TIPS, TRIPS & TOURS
49
TUK TUK BY NIGHT
AFTER A SURGE OF INTEREST FROM GUESTS LOOKING TO FIND BARS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, THE SIAM HAS CREATED A FUN AND SOPHISTICATED NIGHT-TIME EXPERIENCE ON BANGKOK’S FAVOURITE MODE OF TRANSPORT. charming appeal with mood lighting and rustic wooden tables. Admired locally for its potent cocktails mixed with Thai fruits, herbs and spices, Tep Bar also offers a good line up of home-infused ya dong (Thai herbal whiskey) as well as Thai tapas.
TEENS OF THAILAND
T
he Siam showcases a different side to Bangkok, introducing adventurous guests to authentic Thai culture and offering a serene setting, neighboured only by Royal palaces and grand, historic architecture. A private 39-room urban sanctuary, The Siam is ideally located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, just a short boat ride away from key Bangkok landmarks.
LOOKING FOR THE LESSER KNOWN Having noticed an increasing trend among guests looking for unique boltholes, The Siam is giving them what they want in a Tuk Tuk By Night Experience. Exploring the lesser known bars of Bangkok, this fun night out starts with sunset cocktails on The Siam Pier with signatures such as the Krapow!, a unique cocktail inspired by the comfort food pad krapow with hints of Thai holy basil, garlic, chilli, basil vinegar, vodka, rum, citrus and plenty of ice. After sunset board The Siam’s historical golden teak rice barge, The Golden Naga and head towards the Grand Palace. A short walk away is the chic Sala Rattanakosin, where the
open-air rooftop and bar offers sweeping views the Chao Phraya River and the mystical Temple of Dawn.
CRUMBLING STREETS Then a private Tuk Tuk will take you on an escorted spin through the legendary back streets of Bangkok’s gilded historic district. You will be treated to a street level view of some of the Kingdom’s most beautiful historic neighbourhoods, ending up at Tep Bar. Located in the crumbling streets of the increasingly popular Charoenkrung area, this restored shop-house has a
A short hop along Soi Nana, is an ominous Indian-style door. Inside is Teens of Thailand, a small, dimly-lit room which retains the shop-house’s original architecture and vintage Thai furniture. The real highlight lies behind the bar, with a vast collection of small batch gins. Its back on the Tuk Tuk and on to Let the Boy Die, a quirky craft beer house which takes its name from a Game of Thrones quote “Kill the boy and let the man be born”. The two-storey shophouse was once a distribution point for Golden Coins craft beer. Now the industrial styled outfit with hanging plants and warm lighting serve up a range of unique beers.
MADAM MUSUR The night wraps up at Madam Musur, a thatched bar located just off the famed Rambutri district. Sip on exceptional cocktails, indulge in delicious Northern Thai food and watch the world go by from your wicker chair in a tropical, jungle setting. All bars featured in this experience are just 15 minutes away from The Siam. A tuk tuk will then take you back to the comfort of The Siam, where a first-class suite awaits and a personal butler will be on hand the following morning to assist with any heavy heads. For those seeking complete rejuvenation, The Siam’s Opium Spa and Wellness extensive menu of treatments will energise mind, body and spirit. v www.thesiamhotel.com
www.asianjourneys.com.sg | April/May 2017 AsianJourneys