The Peninsula Bangkok Style

When it comes to great bargains and good food, no place can beat Bangkok. In spite of the city’s reputation for having one of the worst traffic in Asia, tourists still flock to this beautiful City of Angels.

Bangkok has maintained its beauty and charm, but best of all, it has preserved its culture which they have excellently blended with the modern world that has come knocking on the kingdom’s door for centuries.

As Bangkok continues to build more attractions to entice tourists, it also boasts five-star accommodations to match its sights. One of these is The Peninsula Bangkok, which has been voted the No. 1 hotel in Asia and No. 2 in the world.

When The Peninsula Group built the hotel in 1998, it decided on the west bank of the scenic Chao Phraya River. After all, at the end of a long day spent shopping, it is always nice for guests to be able to relax and enjoy the kind of view that no other hotel is privileged to have. "Developed as one of the finest hotel properties in Bangkok, its riverside location inspired the W-shaped design to capitalize on the uninterrupted panoramic views from every room and to add a distinctive architectural statement to Bangkok’s skyline," proudly exclaims Saipin Laoharanu, Peninsula’s director of social affairs and protocol and director of The Peninsula Academy.

A group of lifestyle writers were recently hosted by PAL, represented by Joy Pasilao, PAL assistant vice president for marketing services, and The Peninsula Bangkok to experience the hotel and enjoy the city’s sights. Together with Pauline Suaco-San Juan of Preview and Pierra Calasanz of Lifestyle Asia, I would now know why The Peninsula has such a reputation for warmth, hospitality and excellent service. PAL, on the other hand, re-launched its more user-friendly frequent flyer program, Mabuhay Miles, giving its existing members and new enrollees more generous rewards, attractive privileges and excellent services linking up to more Program Partners, which includes The Peninsula Group.

Upon arrival at the hotel, we were all treated to a welcome drink, head and shoulder massage to relax after the three-hour flight and to prepare us for the very exciting days ahead of us. We were then given ample time to relax and unpack, and enjoy the breathtaking view from our suites. We then proceeded to the Joe Louis Theater at the newly opened Bangkok Night Bazaar located at 1875 Rama IV Rd., Lumpini, Pathumwan. Joe Louis is the English name of Sakorn Yangkhiawsod, Thailand’s 1996 national artist, who formed the only troupe in Thailand that allows tourists to experience Thai traditional puppetry. The Joe Louis puppet play is performed in a special way, wherein each puppet is controlled by three puppeteers who remain visible all throughout the show. The show, which kids will surely enjoy, is not only unique but educational as well, making you forget for a moment your shopping list.

On the second day, we went to the Jim Thompson House for lunch. The Thai-style house was built in 1945 by Jim Thompson, an American businessman who came to Thailand and fell in love with the country’s beauty and charm. He became fascinated with the colorful Thai silk, which at that time was fast disappearing. He painstakingly reinvented it and took it with him to New York to show friends. Thai silk became a huge hit. It was then that he built his beautiful house in Bangkok, which was of traditional teak materials which were at least two centuries old and came from as far away as the old capital of Ayutthaya. Because the house was rich with history and heritage, it attracted public interest so Jim Thompson decided to open his home to the public and proceeds were donated to Thai charities and projects directed at the preservation of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. After Jim Thompson’s mysterious disappearance while on vacation in Malaysia in March 1967, the house was turned into a museum. To date, the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company has 28 branches all over Thailand and shops all over the world. It has expanded its line, which started from the fine silk fabrics to high-end haute couture and recently furniture. The Thai people have continued to preserve the memories of a man who contributed greatly to the country’s rich culture.

After two days of shopping and experiencing Bangkok’s cultural tours, we came to the highlight of our trip: the culinary course given by the energetic Peninsula Academy director Saipin Laoharanu. We were given lessons on how to come out with the best Pad Thai (Thai rice noodles and shrimps wrapped in egg net), my favorite Tom Yum Kung (spicy shrimp soup flavored with lemongrass) and for dessert, Thab Thim Siam (chestnut balls served with coconut milk, soft syrup and crushed ice).

Saipin generously shared culinary secrets with us, her eager students. It was such a fulfilling experience to be able to test our skills in the kitchen and find out that cooking can be as pleasant as eating, too. Well, not to mention that we were, after all, in a wonderful first-class hotel.

On our last day, we had a choice between yoga and Thai massage. I chose the latter and I can tell you that it was heaven getting a massage and at the same time ogling at wonderful river views.

The visit was indeed the ultimate getaway. Bangkok once again proves to be the place to go when you want to have a good time. I usually don’t enjoy traveling alone, but this was one time I felt safe alone in my room, pampered and relaxed. Well, why not? I was in one of the best hotels in the world.

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Philippine Airlines flies Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to Bangkok.

For inquiries, call the Peninsula Manila at 843-6305, 812-3456 or 810-3456.