Siam, I Am

Bangkok has long been known for great hotels. We love them. Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, to name but two. From big to small, there is always a good choice for any traveller. In some moments of backpacking weakness (years ago mind you), we even sampled the questionable accommodations along Khao San Rd. Those are memories we would rather not revisit. Suffice it to say, we know Bangkok hotels top to bottom.

The newest kid on the block is The Siam. Gaining great press for both stunning design and excellent management, this long awaited hotel is an excellent addition to the top end of Bangkok’s offerings. A beautiful riverside location (as the best all have), incredible food (try the afternoon tea) and a riverside suite with a private courtyard and plunge pool are just about as good as it gets. Go ahead, give it a try, you deserve it.

Mike still uses his backpack for summer camping excursions, but he’s long since converted to rolling luggage when roughing it on research trips.