Pa Kae Vietnamese Restaurant

123/205 Samsen Rd., Bangkok, 02-243-4788. Open daily 9am-6pm
The fifth generation Viet-Thai owner opened this restaurant when she was a young woman and now she’s a lovely grandma. The moo yor (pork sausage) is just a little peppery while the noodles are cooked to a nice chewy texture. Another dish we love is the nam nueng (Vietnamese meatballs, B50 for a stick) which tastes amazingly fresh. The best thing here is the rich and flavorful sauce, though. End your meal with the bua loy (taro balls in coconut milk, B20) which comes with very young coconut.

Khun Dang Guay Jub Yuan

68, Phra Athit Rd., Bangkok, 085-246-0111, 089-056-5777. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
The special ingredients brought down from Ubon Ratchathani are the selling point of this shophouse. The noodle dishes are cooked one by one along with your choice of different toppings like eggs and mushrooms. Even though portions are small, the gooey soup is just amazing, plus the moo yor is peppery and fragrant thanks to the quality pork meat. Apart from guay jub yuan (B35), we recommend the moo yor salad (B30). Make sure to get a seat on the footpath if you don’t want to get all sweaty inside the steamy shophouse.

Xuan Mai

351/3 Thonglor Soi 17, Bangkok, 02-185-2619. Open Tue-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10pm; Fri-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10:30pm
Xuan Mai’s food keeps both diehard Bangkok foodies and picky Vietnamese expats coming back for more through a painstaking, inevitably endearing, attention to detail often missing in rivals. Forget rehashed versions of old favorites, we think the spring rolls (B120) and Vietnamese noodles (B150) available to try in the three styles of South, North and Central Vietnam here are pleasant, authentic and homey. We like the fresh greens and all the finer details—and there really is no detail too small for owner/chef, and ex-FBI agent, Chef Meyung.

Nong Khai Pa Su

466/8, Paholyothin Rd. (next to Government Savings Bank), Bangkok, 02-279-9398, 081-889-2451. www.nongkhaipasu.com. Open daily 9:30am-9pm
Since the owner grew up in Nong Khai, you can expect to find both Vietnamese and Isaan dishes served here. Her guay jub yuan (B60) might not be the best in town, but it tastes fresh and the soup is thick and gooey enough to hit the spot. Having started up the place some twenty years ago, she explains that her children now run the business and maintain the kitchen by themselves. And since you’re there, why not try the hard-to-find somtam Nong Khai (B50), which the owner claims is authentic, with moo yor nung (pork skin sausage, B80).

Where the Experts Eat

Ayusakorn Arayankoon

Chef at Four Garcons and Joe’s Table
“After giving it a lot of thought, I still prefer the guay jub yuan at Thien Duong, Dusit Thani Hotel (946, Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000), where I’ve enjoyed Vietnamese meals with my family for almost 20 years. I enjoy eating street food very much but when it comes to fresh vegetables or food that is not heated during preparation, if I don't wash or prepare them myself, then I only really trust a restaurant or chef team.”

Sirin Wongpanit

Author of several guide books at Circle Publishing and food blogger at www.ohsirin.com
“Platform 1 (1153/1, Nakhon Chaisi Rd., 02-617-0181) is my favorite. I think it’s quite delicious and very clean there. The soup has a good balance of flavors and fragrant spices while the noodles, imported from Vietnam, are cooked to a perfectly chewy texture. There’s also no MSG to make your skin go numb. I think cleanliness is an important factor for running a restaurant.”

Somying Treeneramitchai

Owner of Whale’s Belly
“Guay jub yuan is the one fiery dish I really like—it’s the dish that makes you sweat like you’re doing hot yoga. My favorite place to get a decent bowl is Khun Dang Guay Jub Yuan (see left). Their moo yor is exceptional and the broth has the perfect sizzle to it thanks to the pepper and fullness of flavors. I also like the bread and the yam moo yor here—they’re lovely appetizers.”

