Destination FROM THE EDITORS OF
Asia
MAGAZINE
Spotlight On:
Bangkok
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DESTINATION ASIA | EDITOR’S LETTER
Editor’s Letter By Paula Keung
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Asia, Bangkok attracts approximately 16 million visitors a year, arriving from all reaches of the globe. Some use Bangkok as a stopover, staying just a few hours before heading back to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for a connecting flight to Chiang Mai or Phuket. Others choose to spend days within the city limits, tasting bowls of steamy noodles at street bazaars, shopping the mazelike corridors at Chatuchak Weekend Market, and sipping cocktails among the glitterati of Bangkok’s workforce. Personally, I heartily side with this second group-why not be seduced by Bangkok’s glamour and grit and embrace the city’s endless possibilities? Located at the delta of the Chao Praya River, Bangkok has been a historically significant port city for centuries, serving as the maritime gateway for the kingdom of Siam. Today, it is home to a population of almost 9 million, a cosmopolitan mix of local Thai and expats from all over the globe. Beauti-
ful centuries-old temples are everywhere; there are hundreds throughout the city’s 606 square miles. A shoppers’ paradise, retail lovers flock to local street markets and luxurious glass-front mega malls with equal zeal. When the sun sets on Bangkok, the neon lights rising overhead blink like beacons for thrill seekers, basking the streets in an endless glow of energy that is both chaotic and enchanting. When planning your visit, you’ll want to capture the true essence of Bangkok with a little help from those who know it best. Travel Savvy is about local knowledge. Turn the pages of this new edition, Destination Asia: Bangkok, and meet locals like Boom Ratana, who recommends the Aurum Hotel, a charming 12-room boutique hotel in Old Bangkok. Learn about the lesser known cultural sites in the city from Nalik Sangsnit. Stop at a food cart and bar hop with Mandy Itthikaiwan. Come, let’s fall in love with Bangkok together! — Paula Keung, Editor Travel Savvy Digital Media Twitter@trvlsvvy Facebook Page TravelSavvyMagazine.com
T R AV E L S AV V Y f o r D E S T I N AT I O N A S I A PUBLISHER: STIG BAASVIK EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: PAULA KEUNG EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: MELISSA MOHABIR CREATIVE DIRECTOR: KEN THELIAN DESIGNER: KATARINA KOJIC KAPLAN ADVERTISING OPERATIONS: EVA KULOVA 495 COMMUNICATIONS LLC PAULA KEUNG BRET POLANSKY KEN THELIAN TRAVEL SAVVY MAGAZINE 495 COMMUNICATIONS LLC NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CALL 917 428 0635 CONTACT EDITORIAL: EDITOR@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM INQUIRIES: INFO@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM ADVERTISING: ADS@495COMMUNICATIONS.COM ©2014 495 COMMUNICATIONS
JUST ANOTHER PRODUCTION
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND
Contents
2
Letter from the editor
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Cocktail Culture in BKK
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6
8
Mandy on Street Food
Relax & Unwind: Spas & More
Bangkok Shop Talk
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Beyond the Bed
BKK Through the Lens
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Cultural Sites of Bangkock
Front Cover: Streets of Bangkok Back Cover: Ayutthaya Ruins Photo Credits: Dan Howell
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND
CO C K TA I L CULT UR E
BKK IN
By Supa-arpha Itthikaiwan
Supa-arpha Itthikaiwan, who goes by “Mandy,” is a busy Public Relations Manager living a youthfully exuberant existence among Bangkok’s chic international population. As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok is home to a large number of expats who have fallen in love with the distinct cultural blend of old history and New World modernization. “It’s so easy to meet people here,” explains Mandy. “I’ve hosted the occasional international potluck dinner at my house with guests
Sky Bar Photo Credit: lebua Hotel Group
from all over the globe. Through food, I’m able to learn so much about cultural differences.” Mandy lives near some of the best bars and restaurants the city has to offer. Since food, travel, and exploring new places with friends are among her favorite pastimes, we asked her to share a list of the city’s best lounges. On page 6, Mandy takes us on a tasting tour of Bangkok’s famous street food culture.
