 2012, this 78-room low- rise four-star property promises to be a sanctuary from the city.
www.uhotelsresorts.com Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok Opening late 2011, this 436-room hotel, connected by walkway to Surasak BTS station, will have three restaurants and eight meeting rooms.
www.fourpoints.com/bangkoksathorn Centara Watergate Hotel & Spa This four-star above the Watergate Pavilion shopping complex will include 288 rooms, rooftop bar and restaurant.
www.centarahotelsresorts.com Langham Place, Phayathai, Bangkok This Langham will open with a direct airport link by SkyTrain, extensive meeting and spa facilities, a business lounge and DJ in the foyer.
www.langhamplacehotels.com W Bangkok Starwood’s trendy W brand is now scheduled to open its 403-room South Sathorn Road property in July 2012.
www.starwood.com/whotels
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36