Know Your Noodles

Banh canh

Made from tapioca flour and rice, these noodles are thick and chewy. Usually served with a rich broth and any type of meat. Called guay jub yuan in Thai.

Pho

The dish that closely resembles our sen lek nam only the noodles are flatter and wider. Served in a clear broth often with fresh herb garnishes.

Gio lua

Vietnamese pork sausage known in Thai as moo yor. Normally sliced and eaten with noodles or in a spicy salad.

Hi-SO DEALS

Aubergine

Aubergine

BBB. French. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Sat–Sun 12-3pm
Set in a grand old villa, Aubergine is all about atmosphere. The building itself, with its hardwood floors, doors and bar, high ceilings and backyard patio, is impressive. While the food features plenty of nods to France, Italy and the Mediterranean.
Prices: B390 for 3-course, B490 for 4-course.
What to expect: Caesar salad, pan-fried duck breast with orange sauce and crème caramel.
71/1 Saladaeng Soi 1/1, Silom Rd., 02-234-2226. www.aubergine.in.th. BTS Saladaeng

D’Sens

BBBB. French. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm
One of the best French restaurants in Bangkok, this French-imported eatery by the Michelin starred Pourcel brothers has all the finesse one might expect. Plus, it comes with a breathtaking panoramic view of Bangkok.
Prices: B950 for 3-course.
What to expect: Roasted seared tuna fillet, gratinated oyster with countryside ham.
The Dusit Thani Bangkok, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. MRT Silom

Serina

BBB. Japanese. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm
Waitresses in kimonos, beautiful crockery, a glass wine cabinet stocked with Bordeaux Grand Cru and a windowless dining room flanked by two massive tepanyaki grills create a hushed atmosphere. The food here is superb, too.
Prices: B350-B480 net.
What to expect: Sets like the hamburger patty doused in a wonderful demi-glace and served with petite veggies, a tart mini-salad, a proper miso soup, dumplings in red bean sauce and a coffee.
9/26 Soi Jim Thompson, Suriyawongse Rd., 02-235-8382

INDUS

BBB. Indian. Lunch served daily 11:30am-2:30pm
An open, high-ceilinged space with a view of a lush outdoor garden terrace, the décor is a modern interpretation of Indus valley civilization meets trendy Morocco. Indus serves up northern Indian favorites but with a fresh twist that manages to lighten up typically heavy Indian cuisine.
Prices: B345 for 3-course.
What to expect: Papri chaat, mutton rahra, chicken tikka masala and naan.
71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900. www.indusbangkok.com.

Zanotti

BBB. Italian. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm
It’s probably no longer Bangkok’s best Italian restaurant, but Zanotti’s dining room certainly retains plenty of buzz. Authentic Piedmontese cuisine is whipped up from top-quality ingredients, making it a favorite haunt among power brokers and visitors from Hong Kong and Singapore.
Prices: B300 for 2-course, B330 for 3-course.
What to expect: Sweet potato soup, regular pasta or lasagna.
1/F, Saladaeng Colonnade Condominium, Soi Saladaeng, Silom Rd., 02-636-0002. www.zanotti-ristorante.com. BTS Saladaeng

Le NORMANDIE

BBB. French. Lunch served Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm
For years, The Oriental has set the standard for service and cuisine and the breath-taking river views aren’t bad. If you’ve ever wondered what bourgeois French families have for their dejeuner, order yourself their set lunch, which is very affordable compared to their dinner.
Prices: B1,150 for 3-course.
What to expect: Roasted frog’s legs, quail egg and stewed octopus or braised beef cheek with couscous and Burgundy wine sauce.
The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Charoen Krung Rd., 02-659-9000.

