Singapore - Bangkok
March 13, 2007
After being in Singapore for 4 days we headed to Bangkok. In comparing Bangkok and Singapore I'd say a good analogy would be that of night and day.
Bangkok is like New Orleans on steroids in my opinion. At any given time, I couldn't tell you if we were in a good or bad part of the city. Pat Pong and Soi Cowboy, two of the more infamous neighborhoods in Bangkok, are chalk filled with knock offs and 'entertainment' if that's what you're after. It's dirty, cheap (especially service industries/food/taxis/etc), underdeveloped in many areas, and you'd better learn how to barter with the locals if you don't want to pay three times what something is worth. The temples and Buddhist monasteries are star attractions, and there is a substantial amount of 'touristy' things to do. Shopping is a staple of the local society as you'll notice if you stay in the shopping district. You can pretty much find whatever you're looking for (good or bad). All and all a good time.
Centrally located in downtown Bangkok near the main shopping meca of the city, the Inter-Continental offered quite possibly the best service of any hotel i've ever stayed at....specifically because it's a five star hotel without the five star attitude. I'm not certain what the cost was for the night (I'd guess relatively expensive for Bangkok), but well worth it. The Conceirge was extremely helpful and hospitable.
Interesting place if you're looking to go clubing in Bangkok. Not cheap by Bangkok standards, although the cover pays for two drinks. I've seen a lot of negative reviews lately concerning 'model night' but we were there with a group of a dozen people or so on a pretty low key night so it wasn't bad. Q Bar is a block away. You can hit them both on the same night (as we did) if you have the desire.
Listed on 'the worlds best bars' website: http://www.worldsbestbars.com
Unless you have an extra night, I'd recommend SkyBar at Sirocco over Bed.
Atop The Dome at State Tower on the 64th floor, this restaurant offered the best food we had on the entire trip. Great European cuisine. The cost was relatively expensive (highway robbery by Bangkok standard, but about the same as any given night in Manhattan Beach...or Manhattan for that matter) We had drinks, drinks, appetizers, drinks, entrees, wine, and drinks. The price averaged out to about $100 per person with entrees being around $25US. Although it is a little full of your yupee/eurotrash types, the view is ridiculous and if you're looking for an upscale night out I'd recommend it. Make sure to make reservations in advance.
