“Bangkok regained the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey, announced last week, closely followed by Chiang Mai in the second. Meanwhile, 10 Asian hotels are placed in the top 100 hotels in the world, with Peninsula Bangkok (named as Asia’s number 1 city hotel) coming in at number 7 and Four Seasons Singapore at 14. Other Asian properties placed in the list’s top 50 include Shangri-La Singapore at number 20, the Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai (27), the Hotel de la Paix in Cambodia (29) and the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, also in Chiang Mai (45).

Also scoring highly in the poll, voted for by readers of all six editions of Travel + Leisure, are Singapore Airlines (Top International Airline) and Bali (Top Asian Island and fourth in the Top Islands Overall category).”

The above is culled from our own T+L SEA press release, but it doesn’t delve into how Bangkok won, what it means, and how it should be interpreted. Some of the livelier forums, at least here in Bangkok, have been buzzing about this “honor,” with many users complaining that it’s inaccurate at best.

This is wrong-headed thinking, although it’s clear that some confusion has arisen as to the nature of the results. Well, it is what it is, to be honest. First off, the poll—accessible online by readers of the U.S. and international editions of T+L under stringent U.S. survey/polling regulations—is a reader survey (not a dubiously subjective editors’ opinion piece) of global travelers’ favorites.

In the Best City category, readers were asked to rate sights, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people, shopping, and value. It is not any sort of “livability” index, or any other imaginative interpretation of “World’s Best City.” It was also conducted from December 2009-March 2010, before the recent problems in Bangkok kicked off.

That said, the strong showing of Asian properties and destinations is really no surprise. Asia, and particularly Southeast Asia, continues to offer some of the most attractive world-class properties, located in such varied locations as exotic rain forests, vibrant cities, and even on water; with such a choice, Southeast Asia will remain one of the world’s most popular regions.

In addition, the fact that Bangkok has been voted in the top spot this year, as it was in 2008, is testament not only to the myriad attractions on offer and the variety of top-drawer hotels, but also to the Thai people and culture, both of which bring so much joy to travelers. My hope is that this win will further boost Bangkok tourism recovery efforts, which all of us are committed to.

The full results will be published in the August edition of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, out August 1.

Now … Why don’t you let us know what you think of the results?

Although this is not your typical floating market as you may have seen it in the pictures, a trip to Ayutthaya floating market is definitely worth your time. Just over an hour’s drive from Bangkok, just north of downtown Ayutthaya, you will find this great Thai market which makes for an excellent day trip. Whilst you are enjoying the excellent Thai food, you can watch a show based on Thai traditional stories, enacted on the little lake surrounded by the food stalls. Feeding huge catfish and some scenic Thai village scenes complete a great day out of the city.  Click here for the Ayutthaya floating market website.

Thai play on the lake

Thai village scene

Water buffalo and a field of Lotus flowers

Grilled banana with coconut/honey sauce makes a great dessert

Fried catfish/green mango salad (Thai: Yam pla duk fu)

Vendors at the market

Grilled pork

Feeding the fish

Thai play on the lake

Hollywood has long been fascinated with Asia for its exotic cultures, engrained sense of honor and duty, cinematic landscapes, romantic languages, and of course, its pioneering directors.

Asian cinema is just as enamored with its own exoticism, industry leaders such as Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Wong Kar Wai (In the Mood For Love) focus as much on the beauty of their locations, on Asian mythology and finely crafted cinematography, as they do on narrative.

Regardless of cinema’s tremendous works of imagination and the effort directors have taken to bring the beauty of Asia to a wider audience, the only way to experience the richness of the continent is to visit the locations yourself. Here are some of the most spectacular Asian destinations seen on film.

+ The Beach, 2000

The Beach, 2000

Movie: The Beach, 2000

Location: Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

Props: SLR camera, a romantic inclination
Recreate the scene: Find a quiet spot on Maya Bay – the beach – and take ‘the perfect photograph’ of the night sky. Take turns with your partner in romance to stare at the stars through the camera’s viewfinder, discussing the existence of parallel worlds.

Between shoots: Maya Bay is located on Koh Phi Phi Leh – the smaller of the two Phi Phi islands (Phi Phi Don is the island with all the resorts and restaurants). You can snorkel, charter longtail boats around the limestone caves of Phang Nga Bay, eat your weight in fresh seafood and bask on powdery white sand waiting for Leo – or Francoise – to emerge glistening from the water.

+ Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, 2001

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, 2001

Movie: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, 2001

Location: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Props: Cargo pants, water canteen, army boots
Recreate the scene: Cambodian nationals – unsurprisingly – weren’t overjoyed to see acts of violence staged in their revered UNESCO World Heritage Site, so when you visit Angkor, shoot at the temples with your camera only. Head to Angkor Thom, and explore the ruins as Lara Croft the intrepid archaeologist would, ever on a quest to unlock the lost secrets of ancient civilizations.
Between shoots: Sample local fare (such as snake and frog), pay a humanitarian visit to a local orphanage or monastery and cruise past the fishing villages on Tonle Sap lake. For something more classically Tomb Raider, visit a local firing range to indulge your AK-47 fantasies.

+ Lost in Translation, 2003

Lost in Translation, 2003

Movie: Lost in Translation, 2003

Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

Props: An unrequited love interest, several hundred Japanese locals
Recreate the scene: Stride through Shibuya in tears and wait for your love interest to catch up with you. Embrace, murmur something inaudible yet deeply profound, kiss briefly then go your separate ways forever.
Between shoots: Shop at Shibuya 109, hit the karaoke bars, cook your own shabu shabu, slurp ramen noisily, lose hours (and yen) playing pachinko, go to the BIC camera electronics stores on every corner, hang out at the Park Hyatt’s New York Bar for jazz and cocktails and dodge salarymen on Japan’s most filmed – and busiest – pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Square.

+ In The Mood For Love, 2000

In The Mood For Love, 2000

Movie: In The Mood For Love, 2000

Location: Macau

Props: Several cheongsams (traditional Chinese dresses), a devastatingly handsome/beautiful object of desire
Recreate the scene: Walk the hallways of a dimly lit 1960s hotel and head down quiet back alleys looking forlorn and heart-broken, repeatedly bumping into your love interest, who is also walking around looking morose. Take a black taxi to a restaurant together without speaking a word.
Between shoots: This film took 15 months to shoot across Macau, Bangkok and Angkor Wat, but you won’t have that much time, so for instant romance, wander Macau’s historic Portuguese quarter in your finest cheongsam then head to Fat Siu Lau restaurant to sample its famous roasted pigeon.

+ Indochine, 1992

Indochine, 1992

Movie: Indochine, 1992

Location: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang, Malaysia

Props: 1930s period clothes, record player
Recreate the scene: Indochine is set in Vietnam, but was shot in Penang, mostly inside the Vogue-approved Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – the Blue Mansion. At dinnertime, dance the tango with a friend as 1930s music crackles on the turntable.
Between shoots: One of Penang’s main draws is its cuisine – Indian, Chinese and Malay are all available cheaply from street hawkers and all-night eateries. CFTM is one of the most photographed hotels in South East Asia – all romance and antique Chinoiserie – take pictures, read books, listen to records or just recline with melodramatic style on a chaise longue and absorb the ambience.

+ Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 2000

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 2000

Movie: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 2000

Location: Jiuxiang Scenic Resort, Kunming, China

Props: Assassin’s mask, antidote for poison dart, if available.
Recreate the scene: Travel insurance probably doesn’t cover any self-inflicted harm befalling those attempting to recreate any of Crouching Tiger’s scenes, so it’s probably best to make do with enjoying the scenery. Wear a kung fu outfit and profess your undying love to someone while choking out your last mortal breaths if it makes the experience more authentic for you.
Between shoots: Jiuxoiang is a national park with dramatic limestone karst formations, caves, cliffs and rivers. Visitors can kayak through canyons, visit local Yi and Hui communities and witness the wonders of geology unique to this part of the world.

+ Bangkok Dangerous, 2008

Bangkok Dangerous, 2008

Movie: Bangkok Dangerous, 2008

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Props: Hawaiian shirt, bad hair, likeable side kick
Recreate the scene: Enter a pharmacy somewhere around Silom Road and attempt to communicate your ailment using only sign language – something many a visitor to Thailand has probably had to do. Then head to Soi Cowboy in a scene recreated by millions of tourists every year, and gawp at the flashing neon signs and scantily-clad go-go dancers.
Between shots: If you visit around the Thai New Year – Songkran (13-15 April) – you can safely wear your Hawaiian shirt the entire time while engaging in ‘water play’ – drenching everyone within range of a super-soaker (it’s good luck!).

