What do you think will happen when four power girls decide to come and visit you in Bangkok?
That’s what I found out in February. They swept in like a whirlwind. Two of them had lived in Bangkok before and the other two had been visiting several times.
I knew it was going to be two very hectic weeks, as I was sent a whole Excel spreadsheet in advance with all the excursions, restaurants, malls etc. that had to be fitted into those two weeks.
I couldn’t resist sending the question back, will there be any time for sleep or something spontaneous?
The answer came rapidly;” We’ll see.”
I was very curious to see how five of us would get along for two weeks living under the same roof, very close to each other, sharing bathrooms and much more.
Even if we all are independent women and used to our own walls, it went surprisingly well. There were lots of great discussions and much laughter.
So, what did we do?
One of the first days we went to TRIBE. If you are not familiar with TRIBE, I can tell you, it’s kind of a unique beach club on the fifth floor in a shopping mall called Em Sphere, located near Phrom Phong.
Which city in the world can proudly boast a beach club inside a shopping mall?
Here our wonderful friend, who was also creator of the extensive Excel spreadsheet, had already booked us in.
We were warmly greeted by the manager and showed to our big sofas by the edge of the pool. Here the view is great, behind the pool bar you can see the Sky trains rushing by and part of the skyline.
As it was close to lunchtime, we immediately asked to see the menu, not to forget the wine list.
One of us ordered the snacks and then it came to wine, we all said; “Please, bring us Prosecco and a bottle of Rose wine”. The service was quick and soon we toasted each other with Prosecco and wine, while we cheerfully munched on French fries with mayonnaise or ketchup, as well as delicious beetroot chips.
I don’t even dare mention how many bottles were consumed, but by the time we left TRIBE we had clearly been elevated to VIP status.
Another day, we decided to discover, one to me, less known area, Song Wat.
Here you will find small coffee roasters to very cool murals, charming restaurants, small boutiques, a beautiful mosque and much more. Song Wat Road is one of the oldest and shortest streets in Bangkok, well worth a visit. The road is historic in the Sampanthawong District.
None of us could resist trying a cup of coffee in one of the coffee shops.
Another place we all enjoyed a lot is the Shanghai Mansion in China Town. This is a typical Chinese hotel with beautiful décor and believe it or not, the rooms have no windows. Here we ordered their dumplings and of course, bottles of rose wine for a late lunch. This hotel offers live music on the terrace where you can sit and watch the bustling street, never a dull minute.
Before we left, we asked if it was possible to have a look at one of their rooms, but unfortunately for us and fortunate for the hotel, all the rooms were occupied.
Another highlight was when we took a two hour boat tour organized by Hidden Bangkok. I already knew about this boat trip, but it’s actually worth doing more than once. We entered the boat carrying Prosecco, Chips and plastic glasses, we are always well-prepared ladies.
The long tail boat took us along some of the canals, passing the enormous golden Buddha, stopping at a place where one can buy art, vintage things etc. have something to drink or just look around. On our way, we could wave to the lazy, big monitor lizards lying lazily in the sun along the canals.
Just as our boat trip ended, the heavens opened and rain came pouring down. We had a restaurant booking quite a distance away and were already soaked by the time we managed to find a taxi.
During the two weeks we managed to try out several restaurants, from exclusive ones, to more or less “Holes in the wall”. I was very surprised that, after twenty-one years in Bangkok, not having discovered the restaurant KRUA KHUN PUK on Sukhumvit, very close to my home. I can’t even count how many times I have passed it, always seen lots of people waiting for a table and even queuing on the street for a table. Here we had both lunch and dinner.
Basic, great Thai food, efficient service and we were served on real porcelain. The prices are low compared to similar restaurants. I didn’t think it would be possible to reserve a table, but it was. This was a very positive surprise to me and if you still haven’t tried it, go ahead. It took me far too long time to try it.
My friends disappeared shortly to Koh Samet, but I couldn’t join them. I think I must be the only one, living here for so many years and haven’t paid a visit to Koh Samet. One day, hopefully…..
When only two of the power girls were left, we dined at Gigi Dining Hall & Bar on Sukhumvit 45. Here you can enjoy a unique combination of Italian food and a lively bar experience.
It says that Gigi-Dining Hall & Bar was founded with a vision to offer a place where people can enjoy delicious Italian food and beverages in an inviting atmosphere.
In my opinion it has become a very successful project. In the bar you can enjoy the famous Iron Ball’s gin among many other tasty cocktails. The DJ plays songs you both know and are not familiar with, a good mixture.
Of course, we did a lot of other things too and we managed to have, at least, one dinner home.
People usually say “the more cooks, the worse the soup”, but that wasn’t the case for us. We helped each other prepare salmon fillets on a bed of spinach in the oven, and one of us made the most amazing salad where every ingredient was cut into exactly the same tiny size-that certainly wasn’t me.
A delightful evening together.
Everything comes to an end, and so did our weeks together. When, close to the middle of the night, I waved goodbye to the last of my dear friends, it suddenly became so quiet, and the twenty pairs of shoes I had been tripping over in the hallway were gone.
To you, my dear friends-come back soon, you enrich my life and I get to see parts of Bangkok I totally have forgotten!