Sky Bar Photo Credit: lebua Hotel Group
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND
ROOFTOP BAR FOR A SCENE
Maggie Choo’s Photo Credit: BangkokNightlife.com
SKY BAR @ lebua Hotel
Many people are familiar with Sky Bar from the movie Hangover 2. This stunning rooftop bar is 63 floors up and offers a complete 360° view of the glittering city below. The circular island bar feaSky Bar Photo Credit: lebua Hotel Group
tures special lighting that changes color throughout the evening. Expect a thirsty crowd, all ordering one of the many innovative cocktails such as the bar’s signature drink, “Hangovertini.” Note that the venue has a dress code.
SECRET BASEMENT BAR
MAGGIE CHOO’S @ 320 Silom Road
Dark and romantic, this basement bar is housed behind a discreetlyplaced, carved wooden door on the side of the Novotel Fenix Hotel. Beyond the door, in the back of a dining room hangs a heavy theatrical curtain that leads to Maggie Choo’s. Many decades ago, this space housed an old bank vault, whose small, private transaction rooms are now seating areas. The décor is something to experience, with lots of laquered Chinese umbrellas, ornate tables, and plush
velvet seating. If you come late at night, you’ll find costumed entertainers swinging from the ceiling on rope-hung seats. The bar has a wonderful cocktail list, and on some nights there is live jazz.
RETRO THROWBACK
THE SPEAKEASY @ Hotel Muse
The Speakeasy, a rooftop lounge with a chic 1920’s interior, features an excellent French-inspired menu prepared by Chef Jean Baptiste Natali. Located at Hotel Muse, this is the perfect low-key hangout.
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND Apoteka Photo Credit: BangkokNightlife.com
LIVE MUSIC, GOOD CROWD
APOTEKA @ Sukhumvit 55
The apothecary-themed bar, Apoteka, is the place to go for live music and creative cocktails. Visit Apoteka’s Facebook page for the weekly music schedule, which includes excellent blues bands and live local DJs. SALSA NIGHT WITH A VIEW
ABOVE ELEVEN @ Frasier Suites
Yet one more rooftop bar with a beautiful view, Above Eleven sits atop the Fraser Suite Hotel. This
lounge offers themed-entertainment, such as salsa music and ladies’ night on Wednesdays, live jazz on Thursdays, and old-school hip hop Fridays with a New York DJ personality. The drinks are reasonable and the menu features delicious Japanese Peruvian dishes. The bartender makes superb mojitos.
MANDY ON STREET FOOD “Street food is a way of life in Thailand. In Bangkok, there are designated streets, or sois, around the city where food vendors arrange space-efficient food carts in a sort of managed chaos, and offer crave-worthy dishes, both
The Speakeasy Photo Credit: Hotel Muse
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf Photo Credit: Dan Howell
Chicken skewers Photo Credit: Kriska B
agenda. One particular vendor area, Sukhumvit 38, is central to the many bars I’ve listed and is open from 6PM local time until very late. Try a plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice or a bowl of noodle soup before you visit a rooftop lounge. After a late night, you might want something sweet; tuck into a bowl of mango sticky rice or a bag of fried dough.