Nahm

BBBB. Thai. Lunch served Mon-Fri noon-2pm
Nahm is Thailand’s only entry in Restaurant Magazine’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Led by Chef David Thompson, the set lunch isn’t cheap, but it’s the only way to sample his stellar kanom jeen.
Prices: B800-B1,100 sets.
What to expect: Kanom jeen with green curry and fish dumplings, minced quail curry or deep fried grouper with fish sauce.
The Metropolitan Hotel, 27 South Sathorn Rd. 02-625-3388

Red Oven

BBBB. International. Lunch served Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm
The fab new Sofitel So is getting in on the lunch act with its restaurant Red Oven, which runs with the concept of a world food market, meaning you get to taste all kinds of cuisine from Japanese and Thai to Italian and French. How hot is it? Some say it’s outshining the nearby Sukhothai’s similarly decadent international lunch buffet.
Prices: B900 for lunch buffet.
What to expect: Mac n’ cheese truffle and lobster daikon ravioli served with urchin foam and pressed caviar.
7/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini

zuma

BBB. Japanese. Lunch served Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm
This global chain of high-end Japanese restaurants created huge excitement. Zuma’s generous proportions and stunning decor are genuinely impressive, while they serve traditional Japanese with modern flair.
Prices: Set lunch ranges from B350-B490.
What to expect: Grilled salmon with teriyaki sauce with rice and salad.
G/F, St. Regis Hotel, 159 Rachadamri Rd., 02-252-4707. www.zumarestaurant.co.th.

JAPAN on 200 BAHT

Uomasa

Tsukijii

BB. Japanese. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm
This sushi joint, named after the famed Tokyo fish market, doesn’t look that special but does some of the best sushi in town. The fish used in the super cheap lunch sets aren’t nearly as exciting as the a la carte options, but they’re amazing value for money nonetheless.
Prices: B198 for 10 pieces sushi set.
What to expect: The sushi sets come with a little appetizer, a miso soup and dessert.
62/19-20 Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 02-233-9698. BTS Saladaeng

Rengaya

BB. Japanese. Lunch served daily 11:30am-1:45pm
There are loads of Japanese eateries in this neighborhood, but not that many doing yakiniku, where you grill your own meat over a charcoal barbeque. Although Rengaya also does decent bento sets, what’s got people queuing up is definitely the grilling­—and this despite the agonizingly slow service and drab, decade-old décor with posters of Asahi pretties.
Prices: Prices range from B160-B280. Each set includes rice, kimchi, fruit and tea or coffee.
What to expect: Bento boxes ranging from katsu cutlets to saba, or yakiniku sets with combinations of chicken, pork and beef.
2/F, Thaniya Bld., Rama 4 Rd., 02-231-2140. BTS Saladaeng

Hattori Shokudo

B. Japanese. Lunch served Mon-Fri noon-2pm
Named after manga hero Ninja Hattori, new eatery Hattori Shokudo sports a bare-bones interior that’s all about plain white bricks, vintage Japanese posters and beer crates with
cushions for seats.
Prices: Set lunch starts from B98 with rice, soup and salad.
What to expect: Japanese fare like Oyako donburi (chicken and egg over rice) and hattoridon (Japanese grilled chicken rice with teriyaki sauce).
Thonglor Art Village, 352/2 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 088-088-7800

Bankara Ramen

BB. Japanese. Open daily 11am-11pm
As one of the first international franchises of famous Japanese chain, Bankara promises to bring a taste of real ramen to the Bangkok palate with four types of ramen which you can personalize with different toppings.
Prices: Ramen starts from B190.
What to expect: Kokushio ramen (ramen with pork), kakuni tsukemen (ramen with chicken and fish broth).
The Manor, 32 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-622-5162/3

Uomasa

BB. Japanese. Lunch served 11:30am-2:30pm Sat-Sun 11:30am-4pm
Located on the G/F of another luxurious condo in Japanese spot, this branch of Uomasa promises quality traditional Japanese dishes.
Prices: Set lunches from B180-B380.
What to expect: Karei mentai set (mentai fish egg with rice), rice topped with salmon sashimi or tempura set.
G/F, 39 Boulevard Bld., Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-160-0112

