Krung Thep is calling. Again. Time to flex the wings and travel to Bangkok. The airlines are increasing their flights to the Great City of Angels. Hop on one. 

In Bangkok, there is always something new to experience, whether its cuisine, shops, spas, clubs and, yes, hotels. You’ll be nodding in agreement if the city is marked as a favorite and frequently visited destination. 

When it comes to places to stay, chances are hotel hopping is a habit. That’s not surprising at all because Bangkok hotels are exciting as the city itself, and it multiplies as fast as the progression of the city. 

However, there is a handful, if not one, that you will gravitate back to. One that you developed a connection with, where you felt at ease, felt like it’s home. Which one is yours? 

Shangri-La Bangkok may just land on your list. 

As the globe emerges into a new era of travel and tourism with safety as one key factor, Shangri-La Bangkok is ready to welcome travelers. 

“Business and leisure travelers will be prioritizing hygiene. Our ‘Shangri-La Cares,’ the hotel brand’s effort to create a trusted and nurturing environment for our guests which was initiated during the early pandemic, will be followed through,” said Joanne Chung, Shangri-La Bangkok Director of Marketing. 

Here’s why you should stay in this hotel on your next trip to Bangkok. 

Are you up for an extraordinary experience? It starts with a smile and the wai, the traditional Thai greeting of a slight bow and palms pressed in prayer-like fashion. The moment you arrive, you feel the warmth of Thai hospitality at its finest. 

Classics endure the times. Since it opened in 1986, Shangri-La has become an iconic figure by the famed waterway of Bangkok. It’s an institution in Bangkok’s hospitality industry. 

“Our warm hospitality like coming home, the friendliness and services of the staff and being the largest hotel and longest riverfront landscape,” said Chung. 

As the largest hotel having the longest riverfront landscape, the Shangri-La Bangkok is a tropical paradise making the hotel a destination in itself. Imagine being in the middle of a bustling metropolis and finding a sanctuary set in verdant oasis where chirping birds and scurrying squirrels are part of the daily sights and sounds. It’s an instant departure from the rush and crowd of the city. Flanking the piece of Eden is the magnificent River of Kings that gleams under the sun and reflects the city lights at moonrise. 

Within the oasis are impressive facilities with the view of the river. It can wow any world traveler. Score points in the tennis courts or lift weights in the well-equipped fitness center, one of Bangkok’s largest, then dive into the cooling waters of the swimming pools; balance the chi with a therapeutic session at Chi Spa; and have a sumptuous meal in any of the indoor restaurants or in a traditional teak Thai pavilion, or perhaps dine al fresco at the riverside deck, the scene is romantic at night. 

The look of the tropics is brought into the hotel’s spacious lobby through its floor to ceiling windows. Along with the lush appointments of orchids in full bloom brings warmth, a homey feel, to the grand lobby. 

The warmth carries on to the corridors and onto the luxurious rooms and suites. The balcony is a plus. Catch the sunrise, the landscape of the modern metropolis, the extent of the Chao Phraya River and the expansive patch of greenery where the hotel is nestled. The melange creates a memorable “home away from home” experience. It’s a mix of traditional Thai style and modern comfort. 

Another plus for Shangri-La Bangkok is the accessibility it provides its guests. The hotel is a gateway to explore and discover The Big Mango. Attractions like the Grand Palace or Temple of Dawn to Asiatique and ICONSIAM, and more, traditional and modern Bangkok is within easy reach with the hotel’s direct access to the BTS SkyTrain, public ferries terminal and other modes of transportation. 

“Why stay with us? Along with the warmth of home, friendly staff and the unique amenities Shangri-La Bangkok offer, we have also refreshed and introduced our loyalty program – Shangri-La Circle, which enables members to do redemption points for stay or dine. Moreover, we can get our non-members to enroll as members to enjoy our 10% discount when booking a stay at any of our Shangri-La hotels globally,” shared Chung. 

