Too many restuarants not enough time....
 

Ok so i have already gotten so much good advice off people here and now have too many choices re evenings out..
I have 3 evenings in BKK 2 at the beginning 1 at the end.
My 2nd evening is at Sala rim naam (i know touristy but i am a tourist)

SO i fancy Bed (bf isnt so keen), the thai restuarant at Face Bar (after reading carols review) Supatra river house, Baan Kathani(sp?) primarily i want Thai as i eat LOTS of european at home (been as i live in the UK) and i LOVE thai food. Would like somewhere magical and very Thai for our last evening (which will be a saturday...)

Any suggestions or fors and against (also can you let me know if you think i should book ahead)

Thanks everyone for the great advice already received and hopefully some help on this.
Jane

I was completely underwhelmed by Baan Kathani.

for your last nite i would suggest the thai restaurant at the peninsula hotel...set meals for 2...delicious...varried offerings...they also have a la carte..great setting...res necessary...

Thalaythip is the restaurant name....

for a less fancy place tongue thai near the oriental and OP Place

or gallery cafe near the sheraton orchid....

or thanying in back of the holiday inn silom...

le delat indochine on soi 23, sukhumvit would also make a very nice last nite's dinner...vietamese...

Considering you have so few nights, I think Gallery Cafe is pretty ordinary and I agree with Gloria that the food at Baan Kanitha is mediocre though the setting is lovely. I'm anxious to try Face and the Thai restaurant at the Peninsula, which everyone says are great. Anyone have any opinions on Supatra River House? I've hear or read mixed reviews.

Bob we will be staying at the pen for our last night so maybe your suggestion would be perfect!!! although been as we do have so little time in BK want to get out and about!!! Oh i don't know what to do(also want to REALLY impress my BF with BK he has never been and i want this to be the first trip of many as i LOVE SE Asia and loved BK last time)

OK anyone been to Face and Bed which one for setting, feeling like you are in Bk etc etc
Any advances on supatra river house? am also now liking the idea of delat indochine ARGHHH to many wonderful places. Maybe i should cancel Krabi and spend it all in BKK!!!

As ever really appreciate all your great advice.
Jane

If you want "magical" for your last night I would make sure that the restaurant is on the river. The restaurant at ROS or the Pen or the buffet or Lord Jim at Oriental.

Nothing equals the magic of the river at night. You'll remember it long after you've forgotten the food.

Oh and if you do that (stick to the river) you begin your evening at the State Bar and end it listening to jazz at the Bamboo Bar.

Similar "dilemma": I've currently got a reservation for Bed (for our one and only (Friday) night in Bangkok), but still torn between that and the Thai restaurant at the Peninsula, where we are staying. I'm a little worried the food at Bed might be a bit too, um, "exotic", for my tastes. Planning to do Sky Bar afterwards, either way.

Gloria great idea although may do Bar in State tower first night go for dinner (maybe face) and finish the night at the bamboo bar.... sounds like a very civilised way to start our holiday....

See i hadn't even thought of Lord Jim and we both LOVE duck....ok so now i need to check this out...


Anyone been to the Bar at the top of the Bayoike towers(sp?)
X

Lord Jim is seafood. The great Peking Duck is in China House in the Oriental. It's actually my favorite restaurant in bangkok but it does not have river views.

glorialf, the lounge bar at the sha la with jazz, is also fantastic, with the river view. i haven't been to alot of places, but the sha la and bamboo bar are my top two number one(make sense?)

When it comes to late night activity I'm lazy -- I like the fact that the Banboo Bar is in my hotel so I don't need to think about purses, money, cabs etc. And if one of us gets tired earlier it's easy for the other person to stay.

If you want to feel like you are in Bangkok, go to Face. If you want an experience that, to me, is unknown anywhere else, go to Bed Supper Club.

(I'm back home, safe and sound now btw)

Carol

welcome home, carol. always nice to come home, but bet you miss bangkok already. thanks for all the good tips.

btw, did you guys have the garlic shrimp at brunswick?

Hi Jane, having similar problems as you, although we are in a BBK 2 nights longer. I still have 2 nights to decide upon - feel like I need another week to try all the places that I want to. I have booked so far - Bed, Mango Tree (near to hotel for 1st night and can have a look around Patpong) and Mahanaga. So where for the last 2 - Face and then either LE DALAT INDOCHINE
or somewhere near the river for our last night. We are staying at the shrangla so guess it would be nice to spend the night by river dining?

When do you go?

We are off tomorrow, leaving LHR at 9.30pm and can't wait now.

Patesy we go mid Nov and have been organising this to death (maybe to much research is going on cause my head is spining)
Will you do a trip report when you get back? and let us know how you got on with the restuarants etc.
You are flying same time as us, we are flying Eva PL. If you happen to be flying with them will you let me know how you get on?

Have a BRILLIANT time.

Thanks every one for your suggestions, nice to hear your back safe and sound Carol. As i said really enjoyed your reports. (enjoy your meet in Boston sounds like great fun)
Jane
x

Jane like you I been constantly researching since booking - I shall miss the researching when we get back.