MANLY MEALS

FIREHOUSE

25 Degrees

BBB. American. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11am-3pm
US restaurant chain 25 Degrees, a self-described “bordello meets burger bar,” claims everything on the menu is made from scratch, including the homemade buns.
Prices: B400 set.
What to expect: The Number One (beef burger with caramelized onion, gorgonzola and crescenza cheese, bacon, arugula and thousand island sauce) with side dish and draft beer or soft drink.
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991

FIREHOUSE

BB. American. Open daily 11:30-3am
The Firehouse was perhaps the first of a slew of new places to have opened over the last year looking to use finer ingredients to elevate the burger beyond a simple fast food snack. It certainly leads by example, serving up pretty memorable burgers in a narrow, contemporary space, made all the more pleasant through the clever use of mirrors and glass.
Prices: Burgers start from B190.
What to expect: Australian Black Angus burger, Champion Chili Burger or fish and chips
3/26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3643. www.firehousethailand.com

Madison

BBBB. Steakhouse. Lunch served Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm
This contemporary, high-end steakhouse serves imported beef from Australia and Japan and comes with exceptional service.
Prices: B755 for 2-course, B795 for 3-course.
What to expect: Braised short ribs with caramelized onions and roasted mushrooms or seared tiger prawns with broccoli, sundried tomatoes and lemon cream sauce.
Four Seasons Hotel, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-1000. BTS Ratchadamri
Roadhouse

Barbecue

BBB. American. Lunch served daily 11.00am-3pm
Located on the corner of Suriyawongse and Rama 4, Roadhouse Barbeque takes pride in its BBQ ribs, which are hickory smoked for over six hours.
Prices: B275 for 2-course, B345 3-course.
What to expect: BLT sandwich with French fries or their amazing BBQ ribs with corn and a great key lime pie.
942/124, Rama 4 Rd., 02-236-8010

SWEET TOOTH

Patisserie Masatomi

Let Them Eat Cake

Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight
Run by the same people as W by Wanlamun, Chiang Mai’s coolest dessert eatery, Let Them Eat Cake serves up homemade pastries and sweets that wouldn’t be too out of place in a French patisserie.
What to expect: St. Honore Rose-Framboise (B175), dôme au chocolat (B130), éclair à la vanille (B160) and flavorful chocolat chaud (Valrhona hot chocolate, B180).
G/F, Mille-Malle, Sukhumvit 20, Bangkok, 02-663-4667

Crepes and co.

Open Mon-Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 8am-11pm
Bangkok’s favorite crepes place has been doing this dessert crepe for years now, but we’ve yet to get tired of it, even though they have moved to the new location in an old house in Langsuan.
What to expect: : Besides from their lovely savory crepes, try Banana Bailey’s Crepe (crepe stuffed with vanilla ice cream, bananas and Bailey’s Irish Cream, B280) and Jospehine (crepe stuffed with banana, vanilla and chocolate sauce, B240).
59/4 Langsuan Soi 1, Ploenchit Rd., 02-6533990

Patisserie Masatomi

Open daily 10am-7pm
Masatomi blends very classical French training with Japanese influences. For example, their Mont Blanc is made with sweet potato instead of chestnut puree. But what’s most exciting at Masatomi is the carefully crafted macarons infused with different flavors from real flowers like lavender.
What to expect: Lavender white chocolate (B45), citrus cream cheese macaron (B35).
3/F, The Portico, 31 Soi Lang Suan, Rd., 02-652-1977

CAFE CULTURE

CAFE CLAIRE

103+ Factory

BB. Fusion. Open daily 11am-10pm
The small yet stylish café specializes in homemade cakes and desserts. But the owners keep introducing savory dishes with a focus on simple fusion.
What to expect: Spaghetti with bacon, garlic and chili (B180) and choc lava (B110).
Ari Soi 4, Bangkok, Thailand. 081-495-1555, 089-047-7506

