Stay in Bangkok: My Chill Base, Great Food
Just got back from a short solo trip to Bangkok and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. No wild nights, no jam-packed tourist to-do lists just a comfortable hotel, good food, and a few laid-back walks around the city.
Where I stayed: Sindhorn Kempinski
This place felt like a bit of a hidden gem. The building itself is made of exposed concrete, which sounds kind of harsh, but it actually works. Inside, it’s quiet and soft, with big windows up top and that warm kind of lighting that makes everything feel calm. The lobby was mellow. Couples having tea, a piano playing somewhere in the background, staff walking around like they actually enjoy working there. As soon as I checked in, they offered me tea and let me pick between juice, sticky rice with mango, or chocolate bars. I picked the chocolate. No regrets. The suite was way bigger than expected. Huge bed, walk-in closets, a proper kitchen, snacks, coffee machine, even milk in the fridge. Every little detail felt well thought out. The manager actually walked me to the room and explained how everything worked. That kind of personal touch is rare.
If you're into good sleep, they’ve got different pillow options - memory foam, latex, that sort of thing. And everything just felt brand new, like I might’ve been the first person to stay there. The small stuff (because nothing’s ever perfect)
Breakfast gets a bit busy at peak time, so if you’re planning a slow morning, maybe go early. Also, spa access isn’t included in every room package—it’s about 600 baht per day if you want to use it, and treatments aren’t exactly cheap. If that’s your thing, probably better to book a package that includes it. But overall, I’d say the service, comfort, and setup more than make up for it. It’s quiet, it’s relaxed, and it doesn’t feel like you're in a hotel full of tour groups.
Dinner spot: Vaso (Spanish Tapas)
There’s this little village right behind the hotel called Velaa Sindhorn. It’s full of low-key restaurants and a nice supermarket. I ended up at Vaso, a Spanish tapas place. The vibe was cool, dim lighting, good music, felt like the kind of spot you'd either take a date or happily go solo. I sat at the bar, had a glass of wine and a few tapas. Everything was tasty, the service was smooth, and no one rushed me. It’s the kind of place I’d go back to. Things to do (if you feel like it)
I didn’t cram the days with plans. Bangkok is one of those cities where walking around aimlessly is kind of the best plan. But here are a few easy stops near the hotel:
Lumphini Park – Nice in the early morning. Grab a coffee, go for a slow walk, watch people stretch, jog, do tai chi. It’s calm.
Erawan Shrine – Small but full of energy. People lighting incense, dancers performing prayers - feels very local.
Gaysorn Village / Central Embassy – If you want a cool space to walk around indoors for a bit, these malls are beautifully designed and not packed with people. Good for browsing or just escaping the heat.
