RELATED LINKS Return to 10 Great Golf & Spa Getaways

Hotels

• Banyan Tree Bangkok is an all suite property located in a section of the city favored by embassies and international corporations. The suites are stylishly decorated in quiet colors with Thai accents; bathrooms are large and equipped with deep soaking tubs. Club floor guests have access to a private spa, and the hotel offers a complimentary shopping companion service if you are looking for something special. Club doubles from about $300 USD, including breakfast.

  Ph: +66 2-679-1200
  www.banyantree.com

• The entrance lounge of the Oriental Bangkok establishes the hotel's elegant atmosphere with its handsome teakwood bell chandeliers, luxe appointments and restful color scheme. Each of its 396 rooms has a slightly different décor, but all are luxurious and are made even more satisfying by the wonderful personal service that is the hotel's hallmark. The location, on the Chao Phya River, is colorful, lively and always fascinating. Doubles from about $250 USD.

  Ph: +66 2-659-9000

• Bangkok's Four Seasons Hotel is located nearer the city's center, opposite the Royal Bangkok Racetrack. The 340 are attractive and done in excellent taste. There's a first-rate spa with a full range of treatments, most notably the Thai massage. Doubles from $240 USD.

  800-819-5053

Dining

• A large garden surrounds Sweet Basil, one of Bangkok's best Vietnamese restaurants. It's a cheery place with a large menu on which each dish is illustrated with a color photo. Crunchy pancakes are a fine starter, and fresh seafood sautéed in chili sauce with basil and rice vermicelli is a great main dish, unlike the usual Viet cuisine. Dinner for two, without wine, about $30 USD.

  Ph: +66 2-238-3088

• Harmonique is a favorite with the expat community. Partway down the alley that leads from New Road to the Express Boat dock, you'll find an intriguing warren of courtyards and alcoves, with carp filled fountains tucked among potted and hanging plants. Menu highlights include spicy shrimp and lemon grass soup; mild curried crabmeat; fried fish with chilis and basil, and fried cashews with chilis and spring onions. Dinner for two, with beer, about $30 USD.

  Ph: +66 2-237-8175

• Kaloang Home Kitchen, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the northern part of the city, serves the finest seafood in Thailand. You place your order by pointing to your choice in an ice covered bin of fresh seafood, and then the kitchen determines the preparation. The fresh scallops grilled on the shell and topped with fried onions are unlike any scallops you've ever eaten. It they're available, try a plate of fried morning glories. Lunch or dinner for two, with beverage, about $25 USD.

  Ph: +66 2-281-9228

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