BANGKOK BEAT

The weather may be hot, but Bangkok knows ‘cool’. Within it’s chaotic city sprawl lies loads of quirky shops, chic eateries, and imaginative hotels. In addition, Bangkok is a great getaway to renew yourself, commiserate with fellow global nomads, or soak up a bit of South-east Asia ’s history. Here’s hiphongkong’s indispensable guide to all things ‘hip’ in Bangkok. (This is the first installment of a series of Bangkok activity guides. Look out soon for 'Historical Hiatus' and 'Refresh and Renew')
 
KITSCHY AND COOL

TENFACE

This groovy boutique hotel is named after a mythical Thai Giant with ten faces. With his ten faces he manages to see beyond the norm creating new perspectives and a unique hotel experience for its guests.. In the epic, his heart is encased in a box and when you arrive you get a box which symbolizes his heart and it’s the key to the inside scoop of the city. In the box is an IPOD with Video podcasts about places to see in Bangkok, a 1 day Pass on the Sky Train, a local Thai SIM card for your phone and maps to all these hidden places. Not only is the concept cool, but the design is a blend of innovative modern furnishings, artistic accents and traditional Thai twists. The hotel is also super comfortable and reasonably priced. Your room also comes with a Nesspresso coffee maker, aromatherpahy amenities a great bed and free tuk-tuk shuttle service to the sky train. In addition the lobby has a slick bar with weekend DJs and a beautiful restaurant which serves a decent breakfast buffet.  Tenface is conveniently located on a peaceful street a few minutes drive from the Ploenchit BTS station.

81 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd
Bangkok 10330 , Thailand
T +662 695 4242
F +662 695 4240
E info@tenfacebangkok.com
www.tenfacebangkok.com
BTS- Ploenchit
 

REFLECTIONS ROOMS

Reflections rooms is a tribute to kitsch and a rebellion against the stark minimalism that has been so popular in interior design these past decades. This hotel, with it’s eclectic array of rooms, is practically an art gallery. Each room was personalized by a different artist and each one has a unique look and feel.. Some rooms have an earthy, woody décor. Some rooms use recylcled sacs as wallpaper or furniture upholststry. Some rooms look lofty and some are punk-inspired with words scrawled on the walls or toy robots as decorations. This hotel wins the award for originality and irreverence. Screw the establishment! Book in advance if you’re after a specific room.. Reflections is conveniently located near the Chatuchak market for all you fashionistas in town for the weekend on a shopping spree. This hotel is not a luxury property. It has more of a quirky hostel feel and is a little less accomodating than a bigger hotel. The front desk staff doesn’t speak very good English either. Come here more for the novelty art factor rather than for comfort.
 
224/2-18 Pradipat Rd.,Samsennai,
Phayathai,Bangkok 10400 THAILAND
Tel : +662 270 33 44
Fax: +662 270 33 59
Email: rooms@reflections-thai.com
Reflections-thai.com
BTS-Saphan Kwai

SIAM AT SIAM

This hotel is perfect for those looking for a stylish stay in the heart of the Siam shopping district. Siam at Siam veers away from minimalism and instead has a sensual, lofty feel. The rooms have polished concrete floors and sensual ethnic furnishings in warm tones. The common areas have a very unique and ornate design. The infinity pool, the spa, the rooftop restaurant and some of the rooms have stunning views of the National Stadium and it’s surroundings. The service at the hotel is excellent and the staff does their best to anticipate needs and to be courteous without being overbearing. The beds are also incredibly comfortable. The biggest advantage of this hotel however is the perfect location. National Stadium, where the hotel is located, is the closest BTS stop to Khao San Road (20 min driving). It’s also walking distance to the Jim Thompson museum (2 min) and walking distance to all the groovy shops at Siam and MBK (5-7 min). This BTS line also takes you directly to the Chao Praya river station Saphan Taksin where you can jump easily on a Chao Praya river cruise.

865 Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai,
Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2217 3000   
Fax: +66 (0) 2217 3030
http://www.siamatsiam.com/
BTS-National Stadium
 


CHATUCHACK MARKET

This bustling weekend market has loads of treasures to unearth and is a charming place just to have a gander. In the past years, Chatucak has really evolved into an trendy place for people who love fashion and design. Here, you can find everything from interesting accessories, vintage clothes, traveler’s gear, souveiners, Thai accents for the home and other miscellaneous bits and bobs. Even if you’re not shopping, you can spend and entire day admiring the cool designs of the individual shops, lounging in the atmospheric open-air cafes, having lunch, or enjoying an ice cold singha at one of the bars. Be forewarned- this market is massive! If you need a break, you can refresh with a coconut ice-cream, get a foot massage and watch the myriad of interesting characters passing by.
BTS to Mo Chit station
MRT to Kampheng Phet station

 

SIAM SQUARE AND THE SURROUNDING SOIS
These awesome lanes are amazing for cheap and cheerful fashionista gear.
BTS-Siam

SIAM CENTER
This mall is full of arty and interesting Thai designer wear.
BTS- Siam

