Bangkok – Where old and new collide
Bangkok is a one of those few cities where rapid modernisation and yesteryear village living sit side by side distinctly. You could be staying at one of the most luxurious hotels or apartments and there would be lines of old style shophouses and street food stalls when you walk out of the lobby. That contrast is what makes this city of 8 million one of my favourites.
The Thai capital has become an international hub for finance and business which explains the constant emerging of skyscrapers. It is renown for cheap food, bargain shopping and vibrant night life which makes it an attractive destination for tourists. For those who want to experience the cultural side, there are heaps of temples, palaces and the river markets which would make great opportunity for your selfie sticks).
The Okura Prestige
Sky Bar at Lebua
We stayed at The Okura Prestige, a stylish and luxurious hotel located next to Ploenchit skytrain station and two stops away from Siam Station (which many consider as downtown Bangkok). The room boasts panoramic views of Bangkok through expansive windows and an infinity pool that offers guests sensory experience either by sipping cocktails from the bar or a swim surrounded by the hotel’s modern architecture. Situated across the road is the newly opened Central Embassy mall that houses every possible luxury brand you can think of amongst other curated shops. There is a food court at the basement which houses some of the best food you can only previously find on the street food stalls. Needless to say, Glenn and I were stuffing our face with the Thai scrumptious classic mango sticky rice after every meal there.
We also put up in an Airbnb apartment as we like maximising our vacation experience by staying in different locations. The website listed several appealing properties that but there was one property that was begging to be chosen. It was an industrial conversion situated along the Chao Phraya River bank and in the old city district, giving us an alternative view point of this city. Owned by a graphic designer, the apartment was furnished with modern art works and furniture that fulfilled my dream of staying in a modern art gallery space and immersing in the old district life style.
Bangkok has been named “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure three times since 2010 and it is easy to see why with its diverse shopping, food, entertainment, cultural experience and night life. Based on personal encounters, here are 5 tips that might be useful when you travel to Bangkok:
1) Haggling is acceptable but only do it at businesses where there are no clear displayed prices
2) Even though English is recognised, keep addresses of your hotels or apartments or places that you want to visit in Thai
3) Before you jump into a tuk-tuk or non-metered cab, discuss with the driver the cost to get to the desired destination
4) Thai cuisine can be spicy so keep this in mind when ordering your food
5) Traffic is a major issue in this Thai capital so stay around areas where you can access the sky train or points of interest and take that into account when you are travelling.
Airbnb apartment
Siam Center
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- January 12, 2015
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- Bangkok, Destination, Thailand
