BANGKOK BEAT- Historical Hiatus

OLD BANGKOK INN

This romantic little hotel is right in the heart of the Bangkok historical district. The rooms are all decorated differently and have Thai motifs. Book the Lotus Suite or the Rose Room and book in advance!

609 Pra Sumen Road
Bowon Nivet, Pra Nakon
Bangkok
+66 (0)2 629 1787
www.oldbangkokinn.com

THE EUGENIA

This drop-dead gorgeous hotel almost feels like somewhere you'd stay on a safari. It's sexy, private, classy, and colonial. There are 12 well appointed suites with careful attention to detail. There are 4 poster beds with linens imported from Belgium. All the rooms have antiques that the family collected from colonial Indochina- even the bathtubs that have feet! The wine and dine venues are the epitome of elegance. Both the Zheng He Lounge where breakfast is served and the DB Bradley dining room are perfect for getting 'in the mood for love'. It’s great place to stay, drink or dine when you’re trying to seduce someone. In addition, the hotel is tucked away yet conveniently located in the heart of the Sukumvit shopping district.

267, Soi Sukhumvit 31,
North Klongtan, Wattana,
+66 (0)2 259 9011
http://www.theeugenia.com/
BTS Phrom Pong

SUK 11 HOSTEL+ SUK SPA + GALLERY

This gorgeous cluster of old wooden buildings is tucked into a quiet alley right in the heart of the bustling Sukumvit Soi 11 nightlife zone. For travelers, this is a super convenient location both for shopping, access to the BTS and nightlife! Suk 11 is a charming hostel with a rustic feel. The rooms at Suk 11 are basic and there are common areas in which to lounge with your fellow traveler. Suk Spa is a romantic haven which harkens back to colonial era days. It almost feels like you’re getting your spa treatments in a museum. Suk Gallery is actually a restaurant and is a happening place to people watch while dining in a makeshift historical atmosphere.

Sukumvit Soi 11, Watthana
Suk 11 Hostel
+66 (0)2 253 5927
www.suk11.com

Suk Spa
+66 (0)2 651 0461
www.sukspa.com
BTS Nana

THE SHANGHAI MANSION

This glamourous boutique hotel has a unique 'Chinoise Chic' design and it's not surprising that it's in the heart of exciting Chinatown and the historical quarter. There are many interesting attractions close by like the Vimanmek Palace, The Grand Palace and Little India. In addition, the hotel is located near the Hua Lumphong train station and near all the yummy strip of hawker stalls on Yaowaraj Road.

479-481 Yaowaraj Road,
Samphantawong
+ 66 (0) 2221 2121
+ 66 (0) 2221 2124
www.shanghai-inn.com

ARUN RESIDENCE

The elegant Arun Residence, is ‘the’ place to catch the sunset over the Chao Praya river. There's a rooftop bar called 'The Amorosa' which in itself is nothing special design-wise but it's hands down one of the best sunset spots in Bangkok. With Wat Arun looming in the distance, it’s the perfect place to sip on a cocktail while enjoying Bangkok’s history. Arun Residence is very well appointed and there's also a great restaurant with a Chao Praya river view.

36-38 Soi Pratu Nok Yung,
Maha Rat Road,
www.arunresidence.com

FACE

This atmospheric bar/restaurant, housed in a complex of wooden traditional Thai houses, serves 3 kind of cuisine! There's the Indian restaurant which serves innovative Indian dishes which are vegetarian friendly. There's a Thai restaurant which has a main dining room, a massive private room for big functions and a smaller private dining room for smaller parties. There's also a separate bar area that has big wooden day beds with colorful silk pillows. It's really not enough to describe the romance of the drapey curtains, the dim accent lighting, the big statues and the wood walls with high ceilings, this place just demands to be experienced. There's also a Japanese restaurant that has more modern decor. If you're looking for a great date place or a place to go with a big group of friends on a special occasion- like a birthday party, anniversary, hen's night or corporate function- this is the place to do it.

29, Soi 38, Sukhumvit Rd.,
Prakanong, Klongtoey
+66-2 713 6048
http://www.facebars.com/bg/
BTS- Thonglor

JIM THOMPSON HOUSE

This museum is not so much a historical site as it is an institution. Not only can you visit the gorgeous historical old house where the legendary silk entrepreneur once lived, but now you can also buy fabric and silk knick-knacks, you can visit temporary exhibits on textiles or you can come for a cup of tea or something to eat in the peaceful restaurant by the water's edge. The best thing about this museum is it's so close to the Siam shopping area and it's easily accessible by BTS. There are regularly scheduled tours  and it's open every day till 17:00

6 Soi Kasemsan 2,
Rama 1 Road, Bangkok
+66 (0) 2 216-7368
http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com
BTS National Stadium

GRAND PALACE

This sprawling complex of temples and royal residences is a must see on the tourist trail. It's a tad roccoco and ostentatious but it's part of Bangkok's history. For about 150 years, Bangkok's Grand Palace was not only the home of the King and his court, but also the entire administrative seat of government. Within the walls were the country's war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace full time around the turn of the twentieth century, but the complex remains the seat of power and spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom.

Take the Chao Praya River Ferry to stop N9 Tha Chang

THE BANGKOKIAN MUSEUM

This museum is actually lovely old family house which you can tour for a donation.  See how life was lived in Bangkok 70 years ago. History buffs will love this quaint step back in time.

273 Charoen Krung Soi 43, Bangrak
+66 (0)2 233 7027
BTS- Surasak or Chong Nonsi then take a taxi.

MR KUKRITS HERITAGE HOME

Another lovely old Thai house with a garden which is family run.

19 Soi Prapinit, South Sathorn,
Thungmahamek, Sathorn
+66 (0)2 287-2937-8
http://www.kukritshousefund.com/index.php>

CHAO PRAYA RIVER CRUISE

The Chao Praya river is a great place to see where old Bangkok meets new Bangkok. Take they rickety old  ferries (they are a cheap thrill) to Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and there's even a stop very close to Khao San Road. There are also private boats which you can rent by the hour but they are kind of scary!

Get off at Saphan Taksin BTS station for river cruise boat rentals.