We are flying with Thai airways. I have decided not to book the last 2 nights and see how we feel on the day - of course I will have all the notes and phone numbers on each and hey hubby may be able to pick where we go, lol. Just so we aren't totally following a plan.

Where else are you visiting? We are going to Laos and Koh Sumui (for a chill).

I will be happy to let you know how we get on.

Patseyx

kuranosuke
No, I did not try the garlic shrimp at the Brunswick. Next time...

Carol

Patsey-- I always find the research almost as much fun as the trip itself so I find I'm always doing it, Returning to this forum even if a trip isn't iminent helps a lot.

Patesy

Our itinerary is as follows
2 nights BK
3 Nights Chiang Mai
3 nights Singapore
5 nights Krabi - RELAX
1 night BK
So excited.....

Have a fab time can't wait to read all about it

Jane

patsey, i recommend de dalat indochine. click on my name, and read about my fantastic experience in meeting the owner, madame hoally. i would go back in nov., however, as the title of this thread suggests.......

I second that Gloria.. i love the research and i "lurk"on these forums too, to pick up tips for mext time (mind you when i get back i will be planning my next trip....)

bed could be anyplace in a major city...it is unique...nothing "bkk" about it really...and the food is not exotic...it is normal western well prepared and served food...

the penn thai place is delicious...we found it to be different than the normal thai food we order so that was fun...it is well presented and very tasty...

lord jim is an excellent take...if it were not on the river and at the oriental it too could be in any major hotel around the world... imo

when you go to state building bar you want it to be dark or getting dark i think...it would be nice either before or after dinner...sirrocco rest. looks nice but i think you are paying for being way up there and the prices are huge...

Yes i sort of figured the prices would be huge although i am use to UK prices although will still prepare myself.... think we will aim to get there around 6.30.. maybe see the sunset have a couple of cocktails and then wonder over(well get a cab) to Sukhmvit (sp?) any areas Bob you can reccommend that are good for wondering b4 dinner? (want to show my BF BK but NOT too much of BK if you know what i mean? (Think am settled on Face for our first night, the website really does make it look fab and Carol really did give it a glowing reference.)
Showed my bf Bed supperclub and he was not impressed... although i am curious but maybe another time!!

Just curious... what does BF have against Bed Supper Club? It really is a unique experience, and the food is marvelous! When we were there a little over a week, ago, the "entertainment" was a "mechanic" who "worked" on a car with no motor that was parked in the middle of the restaurant. The guy interacted with diners, and you could climb into his "car" for photo ops. It really was great "entertainment!!!"

Carol

probably the nicest place to walk on the way to sukhumvit would be along certain sections of silom road where there are many stalls set up...patpong is along there however....maybe too much for the BF...you could then take a taxi the rest of the way to face...have your hotel write the exact directions to face for the taxi driver...or just tell him soi 38...rest is on the left if you are coming from sukhumvit rd...down a ways...

Carol
BF says and i quote " i hate eating in bed at home so why would i want to do it in public?" to be honest if i REALLY wanted to go he probably would.
MAybe we should check it out and then if we like it we can book for our last night...
Bob i have been to Patpong b4 and wasn't loving it although i realise its part of the makeup of BK and was kind of fascinated at the same time. Anywhere else like that but "softer" (only to wander through do not want to go into any of the gogo bars etc) i read about nana and cowboy soi would they be options, in your opinion

BF really needs to convinced to try the Bed. It's such great food, and so unique. Ya' gotta get him there!!

I stay on Nana (soi 4) at Omni Towers and walk down the soi all the time, at all hours, and often by myself. You would be safe walking through there, if you want to do that.

Have you heard of soi zero? That's another one of those "only in BKK" places. I've not been down the soi but have passed by many times. I guess it is lined with bars also. Soi cowboy is another one I've heard of but not seen.

Carol

Carol
Was just thinking am in danger of overdosing him on Thai food ( see i LOVE it) but maybe some variation.. hence the reason for BED!! especially if the food is good.... would it make a good first night venue? or last? although am keen to eat on the river OH i don't know my head is spinning..
Ok last question on this subject Can i leave Bed and Face until i get to BKK and just turn up? that way we can decide on the day and see what "food mood we are in OR are bookings for both essential???
Last one (honest?/) which soi should i take BF to for a wonder and get that "only in BK flavour" ?? Patpong, Nana???? i mean he has to see it i guess (he isnt a prude or anything but i just dont want to go where its REALLY sleazy.... and obviously only want to wonder through and then go to some NICE bars)
As ever really value your advice
Jane
X

smeagol

In mid-Nov you should not have trouble getting the restaurant reservations when you get there, I think. It is not yet peak season. We nearly always make reservations the day of, and have not had a problem (yet).

Sky Bar at State Tower is a nice mix with Bed Supper Club for one evening. I'm not sure if I'd make it the first or last night though. That's up to you and how you are feeling at the time (jetlag and all). Both Sky Bar and Bed are unique and more "upscale" than wandering through Nana or Soi Cowboy.