+ Drunken Master, 1978

Drunken Master, 1978

Movie: Drunken Master, 1978

Location: Hong Kong

Props: White T-shirt, black pants, white socks and kung fu slippers
Recreate the scene: Challenge the baddest kung fu guy in the city to a fight – and lose. Get more training from your drunken master, re-challenge and win.
Between shoots: In the spirit of doing things as low-budget as this film (if that’s even possible), do Hong Kong the cheap way: catch the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, stroll through Mongkok for street food, browse the Ladies’ Market and go up the cable car on Lantau Island to visit Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha.

+ Seven Samurai, 1954

Seven Samurai, 1954

Movie: Seven Samurai, 1954

Location: Izu National Park, Shizuoka, Japan

Props: Samurai swords (fallen branches should suffice), fake moustaches, six brave friends
Recreate the scene: Find a densely forested part of hiking trail within the park, wait for some tourists to approach, then ambush. Or just enjoy the scenery with your mates – this is one of the most beautiful – and visited – parks in Japan, drawing more than 100 million tourists a year.
Between shoots: The Atami hot springs, white and black sand beaches and exploring Izu Islands (Izu Oshima island is where the creepy cabin scenes in the Japanese horror flick Ringu were filmed) should keep you occupied between takes.

+ Raise The Red Lantern,1991

Raise The Red Lantern,1991

Movie: Raise The Red Lantern,1991

Location: Qiao’s Compound, Pingyao, Shaxi, China

Props: Anything red and Chinese-looking, a paper lantern
Recreate the scene: This film is all about Chinese concubines in the 1920s so it’s therefore difficult to recreate a scene here without offending some of the Qiao Compound’s other visitors. Simply getting out your red lantern and raising it should be enough.
Between shoots: The historic and beautiful Qiao Compound lies just outside the equally stunning and ancient UNESCO-listed city of Ping Yao in Shanxi province. The massive city walls were built in 1370 and measure 12 meters high with 72 watchtowers – more epic than all of Kurosawa’s films put together.

By Bek van Vliet

If you’re looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day, think of Bangkok. Of course, this heavily-polluted city doesn’t sound like the perfect dating destination. But look closely and you’ll find zillions of heart-warming, romantic places around Bangkok that are ready to welcome travel couples: from watching sunrise on Bangkok’s calm Sunday morning to sipping some Chardonnay in the midst of Bangkok’s brightly lit skyline. There you have it: the best destination for your Valentine’s affair. Here are some must-do tips that will surely blow your mind—and surely your sweetheart’s, too.

Morning:

Credit: www.watarun.org

Celebrate your Valentine’s morning doing some good deeds. Head to Wat Arun—or the famous Temple of Dawn—to give food offerings to the monks (for Buddhists of course) and watch the orange blazing sun rising behind the tower Phra Prang. The important thing is to face the Chao Phraya River, or you would be looking at nothing.

Then it’s time for breakfast. Take any public transportation from Wat Arun to Krung Thon Buri Station (S7) to get a sense of Thai lifestyle on the Thon Buri side, which is remarkably different from that on the Rattanakosin side. Take the BTS across the Chao Phraya River to Saphan Taksin (S6), and you’ll be in Bang Rak—literally translated as a “place of love.” Bang Rak has become a part of many Thai couples’ belief that if you get married here, you’d have a happy marriage life.

Walking from Saphan Taksin station, opposite to Robison Bang Rak, you’ll see a gruel restaurant with a massive sign: Joke Prince Bang Rak (Charoen Krung Rd., Bang Rak; 66-2/234-9407, 66-9/795-2629; open 6 am-1 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm, 11 pm-4 am). Get an order of pork gruel for Bt.20, or gruel with anything for the same price. But add an egg and you’ll have to pay Bt.25, which is still cheap for a store that has been around for 50 years. Oh, if you want to enjoy your gruel with the classic Thai doughnut, that’s an additional Bt.5.

Credit: www.bangkokbiznews.com

Finished with breakfast, it’s time to chillax at Neilson Hays Library (195 Surawong Road; 66-2/233-1731; open Tue.-Sun., 9 pm—5 pm), an English-language library located near Silom Road, next to the British Club, which can be reached by a two-station BTS ride from Saphan Taksin to Chong Nonsi (S3). Walk that breakfast off for about 15-20 minute, and there, surrounded by a shady garden, you’ll see a one-story, neoclassical building built during the reign of King Rama V. Stocked with more than 20,000 titiles, you can waste time with a range of entertaining books while sipping a cup of tea at the library’s café, pretending you and your darling are the only two in the world.

