Stay longer in Bangkok
For frequent visitors and those wanting an extended stay, consider the combined convenience of hotel and serviced apartment in a self-catering accommodation, writes Jade Tye
BANGKOK is a destination you wish you could stay longer or would welcome frequent visits. Judging by the full flights each time I head for the Thai capital, it remains a top draw for Malaysians. Its enticing combination of proximity, affordability, the all-important culinary delights and shopping pleasures, is hard to find elsewhere. The shopping never fails to amaze me and I am setting my sights on a new mega mall, IconSiam (anchored by Takashimaya and Paragon) to be unveiled this year on the east side of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi. In the meantime, innovative dining-lifestyle concept venues have sprung up on this side of the river, in the likes of the Jam Factory and other trendy eateries.
There is still a lot to discover in Bangkok, such as in Thonburi, lesser known and visited but very historical. Dating back to the Ayutthya period, neighbourhoods connected by canals still thrive and throb with history, colour and authentic eats.
Klapsons The River Residences is a good base for longer stays and frequent visitors for leisure and business. It combines the benefits of an upscale hotel (with daily housekeeping) and luxury apartment (fully-fitted kitchen). Well-situated on the edge of the Chao Phraya river, it lies diagonally across from Sathorn pier and walking distance from the site of IconSiam and Jam Factory.
The contemporary, sleek accommodation is plush and luxurious with an easygoing vibe. Italian designer William Sawaya has dappled cheerful, vibrant splashes against the dominant earthy shades of bronze and brown.
The premier deluxe one-bedroom unit I stay at on the 23rd floor has a commanding view of the river. With full length windows in the living area and bedroom, as well as a work desk facing the window, I am kept captivated by the river scene below.
The river by itself exudes a calming effect. But Klapsons makes my stay more restful with a pillow menu, offering seven options of microgel, duck feather, buckwheat, soba, latex, down feather and memory foam.
The kitchen is equipped with an electric stove, oven, toaster, family size refrigerator, microwave, cutlery, including dish washing liquid for good measure. The most handy facility is the washing machine-cum-dryer (unfortunately, washing powder is not included).
The very spacious bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower stall, stocked with lavish Chopard bath amenities and body lotion.
When I look across the river on the Bangkok side and see the traffic choked roads, I am glad to have the option of commuting by boat. Klapsons operates its own shuttle boat, which is air-conditioned, a rare feature from my observation of other luxury hotels’ open-air boats.
There are six saltwater swimming pools to indulge in amid a lovely garden setting, freshened up with aroma from betel plants (daun kaduk).
A 24-hour supermarket and cafe are conveniently located next door in Vue Lifestyle Mall, which also houses a couple of restaurants. On the main road are convenience shops, eateries, banks, money exchange kiosks, among others. About 200 metres away is SenaFest community mall, with a high-end supermarket and retail outlets.
In the absence of an onsite restaurant, the breakfast is a pared down meal, consisting of a sandwich or congee, four slices of bread, fruit, milk, juice and yogurt.
Klapsons has a promotion for long-stay guests as well as frequent visitors with rates working out to about RM380 per night in a one-bedroom unit and RM590 for a twobedroom unit.