savory and sweet, hot and cold. In the Silom neighborhood, Diners congregate around head to Soi Convent. communal tables for a Order pork leg true “street dining” stew, a bowl of experience. With ORDER tuk-tuks, cabs, PORK LEG STEW, spicy fish soup, and an elevated A BOWL OF SPICY FISH or perhaps a SOUP, OR PERHAPS plate of mariskytrain called A PLATE OF nated meat the “BTS” runskewers. Just MARINATED MEAT ning throughout SKEWERS. go to the cart Bangkok, it’s inwith the longest credibly easy to get line and you won’t be around, dine on the go, disappointed!” and keep up with the evening’s
“
”
Spicy soup with chilies Photo Credit: Dan Howell
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND
Bangkok
THROUGH THE LENS
By Dan Howell Photographer Dan’s Website
New York City-based fashion and portrait photographer, Dan Howell, travels to unique and farflung cities for bridal magazines to report on international honeymoon destinations. He’s also visited and photographed many gorgeous locations and subjects in Thailand and has participated in local photography seminars for the Bangkok fashion and modeling industries. “As a city, Bangkok is supremely vibrant,” explains Dan. “At the same time, A tuk-tuk at dawn All Photos Pages 8 to 11 Credit: Dan Howell
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there’s a delicate balance of tradition and modernity that’s in everything from people’s mannerisms to the rhythm of life in general. It’s a lovely city to experience and photograph.” Check Dan’s fashion photography site for more of his work.
PREVIOUS PAGE A tuk-tuk at dawn. With so many ways to get around the city, such as the Sky Train and air-conditioned taxis, Bangkok tuk-tuks are more of an “experience.” Consider them for a short trips and for zipping around traffic jams. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT “Soi Cowboy,” a nightlife and red-light district in Bangkok. This one-block long side soi—soi means “street”—in the Sukhumvit area is famous for its go-go clubs and beer bars. The name is derived from the owner of one of the first nightclubs on the soi, who was a cowboy-hat wearing retired American airman. Scenes from The Hangover Part 2 were filmed here. Water taxi just passing the Baan ChaoPraya Hi-Rise. This huge, modern condo building is right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya is the main river in the city and flows through to the Gulf of Thailand. Along with barges and commercial waterway transports, you’ll see river taxis and tourist buses along the river’s 25-mile stretch through Bangkok. Street art. In certain areas of the city, you’ll see bold graffiti art splashed across alleyways and cinderblock walls. There have been street-art festivals held in past years celebrating some of the intricate and colorful creations by local artists.
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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Man on train at Hua Lualamphong Station Local Thai banana varietal; they are sold everywhere. Hua Lualamphong Station, the main railway station in Bangkok, is located in the center of the city. Chinese New Year parade masks for sale in Bangkok’s Chinatown district; Chinatown dates back to the time when Chinese traders operated junks on the nearby Chao Phraya River. Fresh crabs at Klong Toey Market
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THIS PAGE: AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE. About an hour from Bangkok is Ayutthaya Province, putting it at an ideal distance for a day trip to see ruins and visit one of the area’s popular floating markets. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT Elephant waiting for passengers just outside the market entrance Seated statue at Ayutthaya ruins. Quail eggs at an outdoor food stall Vivid pink “hundred day preserved eggs,” in baskets for sale at Ayutthaya floating market. These eggs are specially cooked and preserved for up to three months, giving them a unique sour-salty taste. The three chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND Hua Hin Beach Photo Credit: Wan Petchroon
Through Dan, we connected with two Bangkok
entrepreneurs and models, Nikki Mesale and Pla Samuangsri. Nikki’s list “Relax & Unwind,” directs you to her absolute favorite spa on Koh Samui, where you can find peace among the coconut groves. In “Bangkok Shop Talk,” Pla introduces us to some of the finer places to practice retail therapy. Read on.
Relax & Unwind
By Nikki Mesale
Entrepreneur and Model Nikki’s Facebook Page
As an international catwalk and fashion model, Nikki Mesale has worked on campaigns and editorials for a variety of world famous brand names. Nikki has also represented her home country on the world stage at the prestigious events, Miss International
2008 and Miss Globe International 2010. When she is not heating things up in front of the camera for clothing and accessories brands, she manages her own jewelry line, “Seduction by Nikki.”