CAFE CLAIRE

BBB. European. Lunch served 11:30am-2:30pm
Set in the luxurious Oriental Residence on Wittayu, right next to the US Embassy’s leafy compound, Café Claire is an elevated diner that works for any time of the day. (Our full review page 22)
Prices: B650 for 3-course. (Mon-Fri only)
What to expect: Miso-glazed snow fish or braised wagyu beef cheek.
Oriental Residence Bangkok, Wireless Rd., 02-125-9000

CAFE TARTINE

BB. French. Open daily 8am-8pm
While some may picture French food as incredibly complicated, this smaller café does amazing sandwiches, soups, quiches and salads. Tips, don’t skip the delicious dessert.
Prices: Sandwiches start from B180 and salad’s from B200.
What to expect: Croque madame, sandwich reuben and cold cut.
Athenee Residence, 65/2 Wireless Rd., 02-168-5464. www.cafetartine.net

GASTRO 1/6 (RMA Institute)

BBB. International. Open Tue-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm
This adorable garden café with loads of hanging greenery has become very popular among Thais and expats alike. The rustic, comforting menu and the attention to detail paid in the mismatched iron and wood furniture and the reused Bonne Maman jam jars all make Gastro 1/6 adorable—too bad for the terrible service.
What to expect: All-day breakfast like full English breakfast (B380), Spanish tortilla with Iberico ham (B180), poached eggs with asparagus and truffle oil (B320) or fettuccine with tomato sauce, mussels and chorizo (B380).
Soi Sai Namthip 2, 238 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 080-603-6421

KUPPA/KUPPA DELI

BB. International. Open daily 10am-10:30pm
As with an old friend, you always know what to expect at Kuppa. Whether this is a strength or a weakness depends on what you’re looking for in a restaurant. If it’s consistency, Kuppa is ideal.
What to expect: Salads, soups, pizzas, pastas and tarted-up Thai favorites like somtam.
39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-0495, 02-663-8806 or Asoke Towers, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-2354

Pala

B-BB. Italian. Open daily 11:30am-10pm
Pala is buzzing with Italian gentlemen tucking into pasta, and everyone else enjoying the thick, bread-like pizza and some house wine. It’s all very authentic, and the glass showcase packed with antipasti, cold cuts and obscure dolce is stunning. All the more amazing considering it’s sat beneath BTS Asoke, and has only precarious stools for seating.
Prices: B190-B290 for pasta and B40-B95 for a slice of pizza.
What to expect: Linguine with pesto, classic margarita pizza or some five cheese pizza.
1 MRTA, Asoke Rd., 02-259-1228-9. MRT Asoke

Minibar Royale

BB. International. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11am-2pm
Welcome to hipsterville, where media execs and fashion designers nosh on solid classic bistro food. The décor is cool, with hints of New York and Paris and the dishes go for safety and comfort.
Prices: B260 for 2-course, B360 for 3-course. B40 extra for dessert of the day.
What to expect: Trio crispy potato pancake, angel hair with corned beef and rigatoni Italian sausage.

37/7 Citadines Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-5533.

Tapas y Vino

BBB. Spainish. Lunch served noon-2pm.
Like the name suggests, this cozy, stylish eatery pairs up an extensive wine list with an equally comprehensive range of traditional tapas dishes and their Asian spin-offs.
Prices: B400 for three selections of tapas plus dessert and coffee.
What to expect: Green salad with Serrano ham and scallops with walnut crust and beetroot caramel.
2/F, Grand Millennium, 30 Asoke Soi 20, 02-204-4158. MRT Asoke.

