The very upscale Phloen Chit neighborhood is Bangkok’s answer to Ginza, where gleaming skyscrapers meet with residential side streets. But for every luxury boutique and fine-dining restaurant, you’ll also find a casual wine bar or neighborhood cafe with more down-to-earth appeal. 

 

 

 

Central Embassy (1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-119-7777) dedicates eight floors to retail shops from some of the world’s most exciting fashion brands, including Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin and Jil Sander. For something more unique, check out  Alexander Lamont (2/F, Central Embassy, 02-160-5772), who creates beautiful decorative objects which draw on both European and Asian . The luxurious materials, from bronze to stingray skin, are handcrafted by a team of skilled artisans working from Bangkok to create pieces that are both and meaningful. The exciting stuff takes place on its sixth floor, where Open House offers beautiful books, workshops and great food. Nearby, on a leafy side-street,100 Tonson (100 Soi Tonson, 02-684-1527) is located in a beautiful building designed by renowned French designer Christian Liaigre, and regularly welcomes such high-profile artists as Rirkrit Tiravanija. For a genuinely good Bangkok tailoring experience, stop by Pinky Tailor (Mahatun Plaza Arcade, 02-252-9680). The patriarch, Pinky, still rules over his cramped shop packed to the rafters with bolts of cloth. But we like to get sartorial tips from Win, his son. Make sure you have enough time for several fittings. In the same plaza you’ll also find the cool men’s leather store Zettino (098-664-9516). For more high-end shopping, visit the compact but very luxurious Gaysorn (02-656-1177) mall. As well as numerous luxury international fashion labels, you’ll find Thai brands  like Sretsis, Disaya and Zenithorial. Pick up locally crafted gifts from Jim Thompson, or indulge at Panpuri Organic Spa  (L/F, Gaysorn, 02-656-1199).

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This is a very international area for dining. In fact, the only cuisine that’s thin on the ground is Thai food. For respite from Central Embassy’s boutiques, head to the beach club-style cabana at Siwilai City Club and partake in some tapas and cocktails. Prefer Italian? Lenzi’s is run by a Tuscan who serves coldcuts imported directly from his family’s farm back in Italy. Sticking to fine dining, Yamazato (24/F, The Okura Prestige, 02-687-9000) is one of Bangkok’s most luxurious Japanese restaurants, serving grand 6-8 course kaiseki dinners. On a more casual tip, the Mexican La Monita Taqueria (Mahatun Plaza, 888/25-26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581) does hands-down the best quesadilla and fish taco in town, while Pizza Massilia (15/1 Soi Ruam Ruedi, 02-651-5091) is Bangkokians’ answer to authentic wood-fire pizza. For a truly upscale Thai dining experience, book a table at either Saneh Jaan or Paste, which specializes in heritage recipes, especially curry.