Bangkok It is a unique city in the world, full of contrasts but above all charming and intriguing.
My visit to the city was marked by accommodation at the sensational Mandarin Oriental Banks, historic hotel, dating back to 1879, when it was still called The Oriental. It was after its merger with the Hong Kong hotel, 50 years ago, when it was still The Mandarinwhich created the luxury Asian chain Mandarin Oriental.
With one of the most beautiful lobby ever seen, the hotel is imposing and it is perfectly understandable why it has the title of one of the best in Asia It’s from worldgiven by renowned publications, such as Travel & Leisure e Conde Nast Traveller.
On the banks of the Chao Phya River, the hotel has nothing less than ten restaurants/bars and almost 400 rooms. Highlight for the Riverside Terrace, where a rich breakfast is served, outdoors, one of the nicest hotel restaurants I’ve ever been to, with a great atmosphere, excellent service and a jaw-dropping view. It’s hard to get out of there and plan the rest of the day.
There is also the very fine French Normandy, authentic Cantonese The China Housewith an independent entrance to the hotel, and the relaxed The Verandah, ideal for light meals during the day.
On the other side of Rio, is the Thai Sala Rim Naam, where we had a great dinner on the first night, accompanied by a local dance and music show. I loved the dancers’ costumes!
There is also the award-winning spa, where I experienced an unforgettable massage the way thai, very different from what we are used to, as you are wearing clothes (provided by them) and the therapist uses elbows and feet to massage you and forces you to stretch. It can be painful at times, but the result is fantastic!
The hotel has its own boat for guests to reach the other side of the river, in addition to making small crossings, such as to the sky traina super modern, safe and cheap suspended train – the best means of transport in the city.
With stunning views of Bangkokthe rooms are comfortable with traditional decor.
As it is hot almost all year round, it is important to highlight the hotel’s beautiful and pleasant swimming pool, ideal for relaxing after an intense day of sightseeing in the city.
O Mandarin Oriental Bangcoc is very well located, surrounded by silver shops – which drove me crazy by the way – and also walking distance of some of the city’s most famous restaurants, such as Sirocco, An unmissable tip, as it provides an impressive view of the city from the 60th floor. Even those who are afraid of heights should not miss this opportunity.
The hotel also offers cooking classes. thai for guests, a super-equipped business center and a gym for those keen on keeping fit.
As in every hotel in the chain Mandarin Oriental, the concierges are very well informed and helpful, always giving correct suggestions for restaurants, temples and tours in general. An obligatory tip is to rent a boat that can take you to the city’s main temples – an unmissable and picturesque trip. The hotel arranges everything and even matches the boatman the itinerary as they don’t speak English. But in the end, believe me, everything works out.
For a separate price, the MO BKK It also arranges a hotel/airport transfer, something I recommend as arriving in an unfamiliar city can always be a bit chaotic. AND Bangkok It is chaotic by nature.
I was enchanted by the Thai capital, but I have to confess that the days in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Bangkok contributed to this. We were left wanting to discover the rest of this diverse and exciting country.
Photos and text: Renata Araújo
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