Oh, Thailand. When this year started, I had no idea I would be able to meet you for the first time. A spontaneous invitation to stay in one of Bangkok’s most glam hotels had it that I packed my bag for five days in Bangkok this spring. Once there, I was constantly trying to deal with an absolute overflow of endorphines and whatever falling in love instantly can be described with. I didn’t know what to expect from Bangkok, my schedule was too filled to leave serious time for daydreaming in the weeks before, but the days in Bangkok really made me fall in love with this planet all over again. In fact, I’m already looking at possibilities to stay in Asia for a little bit longer, like does frequently.
The Avani Riverside
hotel belongs to the Minor Hotel Group and invited me on this trip. It also has one of the most picturesque terraces and a dream of an infinity pool. It’s located right by the river and has that feel of an oasis in the middle of an incredibly bustling and crazy city. Bangkok’s rooftops are a real thing and I can well imagine why. You just never know where to look, there’s something new to discover each time of the day.
The Riverside has 248 rooms and suites, each of them has a, you guessed it, view on the river. There is a great gym, a spa (more on that later) and a variety of different restaurants and bars. Its river location means it’s an easy thing to take the ferry to downtown or go on one special Guru tour which the hotel organizes.
The restaurants
It’s all about the food in Asia. is the destination for fine dining. You can book a table there without staying at the Avani. The dishes there are full of innovation and colours, much like Bangkok itself – all while having the perfect view on the Chao Phraya River. No better place for a sunset, I promise. Also make sure to check out their website for DJ sets by the pool.
The Skyline restaurant is where breakfast and lunch happens, but of course you an dine there too. The seafood buffet is to die for and although as a European it takes a while (a day!) to get used to having fish for breakfast, it’s quite the nice addition to porridge and fruits.
Spa time
Although being a travel blogger also means regularly getting on long-distance flight, that’s something I hate! I never in my life had a relaxing flight, hence when I turned up at the Avani, my body felt like a wreck. I was super excited to learn that my first appointment of the day would be a massage that was exactly tailored to my needs. Upon meeting my masseur, I filled out a form that helped us determine what kind of massage my body craved. I ended up with the with medium pressure. And look at that, within an hour my skin suddenly started glowing, my back pain was gone and I was ready to hit the Bangkok for the first time. I have no idea what you guys did there but it was the most on-point treatment I’ve had in a while.
Klong Guru & Streetwise Guru Tour
One amazing you can book during your stay at Avani are the Klong Guru boat tour alongside the Chao Phraya River and its canals AND the Streetwise Tour for a more urban approach. We combined both tours in one trip on the second day because it was too rainy when we all arrived. Taking the boat turned out to be my favourite way of commuting: how else would you see beautiful temples, traditional wooden canal homes and local eateries within five minutes? The tour includes several pit stops, one is Wat Ratcha Orot, a temple famous for its Thai-Chainese artchitecture.
The markets
Diving into Bangkok’s markets was hands down my favourite experience: exploring the incredible flower market, the Bangrak market with all Thai fruits and spices you could possibly think of (I brought as many home to Berlin as my feet could carry!) and the Chines Sampeng market. Another highlight has been the Artist’s House and the Khlong Bang Luang floating market. You can do souvenir shopping (I got a beautiful dress), eat fantastic Pad Thai and see locals go about their daily business. Also an absolute must: watch people feed fish for luck near the temple Wat Pak Num Pasi Chareon… or try it our yourself.
The Jam Factory & Chatuchak Market
Before catching my flight back home to Berlin, I had some time left to check out two more destinations in Bangkok. A particularly interesting and unexpected place I encountered has been the with its interior concept store and a great coffee shop turned book store. They also host regular exhibitions and I happened to arrive there just in time for a food festival. Admittedly, it has a certain European-expat flavour to it, but I guess that’s a part of Bangkok too.
My time in Thailand went by so incredibly fast, I had to look at my camera roll several times to realise just how much I’ve been able to see and taste whilst there. That’s why this is by no means a full-blown guide but merely an introduction, a little taste to the city that left me speechless so many times. I will definitely come back with way more time on my hands and cannot wait to tell you more about the adventures.
Have you guys been to Bangkok? What have been your favourite destinations? Would love to hear all about them below!
Disclaimer: Caroline was invited on this press trip by the
. All views are her own.
