Destination Thailand.
Contributor Jens Hoffmann.
A society without the knowledge of its history and culture is like a tree without roots, goes the famous saying. No wonder that Thailand is making their way slowly into the the mainstream.
Bangkok is a buzzling metropole, indeed, you will find some slowlife philosophy everywhere.
It can be as bewildering as it is bewitching; there are few things to do to make the most of Thailand’s exuberant capital, filling your days with luxury feelings, art, massages, street food, impressive temples and lively bars.
Bangkok began as a small trading centre and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world-famous floating market or colourful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell.
Its so beautiful.
We checked in at the Siam Kempinski.
The fun starts when you enter the lobby.
Smooth as silk, I ike the Siam Kempinski, a good place to experience pure thai hospitality. Truly great joy and emotion.
A nice flight by Thai Airways brought me to Bangkok.
The litte bit of a jet lag disappeared after my first massage.
Pillow talk, every one of the hotel’s 303 rooms and suites overlooks the surrounding gardens which is so nice, pools and 21 rooms have direct access to the pool.
It also houses 98 serviced residences for long-stay guests. Hidden discreetly behind one of Bangkok’s largest entertainment complexes, Kempinski’s first hotel is wellknown for its elegance and glamour in the heart of the city.
Unique to Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok are eleven duplex suites and 10 cabana rooms.
All these rooms offer guests direct access to the garden, and are only a couple of steps from the private terraces and the swimming pools. Sure, they are always on your service.
One of the largest private suites in Bangkok (300 square metres) is the “Royal Suite”, it also has a secluded 120 square metre terrace complete with Jacuzzi.
Located on the 16th floor of the Royal Wing, the suite includes a master bedroom, two additional bedrooms one which could be used for personal staff or security. The Royal Suite includes a spacious living room, separate dining room, private bar, private gym, study and kitchenette.
The hotel’s three fine-dining restaurants include Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, where renowned chef Henrik Yde Anderson from Copenhagen served (during my stay) gastronomic versions of Thai cuisine, with scented smoke used to recreate the atmosphere of a local street market. Yummy.
For us it was “a room with a view” on the Chao Praya.
Really fantastic.
A buffet breakfast is served in the gardens amidst palm trees and fountains and also in the exclusive executiveLounge on the 17th floor.
Attracting a well-heeled crowd, the hotel is just a short walk from the restaurants, shops and walkway-linked luxury shopping malls. The hotel has direct access to the BTS Skytrain, which makes travelling in BKK lot of easier.
Thai artistic heritage is a key theme of the Siam Kempinski Hotel. The property will display over 4,000 pieces of art, including over 200 original paintings and sculptures by Thai artists commissioned by the property. The Kempinski name is proudly borne by a growing collection of distinguished properties around the world. Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group Kempinski has built its reputation on the belief that exclusivity and individuality are key elements of true luxury.
The uniqueness of this destination, combined with Asian elegance and thai hospitality gives you a perfect time.
Where to go: My favourite bar in Bangkok: “The Lebua & Sirocco”
Over the top, Sirocco is the world’s largest all open-air restaurant and the “Sky Bar” is located on the 64th floor of the State Tower.
The restaurant serves nice, a bit overpriced food and its main feature is a spectacular panorama view of the Chao Phraya river and Bangkok city.
A fine dining place is the Sra Bua in the Kempinski:
Sra Bua serves cutting edge Thai cuisine unlike any you will have ever seen before. Well-known Thai favourites have been turned inside out, and every dish is a treat for the eyes – as well as the taste buds. Located on the ground floor of the Siam Kempinski Hotel, Sra Bua restaurant has high ceilings and Thai antique embellishments. The restaurant’s name means lotus pond and a central feature of the restaurant is an ornate water feature decorated with lily pods and lotus flowers. The most coveted table in the house sits under the beautifully carved teak roof in the left hand corner of the dining room, but there are also some cosy booths if you want a little more privacy.
The Sra Bua is a perfect choice for your palate.
Kempinski Bangkok
