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WHEN I first arrived in Bahrain I was quickly taken under the wing of an Australian family who regularly frequented the Dilmun Club. They were very warm and welcoming, the husband was on the club’s committee and his good lady appeared to run all the children’s activities and, surprisingly, one of the first things they mentioned was Thailand.
It was their favourite holiday destination and they went every year and loved it. Only now, since they have returned to Down Under, do I appreciate their sound advice and suggestion for a superb vacation destination from the Gulf.
The Szecowka family recently took its second trip to Thailand, formerly known as Siam. It is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia, bordered to the north by Burma, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea.
And, it’s clear what the attractions are for expat families and locals alike. Firstly, flights are frequently scheduled and take around four hours (a little longer if you go via Abu Dhabi) and prices are competitive, an important part of the equation when your teenage daughter becomes an ‘adult’ fare.
Secondly, during the summer when life gets a bit too unbearable under the Bahrain heat, it’s cheaper to visit Thailand because it’s not the country’s high season but rainy season and no-one minds the occasional downpour.
I could continue with three, four or more reasons but that would just get boring. On our first visit to Thailand we enjoyed a beach holiday in Phuket but this time round we wanted to sample some city action first and chose the happening capital and largest city, Bangkok, Thailand’s political, commercial, industrial and cultural hub.
We treated ourselves to four nights at the majestic Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, situated right in the heart of one of the city’s major shopping, entertainment and culture destinations.
Every one of the hotel’s 303 rooms and suites overlooks the surrounding gardens and pools, and 21 rooms even have direct access to the water. It also houses 98 serviced residences and our family-sized accommodation was impressive.
Thai artistic heritage is a key theme of the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. The property displays many pieces of art, including original paintings and sculptures by Thai artists.
I was particularly taken by an odd-shaped vase placed outside our room which looked like a bedpan. Now I realise I’m at that vulnerable age where breaks to the bathroom happen more frequently, but I really think I can make it through the door in time, especially with the ultra-quick smart door keys hotels now provide!
Throughout the property, the lotus flower plays an important role in reflecting the area’s history. Lotuses can be found in the designs of carpets, as water fountains in the lobby, in prints and photos in every single guest room and residence, as well as in the flower decoration in all public areas.
All the hotel’s banqueting rooms are named after various lotus varieties. Furthermore, the colour purple is used throughout the property, as it is the colour of the crown princess.
The Siam Kempinski Hotel is built in a circle with lush landscaped tropical gardens and three salt-water pools in its centre, recreating historic palace gardens. Every room offers modern comforts and in-room entertainment systems. Wifi and high-speed internet connections are available throughout the hotel.
We took several trips in taxis to see the sights. On one hour-long journey we arrived at a very touristy water market which sold junk and terribly cheap tat on boats or the floors of floating homes but it ended up at an elephant park, with comfortable rides on seats high on the back of the beasts and a 20-minute stroll along waterways and canals.
Instant digital snaps of the adventure were available as soon as the ride was over and it proved to be fun, the masterly animals looked well treated and their riders were also happy to take photographs using our own cameras as we rode high and happy on the trek.
Closer to the hotel were top tourist attractions, such as a giant golden Buddha laying under cover and the size of a jumbo jet set in ornate gardens with a variety of statues.
The primary religion is Buddhism, which is practiced by around 95 per cent of the population, and without appearing disrespectful I cannot understand why the Buddha’s toes were all the same shape. The fingers were normal but the feet and toes were flat. There were no big toes. I wonder why?
Another baffling aspect of Bangkok was the shop timings. Amazing covered markets and malls litter the centre but most of the shutters were pulled down by 7pm. We were ready to make some serious investments in clothes but instead had to venture back which, on second thoughts, was a better decision and saved me a fortune.
We booked two apartments and the only difference between them was that one boasted a balcony.They were spacious despite containing a huge bed, a kitchen area, sofa and table, office and a luxurious bathroom with rain shower and tub.
We took advantage of the executive lounge too, located on the 17th floor of the royal wing with spectacular city and resort views. The chocolate fountain was a hit with the kids and complimentary evening cocktails went down a treat with the good lady.
Breakfasts in the hotel restaurants offer everything you could possibly desire to start the day with and I thoroughly recommend visitors dine for at least one night at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, a sensational Thai restaurant recently visited by a scouting party from one of Bahrain’s top hotels to see how the masters of this fare produce such memorable nights to savour.
Sra Bua takes you on a culinary journey through Thailand with a modern interpretation of classical dishes created by Michelin-Star talent in the kitchen. The chef’s choice with accompanying recommended beverages will have you singing your way back to your room.
Bangkok is a tantalising town and you really need more than four days to explore it. And, there’s no better place to be based than at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
l The Deluxe Residence apartment costs Thb14,200++ (BD167++) a night including breakfast for two people. The extra bed is Thb2,200++ (BD26++).
For more details visit https://www.kempinski.com/en/bangkok/siam-hotel/welcome/ bookings.siambangkok@kempinski.com or call +66(0)21629000.
