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Bangkok – The Peninsula Hotel, Water Ferries and Sky Bar

Today is part two of my Bangkok entry! Here are the links to previous entries on Hong Kong and Bangkok (Part 1).

Bangkok was the yummiest place we stayed our entire trip. I wish I had taken more food pictures but by the time we arrived in Bangkok, Mr. Feather and I had each tired of the endless “Whose carrying the DSLR this time?” debate and started leaving it home altogether (that thing is heavy, especially in the heat!). But here are a few photos that we did take:

My favorite part of our whole trip was the street food. I love street food and night markets, and in Bangkok you could get a delicious chicken satay or pad thai for about $0.25 – $0.50 US. I could have eaten here for every meal, the choices were endless and everything we tried was amazing. I also loved the Thai style breakfasts we had – crab omelette, spring rolls, chicken noodle soup, fresh fruit below:

These photos were taken in our suite at The Peninsula Bangkok after they brought up breakfast to our room. This was one of my favorite hotels ever – it’s a beautiful property and and the suites were all gorgeous with lovely Thai details. That morning we were really jetlagged so we got room service but I would recommend everybody that stayed here to go do the breakfast buffet downstairs overlooking the river. The spread is huge, delicious, and the view is awesome. My favorite item from above was the chicken noodle soup, which I normally wouldn’t associate with breakfast but I thought it was perfect.

The Peninsula is right across the river from the Mandarin Oriental, and the two operated their own little river boats that took you across and to various sites along the river. It was so charming and I loved the feeling of being out on the water. As a result I also wanted to take the water taxis and ferries everywhere – the ferry though was incredibly crowded, most people had to stand, and during rush hours I found myself unfortunately sandwiched at armpit height between several sweaty tourists. Shudder.

Aren’t the water taxis and ferries sweet? I wanted to take them all the time. However, during our trip my friend J warned that the canal water was really dirty and potentially dangerous. She told me a story about a local boy band called D2B which at one point apparently was the “Backstreet Boys of Thailand”. A band member in D2B named “Big” had a car accident in 2003, where he flipped his car into the canal. A bystander who pulled him from the water gave him CPR and he was appeared fine. However, a few weeks later, Big slipped into a coma due to bacteria from the water entering his brain, and he died years later. The story freaked me out, especially since I regularly saw young boys bathing and swimming in the water. Just a little warning!

On our second night in Bangkok, we went out to dinner and met my Bangkok local friends J and T for a drink. I took this photo in our living room before going out – Zara dress, Banana Republic heels, Marc Jacobs scarf and Chanel bag.

image via Skyscraper city

The restaurant we went to was only a few miles from our hotel but the concierge recommended that we leave 45 minutes early – the traffic can be really bad. We were told that Bangkok introduced these countdown timers next to the stop lights to be psychologically soothing for frustrated commuters waiting in traffic.

Later on our friends J and T suggested that we go for a drink at the Lebua hotel at their Sky Bar. However when we all arrived, they were shocked at how crowded it was. It turns out that Hangover 2 had some scenes filmed at the rooftop bar and as a result, the bar was seriously packed full. I didn’t take any photos because it was so crazy (and I may have also drunkenly forgot). But a snapshot below.

via Swedish Lifestyle magazine

The little blue bar you see is on this platform overhanging Bangkok from 50+ floors up and it’s an absolutely gorgeous view. While we were enjoying a drink, my friend T asked if we ever had been to any New York rooftop bars – yes we had. “Do you remember if you used glass or plastic cups?” he asked. Of course we didn’t but he enlightened us and told us that in New York (and many US cities), all rooftop bars have to use plastic cups to avoid accidents if the cups fall over the edge. At the Skybar though, all the drinks were in nice, thick glass containers. I can’t even imagine what what happen if one of those glasses were to launch over the edge and fall 50 floors down!

All right…that’s it for Bangkok for now! I have a few more bits of Bangkok I want to share with you all, but next time I’ll be going into our trip to Phuket. Thank you all so much for reading along with me, and if you have any of your own Bangkok tales  – I’d love to hear them!

