Find the Best Things to Do in Bangrak
By Dave Stamboulis
Bangkok Local Expert
About Bangrak
Home to some of the swankiest hotels in the city, much of Bangrak is also about the Chao Phraya River, where one can still experience why Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East, with plenty of fine dining and romantic spots to spend lazy time watching the sun set and river meander by.
Eat
You will truly feel like you are in Venice of the East while enjoying a sumptuous meal along the Chao Phraya. Some of the city's most atmospheric restaurants are here, such as the Mandarin Oriental's Sala Rim Naam where traditional Thai dancers perform as you eat royal Thai cuisine or in Le Normandie, where you can watch the river flow by while enjoying some of the kingdom's best French gastronomy.
Party
The Bangrak area is famed for some of the best views in the city from its elegant high rise bars. Leading the way is the Lebua State Tower and its Distil bar, perched hundreds of meters above the Chao Phraya River,a great spot for sunset watching over mojitos. Nearby is the famous Author's Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental, where Conrad and Maugham sipped their drinks. The adjacent Bamboo Bar has modern concoctions like Thaijito's or Oriental Mai Tais to help stay watered down.
Stay
Conrad and Maugham stayed here, so why shouldn't you? Bangrak is home to Thailand's most famous and luxurious hotels, which can be found along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The Mandarin Oriental and Shangri La are legendary in Bangkok lore, and they are the trendsetters, along with other nearby players, for the best in pampering, dining, and sheer elegance in the City of Angels.
Shop
Patpong Night Market takes up central space in the Bangrak district. While the infamous red light entertainment district of the same name is just behind it, Patpong now attracts a more family friendly crowd, as tourists flock here to check out the latest DVD's, clothing, bags, and all sorts of gadgets from electronics to spyware. Just make sure that it is something that can go through Customs back home!