Thailand's long, prosperous history and diverse culture has shaped the concept of many of the country's top-in-class landmarks and trailblazers of today. Here are our top seven icons not to be missed.
1. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
For over 146 years Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has held its reputation as the legendary grand dame hotel that sits beside the majestic Chao Phraya River with style, service and excellence. A haven of calm, it is truly a remarkable iconic landmark like no other that has been welcoming foreign royals, celebrities, diplomats and billionaire alike. Its classy elegance, influenced by Thai culture, runs throughout all aspects from the architecture to the interior and also service. Following the largest renovation in its 146-year history, the River Wing has reopened and the stunning transformation has further enhanced the guest accommodation and facilities of the iconic hotel. 2. Nai Lert Park Heritage Home
Built in 1915 along Saen Saep Canal, the original Nai Lert Park Heritage Home was designed by Phraya Bhakdinorasreth (Lert Sreshthaputra) to be his permanent residence. Even before Bangkok’s public Lumpini Park opened its gates for the public, the Nai Lert family home was already doing so with its own park – the first western-style one in (then) Siam. Scout camps and other activities were held on its grounds and it was fondly referred to by locals as ‘Nai Lert Park’. Three generations of the family lived in the house until 2012 when it was decided to convert the private residence into a heritage property so the greater community could appreciate its history, architectural charms and more. Nai Lert Park Heritage home was turned into a museum and each corner within is filled with memorabilia from three generations of the family, altogether relaying the enthralling history about the life and legacy of Phraya Bhakdinoraseth.
3. ICONSIAM
Sitting proudly on a bank of Chao Phraya River is ICONSIAM, truly an iconic landmark of Bangkok. It comprises of two of the most glamorous retail complexes in the region, two of the most luxurious residential towers and also the ‘Seven Wonders’. The vast complex was created out of a strong desire to present all that is iconic about Thailand and thus it could be described as a hub for an expansive array of the best in culture, arts and entertainment through collaborations with organisations both big and small. The ‘icons within icon’ concept was created by ICONSIAM to present the best-known global luxury brands in duplex maison located within the sensational ICONLUXE zone situated next to the river with the longest pillarless glass façade in the world, and these flagship stores attract international patrons.
4. Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways is Thailand’s first private boutique airline. Its inauguration was in 1968 and together with the opening of privately-operated Samui International Airport, was responsible for opening up tourism on the paradisiacal island by operating frequent, comfortable trips and good airport facilities. Following its success story in Samui, the airline opened more privately-operated airports at other attractive destinations around the country including Sukhothai Airport and Trat Airport. The airline has maintained its high standards continuously over the years, for which it has received awards for excellence year after year. One of the airline’s biggest draws is its Boutique Lounge service, a pre-boarding service that allows passengers in all classes to wait in comfort with snacks being provided. 5. Banyan Tree Veya Phuket
On land beside Phuket beach that used to be the site of a mining operation lies Banyan Tree Veya Phuket, where Banyan Tree Group launched the country’s very first iconic pool villa accommodation. Recently, the group relaunched the Phuket resort as its pioneer wellbeing-centred resort which incorporates its new wellbeing brand Banyan Tree Veya. ‘Veya’ means ‘to weave’, and thus the resort provides a comprehensive selection of practical services to enable guests to connect with their inner self and to acquire new wellbeing regimes which can be adapted to their routine once they return to regular daily life. A wellbeing sojourn at Banyan Tree Veya Phuket includes a private wellbeing assessment, mapping and consultation to recommend the right path for each individual. Subsequently, guests may choose for themselves any of the pre-organised open daily rituals and mindful practices to centre the mind and body.
6. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
On its secluded property of northern jungle in Thailand that covers 160 acres, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort sits perched on a hill overlooking both the Mekong and Ruak rivers and offers majestic views over the confluence of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. A highlight here is the resort’s Elephant Camp, modelled on traditional mahout villages and which is a home for rescued elephants. The new transparent and fully-furnished Jungle Bubbles, perched on a wooden deck, have been added to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime, 24-hour experience with uninterrupted views of the elephants in their natural habitat during the days as well as the starlit sky above at night. Located just over 60 kilometres from Chiang Rai International Airport, this extraordinary resort has activities for everyone, from family-friendly excursions to romantic getaways. 7. Soneva Kiri
Nestled among lush tropical rainforest on unspoiled Koh Kood island, Soneva Kiri offers an unparalleled concept of luxury meets eco-friendly with its focus on being a ‘barefoot luxury resort’. This extraordinary island hideaway comprises of 33 expansive one-to five-bedroom pool luxury villas that blend seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty. To ensure the exclusiveness of the resort, guests need to fly on Soneva Kiri’s private eight-seater Cessna 208 Caravan. Once there, guests should not miss the stunning Treepod Dining experience which was inspirited by the childlike desire to climb high up to a leafy canopy and survey the panorama from a simple platform. Treepod Dining takes fine dining to new heights in a bamboo pod, allowing diners to overlook the tropical foliage of Koh Kood while savouring gourmet delights that are delivered via zip-line acrobatics of their personal waiter!
If you are interested in making a reservation with these iconics, please contact us at Silver Voyage Club Concierge
• Tel: +66-(0)2-016-9975
• Line OA: @silvervoyage
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