My Bangkok

 

Cindy Bishop is a THAI SUPERMODEL – HOST – MC – Modern Mom TV HOST (Thailand) – Modern Mom COLUMNIST – DESIGNER of “Cindy for Jantzen” swimwear line and proud mum of Leila Carmen Bishop, a full time job!

The ultimate hyphanate Glam-O-Mama gives us her exclusive INSIDER track to her hometown.

 

What makes BANGKOK the best?

Apart from the fact that it’s home, Bangkok is such a vibrant and exciting city with loads to do, places to explore, and excellent food to enjoy, and of course, lets not forget the fabulous shopping!!!

 

 

 

Treasured moments are spent… Spending the afternoon with hubby and babygirl at the park or meeting up with the girlfriends for lunch at one of our favorite places.

For mommy/daughter bonding… Taking her to her weekly swimming class at Bangkok Dolphins. She’s a regular little tadpole! And for those extra hot days, I usually play a playgroup with some friends at one of BKK’s 2 fun indoor playgrounds, Funarium or Playtime.  Both have very cool facilities including huge jungle gyms and slides, a gigantic sandpit where kids can excavate an entire dinosaur skeleton, toddler section for the tiny ones, arts and crafts, electronic motorbike track, indoor basketball and skating rink, and fun ball pools.

Loy Khratong festival

 

Make sure you get to... Any of our cultural celebrations and and national holidays, namely Songkran or Thai New Year, where the entire city turns into one huge water fight and the enchanting Loy Khratong festival in November where the city’s river and canals come alight with millions of floating kratongs. Make sure you schedule a dinner cruise down the river.  The firework displays and night views of the temples are breathtaking.

 

 

 

Try Bed Supperclub for one of a kind dining experience and great club to party in after.  Also Hyde and Seek, a hip new bar and restaurant, and Aqua Bar in the Four Seasons are sure fire places to spot many a BKK celebrity or socialite.

 

 

The biggest misconception about BKK is… Maybe because we’re still a developing country that the city may be a sub standard or unsafe place to bring up children.  In fact, we have some of the best services and facilities when it comes to childcare, including certified world-class baby friendly hospitals that promote natural delivery and no unnecessary use of medications and surgical procedures.  We also have a national agenda on breastfeeding, under the patronage of the royal princess.  As for schools, there is no shortage of excellent international and Thai curriculum ranging from daycare thru high-school and onto higher education. Aside from all that, the Thai culture and way of life is a wonderful atmosphere in which to instill a love of community, respect for elders, and gentle manners in children.

Cindy’s BKK Travel Tip… Bangkok is actually very safe and a great place to vacation with the kiddies.  However, I would travel light and be as portable as possible because the sidewalks and public transport are not very stroller friendly.  Bring insect repellent to protect against the mosquitoes and sun block for those bright rays.

 

Lumpini Park

 

 

Best Kept Secret

Picnicking and bicycle riding in one of BKK’s inner city parks. My top picks are the Railway Park, Lumpini and Benjasiri Park.  My advice would be to go in the afternoon so as to escape the midday heat!

 

 

FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTELS

- The Oriental by the river

- The Four Seasons

- and my favorite ,The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit for an oasis in the midst of the bustling metropolis.

 

RESTAURANT RAVES

Sunday Jazzy  Brunch @ the Sheraton Grande hotel is our all time fave place to spend a lazy Sunday. Excellent spread and nice live jazz.

 

For lighter far: Greyhound Cafe, Sonies (fusion Japanese/ Italian restaurant),  and Doong Deng Dai for the best Thai boat noodles.

 

-       Soul Food Mahanakorn and The Orient for amazing Thai food.

-       Bacco or Rossini’s at Sheraton Grande for excellent Italian.

 

SWEET TEETH

1)   Coffee Bean by Dao for the best Oreo Cheesecake

2)    Ka-nom for scrumptous egg tarts

3)   Melt Me for homemade gourmet chocolates.

 

SPECTACULAR SHOP SPOTS

-Chatuchak weekend market is a must for every visitor to BKK, be prepared to spend all day there!

-Paragon and Central World are the city’s two largest shopping complexes, with IMAX theater and indoor ice skating rink. Gaysorn for brand name and high end labels.

-For younger trendy fashion and homegrown Thai designers, there’s Siam Square and Siam Center.

 

BOOK BONANZA

Kinukuniya in Paragon

 

IN THE NANNY KNOW

I don’t use a nanny, but check BAMBI ( Babies and Mothers BKK International) for referrals.  Also an invaluable club to be a part of if you thinking of moving here.  Wonderful support groups, and community activities for mommies and babies.

MUSEUM MODE

The Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum is a great place where kids can learn thru fun, hands-on activities. And I highly recommend Siam Ocean World, a world class indoor aquarium in Paragon shopping complex. Leila especially loves the underwater shark tunnel.

Elemis Spa

SENSATIONAL SPAS

- Health Land for traditional Thai Massages

-Elemis Spa @ St. Regis for the ultimate pampering.

HAPPY HAIR

The Lounge salon @ K Village

MANI/PEDI SPOT

Panipa salon,  and used to go to NIC nail care for gel and acrylic extensions before I started changing diapers!

CINDY’S PREFERRED PICKS

Issue, Fly Now and Asava.  My 3 favorite Thai designers.