We’ve all done ‘gap-yah’ Thailand, but if you are after a more grown-up break involving cocktails, Bradley Cooper, authentic Thai cuisine and full on pampering, then let us show you how it’s done. Bangkok - one of those cities that travellers usually just leave to a stopover night before hitting the islands - deserves a longer look. With brilliant sightseeing, great food, culture and shopping, it’s worth kicking off your holiday in style and splashing out on the most luxurious hotel your budget allows.
![From the bright orchids, to the Wat Benchamabophit Temple, to the Tangling Chan 'Floating market', Bangkok is definitely worth a trip [Rex Features]](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/lifestyle-legacy/09/d59ae/77465/5a704/b1e5d/c4090/c513b/Thailand_1060x644.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
The place to stay: the luxurious five-star Lebua. The sky-high hotel is located in Bangkok’s business and shopping district and every suite comes with personal panoramic balconies offering breath-taking views over the Chao Phraya River below. If you are after a girlie weekend away then try The Hangover Suite where the cast (including a certain Bradley Cooper) stayed during filming of The Hangover II. And after exploring the sites and shops of Bangkok, pop on that bathrobe and have an in-room spa treatment (check out the 4 Hand Massage for a traditional Thai experience).
The vibe: From the lengthy pillow menu and 330 thread count bed linen to the in-suite spa rooms, you will feel like a princess. The Lebua offers a calm, chic haven from the bustling market streets below.
The Weather now: Hot hot hot! The heat sets in at the beginning of March, so go and enjoy that open-air swimming pool. If you prefer cooler climes then plan your trip during the cool season, from November to February.
Eat: Where do we start?! For a really special evening and the ultimate in fine dining, try the Mezzaluna, which combines European cuisine with Asian flavours and comes complete with a string quartet. From the Hokkaido Scallops to the Bultarra Australian Saltbush Lamb, the food is among the best we have ever tasted. Or if you have a head for heights then try Sirroco, the world’s highest alfresco restaurant for a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine. But whatever you do, make sure you take time to cool down with a poptail (that’s a popsicle and cocktail combo) at the colour changing (and highly Instagramable) Sky Bar, followed by an experimental Ice Cocktail at Distil. And if you dare, sample the ‘Hangovertini’, a strong cocktail created for the cast and crew of the Hangover II.
Pack: Think Alexa Chung at Coachella and dig that boho out. We are talking floaty kaftans and bikinis by day and maxi dresses by night.
The Lowdown: The Tower Club at lebua (www.lebua.com) offers suites starting at £158 plus VAT per night for a one bedroom City View suite. This includes breakfast, light lunch and afternoon tea until 6pm, as well as alcoholic drinks and complimentary in-suite beverages.