Bangkok Jam! |

Not quite an offbeat locale for most of us in Singapore, nonetheless, Bangkok is very much an exotic city with beautiful temples, delicious spicy cuisine and importantly, friendly locals. One of my favorite destinations for a quick weekend get-a-away with activities that are suitable for just about everyone, here’s a List of my “TO DOs” (apart from visiting the many tourist sites which you can check out via Lonely Planet etc) in this bustling, colorful capital of Thailand!

SHOPPING

Visit a Tailor! $$We usually visit the tailors located at Amari Watergate Hotel (opposite Platinum Fashion Mall) and look for Mike Galati at Level 2, for affordable, superb and fast tailoring services. Do make a trip to the tailor the moment you arrived in Bangkok so that there is sufficient time for the tailoring and you can collect/alter your new outfits on your last day in this city. Otherwise, there is always an option for the tailors to courier your outfits back to your home country.
Wholesale shopping at Platinum Fashion Mall $One can find a wide array of t-shirts, blouses, dresses, shorts, jeans, jackets, shoes, bags bikinis, accessories and even masquerade props to dress up for that fancy party! There are also shops selling sport attires and clothing/shoes for men. While the prices have increased over the years, the mall still offers plenty of very affordable clothes and accessories at wholesale prices. Shopping with a small group of girlfriends would garner you better discounts when you purchase several pieces of clothing from the same store.
- BTS: Chit Lom (and then take a taxi / tuk tuk)
Chatuchak Weekend Market (or Jatujak Market) $One of the largest weekend markets spanning over 27 acres with > 15,000 booths selling everything possible! We enjoyed nibbling at the salted/crispy fried insects snacks, sourcing for antiques, handicrafts, thai silk, thai inspired furniture and clothing. There is even a section selling animals and pet products (which i’ve yet to visit as i do not condone puppy/kitten mills and such).
- MRT: Chatuchak
  BTS: Mo Chit
Siam Paragon, Siam Center & Siam Discovery Centre $$$$$ Lifestyle shopping malls filled with international luxury brands and restaurants, you can immerse in the glitz and glamour for an entire afternoon. Ladies can spend a couple of hours browsing through the entire level of beautiful lingerie at level 4 of Siam Paragon. Parents can bring your little ones to visit the new Madam Tussauds (Siam Discovery Centre) and Siam Ocean World (Siam Paragon).
Central World $$$
- We love to shop at this mall for the numerous aromatherapy stores and the famous local bag/accessories brand, Naraya!
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market $
- One of the most popular floating market near Bangkok (1.5 hours away), I recommend an early morning start to see the market at its liveliest. Do ask your hotel to arrange a tour with any of the local operators for ease of travelling there & back.

MASSAGE

Health Land Spa $$
- http://www.healthlandspa.com/contact_us.html
- I like the ambiance, professionalism of the masseurs/staff and diverse menu of services. Do call them for reservations before visiting. NB: All their counter staff can converse fluently in English.
Let’s Relax Spa $$
- http://www.letsrelaxspa.com

MEALS

Breakfast:

Wanton Noodles / Braised Pig Trotter’s Legs [4/32-33 Soi Petchburi 19, Pratunam] $The shop is located opposite the Platinum Fashion Mall – cross the overhead bridge from Platinum Fashion Mall towards the small lane at Soi Petchburi 19, Glow Pratunam Hotel.
Street Side Food (outside Central World) $

Dinner / Drinks:

Sirocco $$$$$A breath-taking roof-top (63rd level) view engulfs you upon arrival at the restaurant. Located at the top of the luxurious Lebua (State Tower), do make your reservations weeks in advance.
- Tip: Bring your best camera for shots of the gorgeous city skyline. No causal attire & slippers etc
- http://www.lebua.com/sirocco | +66 2624 9555 | reservations@lebua.com
Scala Restaurant $$ Hidden under the winding grand stairways of the old Scala Theatre (level 1), the seemingly quiet entrance hides a luxurious old-time charm inside the restaurant. Do try the famous Peking Duck and many of the Cantonese food including the fish maw soup. [184 Siam Square Soi 1 Bangkok]
- Tip: Do not be mistaken with the Scala Shark Fin’s Restaurant which is located across the street/carpark on level 1.
- BTS: National Stadium
Al Majlis Tea Room $$A beautiful Moroccan theme venue, we found it slightly difficult to locate the restaurant. Ask your taxi driver to look for a green “Praduu Spa Club” sign and turn into that alley. Al Majlis is located at the end of the alley. Do bring along some insect repellent patches. 83/8 Ekamai 12, Sukhumvit 63 Phone +66 (0) 2 392 2345 | BTS: Ekkamai.
Lan Na Thai $$$Also known as “The Face”, the restaurant is based out of an old house and serves authentic thai food, albeit overpriced. Visit them at 29 Sukhumvit Soi 38, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: 02 713 6048 | Metro: Skytrain: Hua Lamphong
Spring & Summer $$$Cozy dinner restaurant with beautiful artisan desserts and an international fusion menu. A must visit with your girlfriends! Located at 199 Soi Sukhumvit 49 (Promsri), Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nus, Wattana
Cabbages & Condom $$

A socially inspired & fun restaurant, do check it out and enjoy the full extent of the theme i.e. lampshades covered in condoms, free condoms with the bill etc. The address is 10 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Bangkok 10260, Thailand

Tea/Desserts:

After You @ Siam Paragon $
Spring & Summer $$$

CLUBBING

Scratch Dog [Windsor Suites Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 20l] $$
- A proper underground club, located in the basement of the Windsor Suites Hotel. This somewhat hidden club is mainly visited by the locals except for the expats in the know, and the club is packed between 1am to 7am. I enjoyed the mix of Korean/Japanese/Thai hip-hop music.
Route 66 [RCA Block C, Rama 9 Road] $$

HAVE A GOOD TRIP! Would love to hear your comments 🙂