Bangkok!

Hotels

Conrad

Probably my favourite hotel in Bangkok.

Feels like you’re in a resort despite being in the middle of the city. The pool is amazing, includes a spacious warm jacuzzi! The gym is probably the best of the many hotels I’ve been to.

The rooms are equipped with Herman Miller Aeron chairs if you want to work from there!

The executive lounge has city skyline views, a great selection of food, sparkling wine is served during the evening happy hour.

They also have amazing seafood buffets for dinner on certain occasions (been there for New Year’s eve and Christmas eve during different years).

The location is perfect, next to Phloen Chit BTS station (even a shuttle from Conrad runs to the BTS every 15 minutes or so), and walking distance to a skywalk leading to the Benchakitti park.

Millenium Hilton

My second best.

Good for exploring Bangkok. Start the day with an amazing breakfast there, spend the day in the city, come back for a finisher in the executive lounge.

Pros:

  • Breakfast buffet is probably the best I had in Bangkok.
  • The lounge is excellent with amazint views towards the river and the Bangkok skyline.

Cons:

  • The pool is meh.
  • The rooms are a bit dated.
  • The location is on the other side of the river, next to Icon Siam shopping mall. I like Sukhumvit area more.

DoubleTree by Hilton Ploenchit

I’d call this a rising star. Conveniently located right next to Sukhumvit road, with closest BTS station being Ploenchit. The hotel is brand new, with modern design and excellent service.

Good to have a break from getting spoiled at Conrad.

The pool area has nice seating area with power outlets, so you can work from there. Plenty of shade too.

Hilton Sukhumvit

Stayed there a few times. Location is great, next to Phrom Phong BTS station and EmQuartier shopping mall. My most recent stay there was late 2024, mostly because of sentiments at it had been my first ever Hilton in Bangkok many years back. Major disappointment really. The prices are almost the same as Conrad, but the hotel is not even close in terms of quality. Dated rooms, small cold pool on the rooftop, small gym, dark executive lounge on the 4th floor without any city views. I think I won’t be staying there again and this paragraph should be my reminder not to.

Airbnb

Bangkok has really great condos - high rise, modern, with pools and gyms. Officially short-term Airbnb is not very legal there, but nobody seems to care - the only inconvenience usually is the check in - you have to “pretend” you’re visiting a friend or something like this when you first get the keys from some locker and have to pass the security keyless.

Prices have increased a bit post covid - expect to pay 1500-2000 EUR for a decent one for a month and more if you want more luxury.

Food

Jok One Table - mentioned in the Michelin guide. The best shripm dupmplings I ever tasted (only ~100THB/~3 EUR!). I visit the place every time I’m in Bangkok. Located literally in the middle of the market in Chinatown. 5 minutes walk from the Wat Mangkon MRT station.

Krua Khun Puk - my frequently visited spot for both breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Their mango sticky rice is a must try. In Sukhumvit, next to Nana BTS station.

Parks

Benchakiti - the best. I love running there. The park is huge, with a 2km loop around the lake. There are many workout stations, a few outdoor gyms, and a few basketball courts. The park is very well maintained, with many trees and flowers.

Lumpini - meh. Advertised as the biggest/main park in Bangkok, but I never really understood its vibe. Benchakitti is just so much better.