Tea Time
 

My wife and I are heading to Bangkok in 2 weeks. One joy of traveling for my wife is a good afternoon tea. I understand the Oriental has a good tea at the Author's lounge. Has anyone tried this? How does it compare to others in quality and price (we are staying at the Shangri-La)? I also read that Jim Thompson's House has a tea; any thoughts?

the peninsula also has a nice tea in the afternoon....very english as i understand the oriental is...i think sh-la also does a tea but i do not remember from my stay there last year

The tea at the oriental is fabulous. I do it at least once every trip. It's in the author's lounge which exudes history. The Pen and Shangrila can't compare in terms of ambience. They could be anyplace. When you're in the author's lounge you know you're in Bangkok.

Thanks for the ideas. How much is tea at the Oriental? I also have heard that they have both an English tea and an "Oriental" tea. Has anyone tried the "Oriental"?

I've had both and I've also just ordered a scone and coffee or a couple of different items. T

Agree with glorialf. Just got back from Bangkok 3 weeks ago and had tea at both the Oriental and the Pen --- the Oriental is THE place for tea. If I recall, an English-style tea set (plently for 2) was around $30 US. Many options including ordering single items a la carte.

I have had tea at the Pen in BKK, HK, and Chicago. It is all very much the same. If you have had tea at another Pen and liked it, this will be very similar.

We also like having afternoon tea where ever we travel and we definitely liked the Author's Lounge at the Oriental the best. One of us ordered the english setting and the other ordered the Oriental setting so we could both share. The english setting was your typical scones and sandwiches (but of course the food was some of the best we have had at tea). The Oriental setting was extremely unique and interesting. It has been over a year, so I can't remember specifics, but I know we had fun with the Oriental setting. We were glad we had the traditional english setting too b/c the Oriental was fun and different, but the newness got a little old after you had tried 4-5 things. For the price, just get one of each! You will not be disappointed.

I agree. Do tea at the Oriental. I just stayed at the Oriental in Aug 2005. I didn't do tea,which is unusual since I'm I "do tea" person, but I was in the Author's Lounge and it was very nice. Happy Travels!

What is the "dress code" for afternoon tea at the BKK Oriental or Pen? I don't travel with clothing that you normally wear to an afternoon tea (dress, nice shoes, etc.). What can a traveler "get away with" and be seated/welcomed at these venues?

normal everyday attire is fine....not shorts or a bathing suit or t shirt...respectible clothing....slacks and top or skirt....sports shirt and slacks for guys....shoes...
nothing special ...

You don't have to dress up at the author's lounge. I wore slacks and tops and sandals.