From shopping to sushi and temples to afternoon teas, here’s what to do in Bangkok during your next visit to the Thai capital.
Stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok…
Just one-hours’ drive from the airport, the Mandarin Oriental is a stunning five-star resort spread between two properties on either side of the Chao Praya River.
The rooms, a neutral sea of tranquillity with fast Wi-Fi, on-call butler, and plenty of lovely little nibbles artfully laid out for your consumption – think fruit platters, macaroons, plenty of chocolate and a mini nut bar complete with macadamia, cashews and pistachios).
The service, impeccable.
The food, well, let’s just say there’s a reason Bangkok is becoming one of the great foodie capitals of the world
Click here for more info & bookings.
Ruffley kimono / Bucket bag / White flats
Lunch at Isao…
For some of the best sushi Bangkok has to offer, head to the Sukumvi area for lunch at Isao Fusion Japanese Sushi Bar. This casual eatery came recommended to me by a Bangkok native living in Dubai (thanks, Sunny!), and it certainly did not disappoint. Don’t leave without trying a poke bowl – the OG of food’s biggest current trend.
Long tail boat ride down the Chao Phraya River…
Grab a bottle of prosecco and hope in a long tail boat to explore Bangkok’s canals and its’ communities. There are Thai locals stationed long most piers with water taxis and boats ready to go. Costs are negotiable with the driver, but make sure you take some extra cash with you for when you hit the floating markets.
Afternoon tea at Authors Lounge…
The Mandarin Oriental is one of the most storied hotels in Asia and has welcomed luminaries for decades, among them authors including Somerset Maugham, Wilbur Smith and John Le Carre. The original hotel building from the 1800s houses each writer’s legacy. Aptly named the Authors’ Wing, the parlour that now pays homage to the hotel’s literary past offers the most scrumptious afternoon tea.
Set amid an effortless mix of Eastern and Western influences, the space is imbued with marble floors and white-wicker furniture upholstered in floral fabrics, which are accentuated by the natural light that pours into the lounge. And the food… Oh, the food. Caviar, smoked salmon and scones (oh my!) all washed down with freshly-brewed tea. Delicate desserts and other fine nibbles atop cake stands arrive at your table, ready to be demolished.
Blue printed dress
Blue printed dress
Pool day at Avani Riverside, Bangkok…
Escape the heat of the city (and, I promise you, you’ll need it) and luxuriate in the Avani hotel’s stunning rooftop pool. Nestled on the western bank of the Chao Phraya river, you’ll want to head straight up to the 26th floor. The 25m pool is long and thing – great for a good swim and perched perfectly under the beating sun to make catching a tan just that bit easier.
Zebra print dress
Drinks at Attitude and Seen, Avani Riverside, Bangkok…
Adjacent to the pool, the views of the surrounding cityscape from Attitude are incredible, with the bar area offering sunset vistas. Set to open next month, Seen is sure to be Bangkok’s hottest new hangout. Located just one floor above Attitude, head here for drinks and unrivaled views of the country’s capital.
Yellow suit / White woven shoes / Bucket bag
Yellow suit
Shopping at MBK…
I didn’t manage to snap a single picture in MBK, because I was too busy buying every bargain in site. If you don’t know what MBK is, then join the club. I’m still not entirely sure what was going on in there, all I know is that it’s treasure trove of every type of nick-nack a gal (or guy) could want. See my purchases (yellow dress and woven shoes) in the pics below.
Visit Wat Pho…
Also known has the ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’ is one of the main temples in the heart of Bangkok. It wasn’t quite as breathtaking as what Siem Reap, Cambodia, had to offer, but it was still a cultural experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Yellow dress / White woven shoes / Bucket bag
Thank you to Mandarin Oriental and Avani Riverside for hosting us in your beautiful hotels.
Any other fab and fun ideas of what to do in Bangkok? Drop a comment below and let us know!
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