“One of the most wonderful things about living in Bangkok is that every beautiful beach, retreat, and natural wonder is just a short flight or car ride away,” explains Nikki. “My work as a model takes me to some of the best locations in the country, and when I can, I try to return as a visitor with family and friends.” We asked Nikki to suggest her favorite getaway using Bangkok as a base of travel. When making
your plans, use airport code BKK as your reference point.
TAMARIND SPRING DAY SPA, SAMUI When it’s time to reset my mind, I spend time at my favorite spa, Tamarind Spring in Samui (BKK->USM). This peaceful resort offers relaxation and rejuvenation with yoga and spa treatments. Located near Lamai beach, this quiet destination resort offers a
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handful of private villas for those interested in staying on-site; the bulk of the Spa’s clients come for day visits. The excellent staff adminsters your treatments using a holistic approach. When planning your trip, book your flight in advance, as flights can be more expensive the day of.
Relax & Unwind A D DITIO N A L SPA S RE TRE ATS
Hua Hin Beach Photo Credit: Scaredy Kat
ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY, KOH SAMUI Specializing in yoga and detox programs, Absolute Sanctuary has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveller’s Spa Awards of 2014, as “Best Value For Weight Loss.” The sprawling property overlooks Cheong Mon Beach on the northeastern part of Samui island.
CHIVA-SOM, HUA HIN This beach-front retreat is located at Hua Hin, which is easily accessible from Bangkok via bus or private car, making it the closest to Thailand’s capitol among the spas listed here. Chiva Som offers a medi-spa as well as traditional yoga and holistic health programs, and is a designated Healing Hotels of the World.
TAO GARDEN HEALTH SPA AND RESORT, CHIANG MAI Tao Garden is located in one of the more popular destination cities in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. This Taoist healing center takes an integrative approach to health and combines properties from “traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, energy medicine, and Allopathic medicine” to create a full program for those interested in a comprehensive treatment plan. There are also spa packages and exercise programs on the menu. The fastest way to get to Chang Mai is via a 1 hour and 15 minute plane ride (BKK-->CNX), but you might prefer an express train or bus ride. Lonely Planet has a detailed write up on transportation here. Tamarind Spring Spa Photo Credit: Tamarind Spa
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND Chatuchak Market Photo Credit: Mark Fischer
Bangkok
When not on a modeling assignment or managing her day-to-day spa operations, Pla knows where to practice a little retail therapy.
Shop Talk By Pia Samuangsri Owner of We Spa
Siem Paragon Photo Credit: Mark Fischer
Entrepreneur and Model Pla Samuangsri is the owner of We Spa, a day spa located in a quiet residential neighborhood in a suburb of Bangkok. Offering classic spa services like body scrubs, facials, and massages,
WHERE TO SHOP: the We Facebook page provides information on weekly spa packages and specials. “The Thai tradition of wellness is rooted in massage,” explains Pla. “Culturally, we value personal awareness of one’s body and mind. Spa and massage are one way to achieve a high level of wellness.”
“Shopping in Bangkok is an unofficial sport. Every neighborhood from Silom to Sukhumvit, Chinatown to Chidlom, offers markets and malls. Shopping areas are easy to find, and most are next to a BTS skytrain stop. Not all markets are worth visiting, but there’s truly something for everyone on nearly every street corner. Sometimes I have to have a little glamour, and that’s when I head to one of two places.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Serious shoppers should check out the newest fashion mega-mall to open its doors in Bangkok, Central Embassy. With 8-floors of luxury retailers set beneath a high-end hotel, you’ll enjoy the experience that this ultra-modern shoppers’ paradise has to offer. Check out their Facebook as well.
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND Benjasiri Park Photo Credit: Southeast Asia Images
PARAGON Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan
The grandest indoor shopping center in Bangkok is Paragon, located in the Pathum Wan district, the main shopping district in Bangkok with malls on each block. Paragon is the most luxurious of the malls in this area. You will find every international luxury fashion brand spread out among the mall’s nine levels. The main level boasts a huge gourmet shop and a food court, while the basement houses the Siam Ocean World Aquarium.