SPANISH ON FOUR

BB. Spanish. Open Mon-Fri 11-1am; Sat-Sun 11-2am
Good tapas should be simple, affordable and comforting, and Spanish on 4 certainly ticks all those boxes. Add in decent, efficient service and very affordable lunch, it’s really worth the trek.
Prices: B220 for three tapas.
What to expect: Barcelona includes serrano ham, tortilla and pan con tomate.
78-80 Silom Soi 4, 02-632-9955. www.spanishon4.com. BTS Saladaeng or try Tapas, 1/25 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-2947

Continental Comforts

Chesa

Bei Otto

BB. German. Lunch served daily 11:30am-4pm
What could be a German tavern stands behind a small courtyard on Soi 20, where they offer a remarkable selection of sausages, sauerkraut and other homemade delicacies with little grace but with great efficiency and authenticity.
Prices: B295 for 3-course.
What to expect: Hungarian fish soup, pork goulash, grilled salmon or trout with vegetables and baked potato.
1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-262-0892, 02-260-0869

Chesa

BBB. Swiss. Lunch served Mon-Fri (except holidays) 11am-2:30pm
This humble restaurant serves consistently good food, its menu is filled with traditional dishes that delight with their attention to detail. The well-trained and amiable staff add to the comfortable vibe.
Prices: B380 for 2-course, B410 for 3-course.
What to expect: Beef goulash, trout fillet with dill cream sauce, spinach cannelloni and veal sausage.
5 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-261-6650. www.chesa-swiss.com

HEALTHY & Hearty

Glow

Glow

BBB. International. Lunch served Mon-Sat 11am-2:30pm
Nahm might get all the plaudits, but Glow is a rare find in Bangkok, too, due to its focus on healthy, organic and macrobiotic foods. (Their newly-launched Sunday brunch is also worth a try.)
Prices: B590 for 3-course.
What to expect: Prawn and pomelo salad, seven-grain burger, fruit salad with sugarcane and lime ice.
The Metropolitan Hotel, 27 South Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3366

Dalad

B-BB. Vietnamese. Open daily 10:30am-10pm
Dalad is modest and soulful, reminiscent of the old spirit of the neighborhood. The homey Vietnamese food here is that hard-to-find blend of comforting, dependable and hygienic at dirt-cheap prices. And a lot of the menu, can be ordered vegetarian.
What to expect: The vegetarian version of the round noodles (B80) in thick soup feels hearty with all the meaty, chopped mushrooms and savory peppered broth.
36/7 Phahon Yothin Soi 7 (Ari), 02-271-2109

Prices

B - Under B150
BB- B150-B300
BBB- B300-B500
BBBB - B500 and up

The Living Room

From Sep through Oct 31, The Living Room welcomes back the Michael Veerapen Trio featuring pianist Michael Veerapen joined by drummer Shawn Kelly and bassist Therdsak Wongvichien. Performances start at 6:15pm on Tue, 9:15pm on Wed-Sat and run in conjunction with the Sunday brunch from noon-2:45pm. For reservations, call 02-649-8353.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8353. www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com

Bamboo Bar

This intimate venue located on the lobby floor of the Oriental Hotel is decked out with a slightly jungle-like vibe and plays host to live jazz on Mon-Sat, from 9pm onwards. Currently, it sees a residency from a powerful Jazz singer going by the name of Freedom Forever, through Oct 31. For reservations, call 02-659-9000 ext. 7690/1.
Oriental Hotel, 48 Oriental Avenue, 02-659-9000. www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok

Le Bar De L’ Hotel

September sees the lobby bar of the Sofitel Bangkok inject a little musical variety into proceedings, starting with fusion jazz infused with funk from Neung Jakkawal on Wed then sexy salsa tunes from the Siam Cubano band on Thu. One of Bangkok’s most renowned blues guitarists, Chai Blues, will take to the stage in full band mode on Fri-Sat. All performances take place 9pm-midnight. For reservations, call 02-126-9999 ext. 3300.
Lobby Floor, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Soi (between 13-15), 02-126-9999. www.sofitel.com

