9 COOL EXPERIENCES IN BANGKOK

By: Christian Stan

Fabulous, frenetic, incredible, these are just a few epithets that could describe Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. This Asian Las Vegas will surprise you with the stunning contrast between sky scrapers and authentic little houses, the variety of dining options and top class services, as the Thais are known to be one of the most hospitable people in the world.

I have just returned from my third trip to Bangkok, and after a week spent in the capital of Thailand, I can honestly say that I have lived the coolest travel experience of my life. The city has dramatically changed since our last encounter, five years ago. Much cleaner and more organized, Bangkok is now a metropolis filled with culture, cool & fancy spots and sense experiences that should be lived to the fullest. Here are some mix&match suggestions that will surely make Bangkok an unforgettable experience.

1. Choose flydubai Business Class 

flydubai has introduced flights to Bangkok, so now the duration of the flight from Romania to Thailand is significantly reduced. You will reach your destination after only a 10 hour flight, with a short stopover in Dubai. Also, this company has the most advantageous prices for Thailand.

Economy class tickets start form 600 Euro, while Business class tickets start from 1500 Euro. The seats in the latter category are extendable and provide a comfortable sleep during the nighttime. Last but not least, the Entertainment system offers the latest movies and shows, so you will not have time to get bored.

2. Stay at Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Choose a hotel on the Chao Phraya riverside, and your experience is guaranteed to be an extraordinary one. The Millennium Hilton Bangkok is my recommendation; a fabulous hotel with top class services. Choose a River View Suite, a spacious apartment of 70 sqm, offering a 360 degree view over the city.

Staying in a Suite gives you access to the Executive Lounge, where between 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. you can enjoy a fabulous Afternoon Tea and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is Cheese&Wine time. What could be more relaxing than admiring the sunset while savoring a Sauvignon Blanc from the New Zealand.

For dinner choose Flow, a one-of-a-kind restaurant catering to the most varied gastronomic tastes, from South East Asian favorites to the best of Mediterranean cuisines, perched on a terrace over looking the tranquil waters of the Chao Phraya. As a special highlight Flow boosts Bangkok’s largest Cheese room. The hip styling and the aromas of the open kitchen concepts help provoke a complete sensory experience in terms of sights, sounds, smells and textures.

Read more about the hotel HERE.  

3.  Vertigo, an iconic restaurant in Bangkok

For one of the evenings, book a table at the Vertigo, the famous open-air restaurant, located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel.

One of the iconic places of the city will surprise you with a panoramic view and high class services. The menu is international, refined and elaborated, similar with the restaurants with Michelin stars.

4. Visit Jim Thompson House

The team from ThailandaRo have included in my schedule some “customized” experiences, and one of them was a visit at Jim Thompson’s house. You cannot leave Bangkok without visiting this traditional house, full of statues dating back hundreds of years, collected from all over the country.

Jim Thompson was an American famous in Thailand in the 50s, who revived the silk industry in this country. He founded the Thai Silk Company and practically taught the Thai how to make profit from their silks. Thompson vanished without a trace in the Malaysian jungle in the 60s, which inspired many legends. Some say he was devoured by tigers, while others say he was a CIA agent and faked his own death. Regardless of any speculation, his house is gorgeous and mysterious at the same time.

5. Visit Wat Pho and The Grand Palace

You definitely should not miss the Wat Pho temple and the Grand Palace. At the Wat Pho, in the middle of the day, you can take part in a Buddhist ceremony during which monks bless you and you also receive an amulet to protect you from negative energy.

The Royal Palace is a wonderful place, like a Disneyland of the seventeenth century. The attention paid to every detail is unbelievable, the statues and temples are amazing and the golden pagodas are fascinating.

6. Apsara River Cruise

Another experience provided for us by ThailandaRo was The Apsara River Cruise. This a traditional boat operated by Banyan Tree, aboard which you can dine while admiring the city at night.

The entire escapade takes two hours and the menu onboard is Thai, one dish better than the other.

7. Cooking class at Blue Elephant Restaurant

Bangok is a city of the senses and the culinary experiences are incredible at every step. The Blue Elephant is the most famous Thai restaurant in the city. In the 40 year history of the place, Bill Clinton, JW Bush and Michael Jackson have dined here. On the upper floor, you can take cooking classes, where the chefs will teach how to prepare Thai dishes by yourself.

This experience is fantastic, and after the cooking session, you can also dine there. For dessert, order a Mango Sticky Rice. It is absolutely divine. For another authentic Thai experience, I recommend the Supaninga Eating Room Sathorn, where you have to try the tum yum mushroom soup.

8. Jazz with a view

Jazz enthusiasts can choose between the Three Sixty Lounge at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok and the Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Both venues are special.

While the former features a contemporary design, from where you can enjoy Bangkok from the 31st floor while listening to live jazz tunes, the latter is an historical place and impresses you with its luxuriant walnut decor.

9. Time for High Tea

Afternoons in Bangkok are for High Tea. I recommend the House of Sathorn, a colonial house in the courtyard of the W Hotel, surrounded on both sides by silver sky scrapers, or the lounge in the lobby of the Siam Kempinski hotel, where every Sunday you can savor your tea while enjoying live clarinet and piano music.

Last but not least, the Author’s Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is yet another superb location, perfect for pictures that will definitely rock your Instagram account.