From the highest open-air bar in the world to the coolest warehouse restaurant, we show you this Thai city in a whole new light.
Stay: The Tower Club at lebua has stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and suites so large they have a massage room. Poolside breakfast is included in your stay (with everything from high-grade sushi to Indian roti) as well as cocktails and snacks at the club lounge. A traditional Thai in-room massage by the lebua spa staff is the perfect way to start your day -- you'll be stretched in yoga-like poses for 90 minutes, emerging renewed and ready to tackle all those temples. Tower Club at lebua, 1055/42 Sliom Rd., Bangkok, www.lebua.com
Do: There are so many markets to choose from, but the main Chatuchak 10,000-stall weekend market has wholesale prices -- and you're expected to barter. Labyrinthine and spread over 30 acres, it's a great place to stock up on kids' birthday novelties and beautiful textiles. Be sure to stop for a cold beer and snacks at one of the street-food stalls, to recharge the shopping batteries. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd., Bangkok, chatuchak.org
Dine: The Jam Factory is a compound of converted warehouses on the river envisioned by a local architect and comprising an über-cool microcosm of international style. A coffee shop, a bookstore, an architecture firm and a concept store encircle a grassy courtyard. But the pièce de résistance is the restaurant, The Never Ending Summer, serving traditional Thai food in gorgeous presentations. Easy on the wallet, you'll be impressed by the distressed walls, great music, lighting, furniture -- the whole highly curated package. (To get there, take the Hyatt's boat to its dock, walk all the way to the right end and through the massive unmarked steel doors). Jam Factory, 41/5 Charoen Nakhon Rd., Bangkok
Play: One of the most famous rooftop bars in the world, Sky Bar, became even more notorious when the gang from The Hangover Part II shot there. Now you can sip the signature Hangovertini amongst a Euro-chic crowd of young couples while marveling over the Bangkok skyline views, glowing bars and warm breezes. Sky Bar, 63rd Floor, 1055/42 Silom Rd., Bangkok, www.lebua.com
Fly: No matter how you look at it, Thailand's a long haul. Thankfully, Cathay Pacific's new business class features chairs that convert to 6-foot-3-inch beds with the touch of a button so you can lie back, sip Champagne and catch up on your Ted Talks in style. Loads of storage space (even a shoe compartment), a fluffy duvet and cocoon-like privacy mean you'll get a good night's sleep and emerge fresh as a butterfly. www.cathaypacific.com
Download: Get the Hotel Siam's Guide to Bangkok app for off-the-beaten-path itineraries from local insiders. itunes.apple.comBy Sarah Bancroft
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