Bangkok is a city of contradictions with its luxury shopping malls,
unparallelled spas, gilded temples and racy nightlife.
However, the city remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast
Asia.
If you are planning a short trip there soon, here are some suggestions to
help you make the most of a 48-hour visit.
Begin the evening by celebrating the start of your weekend with a drink at
one of the coolest watering holes, followed by dinner by the river which no
visitor should miss out on, said Reuters.
Reuters also sniffs out the trendiest eating places with suggestions for a
good mix of international cuisine and local fare to add variety to your holiday
diet.
Of course, your stay wouldn't be complete with out a visit to Bangkok's
temples. Other than paying a religious visit, find out what else you can do to
enrich your time there.
Friday - 6 pm
Celebrate the start of your weekend with a drink at Sky Bar on the 63rd
floor of lebua at State Tower and be mesmerised by the breathtaking views of
Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river that winds its way around the city. Listen to
a live band while sipping a cocktail at one of the world's highest open air
bars, popular with locals and tourists alike. Opening hours: 6 pm - 1 am
(weather permitting).
Friday - 8 pm
No visitor to Bangkok should miss out on a dinner by the river. Supatra
River House serves up authentic Thai cuisine and is the former home of a Thai
noblewoman, offering a private dining area for large groups. Feast on classics
like pomelo salad with seafood and massaman beef curry while taking in a
Thai-classical dance performance by the famed Patravadi Theater dance school
(www.supatrariverhouse.net).
Friday - after dinner
After dinner, take a stroll by the river then cross over to the Grand Palace
side, taking in the glittering rooftops and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. For a
taste of Bangkok's backpacker trail, finish the night off at Brick Bar in
bustling Khao San Road.(www.brickbarkhaosan.com)
Saturday - 8 am
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast at Gastro 1/6, tucked away in the heart of the
city. The egg and potato fritta with Spanish ham is a favourite with regular
customers at this unpretentious garden cafe, an ideal spot to read your weekend
magazines and grab coffee before starting your day (Gastro 1/6, RMA Institute,
Soi Sai Namthip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 26).
Saturday - 9.30 am
Beat the crowds and take the skytrain to the Chatuchak weekend market, home
to over 15,000 market stalls. You can find just about anything here from indoor
plants and garden furniture to cowboy boots and silver jewellery. Try your hand
at bargaining and pick up a few souvenirs.(www.chatuchak.org).
Saturday - 11 am
If all that shopping has left your legs sore, head to the up-and-coming Ari
neighbourhood for a professional massage at Body Tune and feel your tension
melt away with a 60 minute, 90 minute or 120 minute traditional Thai massage.
If it's your first time experiencing a Thai massage, ask your therapist to go
easy on the stretching! (www.bodytune.co.th).
Saturday - 12 pm
Set your tastebuds alight with a traditional meal from the northeast
rice-growing region of Thailand, known as Isaan, at Som Tam Bangkok. Order
roast chicken, spicy papaya salad and sticky rice and wait for the flavours to
kick in. Wash it all down with one of the local Thai beers and picture yourself
in a rice field outside of Bangkok (Somtam Bangkok, 9 Ari Soi 3, Bangkok).
Saturday - 4 pm
Pop in to one of the many art galleries-cum-coffee shops along Phra Athit
road, a stone's throw away from the Grand Palace. This road is popular with
students from nearby Thammasart University and is the perfect place for
afternoon tea. Take a moment to people-watch at the park next to Phra Sumen
Fort where old and young come for evening exercise.
Saturday - 5 pm
Visit Wat Pho temple, home to the Reclining Buddha and the Wat Pho Thai
Massage school. Pick up some Thai herbal compress balls for a do-it-yourself
home solution to sore muscles. For a well-deserved sundowner and a picturesque
view of the Temple of Dawn head to Amorosa on the top floor of Arun Residence
(www.arunresidence.com).
