Bangkok: culture, cuisine and chaos
Instantly at home
A place that seems to tick at the right rhythm, Bangkok felt like home straight away; a feeling that was further confirmed when I arrived at The Siam, an exquisite hotel at the edge of the city’s historic heart. Marrying Thai influences with art deco, the hotel is practically an art museum, packed with beautiful items and ancient antiques. Offering easy access to the city’s main sites, The Siam is perfect for those looking to see the sites and totally immerse themselves in city life, then return to a serene oasis to recover.
The selection of luxury suites and villas are set in three acres of verdant gardens along the city side of the Chao Praya River. Internationally acclaimed architect Bill Bensley designed this lush urban retreat to give his future guests an array of superlative amenities at their fingertips. The resort is spacious and stylish, separating it from other city hotels. In fact, it is so far removed, you feel like you could be anywhere in the world. It’s clear to see a huge effort has been made to offer guests complete privacy and a unique experience.
The Siam features 39 of the capital’s most spacious suites and pool villas as well as a historical Thai House – Connie’s Cottage. All rooms are kitted out with plush furnishings, super-sized king beds and lofty ceilings, with large bathrooms and stylish tubs. The renowned artwork takes pride of place on the walls, while dark furnishings fill the room with the same luxury theme that is apparent throughout the hotel. A personal butler caters to each suite, ensuring every stay is as relaxing as the last.
With three dining options, there is something for everyone. The Chon serves signature Thai food, doubling as a cooking school where you can savour and create authentic Thai cuisine. The dapper Deco Bar & Bistro, which serves western dishes as well as small plates, offers live music in a jazzy atmosphere. Café Cha, the hotel’s all-day patisserie, comes complete with a shady veranda and garden where you can indulge in a range of freshly baked pastries while sipping perfectly brewed cups of coffee, tea or exotic local infusions. This is the perfect spot for afternoon tea. Adjacent to the infinity pool along the riverfront lawn is the Bathers Bar, offering light snacks, poolside bites and beverages. It is also perfect for pre-dinner drinks!
Wellness plays a major role in life at The Siam, starting with the Opium Spa, a haven of calm. Choose from facial, body and massage therapies using chemical-free Sodashi products or indulge in a tailored multi-day spa package to suit your individual needs. Fitness is also an important part of life here, and guests have the chance to work with a personal fitness trainer in the gym or make the most of the Muay Thai training centre. There are also yoga and Tai Chi classes to be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace or pier that can be followed by a soothing Hammam, dry and steam saunas, steam showers and Jacuzzis – blissful!
Seeing the sights
Once fully rested and restored, there are plenty of museums, shopping centres, restaurants and monuments to visit. Start with shopping, there are no better places in Bangkok for shopping than Sian Square, Sian Plaza and MBK, all conveniently situated right next to each other, and connected by a labyrinth of walk ways and escalators. Expect to find everything from fancy frocks to fun footwear, Thai trinkets to casual beach wear – and the best thing is, it’s nothing like you could find on the high street at home. All the clothes and accessories are a bit different to the norm and resemble designer items – but at high street prices! However, be warned, they do not cater to European sizes and most items are made with the tiny frame of a Thai girl in mind, therefore clothing is narrow and footwear is small.
The infamous floating market attract more tourists than locals these days, piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat. It may be a bit smelly, but is worth the experience. Remember to haggle over prices and try the local cuisine to get a real taste of old school Bangkok.
Culturally, if there is one site to visit it is The Grand Palace. They say you haven’t been to Bangkok until you have seen the palace! Built in 1782, and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the Grand Palace of Bangkok continues to awe visitors with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, full of colour, history and, of course, Buddhas. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (known to the Thais as Wat Phra Kaew and containing a very small green Buddha) and the Boromabiman Hall.
A panoramic view of Bangkok is a must for all visitors – it’s a great way to get to grips with the sheer vastness of the city. My recommendation would be Vertigo, the rooftop restaurant at the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Enjoy an ‘al fresco’ dining experience overlooking the glittering cityscape and a grill-and-bar experience that is Asia’s first. Dine on fork-tender seafood and premium steaks, while feasting your eyes on the city’s impressive skyline. If you’re not in the mood for food, head to the adjoining Moon Bar. Set on the 61st floor, the informal setting sits above the city and offers premium drinks, such as the signature Vertigo Sunset.
Shining stars in a gastronomic guide
Eating your way around Bangkok is as equally important, and the bewildering variety of options has now been pared down with the release of the first Michelin guide to Bangkok. The little red book that finds you fabulous food has identified 17 new Michelin-starred restaurants, with three given the rare distinction of two Michelin stars.
The three restaurants with two stars reflect the variety and high standards to be found in Bangkok. Gaggan, where chef-owner Gaggan Anand signs off his progressive Indian cuisine with a creative combination of textures and spices, was also named the best restaurant in Asia in Restaurant’s list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, placing 7th overall worldwide. At Le Normandie in the historic Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Chef de Cuisine Arnaud serves refined modern French cuisine, while in Mezzaluna , which on the 65th floor of the Lebua Hotel is the highest restaurant in Bangkok, Chef Ryuki focuses on European cuisine executed with Japanese precision.
Being Bangkok, street food also finds a place in this starred selection, with Jay Fai given the distinction of one Michelin star. The modest street food stall is known for its tiny open kitchen where tasty crab curries, dry congee and crab omelettes are cooked over homemade charcoal stoves as homage to a 70-year-old long tradition, by the beautifully bedecked Jay Fai herself.
Other one Michelin-starred restaurants such Bo.lan, Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, Chim by Siam Wisdom are recognised for their takes on traditional Thai cuisine. International cuisine is recognised in one-starred restaurants, such as Ginza Sushi Ichi, Sühring , L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorain, Elements and Savelberg.
At the other end of the spectrum, Chinatown offers some of the best street food in town. Teaming with vendors, here is where you will find some of the city’s best noodles, fish, dim sum and even deep fried insects, all rolled up in a hot, sweaty package, packed with other locals and tourists all searching for the perfect Thai meal.
When to go
Bangkok is coolest, and busiest, from November to February, after the monsoon and warms up from the beginning of March. April, May and June can be hot and humid, though by mid-June the rains arrive, bringing the city back to life again. The rainy season is actually a great time to visit – fewer tourists, lower temperatures and the occasional monsoonal downpour – a refreshing change for those based in Arabia.
Getting there
Mjets has opened an exclusive private jet terminal and full service FBO in the Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, the former international airport, offering a large lounge, crew facilities, onsite customs, immigration and security and two large hangars. It is currently– the only FBO in Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport (BKK), the new international airport, has a number of companies offering a full hospitality, catering, fuel and ground handling services.
