The City of Angels is garnering awards. In 2013 Trip Advisor’s user survey recognized Bangkok as the most visited in Asia. According to Aaron Hung their Director of Partnerships. “The city offers genuine hospitality, a smile that comes from the heart, the amazing diversity of food that’s being served, a shoppers paradise and value for money. The award was given to Bangkok based on the listing reviews of 729 hotels, 395 bed & breakfast and Inns, 7,323 restaurants and that numbers are growing every month plus 657 things to do.” 

This was followed by Smart Travel Asia, the Hong Kong-based online travel website naming it 2013’s Best Holiday destination due to the city’s versatility and its ability to cater to traveler’s varied needs. 

Here is our pick of the best to visit while you are in Bangkok. 

Sleep 

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok 

Consistently voted The Best Hotel in the World this iconic legend of hospitality was established in 1887 on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It has hosted The Who’s Who of visitors to Bangkok ranging from Royalty, Head of State, Celebrities and Pop Stars. This is due to its impeccable standards of service, luxurious facilities, and personalized guest recognition. Throughout the hotel, the staff at all levels address guests by their names. 

Most recently it was awarded Best City Hotel in Bangkok at TTG Travel Awards 2013 

Address: 48 Oriental Avenue , Bangkok 10500 Tel +66-2659-9000 

The Siam 

Located upriver on the edge of the Rattanakosin old city area its a sublime example of next-generation boutique luxury. The architecture and decor are inspired by Paris’ Musee d’Orsay creating a serene world, lush in natural beauty yet quite simple. The emphasis was on muted colors, black, white, cream and great, capturing the colonial architectural elements that King Rama V brought back to Siam. The result is a big hotel that feels small. with just 37 suites and Villa. The ultimate arrival experience is the Venetian yacht departing from Saphan Taksin Pier. 

Eat 

Nahm 

When Australian born David Thompson opened Nahm in 2001 within six months was the first Thai restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. He opened this restaurant in April of 2012, in 2012 it was the first restaurant in Thailand to be listed in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In 2013 it moved up the rankings to 32nd in the World and 3rd in Asia. He sourced his recipes from old cookbooks of former Thai matriarchs, such as southern-style grilled mussels smoked with coconut husks then cooked with curry-infused coconut cream. All have an authentic taste, the perfect balance of sour, sweet, salty, and spice flavors; true to Thai culinary heritage. 

Gaggan 

A unique gastronomic Indian dining experience. Before moving to Thailand in 2007 Gaggan Annand was the personal chef to The President of India and once cooked for Bill Clinton. He was the second Asian and first Indian to study under Ferran Adria at the famed El Buli in Catalonia, Spain. That inspired him to give a new twist to classic Indian recipes creating his style of progressive Indian cuisine. His interpretation of papad chaat transforms the traditional afternoon street- food snack into a spherical yogurt egg resting on a wafer. In 2013 the restaurant was 66th at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. 

Water Library Grass Thonglor 

Potentially the smallest and most expensive restaurant in Bangkok. On arrival, guests are offered a glass of Louis Roederer NV Champagne at the bar. When all 10 guests have arrived they proceed upstairs to the Dining Room. The 10 seat Chef’s Table is a deep counter with a space behind for Chef Haikal and his brigade of two young chefs’s from Singapore to cook and present each of the 10 courses with meticulous precision. 

Zensation 

The latest indoor-outdoor rooftop dining experience spread over three levels. 

Zenses brings five top restaurants together under one roof, Thai by White Cafe, Italian by Gianni Ristorante, French by Le Beaulieu, Indian by Red and Modern European by To Die For. 

Play 

Horizon@ Heaven offers international tapas cuisine and award-winning mixologists. The hangout for those who want to enjoy partying from sunset into the late hours. 

Shintori 

Founded in Taipei by Jeremy Guo with branches in Beijing and Tokyo now in Bangkok. Here the focus on simplicity and the importance of nature. The food is very contemporary Japanese drawing on other Asian influences, a delightfully presented exquisite dining experience with a stunning view. 

Listings 

The Siam 

Dusit, 3/2 Thanon Khao, 

Vachirapayabal 

+66-2206 6999 

http://www.thesiambangkok.com 

Nahm 

The Metropolitan by Como Bangkok 

27 South Sathorn Road 

Bangkok 10170 

Tel +66 2625 3388 

Gaggan 

68/1 Soi Langsuan, 

Ploenchit Road, 

Tel +66-2652-1700 

http://www.eatatgaggan.com 

Water Library Thonglor, 

Grass Thonglor, 

264/1, Sukhumvit 55, (Thonglor 12) 

http://www.mywaterlibrary.com 

Tel 089-205-0318.