Style Destination: Bangkok

By: Alexandra Donaldson

137 Pillars Bangkok | Photography: Maya Visnyei

Style Destination

Sep 4, 2019

Style Destination: Bangkok

By: Alexandra Donaldson

Mixing splurges and saves is the way to experience all the delights of Thailand’s iconic capital city.

Day 1

Photography: Maya Visnyei

Check in to 137 Pillars Suites and Residences when you arrive in Bangkok. This luxury boutique hotel is a perfectly located home base for exploring, and also features outstanding views of the city from each room. First stop: Book a signature Thai massage at the hotel to combat fatigue from a long flight. It’s an invigorating treatment that helps promote circulation, ease muscle tension and improve movement.

Then, get out on the town and visit the Pak-Klong flower market. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, but the colours and scents will offer up a sublime start to your Thai adventure. After you’ve had your fill of the heady blossoms, wander across the street to the Floral Cafe. On the main floor you’ll find a flower shop bursting with blooms, but walk to the back and up the stairs and you’ll be able to enjoy a coffee and a snack in a cozy antique furnished space. If you’re after a sweet treat, opt for the coconut ice cream, which is topped with sweet corn, an interesting (and deli- cious) combination. Once you’ve had your fill, head back to the hotel and linger over a nightcap on the patio before returning to your room for some much-needed sleep.

Day 2

The Never Ending Summer | Photography: Maya Visnyei

Start your day by the pool at the hotel, with its infinity design and outstanding views. After a morning swim head out to The Never Ending Summer for lunch. The impeccably designed space has an open and lush feel and the food is outstanding. Make sure to try the veggie dishes and appetizers, including the Morning Glory and mango salad alongside Thai staples like curry and tom yum soup. After your meal, peruse the wares at the restaurant’s gift and coffee shop next door. After lunch, take in a bit of local culture by heading to Wat Suthat Thepwararam, a Buddhist temple about 10 minutes away from the restaurant by car or by tuk-tuk (a small and colourful engine-powered rick- shaw). The temple began construction in the 19th century and is one of the oldest in Bangkok. Work your way to Khaosan Road to experience the market atmosphere that the street is known for before grabbing some dinner. You can’t leave Bangkok without experiencing the city’s legendary street pad thai, and the place to go is Thipsamai, a Michelin-rated food stall that serves up the dish cooked over coals. Don’t let the line or the wait deter you – you won’t be disappointed. Return to your hotel for another evening by the pool.

Day 3

Photography: Maya Visnyei

Make your way in the morning to one of the floating markets and take in all the wares for sale (snake, anyone?) from one of the traditional longtail speedboats. Continue on to spend the afternoon at Baan Silapin, the Artist’s House, along one of Bangkok’s old canals (it can be tricky to find, but you’ll be rewarded with a unique adventure). This venue is now home to galleries and vendors in a somewhat rickety, character-filled and completely charming old house. Take a gander at the artwork, feed the fish and settle in to see the puppet show – it’s worth it. In the evening, opt for one of the city’s river cruises to catch a different perspective of the hustle and bustle under the stars, as well as several temples and other notable sites.

Paradise Found

Photography: Maya Visnyei

To truly complement your Bangkok experience with a once-in-a-lifetime – and super luxurious – excursion, book a flight (it’s only an hour) to Anantara Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, in the north of Thailand. At the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, the stunning views from the hotel’s villas are matched only by a dip in the spectacular pool, and a few unforgettable experiences on site.

Walk with the elephants – and maybe even watch them have a splash in the water – at the hotel’s elephant camp, which houses gentle giants rescued from the streets.

While the restaurants are sure to be enjoyed, opt instead to head off to the market early with the hotel’s chef and come back to the resort for a private lesson to learn the secrets of traditional Thai cooking.

A luxury experience wouldn’t be complete without a spa visit. Choose one of the relaxing treatments, or try out a Thai massage (the Lanna Experience includes a scrub).