Bangkok - Hotel

We stayed at the Millennium Hilton in Bangkok and it was awesome.  We really can't say enough good things about the hotel.

As I said in an earlier post, Bangkok is overwhelming.  The Hilton is located along the river which makes it a little more relaxing and peaceful as it's not right in the heart of the crazy touristy areas of Bangkok.  This was really nice after coming back after a long, hot, overstimulating day.  It's located on the opposite side of the river from most of the touristy activities you'll want to see but there's a complimentary shuttle across the river.  Plus taxis are cheap cheap cheap!

There's several restaurants if you need a fix of overpriced American food.  There's a buffet, a steakhouse, and a Chinese restaurant.  There's also a place for drinks down near the river.  We ate at the pool bar one day as I was too lazy to leave my pool chair that was sitting in the water overlooking the river while I had a drink in hand and also ate room service after the New Years Eve dining snafu.  Food was good although nothing overwhelmingly memorable.

They have a spa although we were so busy in Bangkok I didn't have time to visit.  I did try to sneak in for a foot massage before dinner one night when they were offering a special, but they were all booked up so I can't comment on the spa.  Prices there were pretty high for Bangkok but not nearly as high as in the US or Europe at a hotel.

The staff was wonderful as well.  The concierge was helpful in tracking down our guide and making reservations for us.  The staff at the pool were always coming by to see if we needed anything and supplied us with some free drinks (non-alcoholic).  The door people found us taxis quickly, even on New Years Eve. 

It was a truly great experience.  Even in the high season, it was only $125 a night which just couldn't be beat.  The Millennium Hilton is a nearly 5-star hotel at a very non-5 star price.

Bangkok - Vertigo

After a wonderful dinner at Biscotti at the Four Seasons, we headed up to Vertigo.  Vertigo is located on the top floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel.  I was worried we wouldn't be hip enough or dressed up enough since I didn't bring any of my beloved high heels to Asia.  However, there were some other guests wearing "backpacker chic" and Jesus sandals.

I was worried the drinks were going to be expensive but for 2 drinks plus tip it was less than $20, which was much less than we were expecting.  The downside is the wait at the bar can be long and it can also be difficult to find a seat.  We were there in the high season though.

Besides the bar there is a restaurant although I've heard food is so-so for the price.

We also got to take a tuk-tuk home which was death defying but a definite worthwhile Bangkok experience.

Bangkok - Flower Market

We walked through the Bangkok flower market and admired the beautiful colors of the flowers.  I only wished we were staying longer so we could buy some to enjoy since they were so cheap.

Bangkok - Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson was an American architect known for revitalizing the silk trade in Thailand in the 1950s and 1960s.  He mysteriously disappeared in the Malaysian jungle in 1967.

His former residence has been turned into a museum in Bangkok.  Tucked away along a canal off a side street, it's a truly beautiful and peaceful location.  His house is special because it was formed from parts of six antique Thai houses that were moved from various parts of Thailand to Bangkok.

As big fans of architecture, we found the tour of the house fascinating.  Everything was in such good shape and magnificently preserved.  Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed to be taken inside the house.

They also have a gift shop here to buy silk products.  It's somewhat expensive but at least you know you're getting quality products.  I bought a set of makeup and jewelery bags.