Find your home by the Chao Phraya. Find it in Shangri-La Bangkok, where Thai tradition and warmth is imprinted in its soul. 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

For lifestyle stories, visit www.dduriandaily.com

Follow The Commuter and D’DurianDaily on Facebook & Instagram

Travel, spas, fabulous hotels and food (desserts!) are my indulgences. Bangkok is overflowing with all these. Food? Rough it up on the streets or dress up for a fancy restaurant. Spa? Day spas or the hotel spas, your pick. Hotels? There's a wide range from one to five stars. Whatever the budget is, there are several to choose from.

Twice a year for almost two decades, a visit to Bangkok allows me to immerse myself in these indulgences. After the borders opened and travel restrictions were eased, I was back in the Big Mango. My nest? The chic Le Meridien Bangkok nestled in the most happening and colorful sphere in the capital city— Silom. 

Le Meridien Bangkok is an award-winning, art-inspired, 5-star hotel that captures the essence of its address. Indulgent? Why not, we all need it after being cooped up indoors for more than two years. Its room key unlocks a most-comfortable and well appointed room with a panoramic view of the city skyline that’s most captivating at sunset. Fabulous hotel-check. Moreover, it also accesses two of my indulgences - food and spa, within the hotel. 

Tucked in the Lifestyle Floor on Level Six of Le Meridien Bangkok is the SPA by Le Meridien. The wellness center has won the hearts (and bodies) of spa devotees that it lands on lists of best spas in Bangkok, including Trip Advisor’s. That’s no surprise. Here’s why. 

The luxurious SPA offers a multi-sensory experience that embraces fluidity, a seamless connection of perceptions and events from start to finish. 

Calmness envelopes you as you enter through a pearly pathway with walls blanketed in white river rocks from floor to ceiling. The fluid path leads to the therapy rooms with light-colored wooden doors that open up to a circular therapy area that seem to float on air. The couples room, larger in size, is appointed with its own steam room, shower area and a bathtub. 

For therapies, Le Méridien Bangkok's SPA goes beyond traditional Thai massage. Their’s fuse deep healing and relaxation treatments. Think: personalized wellness experience, this is what the expert therapists will carry out. The effect? A new, rejuvenated you emerges from a cocoon. 

Le Meridien Bangkok’s restaurant, Latest Recipe, serves an amazing array of cuisine from across the globe, but I am marking Rolling Ribs Brew Bar & BBQ as a must-eat resto. 

It’s casual dining at this joint with a semi-outdoor setting that looks over Surawong Road. 

“Rolling Ribs Brew Bar & BBQ serves Memphis barbecue, famous for its pork variations,” shared Nuttinee Payungwong, the hotel’s marketing communications manager, adding, “We use a special kind of charcoal which gives the meats a distinct aroma.” 

If you want to dig into the mains and skip the starters and salads, go ahead. The menu lists several grilled meat choices including Thai style barbecue. Which comes recommended? All. The Combo Platter, All Star Plate is the best bet to sample the variety of meat dishes including half rack of smoked pork spare rib, slow smoked pulled pork shoulder, cured pork brisket, organic BBQ chicken, smoked sausages, plus five side dishes. It’s good for four, lesser if famished (like I was). 

To get that good old backyard BBQ feels, pair the fall off the bones tender and tasty meats with the craft beers. 

Leave room for dessert. Not to be missed is the peanut butter cheesecake. It can be a delightful surprise and the treat is mildly sweetened. 

Frenzied and fun. It’s a never ending exploration when visiting Bangkok. Whether it's the tuk-tuk or back riding on a motorbike, or taking the cooler and speedy option of the BTS Skyway Train or the MRT, or risk getting stuck in the notorious traffic on a cab or a private car, ticking the entries on street food, sites and shopping, must be checked. 