Noon:

Hop on a tuk tuk or a motorcycle taxi through Soi Pradit to Pan Rd., which should take you about 10 minutes and no more than Bt.30, for authentic Thai cuisine at Taling Pling (60 Soi Wat Kheak, Pan Rd., Silom, Bang Rak; 66-2/236-4830; open 11 am-10 pm) . Start with tod mun tong muan—fish cakes with crispy vegetables inside. Then, order beef green curry with roti, kark moo omelet, and miang taling pling. Desserts here are excellent also. The atmosphere here is perfect for a romantic lunch: a beautifully decorated house converted into a restaurant with rows of trees line up in the garden.

Afternoon:

Give your significant other and yourself the perfect Valentine’s gift by getting fully pampered at this spa in the middle of Bangkok. Bangkok Oasis Spa (64 Soi Swaddee, Sukhumvit 31 Rd.; 66-2/262-2122) uses traditional Thai herbs in the a super-calming environment. Its four-hand Golden Lanna massage, incorporates the healing power of gold, music, and scented oil to rejuvenate you from the inside (from Bt5,9000 for 90 minutes).

Evening:

Credit: www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Nothing can be more romantic than ending the night with the incomparably stunning view of Bangkok skyline, seen from the 55th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld (999/99 Rama 1 Road, Patumwan; 66-2/100-1234). The Red Sky is an alfresco urban bistro dining and lounging with a wine and martini bar. But if you’re afraid of height, visit ZENSE (ZEN Department Store, CentralWorld; 66-2/100-9898)—a restaurant on the 17th-floor deck of Zen Department Store. You can choose from a large selection of Chardonnay or award-winning bubbly while enjoying a similar view—just at a different altitude.

Got better tips? Blog it!

As published on LOKATAS.com

Have you ever been in a situation where your friend asks you something you definitely should know, but you don’t? And you find yourself speechless, trying to find excuses for your lack of answer. Aw. What a shame, right?

But this is the first time I don’t feel the need to beat myself up for it—the inability to answer the question, I mean. When my friend who’s planning to visit Bangkok in late January asks me—a Bangkokian—what to do in Bangkok that’s not so touristy, I gaped. I thought the answer was right at the tip of my tongue, but it wasn’t. I couldn’t think of anything at all in Bangkok that isn’t touristy. It’s as if Bangkok—every inch of it—has been unearthed an explored by tourists. So my lack of answer was justified, wasn’t it? There’s no need to beat myself up for that.

But maybe I’m wrong. Maybe there’s a place in Bangkok that’s worth going because it has a unique value, and it hasn’t been discovered by the countless amount of tourists swarming Bangkok these days. I would hate to think that Bangkok has no secrets of its own anymore. That would kill all its charms, wouldn’t it?

Lumpini Park Credit Eugene Tang @ Tourismthailand.org

How about visiting Lumpini Park in the morning and join a Tai Chi group? Then, walk around the park, breathing in the fresh air—a rarity in Bangkok—and greet the little creatures called Water Monitor who have made Lumpini Park their home. Perhaps it isn’t so funny for foreigners. But for Thai people, a Thai word for Water Monitor is a derogatory word and is used often to slag someone off. My other advice would be walking through the backstreets. Yes, those dark, dirty, smelly, unheard of alleys. Who knows, you might find something worthy.

So, can anyone think of what to do in Bangkok that’s off the beaten path? That may sound like a challenge, and it is—for me, at least.

Just thought I would end to post with the cutest creature in the world: the Water Monitor Credit: www.เป็นข่าว.com

If I had to choose a desert island meal, it’d probably be a large plate of Blue Point oysters, accompanied by a bottle of Muscadet. So I was delighted to hear that Billy Marinelli, the gregarious Long Islander behind Bangkok’s fabulous Oyster Bar, had opened a second venue with an equally straightforward name, The Seafood Bar.

