Edward Carter's TRAVELS: The Best of BKK - The List of Edward's Favorites

First of all, I really only consider places which provide the highest level of quality in their class; pretentiousness is a waste of everyone’s time.

Any guidebook can give you the ‘obvious bests’ but I live in Bangkok and the places you find in the box are my hand-picked favorites that I frequent all the time.

These places have not paid to be in my box of Introduction Cards in your hotel. No place can buy into my list of personal favorites, but, once chosen, each has agreed to cover the costs of being in the "system;" for example, the cost of printing and distributing the cards in the box, and...

Each has agreed to give you a discount. Just present the card when you arrive.

Introducing my favorites in Bangkok; the categories:

Best Dining, Really Good Dining, Best Value Dining, Shopping, Entertainment & The Arts, and Services.

Dining:

The Very Best in BKK
“Dining in any of these restaurants is a special occasion. You will probably need to make a reservation a day or more in advance, and gents will be expected to wear a jacket and maybe a tie.”
Chinese - Mei Jiang (dressy)
French - D’Sens (dressy)
International - Le Normandie (jacket and tie required)
Italian - Zanotti (dressy)
Japanese - Maru Teppanyaki
Steakhouse - JW Marriott's NY Steakhouse (stylish)
Thai - Celadon (dressy)
Seafood - Seafood Market
Don’t Miss - Sunday Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel

Really Good Food and Atmosphere
“I frequent these restaurants regularly, as do many of Bangkok’s “international set.” As they are not as imposing as “The Very Best,” their friendliness allows you to relax and enjoy some of the best food in town.”
Chinese - China House
French - Le Banyan
International - Jester’s
Italian - Calderazzo
Japanese - Shin Daikoku
Steakhouse - Neil’s Tavern
Thai - Blue Elephant
Seafood - Pen
Don’t Miss - The Great American Rib Co.

Good Food and Great Value
“Priced to enjoy everyday, these favorites will surprise you with their good food and fun atmosphere.”
Chinese - Joke Club
French - Le Bouchon
International - Anna’s Café, Saladaeng
Italian - Air Plane
Japanese - Dai No Ki
Steakhouse - Next Station
Thai - MK
Seafood - Ban Klang Nam
Don’t Miss - Cabbages & Condoms

Shopping
“A little bargaining is usually expected.”
Antiques - Lamont & Altfield, Fine Furniture and works of art
Wood Carving, ceramics - Narayanaphand
Baskets, boxes, handbags - Tamnan Mingmuang
Art Gallery - Timothy Yarger Fine Art Gallery
Computers, electronics - IT in Pantip Plaza
Loose gemstones - Dr. David Glickman of Lambert Holding Co.
China - Baan Pinsuwan, fine benjarong (made to order only)
Thai stainless flatware - Zen in Central World Plaza
Don’t Miss - Jim Thompson’s Thai Silk

Entertainment & The Arts
“Entertainment to some, is Art to others, and vice versa.”
Jazz - Brown Sugar
Bar - Sky Bar (The Dome)
Supper Club/Disco - The Bed Supper Club
Dancing /n Drinkin’ - Mystique
Thai Dinner Theatre & More - Silom Village
Legitimate Dinner and Dance - Patravadi Theatre
Traditional and Uniquely Thai - Joe Louis Puppet Theatre
Don’t Miss - Jim Thompson’s House Museum

Services
Gym - California Fitness (special short-term guest pass)
Health Care - From nips and tucks to major surgery - Bumrungrad International
Holistic Healing - Bahlavi Natural Health Centre
Local Airline - Thai Air Asia
Private Tours - Legends of Siam (by special arrangement only)
Public Tours - Bangkok Tourist Bureau
Skytrain - BTS
Underground transportation - Subway

Obviously, to get the address, contact numbers, and discount, you will need to take along one of my Introduction Cards found in the box in your hotel.

If you have any questions or comments, just email me: Edward Carter

'As the creator of The Point, one of the most extraordinary small hotels in the world; first International Delegate of Relais et Châteaux; and the creator and author of his famous travel journal, Edward Carter is respected internationally as an arbiter of style and taste.'
BRITISH AIRWAYS

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