MAH BOON KRONG MBK
This big mall has the feel of an indoor market. You can find good souveniers such as silk pillow cases, lamps, picture frames. They also have a good selection of traveler’s gear such as classic back packer t-shirts, fisherman pants and hippie attire. You can also get namecards printed or you can get designs printed on T-shirts.
BTS- National Stadium
 


KHAO SAN ROAD

This bustling street has been the convergence point of travelers in South East Asia for years. It’s a convivial place to eat street food and to meet and party with other global roamers. It’s a fascinating people watching spot with its stream of dread-locked travelers, hawkers selling mounds of Pad Thai and motley entertainers. In addition, the accommodation is cheap and the shopping has become amazing on this street over the years. You can stock up on boho gear, flirty summer dresses, yoga pants, accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, cheeky-tees and everything you need to look stylishly bohemian on your holiday.
Unfortunately, Khaosan Road has become so big and commercial it’s now almost gawdy. Rambutri Road, a smaller alley parallel to Khao San Road, has become a more stylish alternative to the chaos on the main street. Rambutri has a few upscale shops, nicely decorated guesthouses and loads of bars, restaurants and hawker stalls with al fresco seating.
 

SMITH'S

This bright restaurant/café/bar in the Khao San Road vicinity overlooks a quaint alley with old Thai Houses that function as shops, massage places and tattoo parlors. Smith’s has a youthful and artsy vibe. There’s a TV with Channel V playing in the background, a stainless steel bar and on the inside are stools and benches in various colors. Though it features modern decor, the restaurant itself is a renovated old house with a terrace and folding doors. Across the way is a colonial wooden house with an intricately carved verandah and wood slats that the owner’s friends live in.  This small place is a great place to come and lounge with a group of friends and attracts a trendy Thai and traveler crowd. The food is simple- salads, sandwiches, French fries and some Thai food.

Trok Mayom (an alley parallel to Khai San Road)
MAP

HIPPIE DE BAR

This large colorful bar, which is located in an inner courtyard off Khao San Road, has two different indoor areas and a large outdoor seating area. The décor is a mish-mash of old posters, beat up leather chairs, multi-colored beach chairs, flowery wallpaper and tablecloths with writing on them. The lighting is red and dim. It sounds bizarre but somehow it really works. They play awesome music- everything from rock and roll (The Killers, Kings of Leon), discordant new wave music, old punk, folk music. The groovy tunes really go with the atmosphere of the place.
 
46 Khao San Road
+66 (0)1 820 3762

WILD ORCHID VILLA

This guest house has a lively lobby area with trendy yet traditional décor. The rooms are basic but they managed to create a really soothing atmosphere with Thai accent pieces and lovely colors. It’s a far cry from the dumpy backpacker places of yore. You can also stay at the sister guest house the Sawasdee House. I used to stay here 10 years ago when the walls were practically made of makeshift plywood! My how times have changed.

8 Soi Chana Songkhram Bangkok
+66 (0)2 629 4378
http://www.wildorchidvilla.com/

GREYHOUND CAFE

This hip café/ restaurant in the Emporium shopping center has super high ceilings, loft-like décor and attracts an upscale crowd of stylish Thais and international expats and visitors. It a perfect place to rest your weary feet when you’ve been on a shopping spree in the mall. There are also several cool new branches. Check out their facebook page for photos and addresses.
 
201 2/F Emporium Shopping Center
622 Sukumvit road
+66 (0) 2664 8663
BTS Phrom Pong
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greyhound-cafe/68799690218

KUPPA

This place serves the best brunch in Bangkok and is a weekend institution. Coffee coniseurs will be in heaven. Kuppa is a large 2 story restaurant with high ceilings, polished concrete floors and a lot of wood. The décor, though pleasant and loft-like, is somewhat business-y. Come for the delectable menu!
 
39 Sukumvit Soi 16,
Khlong Toey
+66 (0) 2 663 0495
BTS Asok
MRT Sukumvit
Map and reviews

LONG TABLE

This stunning restaurant has sweeping views and a knock-your-socks off design. In the center of the venue is a massive communal ‘long table-hence the name.
 
Sukhumvit Road Soi 16 48
Map and reviews
‎+66(0) 2 302 2557
BTS Asok
MRT Sukumvit




KATHMANDU PHOTO GALLERY

Everything in this photo gallery is meant to inspire. Not only is it a place to look at and purchase really cool photographs, but they also have yoga and mediation classes on Sundays and they have a little shop selling design T-shirts, bangles books and scarves. The design of the venue itself is really cool too.

87 Pan Road (near Indian Temple),
off Silom road, Bangrak
66 (0) 2-234-6700
www.kathmandu-bkk.com
BTS Chong Nonsi or Surasak

Bed

This white futuristic spaceship-like venue has been one of Bangkok’s most exclusive clubs for a few years now. Chill at the tables which flank the edges of the club or amuse yourself on the dance floor watching the gorgeous ladyboys do their thing. There’s also another back room which plays head-banging rock and roll. Play air guitar till you get whiplash!

26 Soi Sukumvit 11
Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
+66 2 6513537
http://www.bedsupperclub.com/