Located right past Kuppa on Sukhumvit Soi 16, inside the Somerset serviced apartment, The Seafood Bar is bigger and brighter than its predecessor, and the décor takes its cue from all things piscine (murals of sea bream and black-and-white shots of oysters). With a more spacious kitchen, executive chef Brad Borchardt has composed a more ambitious menu. The grilled white marlin is spectacular, as is the pan-fried rock cod. Smoked gindara spring rolls were also fabulous—proving fish can be as complex and multilayered as meat.

With a second restaurant under his belt, Marinelli—who’s half the reason why diners enjoy the Oyster Bar so much—told me that he’s able to import more varieties of oysters. This ex-New Englander’s heart leapt at the sight of all the bivalves from the Atlantic—Stingrays from Virginia and Chincoteagues from Maryland are particularly drool-inducing—not to mention the littleneck clams in the chowder (or shall I say chowdah?) and Maine lobsters. Now, if I can only convince him to make lobster rolls and fried clams regular items on the menu. 41 Somerset Lake Place, Soi 16, Sukhumvit Rd.; 66-2/663-8863.

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Last sunday I decided to go for a ride on my bicycle in Bangkok. WHAT??? Yes, I said ride a bicycle in Bangkok. Whereas most people declare me absolutely insane, little do they know that right in the middle of Bangkok there is a true piece of untouched jungle perfect for riding, called Phra Pradaeng. If you’ve ever visited the Thai country side, you’ll have an idea of what it feels like over there. It’s only 5 Km from the heart of the Sukhumvit area, and it is a true adventure. Many professional companies organize great cycling tours here, and although this is the best option for those that are visiting Bangkok, I like to go independently and discover things for myself. Every trip is a new adventure. Although I am a fanatic road cyclist, this trip is more suitable for mountain bikes and hybrids.

I leave my home around 8.15 AM. The roads are deserted and it’s an easy ride through the Bangkok streets. I end up at Wat Klong Toei, where I buy a 20 Baht ticket to get across the Chao Phraya river (for those familar with the area, take Kasem Rat road off Rama IV, then turn right towards Wat Klong Toei just before you hit the port area. There’s a bus depot, a 7-11 and many food carts there). This little boat trip is great. Barely a few centimeters above the water, cruising amidst commercial ships that look absolutely gigantic from our position, I often share my ride with temple visitors, market merchants, monks and the occasional chicken. Only a few minutes later we reach the opposite river bank and I can continue my ride. First I buy some water and Kluay tak (some sort of dried banana with honey) to keep me going. There’s a little store at this pier, and they also rent out bikes here. Those bikes are great for a short 10-20 Km ride, but if you’re a serious rider, go with one of the professional companies mentioned below that have well equipped mountain bikes available.

After 15 Km or so, I stop at one of the many temples I encounter on my way. Time for a quick break and some spring rolls. Food and drink is available all over in Phra Pradaeng. Little English is spoken, although I am greeted enthusiastically by many kids shouting “hello mister!”. Cats and dogs are all over the place. The pier at the temple is watched by a large number of motorcycle taxi drivers, patiently waiting for the next ferry to come in. Monks come and go, and some people are fishing. Life is good.

A little further down is a market. No signs. I discovered this when following quite a few people that were going into a certain direction along a small path. My experience teaches me that if Thai people in groups get excited, there is usually food or a market involved, and usually both. I was right again this time. I had some amazing grilled pork from the barbeque, and some juice from fruit that I am not familiar with. It tasted very good though, and it was an excellent and (presumably) healthy thirst quencher. All for less than the equivalent of US$ 1.50.

After continuing for a while on one of the main roads, I decide to get off the beaten track and follow one of the concrete elevated paths that are so typical of this area. They are quite narrow, and sometimes I have to make way for the odd dog, pedestrian or motorcycle. The paths are created to connect people’s houses to the main roads, and one gets a close up view of the daily life of the people that live here. Most of these paths ultimately lead to the river, which surrounds Phra Pradaeng (see map below). Although no navigation is needed on a group tour, I recommend a GPS or at least a decent map and compass just in case you decide to go there alone for the 1st time. The area is not big enough to seriously get lost, but especially once you get on the elevated paths it is easy to lose your sense of direction. At the end of the path, indeed I hit the river and another temple. After watching 5 newborn kitties play and fool around, I once again get back on my bike to continue the tour.

I continue going home with a long loop following the river, crossing at one of the bridges, a quick detour into China town, and back to Sukhumvit via Lumphini Park. This last part of the trip is not recommended unless you are a very experienced cyclist and you don’t mind dodging Bangkok traffic, inhaling exhaust fumes and zig-zagging through traffic jams. You’re better off making your way back the way you came.

