Concierge Recommendations for a Perfect Day Out in Bangkok

We asked Bangkok’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for a perfect day in the city

Yudhadanai Vesarach

BEST RESTAURANTS

Gaggan

Cuisine: Progressive Indian

Visit Gaggan for deconstructivist Indian gastronomy. Chef Gaggan Anand studied under the renowned Ferran Adrià and El Bulli in Spain and uses avant-garde techniques such as spherification, foaming and sous-vide. Gaggan is located in a beautifully restored traditional Thai house with high-ceilings and intimate dining spaces.

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Gianni Ristorante

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Gianni Ristorante uses high quality fresh ingredients that are shipped twice a week directly from Italy. Chef Gianni Favro combines traditional Italian cusine with modern cooking techniques, favoring deeply flavored extravirgin olive oil over dripping and butter.

Koi

Cuisine: Japanese with a Californian twist

Boasting an elegant lounge bar and a 200-seat fine dining restaurant, Koi is a chic destination for modern Japanese cuisine served with a Californian twist. Try the rock shrimp served on a fruit salad with sweet cream and a vibrant orange chili sauce.

BEST TO DO

Wat Arun Ratchawararam – The Temple of Dawn

Yai, 10600 Wat Arun, which means the Temple of Dawn, is best visited at daybreak when the temple is bathed in orange and gold. Wat Arun is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River; for the most picturesque view hire a long-tail boat and enjoy a champagne breakfast as you sail past the temple at sunrise.

Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak is an open-air market formed from a labyrinth of streets with an astonishing six thousand stalls selling anything and everything. Some excellent street food can be found here – just look for the stalls with queues of loyal patrons.

The Grand Palace

A private guided tour of the Grand Palace is essential. Surrounded by 6,234 feet of walls the Grand Palace occupies 54 acres and houses priceless treasures – most notably the Emerald Buddha.

Naphat Trongprasit

“A recommended itinerary would combine Bangkok’s wonderful landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha, with a tour in a private long-tailed boat to learn about life along the canal and river.

To absorb the culture and life of this city visit Bangkok’s contemporary art galleries, such as the recently-opened BKK Art House or the two-floor H Gallery that is located in a converted wooden school building. Shopping in Bangkok is a unique experience. Wander through Bangkok’s luxury malls or soak in the atmosphere of the busy street markets. JJ Weekend Market offers everything from hill tribe attire to vintage garments and modern accessories.”

BEST RESTAURANTS

Nahm

Cuisine: Thai

Head chef David Thompson is an expert on Thai cuisine and serves dishes that were once eaten in the royal courts of Thailand.

Bo.lan

Cuisine: Thai

Indulge in slow food in an atmospheric dining room. Trained by David Thompson of Nahm, Bo.lan’s head chef uses fresh, seasonal produce to create authentic Thai dishes.

Eat Me

Cuisine: International

Showcasing striking art work from Bangkok’s H Gallery, Eat Me restaurant offers appetizing modern cuisine and immaculate modern décor.

Chaba Khampha

“Enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s Riverside Terrace while overlooking the Chao Phraya River – the river of kings.

Board a long-tail boat from the Oriental pier and tour some of the best sights of the city, including the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum. Traverse Bangkok’s network of canals to witness how local Thai communities live along the river and then stop off at the flower market before heading back to the hotel. Hop on the hotel’s shuttle boat to the nearest Skytrain station to make a trip to Siam Paragon, the city’s ultimate shopping center, where you can find everything from luxury brands to local handicrafts, as well as a department store and an array of restaurants (Thai, Chinese and international). There is also a multiplex movie theater and shops selling the latest technology gadgets. Return to the Mandarin Oriental for afternoon tea in the legendary Authors’ Lounge. For a dinner of fine Thai cuisine look no further than the hotel’s Sala Rim Naam, which serves both an à la carte and set dinner menu, where you can also enjoy a classical Thai dance show. After dinner stop for a night cap at the Bamboo Bar, or, should you prefer to go out, take a five-minute walk to the neighboring Sirocco rooftop bar for drinks and a breathtaking view of Bangkok.”

BEST RESTAURANTS

Thanying Restaurant

Cuisine: Thai

Harmonique

Cuisine: Thai

Baan Khanitha & Gallery

Cuisine: Thai

BEST SHOPPING

River City

For: Thai Handicrafts

Narai Phand

For: Thai Handicrafts

Rewat Malila

“For luxury brands head to Bangkok’s leading department stores and large malls such as Siam Paragon, Central World and MBK.

For traditional shopping pick from an array of bustling markets, such as the Chatuchak weekend market and Patpong night market. Banyan Tree Bangkok offers a complimentary personal shopper service for their guests. The hotel’s shopping experts are just as familiar with weekend markets as they are with the most fashionable department stores in Bangkok. These experts will accompany guests for three hours as they hunt for special buys at the best prices – they know the way, speak the language and offer first-hand tips on what to select and how to strike a great bargain. Banyan Tree also offers a complimentary shuttle service in a sixpassenger tuk tuk to both Saladaeng skytrain station and Lumpini underground station. While the tuk tuk is one of the most fun and recognisable forms of transport in Thailand, it is also extremely practical – its small size allows it to nip in and out of the traffic, making it much quicker than a taxi.”

NAVY SISOUNTHONE

“Let’s start the day at the Colonnade restaurant for a superb breakfast then take a ride along the Chao Phraya River in a long-tailed boat to the River City Complex.

Visit the Grand Palace, the symbol of the kingdom. Have lunch at Deck by the River at the Arun Residence, which is situated next to the Chao Phraya River while overlooking Wat Arun.

If you have time in the afternoon why not try your hand at cooking authentic Thai cuisine at the Naj Thai Cooking School. Afternoon classes run from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. If you are in Bangkok at the weekend, find anything you could possibly dream of at the Chatuchak weekend market – you name it, it has it. For an evening to remember enjoy a rooftop sunset dinner at the State Tower, which is listed in 100 things to do in Bangkok before you die.”

BEST RESTAURANTS

Celadon

Cuisine: Thai

Deck by the River at the Arun Residence

Cuisine: Thai and European

Le Beaulieu

Cuisine: French

BEST TO DO

Naj Thai Cooking School