No matter how many times I visit the place, I can’t cover all the bases. Why? Because the list gets longer with the passing months. The dynamic city develops fast and there’s always something new cropping up. Like the two I mentioned above. 

For lifestyle stories, visit www.dduriandaily.com

Follow The Commuter and D’DurianDaily on Facebook & Instagram

Sunset. The breathtaking view of the Bangkok city skyline is captured from the corner deluxe room’s picture window. It frames sky-high modern buildings towering over gilded temples of old - a dynamic scene of the past and present coexisting as one. As twilight marks the end of a work day for the corporate world, the streets below turn on the multicolor neon lights to flood the district with excitement.

Exciting? Take it notches higher and stay in an award-winning, art-inspired, 5-star hotel that captures the essence of one of the most happening area, if not the most colorful, sphere in the heart of capital city - the Le Meridien Bangkok along Surawong Road, a key central business district artery alongside Silom and Sathorn. 

After undergoing a facelift recently, the refreshed Le Meridien Bangkok fuses playful sophistication and modern design with warm Thai hospitality. These are evident upon arrival. I-Jud, the giant white dog, extends a playful welcome to every arriving guest at the concourse. The smokey, art-tinted glass walls behind, although allowing a hazy impression of the interior, tickles the guests’ interest and entices them to explore what’s beyond. 

The fun reception extends indoors at the lobby and the Latitude Bar with more parading brightly colored I-Juds among other curated original artworks. From the inside, the same expansive glass panes that created intrigue to arriving guests present the lively Bangkok street life. While enjoying the view on this side of the window, relax and sip on an invigorating Illy espresso or latte while nibbling on a European pastry at Latitude 13° coffee shop. 

Sawasdee kah. A warm welcome, a speedy check in and I was in my “refreshed + recreated” room facing West on the high floors in no time. A plush sanctuary indeed, with an impressive view to match. A dynamic city as the artwork that’s captivating at day, at sunset and at night. 

There is much to discover and indulge in within the hotel, like the Lifestyle Floor. The outdoor pool overlooking the iconic Mahanakhon building is the perfect spot to cool down and work on a tan, or enjoy cocktails and bar chow on the deck at Plunge Bar while listening to modern tunes that can put you in the right mood. If indoor exercising is your thing then the Technogym-equipped fitness center is your spot. The floor-to-ceiling widescreen window panels connect you to the outdoors. Then there’s the world-class SPA, where seasoned therapists execute holistic treatments aimed at personalized wellness experience. 

What’s your food craving? Latest Recipe embraces global cuisines from French Provençal and Mediterranean to Asian, and one might just pick your palate. The restaurant is known for its lavish entrées, à la carte delicacies and its Sunday brunch menu. Rolling Ribs is all about authentic BBQ in a semi-outdoor setting. The casual restaurant serves fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy meats smoked to perfection. It pairs perfectly with the resto’s craft beers. Cheers! 

While your key grants your access to a uniquely Le Meridien Bangkok Chic, Culture + Discovery lifestyle, it also unlocks a world of experience beyond the hotel. 

“Attractive, fashionable, stylish. Our neighborhood is certainly colorful. The vibrant nightlife appeals across genders. Le Meridien Bangkok is steps from the vibrant Patpong Night Market, celebrated nightlife and Samyan Mitrtown,” shared Nuttinee Payungwong, Le Meridien Bangkok’s Marketing Communications Executive, adding that within the neighborhood are the Jim Thompson House, art galleries and Little Tokyo, the Wat Hua Lamphong, a Buddhist Royal Temple, and the Lumpini Park, referred to as Bangkok’s Central Park— all in walking distance. 

“Exploring farther, our guests can access a myriad of must-see spots in the city via the nearby Sala Daeng BTS and Sam Yan MRT stations,” shared Nuttinee, pointing out one of the conveniences of staying at Le Meridien Bangkok. 

