Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
BUSY IN BANGKOK
Cultural treasures, shopping highlights and leisure hotspots are easy to find in Asia’s City of Angels
Cultural treasures, shopping highlights and leisure hotspots in the Thai capital
3 DUSIT PALACE
To the north of the Grand Palace on Ratchawithi Road, the Dusit Palace was built at the turn of the 20th century to be the new residence of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Having just toured Europe and been impressed by its palaces, with their broad boulevards and large parklands, he ordered some of its mansions and throne halls to show European influences, like the Renaissancestyle Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Probably the main attraction is Vimanmek Mansion, the largest teak house in the world, now a museum dedicated to Rama V, with porcelain, glassware, old photographs and memorabilia from that era. Access via Chao Phraya riverboat pier Thewes (N15).
4 ASIATIQUE
The latest must-visit market in Bangkok, Asiatique
8 PENTHOUSE BAR & GRILL, PARK HYATT BANGKOK
When it opens on May 12 in the top 24 floors of the Central Embassy building, the city’s latest luxury hotel is bound to be an instant must-visit social, dining and entertainment venue for both the Thai elite and wealthy visitors. Designed by award-winning New York firm Yabu Pushelberg, its signature drinking and dining hotspot is the Penthouse Bar & Grill on the uppermost 34th, 35th and 36th floors. Conceived as the fictional penthouse of a well-travelled British-Thai collector of fine art and vintage motor-racing relics, you can relax with an aperitif in the atmospheric speakeasy, enjoy a fine meal in the international grill restaurant, or head for the rooftop bar to soak up the panoramic city views, cocktail in hand. Access via Ploen Chit BTS Station.