The Perfect Bangkok Weekend For A Winter Escape

10.03.2024 - 17:21 / forbes.com

Any visit to Bangkok presents an overwhelming selection of activities for visitors, from dining and shopping to spas and temples—but sitting in traffic should not be one of them. There are numerous ways to experience the Thai culture—this is a two-day itinerary that includes the famed floating markets, cocktail classes, Michelin-starred dining, where to find Thai wines, and swanky hotel digs with rooftop pool—all without the traffic.

Where to Stay

We opted for a more residential experience a bit out of the tourist center, booking a stay at the 5-star luxury hotel 137 Pillars Suites & Residences. Located in the Phrom Pong area, on a quieter street near EmQuartier shopping center, the hotel delivers a more residential experience with the fully stocked residences as booking options. They also just received a new designation as a sustainably minded property. Guestrooms are all suites of varying sizes and configurations—each suite has a butler pantry, living area, terrace and master bedroom with expansive marble-clad bathrooms anchored by an oversized soaking tub. Suites also come with complimentary access to the Baan Borneo Club for breakfast (which is served all day from 7 -5pm as well as a selection of tea, coffee and refreshments and complimentary daily sundowner drinks between 6–7 p.m.

The hotel boasts two pools—one with 360-degree views of the city and another infinity-edge pool with jacuzzi—both are spectacular and make for an ideal perch with sweeping views of the city, perfect to soak in (cocktail in hand) after a long day exploring Bangkok’s temples. Make a dinner booking as well at the Nimitr Restaurant and Rooftop Bar for a magical al fresco dinner high above the city’s twinkling hum. Their menu features a selection of Thai wines that make a nice pairing with the chef’s locally inspired cuisine, giving the authentic Thai dishes an elevated spin. Jack Bain’s Bar offers cocktail classes with the mixologist where you’ll learn how to craft one of the Kumiko Inspired Cocktails (a Top 50 Best Bar in Chicago)—each cocktail was crafted specifically for Jack Bain’s using local Thai ingredients. A Safflower Spritz with Japanese gin, safflower, osmanthus, lemon, club soda and Champagne goes down quite nicely. Afterwards, request a private rooftop dinner in their small herb garden oasis overlooking the city.

The Nitra Serentiy Center spa offers a holistic spa menu and spaces for yoga and meditation as well. Book a Nitra Raya Signature treatment which weaves aromatherapy with ancient healing Reiki techniques and an Indian head massage with hot oil.

Hiring a Guide, The Floating Markets & Michelin Dining,

Hiring a guide is an absolute must when visiting Bangkok, and it’s best to work with a company that can