Bewildering, spiritual and exotic, Bangkok is one of Asia’s most intriguing and beguiling cities. Its dazzling temples overflow with golden images, and its floating markets abound with bountiful food and flowers. These are just some uniquely wonderful sights of this vibrant city.

 

On an invite from Thai Airways and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), a delightful bunch of media friends and I experienced the legendary Royal Silk Class “Smooth as Silk” service to enjoy the wonders of Bangkok and a side visit to Myanmar.

 

Thai Airways sees itself as a global representative of Thailand, its people and culture, so the airline always offers superior services and gentle hospitality. Its expanding fleet of 100 aircraft includes the state-of-the-art A380.

 

From Bangkok, the Thai Airways network is extremely wide, with over 72 destinations in 35 countries across five continents. Bangkok is one of the best-known global airline hubs, which makes connections on Thai a convenient option.

 

From the moment we boarded, when the stewardess greeted us with a “wai,” we instantly felt the warm, heartfelt service we were about to enjoy. The Thai Airways Business Class in-flight menu was sumptuous. Grilled steak with peppercorn sauce for the carnivores, seared salmon with tarragon cream sauce for the pescetarians, and Thai-style stir-fried dishes with Thai jasmine rice for the vegetarians are among the menu options.

 

We landed in the amazing, new and sprawling Suvarnabhumi Airport. Together with the fun group was Thai Airways’ ever-loyal and dynamic district sales manager Malu Dueñas, who took extra care of us while we enjoyed cooking, shopping and touring.

 

After collecting our luggage, we headed to Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa (www.anantara.com). With four-and-a-half hectares of lush greenery complementing the Thai-style structures of the hotel, Anantara has great synergy with its tropical gardens and the timeless Chao Phraya River next to it.

 

Luxury accommodations

 

The resort’s luxury accommodations are showcased in its newly redesigned contemporary Thai-design spacious bedrooms. Backlit mirrored panels with etched inscriptions and the warmth of solid makha wooden flooring create that unique Thai design.

 

Anantara Resort truly lets its guests experience Bangkok’s colorful contrasts and indulgent waterfront lifestyle. With every room enjoying views of the lush garden setting, it’s easy to cocoon and not to leave the resort.

 

For our first adventure, we took the resort boat to a nearby market for ingredients for our special cooking class at Anantara. Finding more than fresh ingredients, Marbee Go and Raul Manzano did some detour shopping at a medicine store and grocery.

 

Having collected the spices and fresh fish needed, we were ready to take our culinary skills to the test. Being a cooking expert, Raul quickly mastered the menu and came up with really spicy Thai dishes. My cooking mate Jude Bacalso and I just had fun savoring the tastes and flavors and took Instagram photos. After sampling, I left Jude to have my much-needed Thai massage at the resort.

 

The next day was dedicated to my favorite pastime, shopping. First stop was Chatuchak Market for pasalubong goodies. This market is the biggest stall-style market in Thailand. An estimated quarter of a million shoppers visit this veritable shopaholic’s paradise each day.

 

On our second stop, TAT Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon met us at the newest shopping mall in Central Bangkok, Terminal 21. There are nine floors, each floor designed with a designated city theme and all its recognizable landmarks. In one mall, one may shop in Rome and Paris, then Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco and end up in Hollywood.

 

For dinner, we checked out Asiatique, a former pier that was converted to an outdoor shopping strip mall. We had time to catch the entertaining show at Calypso with Khun Kate. Raul was a big hit with the “transwomen” performers.

 

Bangkok has so many reasons for us to always return. We truly had such a memorable and enjoyable trip.

 

Lifestyle Asia ball

 

At the Lifestyle Asia Ball, I told Thai Airways GM Khun Sern Chupikulchai about our fabulous experience. Khun Sern and his lovely wife Priyanuch were among the guests at the gala dinner in celebration of the 26-year-old magazine.

 

Her majesty Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan, flew in for the event, which was co-presented by Globe Platinum and Tattoo Black. Her Majesty chairs the Bhutan Youth Development fund that supports the education of primary and secondary students in the mountain kingdom between China and India.

 

Guests milled by the Globe Luxe Lounge sipping Moët & Chandon, Brut Imperial and other specialty Belvedere and Grand Marnier cocktails. Lifestyle Asia editor in chief Anna Sobrepeña welcomed the queen and surprised all the guests with a flash mob dance later that evening. The regal and gentle queen joined the dance, too.

 

Manila Symphony Orchestra and the melodious singing of Lauren Liechtenstein accompanied the excellent five-course Bhutanese-inspired dinner at the Makati Shangri-La Ballroom.

 

Car sponsor for the Royal Gala was Mercedes-Benz, which provided the S-Class for the official use of Her Majesty for the duration of her visit.

 

Philippine Volcanoes

 

My next royal affair will be the Fila World Cup Dinner for the Philippine Volcanoes Official Jersey Presentation at Prince Albert Rotisserie at the InterContinental Hotel.

 

Fila power couple Butch and Cris Albert have generously sponsored our Philippine Rugby Team that will represent our country at the World Cup in Russia.

 

The Philippine Volcanoes was able to maintain its spot in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations elite group when it won against the United Arab Emirates, 24-8 in its last match.

 

HSBC Philippines president and CEO Wick Veloso told me how delighted he was to personally grace the event. HSBC was the title sponsor of the tournament.

 

The Volcanoes are also taking part in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in June—the first Philippines team sport to play in a world championship. HSBC is proud to be a major partner in raising the profile and growing awareness of the game in the country.

 

Maybe I should plan a trip to Russia via Bangkok on Thai Airways to be part of all the festivities!

 

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