A River Runs Through It
Travel+Leisure India|December 2017

Bangkok’s not just about its hectic nightlife, bustling food scene and shop-‘til-you-drop malls and markets. Simon clays checks into a whole new riverside experience and discovers the city’s oft neglected labyrinth of waterways.

Simon Clays
A River Runs Through It

I’VE A CONFESSION TO MAKE: A LOT OF CITIES START TO BORE ME AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS. CABIN FEVER SETS IN AND I GET ITCHY FEET. NOT SO BANGKOK. I STILL GET THE SAME LIME TWIST, GIN ‘N’ TONIC TINGLE OF EXCITEMENT THROUGH MY STOMACH AS THE PLANE KISSES THE TARMAC AND THE GREEN BROWN SHIMMER OF PADDY FIELDS DISAPPEARS FROM VIEW, BEHIND SERIOUS AIRPORT BUILDINGS.Still, I get the feeling, as I roll over the final stretch of concrete, that this particular snake still plays host to a writhing underbelly of counter-culture; a chattering old Siam with its steaming street food counters, hustle and bustle, betting and buns. But, it’s only a feeling and I wonder if the new is finally beginning to tarmac over the old.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited Bangkok. Certainly, more than I’ve fingers and, in all probability, I’m exhausting my toes. It’s a city of stunning and stark contrast, yet a city where I’ve partied with men’s magazines at the zenith of lad culture, wooed my wife with its culinary delights, taken my daughter on her first eye-popping shopping extravaganza and sweated through a dozen fetid monsoon meetings. Yet, still, those self-same toes have barely set foot on the same streets twice.

It seems I can strike offone more pinky as my home for the next few days is to be the recently opened Riverside AVANI, a property slightly down river and away from the clutch of usual five-star suspects that loom over Sathorn. I arrive early on a night flight, cotton wool fuzzy and a few hours out of kilter, so aside from a gentle dawn chorus of ‘saw-wah-dee-khab’ my entrance is unassuming and more than a little sleepy.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2017-Ausgabe von Travel+Leisure India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2017-Ausgabe von Travel+Leisure India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAAlle anzeigen
Retro: Timeless & Trending
Travel+Leisure India

Retro: Timeless & Trending

As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Travel+Leisure India

Celebrating Timeless Austin

Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Travel+Leisure India

A Legacy of Art and Activism

Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
Second Course
Travel+Leisure India

Second Course

Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
The Safari Sanctuary
Travel+Leisure India

The Safari Sanctuary

Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
October 2024
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
Travel+Leisure India

THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS

India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
October 2024
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
Travel+Leisure India

LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana

A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
Luxury Legacy
Travel+Leisure India

Luxury Legacy

Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
Global Glamour
Travel+Leisure India

Global Glamour

Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.

time-read
10 Minuten  |
October 2024
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Travel+Leisure India

ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR

Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024