Tue 26th September
Our accommodation for the final three nights of this epic journey was at The Royal Orchid Sheraton (Room 2617) where we had stayed a few times before. This was one of the older style hotels in Bangkok but that is what appealed to us and makes it our go-to place if ever in the city.
The reason for this stop-off on our way home was to have some wind-town time in a warm climate in a hotel with a nice pool so we chose The Royal Orchid as it is one we know and love. I had little intention of leaving the hotel and pool area other than to source some venues for the odd foot massage or two.
The hotel was exactly as we had remembered it and little changed but the surrounding area, and especially across the river, seemed much cleaner and was more developed since our last visit. There was a very schmick and large glass development across from the hotel that wasn’t there last time.
It was a lazy afternoon for me with a foot massage around the corner at Erb Spa but Mark chose a more energetic activity with a visit to the gym and we then met up afterwards at the pool.
Our hotel booking came with Club access so we headed there for cocktail hour near 6 pm and didn’t leave. We’d both slept poorly on the flight from Zürich to Bangkok and didn’t feel like going out so this suited us down to the ground. They serve canapés between 6-7 pm and you’ll see from the photos how substantial these are! Just fyi Mark went back for seconds on the black sticky rice and custard dessert cups!
Wed 27th September
It was a slow start for us today, because the change in time zones made us a bit weary. We did manage to fit in a half hour at the gym before breakfast and then I went on to have a facial whilst Mark went to the pool. I caught up with Mark later at the pool and then we headed over on the shuttle to explore the 1.5 billion USD shopping center Iconsiam which, for those at home, was rather like a Westfields but on significant steroids. The most exciting item that I found was a kiosk selling sticky rice with mango which I hoped we could have on offer at the Westfields back home! After exploring there for a while we headed back to the hotel and to cocktail hour at the Club level where we again stayed on for a canapé dinner. It was a slow day but, after the last 5 months we’ve had, I say….. keep ‘em coming!
Thur 28th and Fri 29th September
Mark went for a ride this morning with Bangkok By Bike but I wasn’t game for cycling in this busy city. I stayed at the hotel and had a pedicure, thinking it was a safer option than outside salons but, alas, no. I have a deep cut on the top of my toe that disproves my theory.
Mark made it back from his ride, with no injuries, and we then spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool before having an early dinner at the Club level.
Our checkout on Friday wasn’t until 2 pm so we spent the morning having a massage at Erb Spa, without sustaining any injuries, and then lying by the pool before packing up and heading to the airport. We had enjoyed our short stop off in Bangkok on the way home as it gave us some time to unwind and get back nearer to our time zone for sleeping. There might not be much time for rest once home as we have a new grand child who will likely keep us busy.
