Thailand has been in the news a lot lately. With the recent parliamentary passing of same-sex marriage legislation, the filming location for Season 3 of The White Lotus, and the relaunch of Air Canada’s non-stop service between Vancouver and Bangkok, now is the perfect time to plan your next adventure. For the uninitiated, it’s an exotic destination that dreams are made of. For those who have been, it’s a dream come true!

Thailand is the land of affordable luxury, where a five-star luxury experience can be found for the equivalent price of a standard hotel room in North America. While the chaos of city life happens on the streets, there is calm to be found within many of the green spaces, and the more upscale hotel offerings. These city properties are basically resorts within themselves, offering fine dining, therapeutic massages, poolside lounging, and other health and wellness amenities.

If you’re wanting an opulent experience in Bangkok, two of the more luxurious, yet affordable city-centre options are the recently renovated SO / Bangkok and the tropical oasis inspired Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, each located on opposite sides of Lumpini Park, one of Bangkok’s largest city parks is a constant buzz of activity for both locals and tourists needing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

SO is the name given to the rebranded boutique properties, part of the Sofitel Hotels portfolio, yet have a more modern and hip flair to them. The spacious lobby has a twin entrance way, lounge area, and coffee shop/chocolab onsite. Onsite dining options include Red Oven, which offers an extensive buffet breakfast to begin your day, and an intimate evening dining experience to end it, with everything from Thai to Italian and Seafood to Sushi. The adjacent Soshi offers a traditional Japanese experience, and the rooftop Park Society lounge is the perfect nightcap spot. Be sure to visit the onsite health and wellness facilities, including an outdoor infinity pool, spa, gym, and a variety of fitness programs that include and opportunity to learn the technique of Muay Thai Boxing. All guest rooms are styled after one of four themes: Water, Earth, Wood, and Metal, and come complete with all needed for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Kimpton Maa-Lai is hidden away from all roadways and surrounded by lush greenery. Once checked in, there’s really no reason to leave the property, as it has more than enough to satisfy all five senses. Upon entering the spacious and artistically designed lobby, there’s the feel of a welcoming environment that carries through the entire property. Beyond the bedroom, there’s a plethora of things to explore onsite, including the daily Social Hour, where all guests are invited to unwind at Maa-Lai Library on the 30th floor and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks beginning at 5 p.m.  Take time for yourself at the expansive onsite Amaranth Spa that offers massages, facials, and other body treatments, participate in onsite fitness classes, or grab a complimentary Kimpton Bike and make your way around the neighbourhood on two wheels. In terms of onsite dining options, Stock Room offers an extensive breakfast buffet like no other, while Ms. Jiggers will satisfy your craving for all things Italian, from fresh pasta and pizza, to delicious desserts, and the adjacent recently opened Ruby’s cocktail bar is the perfect place to end an intimate evening.

 

Thailand Tourism has all you need to start planning your next adventure, and Go Thai Be Free is a dedicated LGBTQ+ travel website. It’s highly suggested to book accommodations, tours, and transfers prior to arrival, and the LGBTQ+ owned Globe Globe Holiday can provide most everything needed customized to your preferences. Book your Air Canada flights today, and your dreams will soon become reality!

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.