Wednesday, October 27, 2010

King Power Duty Free Mall

Covering 10,662 sq. m spread over two floors, the King Power Duty Free Complex really is a shopping Mecca for bargain hunters and quality product aficionados. I am now going to let the Complex’s own exuberant website extol the virtues of its premises: “Whenever stopping over in the Land of Smiles or visiting longer on this ancient soil there is only one location you need visit to meet with merchants who've gathered from around the globe. On offer are the most precious and choicest goods at a not to be missed modern monument to sophistication - King Power Complex.”

Translated, this means that if you still want the convenience of duty-free shopping without the rush and hassle of doing it at the airport, you can shop at your leisure here anytime during your stay. Best of all it’s located just a 5 minute walk away from the Siam City Hotel, Bangkok. You pay for the items at the shop, then pick them up at the airport (or simply take them with you) when you leave. With a broad range of brands like Burberry, Coach, Chanel, TOD's, BOSS, Montblanc, Lacoste and Benetton available, the choice really is unlimited. There is also a large selection of food stuffs, like traditional Thai biscuits, children’s toys, cosmetics, watches and luggage on offer. For those feeling peckish there is a cafe, Asian Corner, inside the mall or next door is located Ramayana Restaurant, serving up delectable Asian favourites in a more formal setting.


IMPORTANT: You must have your passport and an airline ticket on hand to buy,. Also, you need to make your purchase at least eight hours before leaving the country. Open daily 10am-9pm.
Getting there: The Mall is located at 8 Rangnam Rd, near the Victory Monument BTS. From the Siam City Hotel, turn left and head up Si Ayuthaya Rd. Go straight for about 100m, past the 7/11, until you see signs pointing into the King Power Duty Free Complex. Walk up this small street for another 150m and the Duty Free Mall (recognisable by its large glass dome) is on your left-hand side. For more details, go to www.kingpower.com.


Monday, October 18, 2010

Saxophone



Tucked away in a small soi beside Victory Monument is arguably one of the city’s best live music venues: Saxophone Pub & Restaurant. Started 10 years ago by a bunch of jazz aficionados, the intimate and rustic spot is a mecca for live music fans. Every night a band or two takes the stage to delight punters with a range of offerings from jazz to blues, funk, reggae and pop.

Indulge in local and imported beers (Bht 100-300) and snacks or opt for a full meal, well serviced by attentive and friendly staff along with an Asia [tasty] and Western [so-so] menu jam-packed with everything from phadthai and green curry to sirloin steak and hot dogs (Bht 100-600). There is also an extensive drinks menu with all your favourites: Singapore Sling, mojito, Black Russian, Bloody Mary, margarita and scotch on the rocks.

Down stairs are small tables and horseshoe ringside seats in front of the band. Upstairs are balcony seats, floor seats (Moroccan style) and even a pool table to amuse in-between sets. Although deceptively small, the two floors can accommodated a good 100-200 people, so don’t be worried about getting a seat even at the busiest of times.
For a relaxed and enjoyable Thai night out you really can’t beat this place. And for guests staying at the Siam City Hotel, the location could not be better, just a five minute walk away! Besides fully instrumental shows like the phenomenal Koh Mr Sax Man who plays every Monday, there are a range of bands that perform exclusively in English or half-half Thai/English. For a full description of up-coming gigs, services and amenities, go to www.saxophonepub.com, call +66 (0) 2246-5472 or e-mail nhung007@hotmail.com. Open daily from 6:00 pm – 2: 00 am daily, free admission.

Getting there: exit the Siam City Hotel, turn right and head towards the main intersection, turn right again and head up Phayathai St. Go straight for two blocks until you hit Victory Monument. On you right-hand side is a small street, go down 20m and the bar can be found on your right.