40 Comments

  • Reply
    Mary Ann
    January 17, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Wow these pics are amazing Katherine! I would love to go to Thailand – it's on my list of places to see!

  • Reply
    littlemissandrea
    January 17, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    Beautiful pictures, Katherine! I can't wait until I can see and experience all of this with my own eyes. I'm definitely most looking forward to eating all the food!

  • Reply
    Ruth
    January 17, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    Looks like you guys had a blast. Shame about the super packed tourist areas though – that's never fun!
    However the street food does look amazing and so cheap, bonus!

    http://www.flossyblossom.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Call me M
    January 17, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    Beautiful pictures! The breakfast looks so yummy, but yes the water seems really dirty. I wouldn't swim there for any reason. The sky bar must have been amazing, even though, I have a terrible fear of heights.

  • Reply
    Jennipher
    January 17, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    Wow, looks like an absolutely amazing trip! Thanks for all the great pictures…especially of the yummy food. Street food is always the best, in my opinion!

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    January 17, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    I love streetstyle food too. That's the first thing I check out whenever I'm in Asia. Hubby always shudder when I dig into these 'unhygienic', as he called them, with such gusto. The Peninsula hotel in Bangkok sounds amazing.

  • Reply
    shoppingtosaving
    January 17, 2012 at 6:26 pm

    This is so awesome! I want to visit so bad. My BF is Thai and their culture is fascinating. They are all so welcoming, proper, and sweet. I want to visit some time in the future for sure.

  • Reply
    Love and Company
    January 17, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    These pictures are so beautiful. Thailand is amazing… and the food looks gorgeous.
    Your outfit is so put together!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    January 17, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    Wow these photos are stunning! I would love to visit there, it looks so beautiful. 🙂

    xx Jessica

  • Reply
    newpetite
    January 17, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    We have those traffic timers in India too.. I think more than soothing.. it gives time to make a call and apply makeup and do what not 😀 been there.. done that 😛
    Loved the perfect summer ZARA dress! you look gorgeous! Street food are my favs…

  • Reply
    katattack2000
    January 17, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    Loving the food pics! and how cheap are those prices!! scary story about the canal though! I definitely wouldn't be wanting to go or touch that water! My couz is heading to Bangkok this weekend so I can't wait to see her pics upon her return!

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

  • Reply
    Heather
    January 17, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    Looks and sounds amazing!

  • Reply
    Annabelle
    January 17, 2012 at 8:33 pm

    That looks like an amazing trip! You got some great shots.

  • Reply
    Nelah
    January 17, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    I personally think Bangkok is a real food paradise, of course I didn't say that just because I came from there. You can find food of any nationalities in every block, just name it. I love visiting floating markets and night markets most. Can't wait to return.

  • Reply
    Girlie Blogger
    January 17, 2012 at 8:47 pm

    Bangkok is certainly a beautiful place. I'm making it there some day.

    http://www.thegirlieblog.com

  • Reply
    blue roses
    January 17, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    i am having such intense travel envy! need to start planning a vacation asap…..

    http://dallianceswithsuitsandskirts.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    ACC
    January 17, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    Bangkok is on my travel list for sure – it looks amazing, and you captured some great images of the place! The street food sounds like it must have been unbelievable…I'd go just for that. 🙂

    acleanercloset.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    jillian nicole
    January 17, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    I love the idea of a crab omelettes and spring rolls for breakfast–sounds so much yummier than pancakes and oatmeal!:)

  • Reply
    Trista
    January 17, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    love your outfits! just one request? can we see some new sunglasses? 🙂 with your perfectly oval face, you can sport a lot of good looking shades. <3 The aviators are nice, but you wear others I bet. 😉 I bet some Chanel glasses would look great on you.

  • Reply
    Katherine
    January 17, 2012 at 11:13 pm

    Hi Trista! I am soo lazy about sunglasses, I do have a few more pairs and have been trying to wear them more – I am also going to be shopping for a few new pairs as summer comes! Thank you for your sweet comment about my face but honestly it is HARD to get sunglasses, I am kind of a bobble LOL. Thanks again!

