My first visit to Thailands capital, Bangkok was in 2001. I had never been that far south east before as I have a crush on the Caribbean.
I remember de-plaining and the heat that hit me like a wall, in the bus to the hotel I was both amazed and terrified of the traffic.
Some of my Bangkok travel tips
The very first evening we went out to dinner, I was warned, “we are not going to a fancy place” and “it is very local”.
My experience with thai food, was almost to none. I had tried some fried rice and some coconut chicken soup.
We ended up at Suda Restaurant, Sukhumvit and soi 14. Plastic table cloths, plastic plates and toiletpaper as napkins…
As a newbie I let me friends do the ordering, they never stopped ordering foods, how much are we gping to eat? I learned they served smaller portions for sharing.
Chicken cashew, stirfried beef, deep fried beans, garlic shrimps, beef satay, mixed vegetables, tom yam gum, fried rice, spring rolls…. the food came parading to our table
Can’t stop eating
Even though we got plenty of food I could’nt stop eating. Everything tasted wonderfully and as we shared, we could try so many different dishes. Everything was washed down with a few Singha beer.
In Thailand, they don’t eat a lot of dessert but we got some fresh fruit, and that was just about right to end a great meal.
Every since that day I have been back more than 15 times to the same restaurant. The food is super and prices are very low and reasonable, some places in Bangkok today, have become quite expensive.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
If you want to stay in class and luxury, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is the place to be. I stay there every time I go. It might not be the most hip and latest modern design, but the hotel breaths history and luxury service.
The standard rooms are at ok sizes and bathrooms are big, a bit dated, but they are now renovating the wing facing down to the river. I bet they will be awesome.
Staff is very friendly and service minded and they know you by your last name. My first day, coming in from the pool, the staff had already called down an elevator and pressed my floor, all addressing me with my last name, VERY IMPRECIVE!
A lot of people visit the Bamboo Bar, Bangkok’s most iconic bar. They play soft jazz almost every night. As a guest you have priority access to the bar, good to know as it will be crowded in high seasons.
River views
One thing I love about the hotel is the big terrace facing the river, just being there at night time for a drink is fantastic. Brekfast is also served here, a big buffet, with everything you possibly want.
The terrace also have a good Italian restaurant.
I guess it is the atmosphere that makes it so special, and every time I go there it feels just like coming home.
My personal Bangok Travel Tips
I am going to make a post of what I love to do in Bangkok and where I have been out eating and having some nice drinks and cocktails. Come back for more details soon.
