Sleeping in. Check. Shopping for endless hours. Check.
Drinking cocktails from numerous stunning bars. Check and check.
Nothing beats a girls’ trip.
And right now – the perfect local for a girls’ trip is Bangkok. Let us explain.
The Shopping
Whether it’s big brands on massive sales (we found Balenciaga at 50% off!), vintage finds, or local indie designers, Bangkok has it all.
Hit the large malls like Siam Paragon (Siam BTS Skytrain station – the interchange of the two BTS lines), and then hit the indie ones like Terminal 21 which has local designers on level 3, and more mainstream designers on levels 1 & 2 – including H&M (2,88 Sukhumvit Soi 19, North Klongtoei, Bangkok 10110 +66 2 108 0888, www.terminal21.co.th. BTS: Asok. Daily 10am-10pm.)
Save some cashola for the night markets. Choose from the traditional market at Pak Khlong Talad (along Maharat Road). Or check out Ratchada Night Bazaar, also known as ‘Vespa Market’ which started at a vintage automobile swap meet. This Saturday only market has loads of nostalgic goodies like LPs, gramophones, typewriters, and vintage everything. (At the junction of Ladprao and Rachadapisek roads. Take the train to Ladprao station, exit 1).
There is also the infamous Chatuchak weekend market – which is a must-do, but be warned it is massive and can get very hot. We recommend picking up a local map – like Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok – which includes a map of the Chatuchak market stalls.
The Drinking & Eating
Seriously this town has some AMAZE-BALLS when it comes to food (get the pun?). As stomach space is limited, we say focus on the best, and don’t miss Nahm, Bangkok’s hottest restaurant right now (conveniently located at the Comoshambahala Metropolitan Hotel, our recommended hotel choice). Helmed by famous Aussie Chef David Thompson, Nahm was voted number 3 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013, and it lived up to our expectations. We are also suckers for lunch at the Mandarin Oriental at the Riverside Terrace (as pictured), it has great local cuisine and a very pretty outlook. When you need a break from Thai food, book into Zuma for contemporary Japanese food to die for. Go on Thursday night as they have free cocktails for ladies, a fab DJ spinning, and an interesting local scene (we ran into local royalty there!). For more great bars and taste experiences, check out our Bangkok weekend guide.
The Sleeping
We booked into our old-time fave – The Metropolitan by COMO in Bangkok. Not only do these guys have seriously competitive rates and an amazing location, the food here is super delicious and healthy – with a huge breakfast buffet spread included in the rate. Honestly we just wanted to stay longer for more breakfasts here! The Met also has their famous COMO Shambhala spa and free yoga classes. The biggest challenge staying here is trying to leave the hotel!
Metropolitan Special Offer
Perfect for a girls’ trip – right now you can enjoy a 50% savings on the second room. That’s two City Rooms from THB 6,750 (about USD 220), two Metropolitan Rooms from THB 8,250 (about USD 270) or two Penthouse Suites from THB 30,000 (about USD 980). Ask about the new juice and spa cleanse packages launching this September – which will further enrich your wellness experience at COMO’s iconic Bangkok hotel. Visit their website, phone +66 2 625 3355 or email met.bkk@comoshambhala.com for more information and to book. All you need to do is say khob-kun-la!
Images: Comoshambhala, Mandarin Oriental, Zuma.