Thailand

Recommended	Last Updated: 08/03/2007
Things you must do in Bangkok

Of course do the cultural stuff... palaces, temples and so forth
Do the adventurous stuff... its not what you think but overall a little cheesy
Go to the night market for an al-fresco meal and some shopping
Get out and about in a tuk tuk ... and have a massage to soothe your aching back afterwards

Restaurants

Ban Chiang, 14 Soi Sri-Vieng, Surasak Road, Silom, Bangkok (just behind the Holiday Inn hotel) (T: 02-236-7045 / 02-266-6944). This is a traditional Thai restaurant, situated in a colonial style house. Food is fresh, plentiful and very reasonable. (March 2007)
Aldo's Mediterranean Bistro, The Cascade Club, (T:+66 (2) 676-6969). This is a signature restaurant that has both poolside seating and covered areas. The style is a Mediterranean fusion with some Asian influences. Food is impeccable and could not be faulted. Very highly recommended. (March 2007)
Cafe Ice, Soi Pipat2, Sathorn 8, Silom Road (T: 02 636 7373). This is a very interesting place if you want to mix local and international food at the same table. Its a small cosy place, very intimate just behind the Standard Chartered Building on the Sathorn road. Thanks to Igor for introducing this place! (March 2007)

Shangri-La Hotel, 89 Soi Wat Suanplu, Bangkok. (T:+66 (2) 236 7777). This place is really busy.. I must admit that it felt very short of my expectations of a Shangri-la. It didn't help that (a) they were packed to the gills with tour or conference people and (b) they have 2 separate hotel buildings and to navigate between the two, you have to take the hotel Tuk Tuk through a very potholey and smelly road [fishmongers I believe]. Anyway, a decent regular room place but would recommend trying elsewhere. (March 2007)

New Calypso Cabaret Show, Asia Hotel, Bangkok. This is a ladyboy cabaret show, very amusing and entertaining. There are not many such cabarets left in Bangkok apparently. A good laugh and good show. (last updated: March 2007)