You’ll also want to check out picturesque Benjasiri Park, located right next to the mall. It is often referred to as ‘Queen’s Park.’ Many locals take lunch hour here, next to the many stone sculptures. Visitors can feed turtles and birds at the pond.
EMPORIUM 622 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei
In the Khlong Toei district, you’ll find the Emporium, located at Sumhumvit Soi 24. This mall offers a similar shopping experience as Paragon, with many of the same luxury European brands, but on a smaller and more manageable scale. This may be the mall to go to if you know what you need and don’t want to encounter the huge crowds at Paragon.
Feeding the turtles at Benjasiri Park Photo Credit: Johan Fantenberg
Child at Siam Aquarium. Photo Credit: Stephane Pardo
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND Similan Archipelago National Park Photo Credit: Al Neufeld
Cultural Sites of Bangkok and Beyond Photo Credit: Bangkok Post
Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, Ph.D. Director-General for Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
As the Director-General for Thailand’s Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Nalikatibhag Sangsnit strives to help Thailand strike the perfect balance between tourism and preservation of the natural landscape.
With approximately 26 million visitors annually, Thailand is the perfect destination to practice sustainable tourism through the
use of alternative energy in hotels and transportation, initiating viable green practices throughout the country, and more. Dr. Nalik is part of the country’s effort to create a balance between the social, economic, and environmental impact of tourism while preserving its culture.
Museum Of Siam Photo Credit: Wasin Waeosri
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DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival Photo Credit: Nobutaka Kuze
hothai Province, and the ancient city of U-Thong,” says Dr. Nalik. “These sites are important to discovering the heritage of Thailand.”
“While in Thailand, take time to visit some of the many of the designated areas for sustainable tourism, such as Loei Province, where you can plan your trip to coincide with the annual Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival in June. If you dive, look up Similan Archipelago National Park at Phang-Nga Province. Also of great importance are the historical parks of Suk-
While you’re in Bangkok, check out these two sites, also recommended by Dr. Sangsnit:
RATTANAKOSIN EXHIBITION HALL Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall showcases the rich historical background of Bangkok with fun, interactive exhibits. The recently renovated building is comprised of nine state-of-the-art exhibition
Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall Credit: Sonchai Pongrapeeporn
rooms, each representing an aspect of the Rattanakosin era.
THE MUSEUM OF SIAM This cultural museum weaves the narrative of the Thai national identity through engaging exhibits and storytelling. Visitors get a chance to learn the history and development of Thailand through fun anecdotes and historical information.
Dok Fai Ban Fair, Loei Province Photo Credit: Jakkrit Jansawat
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Beyond the Bed Interesting Hotels in BANGKOK When we really simplify things, the traveler within knows that we share a few basic needs: a reliable pair of walking shoes, a sense of adventure to help us navigate a new place and, at the end of the day’s wanderings, a bed to sleep in. Bangkok has everything from small guest houses with funky room decor to international hotel brands with easily recognized logos emblazoned across bedsheets and tapestry. Perhaps you are looking for something that Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel Photo Credit: Hotel
Salil Hotel Photo Credit: Hotel
offers a bit of personality, a room with less corporate branding… something more than just a bed. We’ve listed here a handful of hotels that you’ll be happy to wake up in, each recommended by those who know Bangkok.
Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel Photo Credit: Hotel
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AURUM, THE RIVER PLACE Rooms: 12 Posted Rate: 3030-3780 THB / $93-$116 USD
BOOM RATANA Local businesswoman and international traveler
“Aurum is located in the heart of old Bangkok, also considered the historical and cultural area. As a riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya River, it is close to many main historical sites, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The hotel also faces the Temple of Dawn. If you have a list of cultural sites you’d like to visit, consider booking a room here.”
