Bangkok Part 1: 3 Days in Bangkok
Bangkok Part 2: Chatuchak Weekend Market
Bangkok is a big sprawling city, and where you choose to stay really depends on where you need to/want to be.
As a tourist, your most important consideration would be how you’re going to get around, especially given Bangkok’s traffic snarls.
My recommendation is to make sure you’re close to the BTS – the elevated rail system that links the centre of Bangkok. If you’re within walking distance of the BTS, it means you’ll be able to move around pretty quickly. Otherwise you could be stuck in a cab for ages (and cab drivers don’t speak English really). Tuk-tuks are a nice idea but really you only do it once. Think of the fumes you’re breathing in! The other efficient way to go is a bike taxi – but you’ll have to want to risk riding pillion through traffic.
Accommodation
There are so many hotels in Bangkok, ranging from very high end to short-stop horrors. There are backpacker places, ’boutique’ hotels, serviced apartments – so many options.
As a guide, B1,000 = S$40
My hotel list
One of my favourite hotels in the world.
This hotel is just deliciousness.
It is contemporary luxe, and stylish in an understated way.
executive suite, Sukhothai
The rooms are gorgeous, and the bathrooms are destinations in themselves. The small executive suites are TOTALLY worth the self-indulgence.
love the bathrooms
Traditional Thai design melded beautifully with contemporary. Style AND substance.
The pool and spa is also great, and the brunch on Sundays is popular.
A lovely touch are the handmade chocolates you get every night. Gorgeous truffles – especially the green tea ones.
The award-winning Thai restaurant, Celadon is excellent too, and what a lovely setting.
Celadon Restaurant
The only downside is that it’s not close to the BTS. But on Sathorn Road, you’re not really far from anything.
But worth it if you’re looking to immerse yourself in stylish luxury for a few nights, and you don’t have to be anywhere. It’s a destination in itself.
Summer rates start from B6,900++ for a deluxe room.
________________________________________________________________________________
The former Regent Hotel got an upgrade about 10 years ago and turned into The Four Seasons.
It’s spacious, but not new. Like The Sukhothai, courtyards connect various parts of the hotel so it doesn’t feel like a concrete tower block. The rooms are traditional, and large.
As you would expect from The Four Seasons, it’s luxurious but not necessarily chic, with a conservative, older, profile.
The Spice Market is an excellent restaurant, with great Thai food.
The poolside is a lovely place to spend a morning and chill out.
Situated next to the Grand Hyatt and the Erawan shrine, this hotel is in the heart of Ratchaprasong – walking distance to all the shopping, and also a 5 minute walk to Ratchadamri BTS station.
If I need to be moving about in Bangkok and The Sukhothai is too inconvenient, The Four Seasons is a good second choice.
From B7,000++ for a superior room
________________________________________________________________________________
This is GREAT hotel for a shopping weekend.
It’s relatively new, stylish, in a great location, and not wildly expensive.
It gets its 4 star rating because it doesn’t have the full suite of amenities, but if you’re not looking for an amazing poolside (it has a little pool) but a contemporary, well-located, stylish hotel, this is it.
The regular rooms (shower, no bath) go at B3,000, and the premier (2 queen sized beds and a full bathtub plus walk in shower) at B4,000.
The breakfast buffet is a bit manic but quite worthwhile.
Just around the corner from the Four Seasons, this is walking distance to the Ratchaprasong shopping, and 5 minutes from the Ratchadamri BTS.
This hotel is a star find!
________________________________________________________________________________
Other hotels:
The Grand Hyatt Erawan is a good business hotel. I find it a bit tower-blockish and soulless but it’s very efficient, and well-located.
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit and The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit - both by Asok BTS, should you need to be in the Sukhumvit area.
The Holiday Inn – great location in Ratchaprasong, rooms around B3,000. It’s always busy. Not too fancy but not too shabby. It’s OK if you’re not fussy.
The Ecotel “Full comfort at budget prices” My young nephew always stays here with his pals. It’s easy on the pocket, and ‘ok’ he says. It’s clean, and does the job, and conveniently located in Pratunam. Rooms start at B1,000
The Somerset – there are various Somerset, Ascott and Citadines properties around the city. If there’s a bunch of you, it’s easier on the pocket to take an apartment. The Ascotts being the most expensive, and the Citadines the most affordable. It’s worth noting though, generally they don’t come with restaurants, and only provide breakfast.
The Oriental is the grand dame of Bangkok. On the river, with a lovely colonial feel (especially the Old Wing), the staff greet you by name, the service is a delight. The riverside Thai restaurant is excellent. Many will ONLY stay here.
It’s a bit old for me, but to stay there once is a great experience.
The Emporium – I have friends who swear by this place. Luxurious serviced apartments, at Sukhumvit Soi 24.
The Metropolitan – on Sathorn, right next to The Sukhothai. It’s a ‘nearly’ for me.
The rooms are large and I like the interiors (COMO style, so minimalist, chic, clean) but they have weird little windows and I always feel a little claustrophobic.
The pool is perfect if you’re an exhibitionist, you’re on show to the restaurant.
And of course the staff are always better dressed than me in their chic grey Armani outfits.
The best thing is the delicious Como Shambhala toiletries in the bathroom.
Worth a stay if there’s a special deal on.