VIE Bar

VIE Bar is focused on shining a light on the finest jazz musicians from Thailand and abroad, previously hosting the likes of Koh Mr. Saxman, KUJ Band and The Soul Must Go On. That list continues to grow with the Yokohama YAA band set to take to the stage on Sep 1 and Sep 7, from 8:30pm.
117 Soi 39 (Phaya Thai), 02-309-3939. www.viehotelbangkok.com

Flow House Bangkok
What: Board riding
Where: 120/1 A-Space Sukhumvit Soi 26., 02-108-5210. www.flowhousebangkok.com
How much: Flow House Bangkok promises a gnarly surfing experience with a perfect (artificial) wave every day right here in the center of the city for B750 per hour. If you’re new to wave riding, there are also surfing lessons, starting from B1,000 for the first hour and B500 thereafter. Flow House Bangkok also features a plunge pool, a bar and a restaurant with occasional live music events. Open weekdays at 10am-midnight and weekends 8am-midnight.

Planet Scuba
What: Scuba diving

Where: 66 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-4412-3. BTS Phrom Pong. www.planetscuba.net 

How much: Get your PADI dive certification by training at their pool before heading out to Pattaya for the open-water classes. B14,200 for Thai and B15,800 for foreigners, covers six hours of lessons on scuba diving fundamentals, two days of five one-hour pool dives and two days of four one-hour open water dives to depths of 18 meters. Course prices include transit to and from your hotel in Pattaya and dive boat, lunch and light refreshments, equipment rental and boat fee. Pattaya accommodation and transportation is not included.

Taco Lake

What: Wakeboard, wake skate, knee board and water ski

Where: 175/1 Km.13, Bangna Trad Rd., 02-316-7809. www.tacolake.com

How much: Thailand’s first cable park for watersports is located near Suvarnabhumi Airport. Wakeboarding starts at B300 for two hours, B500 all day, and a one-year pass is B7,500 for up to 50 visits. They serve Thai food including pad kaprao, fried chicken, and somtam. Open weekdays at noon-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.

Nongbon Water Sports
What: Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, rowing boat, and five-paddler boat
Where: Near King Rama 9 Royal Park, Chalermprakiat 43, Chalermprakiat Rd., 02-328-0236. www.facebook.com/nongbonwatersports

How much: First you have to become a member; ages 5-18, B10 per year, ages 19 and above, B40 per year. This place offers various free watersports classes including equipment. Nongbon also features a park for recreation and watersports equipment museum. Open daily 8am-6:30pm.

Siam Park City
What: Wave pool, speed slides, beach, and wave pool
Where: 203 Suan Siam Rd., Kannayao, 02-919-7200. www.siamparkcity.com
How much: At Siam Park City you can sunbathe on the sand at its man-made beach and surf in its artificial wave pool. The water park also features a whirlpool, waterslides and fun rides like roller coasters and a log flume. This summer, they’re offering a 1-day pass for B500, down from B900, and an all-day kids pass for children between 100-130cm tall at B120. Open daily 10am-6pm.

Black Mountain Wake Park
What: Wakeboarding
Where: Soi Huahin-Huay Monkol 11, Huahin, 080-024-2836. www.bmwakepark.com
How much: The newly opened wakeboard park Black Mountain, in Hua Hin, is an 800-meter-long reservoir with two jumps and two sliders for you to practice and show off your skills. You can do two hours’ wakeboarding at B600, B900 for 4 hours, B1,200 for full day, and membership is B20,000 per year. They also offer riding promotions with ladies and students half-price on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, till May 31. Open daily 10am-5pm.

Santorini Water Fantasy Park
What: Slides, rides and wave riding
Where: 555 Moo 3 Khaoyai, Cha Am, 081-809-6853, 032-890-400. www.santoriniwaterfantasy.com
How much: This new water park in Cha Am is sure to get the adrenaline racing. Try floating on the rolling rubber tube at Ring of the Titan, riding the huge waves at Poseidon’s Lagoon or taking the 18-metre waterslide at Vulcan’s Kamikaze. Admission is B900 for adults, B500 for children and seniors. Open daily 10am-8pm.