Bangkok is known for many things—its collection of ornate shrines and temples, vibrant night life, pampering wellness treatments, and of course, its reputation as the Land of Smiles. So how is this stimulating city best explored? We round up the most luxurious ways to enjoy the Thai capital
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Above Royal Silk Class onboard Thai Airways; Image: Courtesy of Thai Airways

Fly on Thai Airways

The best way to travel to Thailand is in comfort on Thai Airways’ Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which flies between Bangkok and Singapore. The airline’s Royal Silk Class cubicles offer you plenty of leg space and privacy. Indulge in a culinary journey on air with a selection of hot main courses inspired by your destination, along with fruits and dessert. Choose from a beverage list of handpicked wines, fine spirits, champagne, or juice to pair with your meal. You can also stay connected even in the air—Thai Airways recently rolled out in-flight live TV, broadcasting CNN, BBC, NHK, and Sport 24 in real time, a feature sports fans would definitely appreciate. There is also onboard WiFi, eliminating any inconveniences of air travel, so you can work and communicate on-the-go. 

thaiairways.com

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Above Connie's Cottage; Image: Courtesy of The Siam Hotel

Stay at The Siam

For a true heritage experience, check in to The Siam Hotel, sitting amidst three acres of lush gardens on Chao Phraya, the historical district of Bangkok. The brainchild of creative director Krissada Sukosol Clapp and celebrated luxury resort designer Bill Bensley, the five-star accommodation marries classical Thai decor with Art Deco accents, oozing opulence and post-colonial flair. Book a stay in Connie’s Cottage, a storied century-old traditional Thai teak house, which has been restored and refurbished into a charming pool villa.

Khao Road, Wachira Phayaban,
Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand

thesiamhotel.com

(Related: Why The Siam Is Bangkok's Most Stylish Hideaway)

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Above Saneh Jaan; Image: Courtesy of Saneh Jaan Facebook

Dine at Saneh Jaan

Thai cuisine is known for its flavourful and aromatic dishes, so don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in traditional Thai fine dining. One Michelin-starred Saneh Jaan takes its inspiration from ancient recipes of the royal kitchen, with a contemporary twist. The restaurant sources its natural ingredients nativelyy, from holy basil and garlic vine to chilli and rosella flowers. For dessert, dig into Khao Moa Rang: an old-fashioned Thai dessert created from green young grain, coconut cream and taro.

130 Wireless Road, Lumpini,
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

glasshouseatsindhorn.com/restaurant/saneh-jaan

Expand your art collection at 100 Tonson Gallery

Whether you are a collector of contemporary art, or a casual art enthusiast, this leading art gallery in Bangkok should definitely be on your itinerary. Housed in a minimalist building conceived by French designer Christian Liaigre, this pristine space is to the place to go to view art from renowned and emerging local artists. The gallery is also known for promoting Thai artists abroad, participating in high-profile art fairs such as ArtBasel, Art Dubai, SHContemporary and ArtStage.

100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd., Lumpini, 
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand 

100tonsongallery.com

(Related: 5 Things To Look Forward To At Art Stage Singapore 2018)

Pick up ancient Thai cooking at Blue Elephant

Hone your culinary skills in a century old mansion as chefs at fine dining restaurant Blue Elephant impart the secret of royal Thai cuisine—10 long forgotten recipes, to be exact—to you. The private class guarantees you the undivided attention of founder and master Chef Khun Noroor Somany, so both amateurs and professionals are sure to return with a new repertoire of delicious Thai dishes. You’ll graduate with a certificate and a recipe book.

233 South Sathorn Road, Kwaeng Yannawa,
Khet Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

blueelephant.com/bangkok

1. Catch a show at Calypso Cabaret

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Above Image: Courtesy of Calypso Cabaret

Experience a different side of Thailand after dark, as the talented cast of Calypso Cabaret take your breath away with their musical extravaganza. There will be entertaining impersonations of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, seductive burlesque performances, as well as brilliantly choreographed song and dance numbers. Enjoy the full package by reserving a dinner seat before the show, where you can dine on authentic Thai dishes while watching the traditional Khon dance performance, originally reserved for royalty.

Asiatique The Riverfront (Warehouse No.3)
2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Rd., Wat Prayakrai,
Bangkorlaem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

calypsocabaret.com

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Above Image: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

Have a drink at The Bamboo Bar

One of Bangkok’s most iconic bars and ranking nine on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018, The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental has been operating since 1953, and is a favourite for jazz fans. Indulge in the bar’s newest cocktail menu ‘Compass’—inspired by the distinctive tastes and lifestyles from Thailand’s five regions—in the exotic, jungle-themed bar as the live jazz performances romance you.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak,
Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

mandarinoriental.com/bangkok

(Related: Manhattan Is Still The Best Bar In Asia)

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Above Opium Spa Bathhouse; image: Courtesy of The Siam Hotel

Relax at the Opium Spa

Firmly holding its spot amongst the best luxury spas in Thailand, the Opium Spa is a lavishly appointed wellness retreat nestled in the ground floor of The Siam Hotel. Continuing the theme of the hotel’s East-meets-West decor, the space—featuring only five spacious suites—transports you to a secret sanctuary that sets the scene for rest and relaxation. The spa has an extensive menu of treatments, from facials and massages to multi-day wellness programmes. If you’ve got a few hours to spare, however, opt for the three-hour Muay Thai recovery package, perfect for alleviating muscle tension, especially if you’ve been exercising. Opium Spa uses Sodashi products exclusively, which are chemical-free and not tested on animals.

Khao Road, Wachira Phayaban,
Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand

thesiamhotel.com/spa

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Above Anantara Dream; Image: Courtesy of Anantara

Embark on a cruise along Chao Phraya River

The best way to see Bangkok? Via a private Anantara cruise that takes you a quintessential Thai adventure on Chao Phraya River. The three-day luxury cruise takes you to all the attractions worth a visit—including the imposing Temple of Dawn, a visit to the Wat Bote temple to make merit and a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient capital Ayutthaya. A chef is also on board to prepare breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and a sumptuous evening meal as you take in the vibrant sights and scenes from the deck. At night, two en-suite staterooms provide a restful respite with their Old World charm.

anantara.com/en/cruises-bangkok

(Related: 4 Things To Know About the Anantara King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament)

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