Bangkok is a fascinating place. The city never seems to stop. The searing relentless heat and humidity, the terrifying traffic, the never ending network of overhead cables that adorn every street corner or roadside and not forgetting the pungent yet fragment aroma wafting from the street food venders and night markets. It all combines to make this sprawling Asian metropolis a must see destination when heading East.
The Banyan Tree group of hotels is a well established luxury brand in the East and we opted for one of the tallest hotels in the city. The Banyan Tree Bangkok is a welcoming, luxurious hotel located in the central business district but within easy walking distance of most attractions and markets. Try a tuk tuk for the experience but the taxis are always better value if your tired, worn out feet won’t carry you any further. Don’t forget to barter with everyone, taxis included!
The hotel rooms are large with fantastic uninterrupted views across the city skyline. Our room had a large expansive bathroom with separate power shower and deep soak tub. We also had a large work area alongside the lounge though we thought it was a space that could be better utilised. Both rooms have floor to ceiling windows to allow you to soak up the vista outside.
The welcoming roof top pool was needed most days after exploring the city streets. At anytime of the day or evening, the small private pool area was never busy or over crowded and had good attentive staff on hand when you needed your next Singapore Sling! Being twenty one floors up there was always a breeze, which was a welcome contrast to the still, hot air on the streets below. The beautiful spa area and hotel health club is also situated on the same floor though we never tried it. Next time for sure!
The hotel has several bars and restaurants. A vast selection of exotic cuisine is on offer. For lunch on our first day we decided to plunge head first into the local cuisine and opted for Saffron, one of the hotels restraunts. After quite sometime deciding on what to try we opted for the dim sum. A mouth watering selection of traditional style small plates arrived. Too many to mention but the fermented egg will always be remembered for sure for a number of reasons. A surprisingly tasty treat! ?
Saving the best to last, on our final evening we just had to experience the hotels Moon Bar and Vertigo Lounge high up on the roof top. This is a place definitely not for the faint of heart. Perched high on the 61st floor, this open air restaurant needs to be seen to be believed. While waiting for our table to be prepared, we sat in awe of the glittering skyline line while imbibing in a master crafted apperatif. (Selected from a backlit menu, no less!)
Once our table was ready, we were ushered to our seat and with the help of our attentive waiter, we made our selections. The exotic choices on offer were enticing to say the least but we persevered and settled on foie gras and caviar appetisers and mouth watering, succulent blue filet mignon for main. The cheese board was really not needed but it is not everyday you dine in such places!
If you want to experience Bangkok in all its glory without ever having to relinquish your five star securities then Banyan Tree Bangkok is the place for you.
For more information click here to visit The Banyan Tree website.