After a long day in Silom and around the city, I rushed back to my plush sanctuary to catch the sun set over Bangkok's skyscrapers and gilded temples. After two long years of home confinement, you and I truly deserve to savor the good life. Why not do it at Le Méridien Bangkok? 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

Follow The Commuter on Facebook 

For lifestyle stories, visit dduriandaily.com

Bangkok? Again? But why? 

The food! 

After the two-year no-international-travel pandemic spell, celebrate! You may just have had enough of home cooking and food deliveries after a long period indoors. Aren't you yearning to dine outdoors, or better yet, dine in another country? My choice? Bangkok. It's just the best place to be.

Undoubtedly, Bangkok is a food haven, a melting pot of international flavors. Name it, they have it. You’ll probably say it’s HK or SG, but how far does your moolah go in these cities? In the Big Mango, it’s a long way. BKK has street food to fine dining, and the Michelin stars are showered all over shining brightly on recommended hole-in-the-wall eateries to silverware-laden tables by starred chefs offering savories and sugary fares from below 100Baht to several thousands. In this place, eating is an adventure. There’s something to discover each day. 

The hotels and malls are the most convenient places to go to if you want choices. In hotels, a foodie can hop from one cuisine to another in a single stop. It’s a culinary trip from Thailand to Italy, from India to Japan, and elsewhere. The food trip’s “fare” varies per establishment with the established ones a bit costly, but it’s worth every baht. You might chance upon the foie gras on scallops on the buffet of Next2 Cafe at Shangri-La Bangkok or the Phad Thai omelette, a breakfast specialty at Latest Recipe of Le Meridien Bangkok. The gelatos are also divine in these places. 

Meanwhile at the food courts and specialty restaurants in the mall giants like Siam Paragon, Central World, Icon Siam, Em Quartier and others, there is a variety of cuisine offerings with cost that’s easy on the pocket. All year round, these malls feature cuisines in pop-up kitchens both indoors and outdoors, the latter serving as an alternative to the street food fare. 

And street food is one of the ingredients of Thailand’s popularity. Day in and out the entrepreneurial spirit of the locals is alive. Carts are pushed to positions, each serving a particular dish—from fruits to savories, steamed to fried. It’s a 24/7 sight across the city. 

Eateries may not be open around-the-clock but during peak hours, each gets its share of diners. Where the locals form a long queue, it means the food is good. That's the best advertising for the place. It won’t take long until Michelin takes notice, visits, samples and gives its stamp of approval— the Michelin Bib Gourmand, a recognition awarded to restaurants that offer stellar food at an affordable price. There are 64 marked across Bangkok, which includes both the street-side joints and fancier ones. 

And when you fancy the “fancy” on which the Michelin Stars shine upon, Bangkok has no shortage of it. There are 24 with 1 Star and six with 2 Stars, including Le Normandie, Suhring Mezzaluna, with Jay Fai seemingly the most popular with the general public. To reach for them would mean to reach deeper into the pocket. But that depends on one’s disposable income, or for gourmands, money is not an object. 

Jai Fai may be the most affordable on the starred list, however, there are superstar chefs kind enough to have their gastronomic delights more accessible for many foodies. German twins Thomas & Mathias Suhring with Indian Gaggan Anand opened CDGre, a lifestyle coffee shop and restaurant in Siam Paragon. Who’s following next? Let’s wait and see. 

Food, like art, is subjective. In Bangkok, there’s a multitude of offerings that will catch one’s fancy. If you ask me, a short food trip to Bangkok never works. Stay longer, or keep returning, and dive into the food scene! 

Now is the best time to head to Bangkok. The city does not have the usual crowd of visitors— yet, though tourists are starting to arrive. What is normally a snaking line at the immigrations is now a handful of visitors per officer. You zip by for the entry stamp. That’s more time to dive into the food spread that awaits you in the city center. 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

Follow The Commuter on Facebook 

For lifestyle stories, visit dduriandaily.com

Vaccines available, travel restrictions easing and the virus to be treated as endemic soon, it’s the green light we will all be waiting for. It’s time to move forward. After being cooped up for a long period, what will your big leap be? 

