So Sofitel Bangkok, Thailand

Worlds Apart

Bangkok was always at a disadvantage, sandwiched between what was my new favourite place in the world (Tokyo) and 3 days with an amazing charity (Not For Sale), Bangkok was always going to be filling in the proverbial sandwich. 

I caught a taxi straight from the airport - whilst being told by several people to 'get a taxi with a metre' I ignored them, and got a taxi from the airport, it cost around 850 baht (£20) to get me to the hotel. 

As soon as we set off, it was worlds apart from the organised, clean, efficient Tokyo.  As we sat in traffic, surrounded by motorbikes of all makes and models, I longed for the hotel. 

United Kingdom! 

As with Norway, the So Sofitel Bangkok, had been on the list of '48 Epic dream hotels to visit before you die'.  I could have just carried on from Tokyo and flown directly to Chiang Rai, but I wanted to try this place, even for one night. 

We finally arrived (around 1h30m later), and I unloaded my super large suitcase.  I was greeted in the reception by 3 or 4 people, a shout of 'united kingdom' went up as I told them where I was from.  Things were looking up, everyone seemed like they wanted to help, and welcomed me with bowed heads and clasped hands (the Thai Wai).

The hotel looked just as good as i had hoped, not sure why it was number 42 of 48 in the dream hotel list, but this was probably the most luxurious hotel I had ever visited. 

'More extravagance please'

After being shown to my room, and taking ten minutes to savour the view, send several Whatsapp messages to make my friends and family jealous, and admired the largest bed and bath i had seen in any hotel room, I decided to try and get an upgrade - would that be too extravagant?  Lets see... 

I ventured out of the room, down to the ground floor to seek out the person that had helped me to my room.  I was dutifully taken up to the 25th floor and shown the suite, fully equipped with hallway, living room, walk in wardrobe, and jacuzzi bath, I took it (after asking for, and getting, a small discount) of course.

It was far too big for one person, for one night, but what the hell, I was here for one night, I probably wasn't going to be back so why not?

Call that sushi?

I headed to the gym for the first time in five days, it was very small, but worked for me.  I looked out of the window whilst running on the small rickety treadmill (not build for 16 st English men).  What a view, past the infinity pool was the modern high-rise skyline of downtown Bangkok. Was I enjoying this city? 

After working up an appetite, I navigated my way to the Red Oven restaurant, #TableForOne was going to make one more appearance on this trip. I was given a great view and proceeded to order a mango smoothie (I realised I hadn't had any fruit in Tokyo!), then went to fill my plate at the buffet.  

I mistakenly headed for some sushi as my second course, it was so dry compared to what i had been used to - it put into perspective the absolutely staggering food quality in Tokyo. 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the food, and headed back to the suite.

Tony Montana 

I fixed the iPhone up to the speakers in the bedroom, and played my 'AM' Spotify playlist (relaxing), and set the jacuzzi bath running. 

It was at this time, I began to admire the hotel and the view once more. It truly was spectacular, regardless of the earlier journey, and the disadvantage of following Tokyo, this was a truly magnificent suite and hotel. 

I sunk into the bath, and reminisced the scene in 'Scarface' of Tony Montana in the huge bathtub, I had no cigars, there was not as many expletives, but it felt good and...

I have worked hard for this.

Tony Montana

Croissants with Lacroix

Following a few cocktails on the rooftop bar the night before, gazing at the sky-line again (in the pouring rain), I made my way to the Club Signature for complimentary breakfast. 

Sat in front of a huge signature of Christian Lacroix on the wall, I thought back over my time in this hotel. 

Should I have continued on? and missed Bangkok out of the trip? 

No, this was an amazing hotel a true 5 star experience, with a fantastic team more than happy to help you in any way, staggering views, and an even more staggering room, I will miss it. 

I grabbed a metre'd taxi back to the airport, for around 300 baht (including a tip) and headed to departures for Chiang Rai.