  • Reply
    Sam
    January 17, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    Your photos of Bangkok bring back such great memories for me, the bustling and vibrant streets and energetic vibe. That is a freaky story about the water! Cute outfit. The sky bar looks amazing

  • Reply
    The Key To Chic
    January 18, 2012 at 2:18 am

    Wow, I have never been, and the food sounds (and looks) amazing. Sorry to hear about the traffic. I can relate to not wanting to lug around a heavy camera. Your photos are so beautiful!

  • Reply
    Kim (A Very Sweet Blog)
    January 18, 2012 at 3:35 am

    Hi Katherine! Bangkok is exquisite! The food, architecture and people are amazing. I thank you for sharing your visit (pictures, stories etc.). I really enjoyed reading it. I was following you, but changed my blog url and lost touch. Thanks for your comments. I'm following you with the new blog. 🙂

    http://averysweetblog.com/

  • Reply
    Latkes and Dim Sum
    January 18, 2012 at 4:44 am

    I loved the post! It's been a few years since I've stayed at the Peninsula in Bangkok but I definitely remember the standout food. I'm glad you got to enjoy it as well. Why are the buffets in Asia so fantastic (and generally so crappy in NY?).

  • Reply
    Sarah
    January 18, 2012 at 6:01 am

    Amazing photos, you have me wanting to go!

    keepcalmandcarrylipstick.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    ShinyPrettyThings
    January 18, 2012 at 8:12 am

    wow amazing photos!!!! i really hope to visit Thailand one day. i love street food too! i find it way better than most of the restaurants. tastes more…authentic. mb due to the pollution LOL

  • Reply
    prettymeggy
    January 18, 2012 at 9:13 am

    these are amazing pictures!!! i never been to Bangkok which I hope I can visit very soon… you have beautiful blog and i love your outfit. can't wait to see more of your post 🙂
    take care and enjoy your holidays!!! xoxo, Haus of Gala

  • Reply
    Cindy
    January 18, 2012 at 10:54 am

    This post brought back so many lovely memories of Thailand! I loved those countdown timers although it was a little despairing when the clock is over a minute to go haha. And omg yes the food!!!! So good and just…authentic!

  • Reply
    Tippy
    January 18, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    I really enjoyed your posts on Bangkok! One of the most unique things about it is the service. Everyone is so nice and willing to assist. That was also one of my biggest gripes when we got back to the States, it's nearly impossible trying to find decent service anywhere! We were in Bkk last year and our 3 week trip was amazing up until the last day where hubby and I both got food poisoning and had to extend our visit by 3 days in the hospital! We stayed at Lebua so my memory with it is not as fond lol. Can't wait for your post on Phuket!

  • Reply
    Chloe Mateo
    January 19, 2012 at 2:52 am

    Gorgeous photos! I hope to visit there someday.

  • Reply
    Anna
    January 19, 2012 at 3:02 am

    I love your gorgeous hair even in that heat it still looks good!

  • Reply
    Trista
    January 19, 2012 at 4:01 am

    bobble head? No you don't have one! 🙂 You're well proportioned. You'll look good with other sunglasses…I will patiently wait for you to sport some new shades on that pretty face.

    Love your blog!

    Trist

  • Reply
    my mini bag
    January 19, 2012 at 4:23 am

    I love the photos! That is where I know Sky Lounge from, The Hangover 2. I was looking through your photos and said it looked really familiar. So lucky you got to go. I want to check it out now.

    myminibag.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    meghan
    January 19, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Oh my. You make this all sound so romantic and amazing. I would also be scared about the water if that happened, and I probably wouldn't want to take the water taxis either. Yikes. I want to stay at the Peninsula hotel!!

  • Reply
    Karen (littlepiecefnb)
    January 23, 2012 at 2:48 am

    Glad to see you had such a great time abroad! Love the travel pics!

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Salander
    July 13, 2013 at 11:22 pm

    Great pictures from BKK. My wife is a huge fan of your blog but I just came across here while looking for info on the Peninsula Bangkok. Anyway, keep up the informative, down-to-earth posts.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 14, 2013 at 9:49 am

      Thanks Salander and thank you to your wife for reading!

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