Amongst Bangkok companies that organize cycling tours are Spice Roads, Recreational Bangkok Biking and Co van Kessel.

Below are some pictures of the Phra Pradeang part of the ride. They were all taken by mobile phone camera, but will give you a good idea on what you will encounter. Enjoy!

Waiting for my boat

Phra Pradeang straight ahead

View of Bangkok skyline from Phra Pradeang

Typical scenery

One of many temples

Elevated cycling paths

Cats and dogs all over the place

Another temple along the way

Gac fruit

Elevated paths through the jungle

The full ride as logged by my GPS. The green lung can clearly be distinguished.

Yes, Bangkok has a beach, albeit a man-made one, at Suan Siam, or Siam Park. I’ve been visiting this place off and on for almost a decade. Way back then, it had an air of dilapidation around it, but on my most recent visit, the whole thing had been tarted up, with new rides (two roller coasters, one of which — tried and tested — is quite terrifying; new carousel rides; new kids’ rides; new themed areas; and a new lick of paint here and there). The pool is the main attraction, of course, with an artificial beach, kids’ areas, slides, waterfalls, and more. There’s also a couple of decent, but not hi-so, som tam stalls and the usual fried chicken/burger snacks you’d expect. If you’re in Bangkok and stifled by the heat and the rush of the city, Suan Siam is an excellent getaway, especially for kids. Bear in mind it’s some way out of the city in Minburi, about an hour’s drive. Price for entry is THB200 per person and free for kids. That allows you free access to pool area and most rides. Close by is the similar Wonder World Fun Park (which I have yet to visit), and Fashion Island for the grown-ups. A great day trip in Bangkok in the summer sun, for all the family.

Tropical island, Bangkok style.

Bangkok…Khao San road. Amidst the hippies, armed with a Lonely Planet guide under their arm looking for the nearest banana pancake vendor, I always feel I am transcending into a surreal part of Bangkok. Countless tourists come to this road so that they can claim they “have done Bangkok”. Think cheap accomodation, happy hours, fake driver’s licenses and degrees, henna tattoos, dreadlocks and acoustic guitars.

Sponsored Pad Thai stand

Fly for less than a Pad Thai

The last time I visited, I saw an interesting advertising concept that plays straight into the target audience. Nearly every pad thai noodle stand on Khao San road is now sponsored by Air Asia. What an absolutely brilliant move! Cheap flights, offered to those tourists that are always looking out for the cheapest deal available. The call to action is as simple as a website URL for Air Asia where bookings can be made on-line. And on Khao San road, one never has to go very far to find an internet cafe.

The only question that remains…will the hippies forfeit the pad thai in favour of the ticket, or will they splurge on both?

I like to get my share of rock music now and then, and Bangkok provides ample opportunity to enjoy this. A good place to start off is Titanium Ice Bar.  Cute waitresses in long dresses serve the customers with that famous Thai smile. If you’re lucky, the bar will have a theme night. I stumbled upon dozens of nurses there one night…but I divert. We’re here for the music!

Unicorn Band

The house band is called Unicorn and consists of 5 ladies. Eighties’ classics by Blondie, INXS and AC/DC are effortlessly mixed with more recent songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga and the inevitable poppy Thai tunes – you will get to like those after a while, I promise. The band is quite skilled and knows how to work an audience. During their breaks, a DJ takes over and for me it’s now time to move on.

I take a taxi and zoom west along Sukhumvit road below the skytrain structure. With hardly any traffic, the driver really puts his foot down and all in all it’s just a 7 minute ride. Next stop is the Hillary Bar 2 in soi Nana, a street better known for its fair share of working ladies in the omnipresent Nana Entertainment Plaza. I pass this neon-lit complex on my left, and stop a little further down the road at the bar, where the band has already started playing. Bravo Band and Elizabeth Band are the two house bands, and most nights both of them play. My favorite band is Elizabeth, again good 80’s music from Pink Floyd, Guns & Roses, U2 and a healthy dose of Green Day. Tony, the lead singer, delivers a dynamic performance. A bottle of Singha sets you back around 120 Baht and they also serve a mean Penang chicken curry.

Watch Holiday by Green Day performed by the Elizabeth band here! Or watch them play The Wall by Pink Floyd here!