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Rudy Maxa’s World: Bangkok Top Six Hot List

Posted on February 27, 2008

Today’s guest blogger is Rudy Maxa. Rudy is a contributing editor with National Geographic Traveler magazine and one of America’s premier consumer travel broadcasters on public radio and television. You may know him as “The Savvy Traveler” on public radio’s business show, “Marketplace.” You will see Rudy contributing his Top Six lists here quite often as he travels the world filming his next PBS series. Now, onto Rudy’s Top Six Bangkok. 

• Chinatown: Ask any tuk-tuk or taxi driver to take you to Yaowarat Road around eight and do dinner the Thai way by ordering anything you see that looks good from hundreds of street food stalls.  Don’t worry—health standards are excellent, and the eating is among the best in town.  So are the prices—figure on $6 per person for an enormous fresh fish with sublime Thai spices, rice and drinks. 
• The Sukhothai: Thai grace, elegance and design turned into a stunning hotel.  Rates begin at $255 a night, a bargain for a member of Leading Hotels of the World with an enormous pool, a Spa Botanica, and tranquil rooms. 13/3 S. Sathorn Road.
• Long-tail boat ride: Head to the Oriental dock (adjacent to The Oriental hotel) and hire a long-tail boat for 90 minutes for about $20.  Ask the driver of one of these slim, long boats powered by car engines mounted on the rear to take you on a tour of the klongs, or canals, off the Chao Phraya River. Great way to begin a visit to Bangkok. Insist “no snake farm!” and avoid a common rip-off stop.
• Sirocco: At 65 stories above the city, this is Bangkok’s most dramatic setting for dinner.  Weather permitting, reserve on the huge, outdoor terrace unless you suffer from vertigo.  There’s an adjacent bar perfect for sunset drinks (try the mango margarita) or an equally stunning restaurant, Breezes, a few levels down with outdoor seating, as well.  Located in the State Tower on Silom Road a block from the river.
• Suam Lum Night Bazaar: Do dinner and shop until you can’t take it anymore at this popular outdoor night market with food courts and small stores selling stylish household items and clothing.
• Joe Louis Puppet Theater: I know, puppetry sounds corny, but the art rises to new heights at this swanky theater that preserves the Thai art of Hun Lakhorn Lek, or traditional Thai puppet performances.  It takes three people to manipulate each puppet, and the one-hour show is dazzling. Located in the Suam Lum Night Bazaar.

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