Businesses are eager to open their doors wide open— restaurants want to serve full capacity, entertainment centers want to reopen, the hospitality industry wants to operate in full force, tourism spots want to welcome back its visitors, schools want to fill its classrooms with students once more. 

Just as the airlines are hungry to fill up its fleet of wide-body aircrafts with passengers, the travelers are itching to hop on one to a destination they missed most. Perhaps more than shopping, which was accessible online in the course of the pandemic, it’s traveling that most people miss most. The itch needs a good scratching. As soon as traveling becomes hassle-free, globetrotters will leap and soar to where their heart desires. 

Where will I head first? Japan is on top of my list. The ramen and the desserts, the politeness of the people, the Cherry Blossom, the cool weather, the well-preserved old world architecture against the modern backdrop, nature highlighted on a pedestal, small streets waiting to be explored, the bullet train ride to another prefecture. Of course, the Sakura gives away the time of year I want to visit. Are they welcoming back tourists at the end of March? Most importantly, will they be granting tourists visas soon? 

I asked world wanderers on social media what the first post-pandemic destination will be. The place would register quickly for sure. From the 50 respondents, guess which countries scored highest? 

Japan ranked first with 15 points. The Japanese Consular Office in Davao will be happy to know this and pitch it to ANA to make the Davao-Tokyo direct flights happen. 

Unanimously, the top three reasons for the visit (and revisit) are 1. Food; 2. Culture; and 3. Nature & the sights. While there are those who dream to tick Japan off the bucket list, those who did have fallen in love with the Land of the Rising Sun. Yes, Japan can be pretty addictive. I can attest to it. 

“I had always been enamored with Japan and its fascinating food scene and culture,” shared Ken Ong. 

The USA came in second with 11 points. While the US is an ideal destination for the brood for its theme parks and shopping, family is the main reason for travel to the US this time. After years apart, many long for reuniting with loved ones. 

“I want to give my son a big hug,” shared Chari Gavino, who hasn’t been with his son for three years. 

South Korea is on the third spot with seven points, and you may have an idea why. The long lockdown period has viewers glued to Netflix and its myriad of K-dramas. It was an escape from the dreadful situation outdoors. 

And not to forget the BTS, who melted hearts like butter with their baby faces, fashion, smooth dance moves and melodic tunes. Travelers get the permission to dance their way to Seoul, live out K-drama scenarios in palaces, feast on authentic Korean cuisine and if lucky enough, have a selfie with a favorite boy band member. 

“I’ve indulged in so many K-dramas and BTS concerts during the pandemic so I want to cap it off with authentic kimchi, Samgyup and some Soju. Borahae!”, Bunny Sy exclaimed. 

Clearly, women dominated this destination for the reasons given above. For the men on the list, the food and weather were the primary reasons. “I want to relax in a cold place like Korea and see beautiful views. This covid is too much of a bad experience,” said Anthony Ang. 

The fourth placer is not just one country. With 4 points, these travelers want their pandemic-aborted European tour to happen soon. Deprived of travel for a long period, they might as well see as many countries as they can in one go, they said. It makes sense. 

Number five is Spain with three points. The reasons are varied- to see family, anniversary destination and fascination for the place and wanting to see it for the first time. 

Thailand and Hong Kong tied for the sixth spot. The former being culturally rich and gastronomically exciting, and the latter for its proximity and familiarity, and the thrilling big city vibe compacted in the small area. 

Votes came in for Vietnam, Taipei, UK, the Holy Land, Switzerland, even Iceland. 

Dream it, claim it. The Universe is very generous. All you have to do is ask. 

Now ready for boarding…. 

Follow D’ Durian Daily on Facebook 

For more lifestyle stories, visit dduriandaily.com 

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com