Last month I spent one night in Bangkok before embarking on a cruise to Malaysia, and just to manage expectations, I didn’t see any ping pong balls or anything like that. In fact what I did see of Bangkok changed my preconceptions about the city, because it wasn’t seedy at all.
At first glance Bangkok reminded me of Shanghai – lots of skyscrapers, maybe not so much smog; but like so many Asian cities at night it becomes absolutely captivating. I’m told the best way to experience it is by taking a trip on the Chao Phraya river which snakes through the city, and that’s definitely something I’d like to do when I have some more time there.
We stayed at the magnificent and ultra-luxury Grand Hyatt Erawan, where I was presented with the most beautiful fragrant jasmine and lotus blossom welcome garland.
This was my absolutely fabulous room – aren’t the floor tiles wonderful? It made me wish I could tile my bedroom floor at home #interiorsgoals.
And these were some handmade macarons and chocolates I was given – how gorgeous?
This was the swimming pool – so inviting, but it was actually too hot for me to sit out.. I could feel my skin starting to singe after only a few minutes in that Thai heat. No wonder so many Thai women carry umbrellas all the time (actually this is because like in Japan and China, white skin is prized above tanned).
We also went for drinks at the Lebua Hotel, which gave us awesome views of the city and the sunset. We started off with Champagne at the Sky Bar and then moved on to the whisky cocktail bar. (Trust me whisky cocktails are delicious, if lethal).
We ended our one night in Bangkok with Thai cuisine at the Erawan Tea Room, which was excellent, and of course very filling, particularly the yummy sesame chicken…
And the luscious fish with my favourite coriander and lime, so fresh and tangy.
We were also presented with another jasmine and lotus blossom garland. This should totally be a thing everywhere, I’d like garlands wherever I go.
I totally loved my first real glimpse of Bankgok, and would really like to return. As long as I don’t have to see any ping pong balls.