A number of carefully chosen hotels in Bangkok have just introduced a new service to coddle their guests: Edward Carter's personal recommendations of his favorite Places to Eat, Places to Shop, Coolest Entertainment and Traditional Arts, and Important Services,
PLUS (in some boxes) where to have FUN, Bangkok-style!

Called Edward Carter's The Best of BKK, it consists of a stylish, handmade box with 54 mini compartments arranged 6 across, and nine down.

The six across are for:
1. Column A - Best Dining
2. Column B – Really Good Dining
3. Column C – Fun Dining
4. Shopping
5. Entertainment & The Arts
6. Important Services.

In each compartment are 50 Introduction Cards for each establishment recommended by Edward Carter. Not only are these reliable, hand-picked choices, but each will give the hotel's guest a gift or discount as well!

The size of two business cards folded in half, each card has all the important details about the place, a photograph or two, a locator map, and how to get there in English and Thai (for the taxi driver).

Quoting Edward:
“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 the box. 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 of my favorites has agreed to give YOU a discount. Just present the card when you arrive.”

Here's how to get the most out of the box:

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Use my recommendations like a Chinese menu: pick one from Column A for a really memorable meal during your visit to Bangkok.

Then, depending upon the length of your stay, pick a few from Column B, but don’t miss trying one from Column C...it might very well become YOUR favorite (and it’s so affordable!).

SHOPPING

Any guidebook will list all the malls. However few present anything you can’t buy anywhere else in the world.

Most of my friends who come to Bangkok for the first time are looking for things unique to Thailand: wonderful hand-crafted, wood carvings, lacquer ware, ceramics, hand-woven fabrics, little boxes, baskets, and handbags. A few are looking for really fine, genuine antiques. Some want to see the latest electronics.

Your hotel can recommend their favorite tailor, or spa, or masseur, some have these things right there in your hotel.

My choices are places I know well and trust. They don’t give me a kick-back for recommending them; I wouldn’t list them if they did.

ENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS

While much of Bangkok is a modern metropolis with world class entertainment and theatrical productions, those of us who live here appreciate that you’ve come to relax and have fun. You can do that on any level...

You may want to splurge on a fantasy evening at the best that Bangkok has to offer. It won’t be cheap and you will be expected to dress up. I guarantee you will have a magical time.

On the other hand, maybe you deserve to really unwind, so I’ve recommended the most fun places where you’ll fit right in with a T-shirt and flip-flops.

SERVICES

It’s very difficult to know what to list under this category because we each have a variety of interests. However, I think what I’ve included will be useful, and if you don’t find what you are looking for, I’m sure the concierge in your hotel will help. (P.S. Don’t expect an Edward Carter discount on the BTS, Subway, or Air Asia. There are some things no one can pull off.)

HELPFUL HINTS

The Thai people are some of the most caring and hospitable people in the world. For the most part, they grow up in closely-knit, loving families, have strong religious beliefs, and are very aware of what constitute good manners and bad…in Thailand.

Thailand is different from home…that’s why you’re here, and there are things you need to know:

• Thai people avoid confrontation. Also, as they don’t like having to say ‘no,’ it may take a while before you understand that they don’t have something or can’t do something.
• Avoid losing your temper at all costs as Thai people tend to think such behavior is rude and stupid.
• As loud conversation is not appreciated, try to speak softly at all times.
• Try not to be too particular. If you feel frustrated by anything, don’t voice it. Please don’t compare the situation out loud to somewhere else…it hurts people’s feelings. Also, Thai people don’t understand sarcasm.
• Don’t treat Thai people as though they were stupid. They may not speak your language as well as you do, but I can assure you they are intelligent and polite, and their civilization has been here a long, long time.
• When visiting temples, dress decently: no shorts, no tank tops, and women should cover their heads. When going inside, take your shoes off.
• Don’t put your feet on anything other than the ground.
• Public displays of affection aren’t appropriate.
• Don’t assume merchants are out to cheat you. Thai people are generally honest and kind.
• Reconfirm on the day of an appointment.
• The national anthem is played each morning at 8, each evening at 6, and prior to films and theatrical shows. Please stand.

Please email me your favorites, and have a wonderful visit!

Edward Carter