From cultural sights to good shopping and even better eating, there’s never a dull moment in the Thai capital
Shop
Seeker x Retriever is a fashion label with a conscience. Its shirts, pants, dresses and blazers are handmade by artisans in Northern Thailand and come in naturally derived colours like indigo, off-white and khaki, while breezy, minimalist silhouettes make for easy styling and accessorising. The label is stocked at Ecotopia, Siam Discovery mall.
See
Located on the west bank of the arterial Chao Phraya river, Wat Arun is one of the city’s finest temples, thanks to a 70m-high spire intricately designed using tiny pieces of glass and porcelain. Get out of bed early for this one to beat the crowds and be dazzled by the soft light reflecting off the glass at this time of day.
Indulge
For a real splurge, book an appointment for the two-hour Devarana Gold Sweet Delight Tamrab package at Devarana Spa, Dusit Thani Bangkok. The pampering starts with a scrub made of ingredients found in Thai desserts, such as palm sugar and mung bean. After that, be lulled to sleep with a soothing aromatic oil massage.
Stay
Southeast Asia’s first Waldorf Astoria is located in the upscale Ratchaprasong area. Designed by Hong Kong architect André Fu, the hotel’s architecture is inspired by the magnolia flower and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in its more-than-170 rooms and suites. For dinner, don’t miss Front Room, which serves Nordic-Thai cuisine in a relaxed setting.
waldorfbangkok.waldorfastoria.com
Eat
Newly opened on the 25th floor of Siam@Siam Design Hotel, Taan works with independent local farmers to source ingredients for its ever-changing menu. Executive chef Monthep Kamolsilp takes inspiration from the varied regional cuisines of Thailand. Case in point: the fish with turmeric, rice crackers and eggplant is his take on a Southern Thai dish.
Hong Kong Airlines Recommends…
Great Neighbourhoods
Chris Birt, Deputy Director of Service Delivery for Hong Kong Airlines on the three areas he enjoys visiting in the Thai capital
Siam
“I like the Jim Thompson House for a feel of what old Bangkok was like.”Yaowarat
“Bangkok’s Chinatown has an energetic vibe – and the street food is amazing.”
Sathorn
“I enjoy strolling around Lumpini Park when I need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.”
