City Pulse: Unveiling Bangkok's not-so-obvious delights

As with all other capital cities, the real jewels and gems of Bangkok are usually not highlighted in major tourist books. Hidden from most eyes in some small alley, behind a canal or atop an otherwise ordinary looking hill, these places are meant to be discovered when you stay beyond a short vacation and take your time to unearth them. Here below is a brief sampling of what I’ve come to appreciate in Bangkok. 

Bed and breakfast

First off, a room and a roof over one’s head in a foreign land is paramount but once in a while, sidetracking from the major tourist locations can be immensely satisfying. This bed and breakfast setup in Ratchadaphisek Road is a great example. Modern and chic blends in unison. And yes, there is a laptop in the picture -- it’s for anyone to use, complimentary of course.

A fully equipped kitchen, inspired from the owner’s recent trip to Greece is also available. For 1,400 baht, this bed is yours for the night. Single occupancy rate is 900 baht. A fusion breakfast is also prepared for you fresh every morning. The design, layout and background music are equally charming, and guests have voted and gave high praises for this wonderful place. Search for Be My Guest Bangkok on Tripadvisor to see the glowing reviews.

Be My Guest Bangkok Bed and Breakfast: 212/4 Nathong1 Lane (Ratchadaphisek7), Ratchadaphisek Road, Dindaeng, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 692 4037. Website: www.bemyguestbnb.com

Thai massage

One cannot avoid running into a Thai massage shop in Bangkok. They're as ubiquitous as vending machines in Tokyo. But what most tourists lack is the wisdom to know how to pick a good one.

Asia Herbs is a massage and spa chain on Sukhumvit Road. For US$11 it's certainly not the cheapest massage joint in the city, but the quality is worth it. Everyone here undergoes proper training. The owners put in a lot of effort to create something simple yet meaningful as the atmosphere here exudes tranquility, a discerning difference between this and the self-anointed parlors. Located near the BTS (skytrain) Phrom Phong and Thong Lo stations, getting to any one of the four Asia Herbs locations is easy. 

For the real local deal, head out of the tourist area and enjoy a real tread and treat massage. Sabai Guy Massage is one place where the masseur actually tries so hard she ends up perspiring in this 60 minute marathon. A Thai traditional full body or foot massage is only 120 baht.

Asia Herb Association: Sukhumvit 24, 33/1, Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 24. Tel: +66 (0)2 260 8864; visit www.asiaherbassociation.com for more locations

Sabai Guy Massage: 201 Soi Nathong 7, Ratchada Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 278 5559, (0)8 508 0195 (Ms. Thanyatorn); open 10:30am-10pm.

Buffets

Fancy a buffet lunch in a decent hotel? One that allows you to sample a wealth of Thai cuisine yet is highly affordable? There are tens of buffets all over the city, from the ultra decadent ones in big hotels to the really dirt cheap eat-till-you-drop venues. The problem for the former is that while they're top quality, most of us can only afford the occasional gastronomic indulgence. The issue with the latter is the quality; yes we all want to eat and try many dishes but we want it fresh and tasty too.

A solution to this problem is Ariston Hotel on Sukhumvit 24. Though not five stars in facade, it is definitely five stars and beyond in terms of food selection and quality. For 169 baht (199 after tax) one cannot help but smile -- even while eating. You will get a whole range of Thai cuisine to sample along with a pianist on a grand piano who will play famous Chinese, Thai and Asian tunes from 11:30am till 2.00pm when the buffet ends. Tastefully decorated, this simple restaurant is indeed the perfect place for a sumptuous buffet.

Big Ben Restaurant: Ariston Hotel lobby level, 19 Sukhumvit 24, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok. Tel: +66 0(2) 259 0960; www.aristonhotelbkk.com. Daily lunch buffet from 11:30am to 2pm.