HOTSPOT: BANGKOK
Bangkok A
A VIBRANT CAPITAL
CITY SIGHTS For fi rst-timers, a stroll through the golden-domed Grand Palace is a must. The complex includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, while next door Wat Pho houses a huge golden Buddha in reclining pose. Hotels are primarily clustered around the Chao Phraya river or the main artery Sukhumvit, which is close to business and shopping areas and linked by the overhead BTS Skytrain. Khao San Road is
RECENT THAILAND BANGKOK
world-class city, Bangkok has breathtaking cultural sights, high-octane nightlife and fantastic shopping for all tastes and budgets. The city is best placed at the end of an itinerary, as an unforgtettable fi nish to a relaxing beach holiday or rewarding touring trip. Visitors have a huge choice of places to stay, from luxury skyscraper suites to teak boutique guesthouses on the banks of the river, or an artist-designed crash pad. By incorporating this hectic but inspiring city into the end of a holiday, visitors will be acclimatised enough to throw themselves into the city's mega-malls, cutting-edge clubs and rooftop cocktail bars; or kick back with a great-value spa treatment, afternoon tea in a heritage hotel or a classic dinner cruise.
the backpacker hangout, though great- value hotels can be found throughout the city. Those mainly sightseeing should base themselves on the river and use the boat services, while shoppers are best off on the BTS route for malls and the Chatuchak weekend market.
MARKETS & DAY TRIPS Bangkok's top sights are best covered in two days but add more time for the ruined ancient city of Ayutthaya, the Bridge over the River Kwai and Damnoen Saduak fl oating market – all day trips. A Nancy Chandler map helps orientate visitors to the huge Chatuchak (or ‘JJs’) weekend market – zoned for homeware or handicrafts products – and then there are more at the riverside night market, Asiatique, which also has a new observation wheel. Even on a short stopover Bangkok can be combined with a beach. Pattaya (under 90 minutes away) and Hua Hin are reachable by road.
ADDITIONS LE MÉRIDIEN SUVARNABHUMI GOLF RESORT & SPA This long-delayed 223-room property has opened near the airport. It features the Summit Windmill Golf Club and meeting facilities. Day use for stopover visitors and golf packages are available. A spa, club lounge and kids’ club launched in early 2015.
emeridiensuvarnab
humi.com
SALA AYUTTHAYA Sala is claiming the fi rst fi ve-star at heritage site Ayutthaya, an hour from Bangkok. The boutique riverbank property sits opposite Wat Phutthaisawan and has 26 rooms and suites, including an indoor pool suite and two fl oor duplex, plus riverside dining.
salaresorts.com
RADISSON BLU PLAZA BANGKOK
On Sukhumvit Road, near Queen Sirikit National Convention
Centre, this new hotel has 290 rooms and suites, six on-site restaurants and bars, a spa and free wifi .
radissonblu.com
U SUKHUMVIT Time shifts are the USP of this recent four-star with 24-hour use of rooms,
regardless of check-in time and a ‘whenever, wherever’ breakfast. There are also free bikes, rainfall showers and a roof-top swimming pool.
uhotelsresorts.com
ORIENTAL RESIDENCE BANGKOK
A new addition is Savelberg Thailand, a gourmet French restaurant concept. Dishes are sourced using the freshest ingredients and paired with French wines. The two-night Savelberg Experience Package includes seven-course fi ne dining experience (based on two persons sharing and is valid from now until December 31 2015).
oriental-residence.com
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