The Local
THE LOCAL
Name: Harris Lakshanayodhin Kurdthip
Age: 35
Country: Thailand
Job/Profession: Brand Director, ONYX Hospitality Group
My favorite place: Where else do you want to go when you already live in one of the best cities in the world? I love to enjoy the other side of Bangkok and appreciate the beauty of the Chao Phraya River and the local surroundings. Trust me this is the best you can get from Thailand.
Bring there: Books, iPod, a bottle of water, and perhaps a BTS 1-day pass card in case no overnight is planned.
Must-do: Cruise along Chao Phraya River. Stroll around Pra-Arthit, Tha Prachan, and Tha Chang areas; they are all connected either by shuttle boat or on foot. Santi Chaiprakarn Park is awesome: You got the river view. You can also see the beautiful bridge from there and — it’s totally free.
Wat Arun
Must-see: Silpakorn University Art Gallery; sometimes you get lucky enough to witness the masterpieces in exhibition.
Must-buy: All the local food you can get, and second-hand items around Tha Chang area. Or buy some decorative items at Chatuchak.
Eat at: The Verandah, Mandarin Oriental for easy brunch. Sheepshank on Pra Arthit Road for dinner
Drink at: Jazz Happen, a very small bar on Pra Arthit Road with unbelievably amazing music. I normally end the night there. If I feel a bit lazy, Bamboo Bar at The Oriental is an easy choice.
Sleep at: It might sound crazy. I book a hotel when I have a house in central Bangkok. I love to book a stay at Loy-La-Long but I make sure I book in advance as they only have few rooms.
The Tourist
THE TOURIST
Name: Carmelita Magante-Dunn
Age: 50-something
Country: Australia
Job/Profession: Accountant
My favorite place: Of course my favorite place is Australia, where I found my one true love, but I also love Bangkok. It is one of the few places in the region where you can really enjoy yourself both day and night! And I can eat Thai food anytime I want!
Bring there: An open mind, a sense of wonder, a fun spirit, and a strong common sense. Bangkok is such a wonderful chaotic city that can overload the senses but it is always fun, exciting, and so full of energy. Must-see: The Grand Palace sounds a bit too touristic, but if you can only see one Thai temple, this is the one you should see. But Wat Arun has its own charm too and climbing to its top is quite exhilarating. Also, you have never been to Bangkok if you have not been to Patpong, Nana, Soi Cowboy, or Khao Sarn, so just give in to your curiousity. And try, even for at least once, a cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
Eat at: the restaurants of the Four Seasons Bangkok but also try Thai food, either at bo.lan or Nahm, if you don’t mind the prices. For a unique experience, try the streetside stalls in CentralWorld.
Vertigo
Drink at: Vertigo of Banyan Tree Bangkok or Red Sky of Centara Grand at CentalWorld – with their sweeping views.
Sleep at: Choose from any of the riverside hotels, if you want a river view. Any of the five-star hotels on Rajdamri, if you want to be in the city center or loves shopping. But my latest favorite is the new five-star boutique Hotel Indigo!
