Thailand Trip Report - Bangkok

I flew Singapore airlines for the first time and the airline is known for its wonderful service. Although we booked our trip at least 6 weeks in advance apparently everyone was heading to Thailand so there were very limited flights. Because of this I did a tour of Asian Airports - It took me 24 hours or so to get to Bangkok because of a 1 hour stop in Tokyo and a 9 hour layover in Singapore. I have to say Singapore has one of the nicest airports - free movie lounge, free internet, ourdoor gardens. But since I arrived Singapore at 1 am all I cared about was finding a place to sleep.Kathy and I met at Singapore and I would have a picture of her coming off the plane but was told by secuity that I could not take a picture:)

We stayed at the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok which according to World & Liesure is the #4 Top Hotel in the World. The Peninsula is off the other side of the Chao Phraya River (the main river that runs through Bangkok) and therefore you must use their shuttle to ride across the other side to access the main streets.

The last time I was in Bankok I stayed at the Oriental (#9 on the list). The Oriental which is over 100 years old had old world charm and amazing service. After staying at both I am suprised that The Peninsula is ranked higher than the Oriental. At the Oriental they refer you by name and they had a hotel employee stationed at every floor for quick service. The lobby was also one of the most beautiful and exotic hotel lobbies I have ever seen. I was expecting the service to be just as exceptional as the Oriental and found it instead to be similar to any hotel

The thing I love about hotels in Bangkok near the water is breakfast time since breakfast is usually at the hotel terrace restaurant and as you enjoy your breakfast you can watch all the boats go by as people are rushing to work or school.

Our first day we decided to hit Chatuchak the main weekend market of Bangkok. They sell everything from pets to clothing to sourvenirs and handicrafts. We stopped at the mall before the market to grab a bite to eat. The selection was huge and we could not read the menu and so we went with the place that had pictures of their menu - I know lame but we were hungry... After hours of shopping we hit the spa for a much needed massage. We went back to the hotel and took an early evening nap. We grabbed dinner at Khao San Road where most of the backpackers hang out since we had a late start and most restaurants were closed. We then went to Q Bar a night club that is still around from my last visit and danced to some Hip Hop & R&B. Clubs shut down at 1:30/2 similar to LA and Kathy and I had a second wave of energy but options were limited on a monday night. The DJ recommended a club in Patpong the red light district that had a club that stayed open later and we started to head over but when we got there it was getting sketchy so we decided to call it a night. Besides we had our Grand Palace tour at 9.