Bangkok Who knows Thailand better than the people that live there? We're tracking down those who can pass on their best tips and better than a guide book - here's the ultimate inside guide to Bangkok... Who? Liz Weselby Editor, Bangkok Post the magazine. Lived in Thailand? Almost three years. Liz says: I moved here with my boyfriend Duncan after deciding we needed a change. Neither of us fancied backpacking, so we decided to move to Thailand, having no idea what to expect. We both left great jobs, wonderful friends and the security of London life for the mad-cap craziness of Bangkok. The first year was quite tough, but since then it just keeps getting better. What makes living in Bangkok special to you? It may be cliched, but the weather, food, people - but also its grit, energy and the fact that life here is unpredictable. This can be unnerving at times, but it's always interesting! My Top 3 Eating Shopping People-watching My Top 3 places to eat: What: Sirocco Why: For sheer pizzazz! The view is breathtaking and the food's not bad either, although it's on the pricey end of the scale for Bangkok. Good restaurant for a special occasion. Where: The Dome, State Tower, tel: 02 624 9555 What: Cafe Siam Why: French food in a beautiful, elegant early 20th century villa, furnished with Asian antiques. It's my favourite rainy day place to eat. The food is reasonable, but the setting is divine. Make sure you go upstairs for coffee afterwards. Where: 4 Soi Si Aksorn, Chuaphloeng Road. Tel: 02 671 0030/1 What: Phranakorn Bar Why: It's a Thai restaurant/bar not far from Khao San Road, but you won't find many backpackers here. The food is delicious, fiery Thai and it's also very cheap. Menus are in Thai, but there's usually someone on hand to translate. Great in the cool season as they have mellow roof top terrace. Where: 58/2 Soi Dammoen Klang Tai, Ratchadamnoen Road. Tel: 0 2622 0282 My Top 3 must stop shops: What: Chatuchak Weekend Market Why: You can buy anything and everything here - fashion, homewares, plants, Thai artifacts, live animals - the list is endless. It is huge so make sure you take a copy of the Nancy Chandler map to keep your bearings. Avoid all the other tourists by going in the late afternoon when the locals do. Where: Chatuchak Park. What: Gaysorn, 2nd Floor Why: Ignore the big brand names and head to the 2nd Floor where you'll find a number of stores stocking fashion by Thai designers. Look out for: Fly Now, fashion society, Senada and Sretsis. Prices tend to be similar to the UK high street. Where: Ratchaprasong Intersection, Childlom BTS station What: Siam Center/Siam Discovery Center/ Siam Square Why: For street style, local boutiques and stalls. Siam is where young Thais hang out at the weekend, and you can often pick up interesting fashion and great bargains. Where: Siam BTS Station, Rama1 My Top 3 people-watching spots: What: Bed Supper club Why: It's a good mix of partying Bangkok elite, tourists, and the local dance-music loving crowd. People always dress up for Bed. Where: Sukhumvit soi 11, tel; 0 2651 3537 What: Siam Why: because it's where young Thais hang out - you'll get a real feel for the latest fashion, music and lifestyle trends. Well, if you can bear the noise level. Similarly try RCA (Royal City Avenue at night time). Where: Siam BTS, Rama 1. Royal City Avenue. What: Vertigo, Banyan Tree Hotel Why: Bangkok is full of roof top bars, but this is one of the first and the best. Its narrow terrace means it's not for the faint hearted - but once there, the view is spectacular - as are the other drinkers. Where: Banyan Tree Hotel, Sathorn Road. My Top nights out: What: Bed Supperclub Why: see above - plus it usually has very good DJs. We've always had great nights out here - even with the early closing policy. Where: Sukhumvit soi 11. Tel: 0 2651 3537 What: VIP karaoke/bowling Why: Hire a VIP suite with some friends and you can combine bowling with karaoke. You record your personal winning song that plays every time you get a strike. It's so much fun and has to be experienced to be believed. Where: Central World Plaza (formerly world Trade Center) Don't Miss This: Take a river-boat. It's easy and cheap, gets you away from the traffic and the heat. Only from the river can you really see a beautiful side to Bangkok. The riverside is lined with temples, palaces and people's homes. It's a working river, where you'll see fishermen, cargo boats and kids playing in the water.
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