Temple of the Emerald Buddha Photo Credit: Southeast Asia Images
PHRANAKORN NORNLEN Rooms: 31 Posted Rate: 1800-3600 THB / $56-$111 USD “Phranakorn Nornlen is a popular choice for both Thai people and foreigners. This small boutique hotel feels more like a guesthouse and not a typical hotel. Often written up in the press as a ‘Top 10 Place to Stay,’ it is located in the old Bangkok area.”
View from Aurum, The River Place-Temple of Dawn Photo Credit: Christopher Michel
SALIL HOTEL THONGLOR Rooms: 84 Posted Rate: See website, specials often posted. “Cheerful and modern, Salil Hotel is next to the sky train and surrounded by excellent shopping.
Phranakorn Nornlen Photo Credit: Hotel
Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel Photo Credit: Hotel
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markets, shops dealing in textiles and gold, and more. The rooms are unique and colorful, and the chinoiserie-style lobby is a popular place for photography.”
Being located right on Sukhumvit road means that you’ll be central to nightlife, dining and retail.”
Shanghai Mansion Hotel Photo Credit: Hotel
DAN HOWELL Fashion and Travel Photographer
SHANGHAI MANSION Rooms: 74 Posted Rate: 2200-3300 THB / $68-$102 USD “This is a beautiful urban hotel that was once an opera house, and later the country’s stock exchange. Located on Yaowarat Road, Shanghai Mansion is smack in the middle of Chinatown. You’ll be close to open stall
Shanghai Mansion Hotel Lobby Photo Credit: Dan Howell
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Tea service, lobby of Shanghai Mansion Photo Credit: Dan Howell
DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND
Passenger boat on the canal behind Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok Photo Credit: Gadget Dan
DR. NALIKATIBHAG SANGSNIT Director General, DASTA
THE SIAM KEMPINSKI Rooms: 303 Posted Rate: 14,200 THB / $436 USD
“Those who desire every comfort during their stay should book the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, a five-star luxury property located on Rama 1 Road. This grand hotel is lavishly and impeccably decorated, and features a large collection of traditional Thai art
and sculptures. The hotel offers amenitities such as a spa, kids’ club, and limosine service, making it a true resort. It’s also located next door to the BTS Skytrain and the Paragon Shopping Complex, putting you in the heart of the city.” Siam Kempinski Hotel Lobby Photo Credit: Hotel
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Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, we are renowned for our welcoming culture, modern world class accommodations, vibrant city centers, historically rich traditions, pristine beaches, and the kindness of our people. Whether young and free spirited, adventure-seeking, or a couple looking
A letter from
THE TOURISM AUTHORITY of THAILAND Dear Friends,
for solitude during a vacation getaway, Thailand is a destination for any type of traveller. I invite you to take the journey of a lifetime to our beautiful country and immerse yourself in the wonders which make Thailand so magical. Learning from the pages of Destination Asia: Spotlight On Bangkok, and from your own wanderlust, discover why Amazing Thailand, truly does Begin with the People. Pack your bags and I hope to see you in Thailand soon!
to try their local bites. With a plate of papaya salad
As you flip through the pages of Travel Savvy’s
or a chicken skewer in hand, enter one of the coun-
Destination Asia Magazine, take a brief moment
try’s thousands of temples to acquaint yourself
Kulpramote Wannalert
to explore the plethora of possibilities awaiting you
with ancient Thai religious traditions. Over to the
in the Kingdom of Thailand. Remove yourself from
westward horizon, you glance out to see Bangkok’s
your everyday routine and imagine walking along
high-rise skyline. You slowly take in the day’s sun-
the bustling streets of Bangkok, greeted by an ar-
set, as you sip the juice of a fresh coconut, and
Director of the Western US/Latin America Tourism Authority of Thailand Los Angeles Office NA.tourismThailand.org www.bookThailandnow.com
ray of scents from street-food vendors inviting you
you realize there really is no place quite like Thailand.
Destination FROM THE EDITORS OF
Asia
MAGAZINE