Bangkok, Thailand
- Vinita Bennett
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
It has been a significant three years since I last visited my birthplace, the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. The anticipation of reuniting with family and friends fills me with excitement and joy, as I look forward to reconnecting with my roots and the people who mean so much to me. Throughout this journey, I have learned many valuable lessons, particularly with the support of my husband, who has been a mentor in my life. One crucial lesson I’ve come to understand is the importance of evaluating how to spend my time wisely, especially considering the limited duration of my visit to Bangkok. With so many friends to catch up with, I must prioritize who I spend my time with, ensuring that my experiences are meaningful and fulfilling.
The reason for my infrequent visits to Bangkok is not solely the geographical distance but rather the brutal reality of jet lag. Living on the opposite side of the world, with a significant time difference, can be incredibly taxing on the body. I often wish I could take two months off, like I used to when living in Arizona during the summer, to fully immerse myself in my homeland. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, that is not feasible this time around. Additionally, I would like to share a crucial tip for anyone planning to travel such a long distance: ensure you have a layover of at least three hours. This precaution is vital in case of flight delays, as missing a connecting flight across the ocean can lead to significant complications. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way when our flight was delayed by two hours, and our transit time to the next flight was only 1.5 hours. Booking the shortest travel time seemed like a good idea at the time, but it ultimately backfired. I have now resolved to avoid layovers in San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in the future. Our total travel time amounted to an exhausting 36 hours, which was a grueling experience. This was my first travel mishap with one of the U.S. airline carriers, and I was shocked at the accommodations provided for business class travelers, which felt subpar given the high price of our tickets, costing nearly $12K. After I filed a complaint once I landed in Bangkok, the airline took my case seriously, promptly reaching out to apologize and offer fair compensation. I appreciated their response. Although I was not thrilled about the delay, I understood the necessity for security and safety. However, I believe that they should have selected a more suitable hotel for our accommodations rather than a basic inn equivalent to a motel, especially considering the amount we paid for our tickets, which should ensure a comfortable and seamless travel experience.
After experiencing a two-day delay in arriving in Thailand due to flight issues and the time zone difference, I felt as though I had already lost precious time before even stepping foot in Bangkok. But finally, we arrived in the bustling city! We checked into the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, which is conveniently located near the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to navigate the city. The hotel is also in a prime location, surrounded by numerous malls, sightseeing opportunities, and places to hang out with family and friends. Interestingly, this hotel holds sentimental value for us, as it is where we married nearly 15 years ago, making our stay feel like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I have nothing but positive things to say about this five-star hotel. However, we did notice that for our next visit, we might prefer to stay elsewhere to avoid the congestion, as the hotel had a lot of guest traffic. Overall, our stay was delightful. The hotel staff went above and beyond, decorating our room beautifully for my birthday, complete with my favorite flowers, which made me feel incredibly welcomed and cherished. It truly felt like coming home. Special thanks to my best friend, Janny, for surprising me with the bouquet and for knowing how much I adore hydrangeas!
After settling in, we took some time to rest and enjoyed a rejuvenating spa body massage at the hotel. This was the perfect way to unwind and prepare for my birthday celebration at a two-Michelin-star restaurant called R-haan restaurant. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary; I loved every dish and the unique stories behind them. The first dish was presented in a stunning golden box featuring a map of Thailand, with the food artfully arranged on top to represent the country's famous dishes and flavors. I must say, I was blown away by the creativity and the explosion of flavors in those small bites. We enjoyed exceptional food paired with special bottles of wine that my father had curated for my birthday celebration. I am incredibly grateful to my father for organizing such a wonderful birthday dinner, which was a fantastic way to start the festivities with family. However, I must admit that by the time the third course arrived, I was fighting to keep my eyes open! But I managed to stay awake and enjoy the evening to the fullest!
Bangkok is a rapidly growing city, and in the three years since my last visit, it has changed dramatically—both positively and negatively. There are numerous new shopping malls that have sprung up, along with more attractions designed to entice tourists. The culinary scene is thriving, with various restaurants to choose from, and Bangkok is rightfully world-renowned as a food destination, boasting more Michelin-starred street food than any other place in the world. However, the traffic has worsened significantly, and the air pollution has become a serious concern. After traveling non-stop, coupled with a lack of sleep and the effects of jet lag, my body struggled to cope with the weather changes, and I unfortunately fell ill for a few days. Thankfully, there is an excellent international hospital conveniently located near the hotel, where I was able to receive antibiotics and rest for a few days before getting back to exploring the city.
I absolutely love how the city has integrated parks within its urban landscape, reminiscent of New York's Central Park. This is a brilliant initiative for city dwellers, providing them with green spaces to relax and engage in outdoor activities. Additionally, the shopping malls are a paradise for retail therapy enthusiasts, featuring all the designer brands one could imagine. Each mall possesses its unique characteristics, and I was thrilled to sample the famous street food available in the food courts of these shopping centers. I didn’t have to break a sweat to enjoy the delicious offerings. Siam Paragon’s food court truly brings together the best of the best. Not only does it have a fantastic food court, but it also houses a variety of restaurants, making it a culinary hotspot! I particularly love Siam Paragon for its food diversity, while Central Embassy offers a quieter atmosphere with similar culinary delights.
My foodie friends took me to trendy new spots and the latest Thai eateries that I simply had to try, including Soma restaurant and Khao Sarn Sek. OMG, I was blown away by both, especially the food at Soma restaurant, which was a perfect match for my taste buds. Almost every night, my father treated me to dinner, and I cherished every moment. We dined at Chefman in Rajdamri, indulged in French cuisine at Lyon, and enjoyed Japanese teppanyaki steakhouse at Nami. I had nice Italian food with my best friend and her family at Opus Wine Bar, where the Italian chef is a former Four Seasons chef in Florence, Italy, so he brings the best Italian flavor into town, and the second floor of the restaurant has a nice lounge for drinks and music. I also revisited my comfort food at Nara cuisine and explored new dining options, including a restaurant owned by a famous food entrepreneur whose establishments consistently become hits. The latest addition, Bura Marie, was also outstanding. I also love shabu at Hitori Shabu; that Akita A5 beef is sublime in a hot soup. I can confidently say that I have not had any bad dining experiences during this trip.
Moreover, I discovered that a plethora of cafes specializing in matcha, coffee, and aperitivo have opened up, which perfectly aligns with my interests and tastes! Here’s a list of some must-visit spots if you’re ever in the area.
Kasana (matcha cafe has 2 locations; One City Center Ploenchit and Central Park)
Dior cafe
Dolce & Gabbana cafe
% Arabica
Dolcetto Italian Cafe
Did you ask if I indulged in some shopping? Of course! One must not be fools if not to. Also, I would like to use this space to express my heartfelt gratitude to my father and friends again for all the love and thoughtful gifts. I deeply appreciate their gestures and feel thankful for the experiences we shared. This blog serves not only as a recommendation for new places for readers around the world but also as my travel journal, allowing me to refresh my memories from time to time. It’s a reminder that life is good, and I strive to embrace every moment as much as I can. Until next time, Bangkok! Wishing health and happiness to my family and friends!
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