It might work out to combine a Nana visit with dinner at Face. If you do select Nana (soi 4) for your walk-through, you might want to stop at SIN, a nicer (not sleazy) 3rd floor rooftop bar just behind Raja hotel. You enter at the Ball in Hand pool hall stairway, located in an alley between soi 4 and soi 2. There is a big sign for SIN on soi 4 so you should not have trouble finding it.

Also, the new Majestic Grand hotel is at the soi 2 end of that same alley. I am sure there would also be a nice bar in the Majestic Grand, too, as they have at least two nice "better" restaurants.

Carol

Carol

Thanks for the advice. Think i am going to wing it and see how we feel when we get there as i am in danger of planning this to death and want there to be room for well whatever we feel like. So will take all the suggestions with me (will most likey have a wander round Nana etc and then go over to Face and see what they have or get the Oriental to call ahead.
I think i am just going to have to go back to BKK to fit all the fabby places in (don't even get me started on the great shopping i will miss...) next time i will do at least 5 days in BK

soi cowboy would also work when you went to face...it is near to soi 23 sukhumvit and face is on soi 38...they are on opposite sides of sukhumvit but it is doable....soi cowboy is a short block with bars each side...go as late as you can after dinner...i suggested silom for before dinner...

i think you would love bed...it is unique and the food is excellent...he would get over it quickly...i would not plan to go there without a reservation however, but it might be ok...would you consider biscotti for your last nite....it is in the 4 seasons hotel and is italian and excellent...???
you could go to face without a reservation but the nite we went to the indian part it was full and that was june---way off season...you can always chance it with no reservation in either place...

Does anyone know the web site for Face?
Thanks.

Website is www.facebars.com

Bob I love Italian also but we live opposite an excellent one (in middle england!!) so eat it quite alot. However i think i may have said we may be a bit thai food out by the end of the hols so it will be in my top 5 list as i know you and plenty of others recommend it
Think i really am settled on face just not sure about the other night...Will definately do as you suggested Sky bar, Silom, Lan na Thai and then Soi cowboy all within the first few hours of being in BK!!!! (here's hoping we sleep on the plane)
So my other choices are:
Bed
Lord Jims
Thai in Pen (one you suggested)
Biscotti
Le Delat indochine!!!!!

This is making my head hurt.... and i haven't even THOUGHT about restuarants in CM yet well except maybe the Antique House was hoping Gloria or someone could give me opinions on that... have you been?
(really i just LOVE all the planning, what will i do with my time when i get back......)

When do you next go to Thailand?
Jane

I would chose between the following:
Bed-- for unique experience and great food
Lord Jim -- for glamorous and gorgeous restaurant with great river views and wonderful food -- mostly seafood.
Thai restaurant at the Pen -- can't give first hand opinion

I'd say Biscotti doesn't compare to the above in terms of being magical or feeling like you are in thailand and Dalat seems to get very mixed reviews.

I have just had a VERY radical idea... maybe i could get the BF to choose.... after all i have researched, bargained, booked and paid for this holiday... not to mention all the hours spent on the internet (although i do love doing it) maybe he should be allowed one decision!! (i think he will go for Lord Jim.... )

Gloria have you been to the Antique House in Chiang Mai?

Smeago-- good idea to give bf the one decision to make as long as you only give him options that you want. Lord Jim is wonderful but make sure you ask for a window table. Also if you like sushi there is a fabulous (according to my friend -- I don't eat it) sushi bar as part of it. And you can go to the Bamboo Bar after.

I have eaten at Antique House and liked it. The restaurant I really don't like that people rave about in Chiang Mai is the Gallery. Worst service I've ever had anywhere in thailand and at best mediocre food.

Gloria you have so got the measure of me... will of course only give him pre approved choices (LOL)

Will try Antiques House then, i did read some unfavorable reviews about The gallery so i think i will give it a miss.

Thanks again for your great advice

Jane

we have a couple of decent meals at the gallery, but it is not fancy or interesting at all...

you will not be unhappy with lord jim, but other than the setting i think you could be anyplace, quite honestly...food is excellent...

tongue thai is very good but not fancy...thai at penn is unique...

bed is a must...go without him!!! not any fun...

how old are you? that may make a difference....bed is geared for the 20-40 age group...we are 61 nd loved it, although i thought i would hate it...food was some of the best i have ever had anyplace...

biscotti is very nice but not thai in any way....just delicous western fare...

gourmet gallery we like too off of soi 39...we go there to readjust our stomachs planning for the 25+ hour flight the next day....

i think i liked face indian better than the thai, but i did not have thai dinner, just lunch...

jesters in the penn is also a good choice...very hip and different with great food...

try harmonique as well if you have time...closed on sundays...

liu for dim sum lunch at the conrad on wireless is fantastic...i can't seem to get people interested in it however...

i saw nothing wrong with the VN food at le delat indochine...beautifully presented as well...some of the most dramatic i have seen...and good tasting..