– By Matt Clemens –
Some might say that 24 hours is not enough to experience Bangkok. We disagree. Here is a perfect plan to make the best of your visit to the city, if you have just a day (and a night) to spare.
Night at Lebua State Tower
When it comes to the best hotels in Bangkok – those with luxuriant suites, breathtaking views, fine dining and iconic rooftop bars – look no further than Lebua State Tower. Lebua’s expansive suites offer spectacular city and river views from their balconies high above Bangkok’s vibrant sightseeing, shopping and business districts. From its prime location near the Chao Phraya River, BTS SkyTrain and expressway, the entire city is within your reach.
For more information visit lebua.com/state-tower
9:30 – 10:30 Thai Massage at Wat Pho
To make the best of your stay in the city, you have to spend it on your feet. Prepare yourself for just that with a traditional Thai foot massage at Wat Pho temple. Located within the temple’s grounds is the Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, Thailand’s number one institution for learning traditional Thai medicine and massage and preserving this ancient art for future generations.
For more information visit watpomassage.com
11:00 – 14:00 Cooking Class at Issaya Cooking Studio
Located on the lower level of the Central Embassy complex in central Bangkok, Issaya Cooking Studio is the innovative culmination of the renowned Issaya Siamese Club restaurant. The curriculum ranges from classical Thai cuisine to molecular culinary techniques, with courses suitable both for beginners and professionals. The Studio is open every day and welcomes walk-ins, appointments, as well as its regular class schedule. The first class of the day begins at 11am and teaches Thai dishes from Issaya Siamese Club, with different dishes each day. And once you’re done cooking you can enjoy eating your own creation.
For more information visit issayastudio.com.
15:00-17:30 Shopping and teatime at EmQuartier
EmQuartier, 2,500,000 square feet of shipping extravaganza in the heart of Bangkok is the place to be if a day without shopping is a day wasted for you. Under EmQuartier’s roof you will find brands such as Tiffany & Co; Dior, Burberry, Emporio Armani, Patek Phillipe…the list goes on. And while you’re at it, for a break from your shopping spree step in to Pierre Herme for his world famous macaroons and a cup of tea to keep your energy levels up.
For more information visit emquartier.co.th
18:00 – 19:30 Sunset Aperitif at Banyan Tree’s Vertigo TOO
60 floors above the street level is Vertigo TOO, a striking bar with even more striking views of Bangkok cityscape and the Chao Phraya River, where personalised cocktails are created by a mixologist, using ingredients from a dedicated cocktail trolley. Go for “the Haloe”, a pineapple based cocktail creation from Mitchell ‘Kai’ Lum, the winner of this year’s prestigious Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition in Thailand.
For more information visit banyantree.com/en/ap-thailand-bangkok/vertigo-too
20:00 – 22:00 Dinner at Joël Robuchon
Hailed by Joël Robuchon, the legendary Chef of the Century with an unrivalled record of 25 Michelin stars L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon offers excellent modern French cuisine in a fabulous setting, which combines the simplicity of Japanese cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere of a Spanish tapas bar. L’Atelier is divided into two areas – L’Atelier and La Terrace. La Terrace offers a conventional dining setting along with two private’s rooms while the seats of L’Atelier area are organized around an open kitchen where chefs prepare dishes in front of the guests’ eyes.
For more information visit robuchon-bangkok.com
23:00 – 2:00 Lounging at Whisgars
With over 1,000 choices of non-Cuban cigars and the largest selection of single malt and single cask whiskies in town, Whisgars is Thailand’s top destination for lovers of the guilty-pleasures. Expertly trained staff are there to advise you on perfect cigar and whisky pairings and if you want to store your stash for later, a locker rental service is available.
For more information visit whisgars.com
