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PATCHARAVIPA BODIRATNANGKURA SPILLS HER BANGKOK SECRETS
An insider’s view of Bangkok from designer Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura
in the glittering world of contemporary jewellery, the name Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura is big. Trained at Central St Martins and with her work stocked at Dover Street Market, the Thai designer is known for her bold, spontaneous aesthetic and jewels that feel fresh and forward-looking. We caught five minutes to get the lowdown on her home town, Thailand’s iconic capital, Bangkok.
First thing’s first – where should we
stay? Try the Park Hyatt Hotel by Yabu Pushelberg at the Central Embassy mall (hyatt.com). I’m always checking in for staycations as it’s close to my shop.
We’re into local dishes. Where’s
Bangkok’s best som tam? Head to Thai Lao Yeh restaurant at the Cabochon Hotel on Sukhumvit 45 Alley (cabochonhotel.com). The dishes are inspired by Thailand’s northeastern Isan region, and blend together Thai and Lao cooking.
The future of Thai gastronomy? Baan Tepa Culinary Space, an urban kitchengarden restaurant by my friend Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam (baantepabkk.com). It’s quintessentially Thai, but not too rich. Many of the ingredients a resourced from the garden.
Sip a cocktail or two at? I love Q&A bar on Soi Sukhumvit 21 (qnabar.com). I just order a simple Punt e Mes on the rocks.
Your street food secret? It’s probably not much of a secret, but Wattana Panich’s beef noodles are a Bangkok street food institution. You will find them on Ekkamai Road in an unassuming store.
Shop like a local at? In the Old Town on Soi Charoenkrung 36, design store Atta Gallery deals in contemporary art jewellery, vintage pieces and celadon ceramics (attagallery.com).
The new Bangkok label to know? Visit fashion designer Shone Puipia’s showroom on Soi Suan Plu 3 (shonepuipia.com). I love his details and use of textiles, especially the Thai silks. He has great vision, and stays true to Thai tradition, despite his modernity.
Where can we get one of your pieces?
Find me at the Patcharavipa flagship store, in the Bhakdi building on Wireless Road (patcharavipa.com). The boutique was designed in collaboration with French interior-architects Ciguë.
Best trip out of town? For an archetypal Thai experience, visit the floating market at Amphawa, about an hour and a half from Bangkok. It’s on a canal of the Mae Klong river and is packed with street food stalls, fresh produce and souvenirs.
Don’t leave without visiting? In the heart of Bangkok on Witthayu Road is my family’s historic home, Nai Lert Park (nailertgroup.com). It’s a little oasis in the busy city, where visitors can stroll through the gardens, see ancient Thai trees and visit the eateries, including the Ma Maison restaurant, which offers a taste of my greatgrandmother’s special, traditional recipes.