I recently took my first trip abroad after getting married. Although I had traveled a few times before, those trips were planned under the guidance of travel agencies. This time, however, I wanted to fully prepare myself for the trip. My 14-year-old son, who had different requirements for our overseas vacation, wanted to experience the local culture by visiting various restaurants, cafes, and shops in a different country. Initially, we planned to extend our stay at a resort for a few days to fully relax. However, due to certain circumstances, we had to modify our plans. Additionally, while the COVID-19 situation had improved at the time of our preparations, there were still restrictions on the countries we could travel to. Moreover, I only had five days of vacation available.
As a result, we decided to go to Bangkok for a 3-night, 5-day stay. Through a friend’s recommendation, I came across the Tao Kae Cafe. It turned out to be a stroke of luck. While searching for flights, I found a hotel through the cafe. Since we weren’t particularly interested in shopping, we narrowed down our options for accommodations suitable for a family of two adults and two teenagers. We ended up choosing the Chatrium Riverside 2-Bedroom and the Shangri-La Bangkok Connected Room. However, I had to change the reservation because I suddenly had to relocate for work. A month later, when I tried to make a new reservation, the 2-bedroom at Chatrium was fully booked, so I had no choice but to book two rooms at Shangri-La Bangkok and requested connecting rooms.
Now, as I wait for my flight at the airport, having completed our 3-night, 4-day itinerary, I can confidently say that I am extremely satisfied with our choice of the Shangri-La hotel, and it was not just a matter of circumstance. Both my husband and children loved the accommodation. The breakfast, which had received mixed reviews, was also excellent in my opinion. The staff members we encountered were all very friendly and greeted us with a smile. Despite some reviews mentioning that the hotel is old, I personally found it quite classy.
Upon arriving at the hotel and entering our rooms, my children were delighted. The fantastic river view and the welcome fruits placed on the table created a sense of hospitality. The beautiful plates, knives, and forks were all set for us, making us feel welcomed. The night view and sunset scenery were also fantastic, even on the evening when it rained heavily.
Having two rooms was convenient for getting ready, and the condition of the beds was great. The kids were disappointed to leave on the last day. Although the swimming pool was not very large, it was always populated with an appropriate number of people, so it was neither too crowded nor too empty, allowing us to enjoy it.
The best part of staying at Shangri-La Bangkok was the surrounding local shops. I visited Crew Wawaa, Nalin, and Prarajark, all recommended by the Lovely and Club T&L blogs. They were all located within a 5-minute walking distance and truly delicious. We also frequented the Tops Market at Robinson Department Store, right in front of these restaurants. On our way back from Robinson to the hotel, we enjoyed exploring the nearby Bangrak Market. We also liked the massage shop on the side street of Bangrak Market and went there to relieve our travel fatigue. (Although we did not use it,) Si Phraya Pier was right next to the market, so we used the free shuttle boat to go to Asiatique and ICONSIAM, and we found it convenient to take the 20 baht boat to Wat Arun and Wat Pho. On our arrival, we were so exhausted (you can imagine how hot it was) that we took a taxi instead.
I would like to express my gratitude to Tao Kae, Tao Cafe, Lovely and Club T&L, and all the helpful individuals who answered my various questions. I am also grateful to those who have shared their experiences and solutions through their previous questions and answers.
Lastly, I had contracted COVID-19 two weeks before my departure and was released from quarantine a week ago. I didn’t realize that I was exempt from the rapid antigen test until I learned about it through the cafe. I was able to obtain confirmation of my release from quarantine through a phone call to the public health center, and I received it via text message today. While checking in for my flight, I had some difficulty explaining the situation to the Thai Airways staff members who were not aware of the exemption.
Thank you to all those who have provided information and assistance.
If you’re staying at the Shangri-La Bangkok, there are several nearby tourist attractions and activities that I would recommend for you and your family to explore during your stay.
Firstly, since you mentioned your interest in local shops and restaurants, I would highly recommend visiting Crew Wawaa, Nalin, and Prarajark. These establishments come highly recommended by the Lovely and Club T&L blogs, and all of them are located within a 5-minute walking distance from the hotel. You can indulge in delicious local cuisine and experience the vibrant food scene in the area.
Additionally, I would suggest taking a leisurely stroll to the nearby Bangrak Market. This bustling market is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore various stalls selling everything from fresh produce to trendy clothing items. After your market visit, you can also enjoy a relaxing Thai massage at one of the massage shops located on the side street of Bangrak Market, which will help you relieve any travel fatigue.
For those interested in exploring further, I recommend taking advantage of the convenient location of Si Phraya Pier, which is right next to the market. You can hop on the free shuttle boat and visit popular tourist destinations like Asiatique and ICONSIAM, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If you’re up for some temple hopping, you can also take the 20 baht boat from the pier to visit the famous Wat Arun and Wat Pho temples.
In addition to the local attractions, the hotel itself offers a fantastic river view, which you and your family can enjoy during your stay. The night view and sunset scenery are particularly breathtaking, even on rainy evenings. The swimming pool at the hotel, though not very large, offers a refreshing and enjoyable experience. You’ll find that it’s not overcrowded, allowing for a relaxing dip to cool off from the Thai heat.
Overall, staying at the Shangri-La Bangkok provides you with a great base to explore the vibrant neighborhood of Bangrak. From delicious local restaurants and markets to convenient transportation options, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting memories with your family during your stay. Enjoy your time in Bangkok!