Hotel Accommodation Near Bangkok
Bangkok is a teeming city of nearly 10 million, with the pulsating Chao Phraya river running through Bangkok. On the Chao Phraya river you'll find everything from the fascinating river markets full of fresh produce to dinner cruises aboard quaint distinctly-Thai boats.
Chao Phraya River waterways near hotel accommodation, Bangkok
Accommodation near the Chao Phraya River, that's Bangkok's nerve centre is remarkably good and includes Bangkok's best resort hotels, notably The Oriental Hotel. Whatever you do when you visit Bangkok, stay at The Oriental.
Why is Bangkok so good? The Oriental Bangkok has a classic colonial chic about it, and service that truly is the best in the world. For example if an airline loses your bags, they have emergency clothes ready - in your size. Just about every hotel staff member seems to know your name as soon as you check in. And when you go to dinner at their relaxed romantic riverside restaurant, they carefully watch everything you prefer, including the type of bread you favour from the varied bread basket that includes bread sticks and crunchy wafer bread. When it's refilled, your favourites dominate.
Photo of The Oriental Hotel outdoor restaurant near Bangkok's Chao Phraya River.
Dinner at The Oriental Hotel is one of life's pleasures for a number of reasons, but mainly because of the superb food - especially the authentic Thai dishes including what must be the world's tastiest stir fried chicken and cashew nuts, as well as the Padh Thai noodles.
The rooms at The Oriental in Bangkok are also wonderful and as you would expect for Bangkok's top-rated 5 star hotel - stylish, roomy accommodation and with great views over the Chao Phraya river.
Room photo of The Oriental Hotel Bangkok
One of life's pleasures in Bangkok is taking the complimentary river boat from your resort to the nearest Skytrain station for a quick trip into the busy commercial centre of Bangkok.
Opened by Thailand's King on December 5th 1999, the Skytrain has revolutionised travel in Bangkok and reduced the polluted traffic snarls Bangkok used to be renowned for. These days a trip that used to take an hour in congested traffic in a taxi will take only a few minutes on the Skytrain, which is spotlessly clean, cheap and safe.
Where to Go in Bangkok
When you get to the huge Bangkok city centre, it's shopping heaven, especially for clothes and electronics. Go to the busy MBK shopping centre where there's a whole floor dedicated to the latest mobile phones, TVs and Ipods.
You'll also find street stalls everywhere openly selling the latest release DVDs and CDs for only 90 Baht (approximately $3).
Revered Buddhist monks among busy Bangkok shopping
For really stylish clothes, go to the Paragon shopping centre where you
can find clothes in which you'll look a million dollars back home without
lightening your wallet or purse too much. And men, if your partner likes
shoes, you're in for a long day.
Bangkok restaurants and cafes through the Thai capital also seem mostly good,
although some ex-pats here advise wiping your cutlery before eating at some
of the smaller establishments.
And when in Bangkok, you have to try a Thai massage to finish the day
perfectly. The Oriental Hotel has the perfect venue. You sail lazily across
the river in their complimentary Thai river boat to The Oriental's Spa
pavilion, a traditional Thai-style house of beautifully carved, golden teak
wood
80's song Video "One Night in Bangkok" by Murray Head
It's described as "a transcendent spa experience in an oasis of
tranquility" - with 14 suites, ancient remedies and soothing aromas.
The first of its kind in Asia, the Oriental Spa has been recognised as
one of the best spas in the world, winning awards and rave reviews since its
opening.
Bangkok Oriental Authors Lounge
Another wonderful part of this hotel is the Authors' Wing (above), where
many famous authors have stayed and written. They include Noel Coward, John
le Carre and Barbara Cartland with suites named after these authors with
themes ranging from bold to romantic.
The Authors' Lounge is a memorable place to visit to admire the colonial
furniture and ambience. If you close your eyes, you can almost image being
there many years ago with the famous authors, as the strains of the violins
being played in the nearby lobby drift in. You can take afternoon tea here,
served by silk-clad waitresses with silky smooth manners.
Accommodation near Bangkok airport ranges from 2 to 5 star hotels with swimming pools and air-conditioning. The new Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi airport railway link makes it easy to get to and from accommodation near Bangkok's international airport.
Photos of Bangkok
A sure sign of a good holiday...when you've left Bangkok and its many charms, you'll want to go back.