THE TOURIST
Name: Jomar Hermida Gumiran
Age: 32
Country: Philippines
Job/Profession: Teacher
My favorite place: Bangkok, as I really have yet to explore the rest of Thailand.
Bring there: Lots of adrenalin and energy for the thrills and activities the city offers to 30-something folk like me.
Must-do: I guess my age yearns for adventurous and fun stuff. So after the usual city tour by bike, some explorations by the river and a ride to some exciting places where the mainstream tourists fear to tread, I always like to enjoy the local nightlife. Sukhumvit 11, Thonglor and Ekkamai, even RCA! Oh, and the exotic street food offerings are definitely a must-try.
Must-see: The amazing rooftop bars and restaurants! I just loved them.
Must-buy: I’m not much of a shopping person.
Eat at: La Vue, Siam@Siam Bangkok: food is great, service is impeccable, and great views of the city skyline as well.
Drink at: Intensity for the early evening cheap drinks, and then as the night moves on go to any of the more uppity hipster places such as SceneSpace in Thonglor, if not one of the high-end bars such as Ku De Ta.
Sleep at: There are a number of budget accommodation options. I’d go for Hotel Indigo, Siam@Siam, Dream, Amara Bangkok, and maybe W Bangkok – each unique in their own right – and all with a trendy hipster vibe.
THE LOCAL
Name: Napatsawan Chillanond
Age: 64 years
Country: Thailand
Job/Profession: Business owner, beauty guru, and personality trainer
My favorite place: Besides Bangkok, there are so many places in Thailand that I consider my favorites.
Bring there: Just the usual sense of adventure, I guess.
Must-do: In Bangkok, it’s shopping and spas; in Chiangrai, it’s the elephant rides; in Chiang Mai, I love visiting the temples and the night markets: in Isaan, visiting Phu Wiang National Park and Phu Pa Man National Park; and in Koh Samui, it’s all about sunbathing and swimming.
Must-see: The Grand Palace and Sunday Market in Bangkok; the Golden Triangle, Rong Koon Temple, and Doi Tung in Chiangrai; and Bhubing Palace in Chiang Mai; and oh, the waterfalls of Koh Samui.
Must-buy: Mudmee silk and Chinese sausage in Khon Kaen, Borsang umbrellas in Chiang Mai, paper lanterns and tea in Chiangrai, and pearls in Koh Samui.
Eat at: Crab and Claw Restaurant at EM Quartier, Bangkok; Le Petip Café in Chiangrai; Good View in Chiang Mai; the Treat House in Khon Kaen; Sabieng Lay in Koh Samui.
Drink at: Blue Sky, Centara Grand at Central Ladprao; Par Club in Chaingrai; U-Bar in Khon Kaen; and Ice Bar in Chaweng, Samui.
Sleep at: Siam Kempinski in Bangkok; Le Meridien in Chiangrai; Pulman in Khon Kaen; Dhara Devi in Chiang Mai; and Conrad Resort in Samui.
THE EXPAT
Name: Alexander Stenrud Parry
Age: 42
Country: Sweden
Job/Profession: Hotel General Manager
My favorite place: It has to be Bangkok. There’s something for everyone here, and surprisingly enough a lot of hidden corners to enjoy a quieter life with the family while still having all the modern city conveniences.
Bring there: Enough money for a satisfying shopping experience, as well as comfortable shoes to walk around in to explore Bangkok’s many sights.
Must-do: A stroll around Lumpini Park.In the morning you can observe people from all walks of life and on the weekends it’s also great to take my family here to unwind.
Must-see: Either Wat Po to try an authentic Thai massage, or the sights and sounds of Asiatique The Riverfront: whether it’s for food, shopping, or enjoying activities, it’s a great choice for tourists and expats.
Must-buy: Clothing. Be it chic ensembles from local designers, a tailor-made suit, or wholesale deals, Bangkok has you covered.
Eat at: The authentic Italian flavors of Il Bolognese Trattoria never disappoint – and it’s right in my neighborhood. But for Thai food, nothing beats a nice home-cooked meal shared with my family.
Drink at: The original Rocket Coffee Bar in Sathorn 12. Another is Moko Coffee & Eatery, also in Sathorn.
Sleep at: Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam. It’s great for shopaholics.
