Page 16 - Flipbook

Travel Tips
Climate
• expect temperatures to be in the mid- to high-30s and plenty of humidity. The best time to visit Bangkok is between november and February as during these months, it rains the least and it’s not too hot.
Getting Around
• Take the BTs skyTrain, Bangkok’s mass transit system, especially during peak office hours, as the jams
are unpredictable,
and may take as
long as two hours to
clear. get the 3-day
skyTrain Tourist Pass
– you’ll save a lot in cab
fares and can travel in comfort.
• Taxis are usually metered, but for tuks tuks or motorcycles, you will need to agree on the fare with the driver, depending on the distance travelled. unlicensed taxis should be avoided.
• For travelling out of the city, you can easily arrange with the local tour companies for a chartered van or book a taxi for the whole day. To get to Pattaya or Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, it is best to hire a private car or van with a driver.
Social Norms
• Thais don’t normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press their palms together in a gesture called wai. generally, a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
• Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching them on the head and don’t point your feet at them or at an object as it is considered rude.
Suan Lum Night Market is a good place both to shop and hang out.
and Japanese and italian cuisines are
de rigueur right now. it is essential to be discerning when it comes to dining in Bangkok as almost all the restaurants here are top-notch.
Koi Restaurant at sukhumvit soi 20 is
known as one of the city’s trendiest dining
spots. named after the distinctly coloured
Japanese carp, the restaurant which
originated in Los Angeles about four
years ago, is divided into a bar, sushi bar, four private rooms and a posh dining area. The décor here is chic and Zen-like. some of the best contemporary Japanese dishes here include miso-bronzed black cod with fresh harlequin-cut vegetables and sansho-rubbed Wagyu rib eye steak with portobello sauce.
More stylish food can also be had at Govinda, at sukhumvit soi 22, where chef giovanni sotgia makes everything a good italian restaurant should, such as the egg-free homemade pasta with porcini mushrooms and yogurt-flavoured panacotta; and Basilico, a popular pizza place amongst families and friends. The place boasts a wide selection of quality pizza, and has a warm, convivial atmosphere.
For tasty seafood with a Thai twist, Je-Ngor is a good bet. With six established branches serving fresh and tasty seafood, there is much to be had here, including the charcoal grilled Thai seabass in rock salt, and baked goose and egg noodle in casserole.
Those who prefer dining at a more romantic spot, head no further than Sacz, located on the first floor of the Majestic grande Hotel. The food is Mediterranean italian, while the décor is open and inviting. its contemporary style stresses sleek dark wood furniture and playfully coloured cushions in yellow, purple and dark blue, which adds to an assured dining soiree.
For the best desserts in town, head for Bar Italia, located
on the ground floor of shopping centre gaysorn. A long stylish white bar showcasing food and desserts gives it a laidback but classy look. Consistent with the low-key atmosphere, desserts look simple in their presentation, and the flavours are splendid, especially the multi-flavoured gelatos on deck.
EV Tip:
Ask for tax refund forms if you are shopping at the major shopping centres, as tax on goods and services is 5 per cent of total purchases.
RCI Resorts in Bangkok
• grand Tower inn
• MTC Plus @ grand Tower inn • Quality suites Airport Bangkok • QVi @ The elegance Court
• Tai-Pan Hotel
endless Vacation 14