Relaxing Day in Bangkok

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're not too busy watching the group fitness routines, look out for Lumphini's wildlife. Giant monitor lizards and tropical birds make you forget you're in the middle of a city!

Description:

Smack in the heart of the city lies Lumphini Park, an oasis of nature within bustling Bangkok. The first of its kind in Bangkok, plans for the public park began in 1925. Lumphini Park is named after the Buddha's birthplace and covers approximately 58 hectares, gracing the city with greenery and waterways for picnics, pick-up sports and paddleboat rides. Early mornings are unforgettable: hordes of fitness group regulars engage in synchronized aerobics, while others jog peacefully and practice tai chi. Lumphini Park is a great place to take a timeout during a long day of sightseeing.

Description:

An oasis of peace and beauty in the heart of the busy Sukhumvit Road area, Benjasiri Park, also known as the Imperial Queen's Park, is located next to the Emporium shopping complex at the Phrom Pong BTS SkyTrain stop. It is popular for exercise and a casual stroll. In botanical garden fashion, the trees show Thai and Latin names, and the lush lawn and flowering plants such as frangipani are carefully maintained. At the heast of it lies a small artificial lake. Exercise and playground equipment get much use and it is not uncommon to see a pickup game of full-court basketball while the badminton courts are typically occupied by Thai playing a sort of cross between volleyball and hackysack. A wide asphalt road encircles Benjasiri's green space and paving-stone paths with plenty of benches take a more circuitous route through the trees and grassy knolls around the central lagoon. The park is frequented by joggers and walkers as well as couples, children and people simply looking for a bit of shade without the pressure of Bangkok traffic. A couple of concession stands serve refreshments and vendors at the front gate near the fountains serve common street foods. During Loi Krathong Festival Benjasiri Park is a popular gathering place for releasing "krathongs" into the water. Admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a definite step above the plethora of spas with hawkers sitting out front. The setting is relaxing and yet the prices are quite reasonable. Watch for monthly specials on the website.

Description:

Take an hour or half a day to indulge yourself in some Thai massage therapy. The spa is in a traditional Lanna-style house a short walk from On Nut BTS station. Services run the gamut from foot reflexology to oil massage as well as facials and waxing. Appointments are recommended. There is some off-street parking.

Description:

Get away from the hustle bustle of urban life, at the tranquil Leyana Spa. Take out a little time from your busy schedule to indulge and pamper a very important person – You! Choose from a range of body, beauty and skincare treatments, as well as divine massages and hydrotherapy. Try the full and half day spa packages, like the Ecstasy Time Spa Package that combines all your favorite treatments like the body wrap, milk bath and Balinese Massage. Leyana also offers shorter treatments for those hard pressed for time. Spend a couple of hours here and your body will definitely thank you!

Our Local Expert Says:

Mussels in white wine sauce are recommended.

Description:

Despite the name the place is no secret. The food is reasonably priced Thai fare and the setting is as wonderful as the flavor. Fish is fresh, generally fried. Curries and noodle dishes lean toward the milder foreign tongue unless you ask for more heat. A bright café offers air-conditioning but the preferred seats are likely the ones in the garden courtyard behind it. Set out beneath a massive old tree with strings of lights dangling from its branches, this casual but classy eatery makes a nice romantic setting. A nice bakery is also on site making this a good coffee break, and off street parking is a nice plus in such a busy neighborhood. Check out the Earl Grey cake!

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best places in Bangkok for a romantic dinner by the Chao Phraya River

Description:

Located just a short walk from Wat Pho, this restaurant serves refined Thai food and Italian pastas with outdoor seating that overlooks the Chao Phraya River. Opposite the river is Wat Arun which when lit up at night creates an ambiance for this eatery like no other. The upstairs bar Amorosa enjoys the same view. The hot spices are backed off a bit to accommodate the foreign palate; you might request extra spice if you prefer. There is also indoor seating available but it sacrifices the view. Reservations are highly recommended. If you are just going for the sunset be sure to at least order a drink at the bar. The place is cozy and romantic, so the management frowns on tourists who merely tromp through for the photo opp.

Description:

Owned by a couple of architects with years of travel behind them, The Bhuthorn is an intimate bed and breakfast set in an old shophouse in a quiet little street right in the heart of historic Bangkok. Its location is prime, being a stone's throw from the Grand Palace and its Wat Phra Kaew (the Emerald Buddha temple), and also quite near to other attractions such as Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha), Golden Mount and Wat Ratchanatdarm (Loha Prasart). There are only three guest rooms and they are tastefully decorated with teak-wood antiques, artwork and Jim Thompson silk. All rooms have air-conditioning, private baths, satellite TV, and WiFi internet. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served by the owner.The service is impeccable and the serenity and class of this Bangkok bed and breakfast sets it apart as much as the interiors.

Description:

Wang Suan Pakkad ("Palace of the Lettuce Garden") is one of Bangkok's most delightful retreats. This peaceful oasis was the home of Princess Chumbhon of Nakhon Sawan, an avid art collector and one of the country's most dedicated archaeologists -- credited with having partly financed the excavations at Ban Chiang I in 1967. In 1952, five 19th-century teak houses were moved from Chiang Mai and rebuilt in a beautifully landscaped garden on a private klong, separated by a high wall from the tumult of Bangkok's streets. The Lacquer Pavilion (moved here in 1958) came from a monastery grounds and was a birthday present from the prince to the princess.

The balance of the collection here is diverse, with Khmer sculpture, ivory boxes, and some marvelous prints by European artists depicting images of Siam before the country opened to the Western world. There is an entire room of objects from the Ban Chiang I site, including pottery and jewelry. Look out for a superb Buddha head from Ayutthaya, and an example of a royal barge outside in a shed in the garden. Be sure to ask to see the pavilion housing the princess's collection of Thai and Chinese ceramics. The gift shop at Wang Suan Pakkad offers reproductions, and prices are quite reasonable.

Description:

Niu's on Silom is one of the best places in Bangkok for live jazz. Expect limited seating in a classy lounge area with leather chairs. The wine list tops 300 choices and authentic Italian food is available in the lounge, the outdoor terrace just outside the lounge windows, and upstairs at the Concerto Restaurant. Live music starts nightly around 9:15 and DVD concerts are shown on a large screen from opening time and in between sets. This is a great date setting and a dress code (smart casual) is enforced. Watch for an upcoming rooftop terrace. Niu's also hosts an annual jazz festival. Off street valet parking is available.