Bangkok is chaotic.
The traffic is noisy and often at a standstill and the streets bustle and
pavements are not always in the best condition, so things can get rather
heated here. Yet Thailand’s capital city has a distinct
fascination.
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| Bangkok at night Courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand |
It’s a melange of extremes, the five-star luxury hotels and
skyscrapers fuse with poverty.
One of its main draws has to be the people whose friendliness and hospitality
is laudable.
At the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market we were inundated with
Thais who were not trying to sell us anything
but were simply enthralled by us because we were foreigners.
The market is crammed with boats from
which people sell fruits, vegetables and other foods and the majority of the
visitors here are from Thailand. But
you should give it a try as a floating market is an experience that you
will not forget in a hurry.
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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand |
The vast Grand Palace, built in 1782, is the big draw. The star attraction is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, carved from a block of green jade, it will have you gasping in amazement.
Temples and markets make excellent memories but what really made this a trip of a lifetime was the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Dining with a view over the Chao Phraya River, was like being on a film set. No wonder, the hotel which was built in 1876, was an inspiration for writers such as Somerset Maugham, Wilbur Smith, and John Le Carré. It is the perfect escape from the frenetic city.
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| Riverside Terrace Courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok |
This year, this legendary establishment is celebrating its 140 anniversary. This grande dame revers its heritage and history, its mystique follows you everywhere you go.
The service is beyond reproach and the facilities spectacular. There are eight restaurants to choose from and if you feel inspired to learn how to cook, you could always enrol at its Thai Cooking School which you get to by the hotel’s shuttle boat.
If the feeling of frenzy from the city still drifts after a long day sightseeing, then head to the Oriental Spa and Health Centre, also across the river, for a Thai massage.
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The historic 140-year-old Authors’ Wing Courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
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If the feeling of frenzy from the city still drifts after a long day sightseeing, then head to the Oriental Spa and Health Centre, also across the river, for a Thai massage.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable and are decorated beautifully in teak and Thai silks laced with contemporary touches.
Though out this special year, there will be a programme of literary, music, fashion, art and culinary events to celebrate the restoration of the historic 140-year-old Authors’ Wing and Garden Wing of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you should have afternoon tea in the fabled Authors’ Lounge which recently has been restored to pay homage to its classic late nineteenth-century design.
The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok epitomises the word luxury. A stay here will spoil you for anywhere else.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Rates start from THB 11,950 per night (approx GBP 240). For more information or to make a booking, call +66 2 659 9000 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
