Thursday, May 2, 2019

Swinging Bangkok: A Night Out with Jazz and More Live Music Venues

See the locations on Bangkok Jazz Google Map by #MyKrungthep

Bangkok is rich of Jazz Bars. And rich of Thai Jazz Musicans. The best locations for Jazz:

Brown Sugar Pub & Restaurant: 231/20 Sarasin Road. "An excellent jazz bar that showcases great local jazz musicians. In addition to jazz standards voiced by able singers, as the night moves on, rock and pop influenced music comes to the fore", writes Brian Jungwiwattanapron. See a video of Mellow Motif, playing at Brown Sugar.




Cotton Jazz Bar: 3 Floor Shanghai Mansion Bangkok Hotel, 479-481 Yaowarat Road. In a former Chinese Opera house. Thai jazz artists like Siam Swing Band, Harmony and Marshmallow play all types of jazz, from avante-garde to bebop to jazzy interpretations of classic pop songs. See video. Open daily from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm.




Jazz@Vie: See videos on Facebook. See video of Koh Mr Saxman.


Jazz Happens: 62 Phra Athit Rd. This bar on the 2nd floor of Bar Bali is run by Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Jazz, the performers are students or teachers. Homepage at hi5.com. See videos on Facebook




Mello Yello Jazz & more: RCA, Zone S. Mon - Sat: 6.30 pm - 2.00 am.



Niu's on Silom: Between Silom Soi 17 and Soi 19 at Baan Silom Arcade. Italian and Thai dishes, international and Thai musicians, especially emerging musicians from Mahidol University. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com


Saxophone Pub: 3/8 Victory Monument, Phyathai Road. "The Saxophone Pub and Restaurant is a favorite venue for local Thai and foreign music fans. Saxophone hosts a variety of music acts every night from local jazz groups playing standards to acoustic guitarists, big band, and the blues along with T – Bone, the fathers of Thai Reggae, who play every Friday night", writes Brian Jungwiwattanapron. See pictures by Nonchalante.




The Bamboo Bar:: At Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 48 Oriental Avenue.




The Living Room: 1st Floor, Sheraton Grande, 250 Sukhumvit Rd.




If you like to learn more about Thai Jazz, look out for these
Thai jazz musicians:

Mellow Motif เมลโลว์ โมทิฟ: Jazz and Brazilian Music. With singer Oong Natasha Patamapongs โอ่ง ณัฐชา ปัทมพงศ์. Mellow Motif is composed by Natasha Patamapongs (Oong/โอ่ง, vocalist, producer, arranger), Eugene Ang (ยูจีน, pianist, arranger, composer), Chanutr Techatana-nan (Hong/ฮง, drums), Pornchart Viriyapark (Oh/โอ๋, acoustic bass) and Sarit Tanpensuk (Andrew, flugelhorn/trumpet). See video by esprithin and video by ThaiPBS.

The Pomelo Town: One of Thailand's leading Jazz groups, composed of Jazz Faculty members at the College of Music Mahidol University. Members: Krit Buranavittayawut กฤษติ์ บูรณวิทยวุฒิ (Alto Saxophone), Darin Pantoomkomaol อาจารย์ดริน พันธุมโกมล (Piano), Noppadol Tirataradol อาจารย์นพดล ถิรธาราดล (Double Bass) and Kom Wongsawat คม วงษ์สวัสดิ์ (Drum). See video ofThe Pomelo Town youtube. Listen to Highway Bebpo Album on soundcloud.com and Passage to the Origin album. Read more on bangkokjazzlife.com

Rangsit University Jazz Orchestra: See video by polarxen.

Mahidol Jazz Orchestra

Saksri Pang Vongdharadon: Pianist and composer. His album *Seagull" is genuine Thai Jazz. See videos by VinyaIssraRecords and by Saksri Pang Vongdharadon on myspace.com

Sarayut Supunyo: He is the band leader and piano/keyboardist of Thai jazz-fusion band "Infinity". See his cover version of Nat Myria's song "Why" on by sansana on youtube.

Wednesday April:


More live music: Live music venues in Bangkok


Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

#MyKrungthep Bangkok Neighbourhoods Guide: Phra Nakhon พระนคร 2

Guesthouses in Phra Nakhon พระนคร

See the locations on Phra Nakhon Guesthouses Google Map

Baan Chantra - Hidden Gem: From 2200 to 3500 Baht. 120/1 Samsen Road. Traditional Thai home from 1936, a five minutes walk away from Khao San Road. Furnished in antique woodden style and wireless internet in the rooms. It's location is Samsen Road, quite busy road in Old Bangkok (Banglampoo), so there is some noise, if you have a room to the street side, but there are also rooms to the courtyard. It's not far from Pra Athit Road with many good restaurants and from attractions like Wat Pho and The Grand Palace. Baan Chantra has good reviews on
Tripadvisor.com And here you see their Map and a picture by annespells. Read more and see nice pictures on thaiasiatoday.com.



Pictures © baanchantra.com


Baan Dinso บ้านดินสอ: From 1400 Baht. 113 Soi Silp, Trok Sin, Dinso Road. Baan Dinso is a boutique hostel with nine rooms, decorated with 1950’s Thai house style. “Like an oasis in this busy city”, writes mumunoi, who shows a serie of pictures. Or see the slideshow by Thammagasorn. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com.



Baan Dinso

Picture © Dave and Julie Palmer


Bamboo Guest House: From 150 to 250 Baht. 67 Samsen Soi 1. Read review on iexplore.com and travelfish.org. And a picture of room and the house.

Picture © fabiatta


Barn Thai Guesthouse: From 200 Baht. 27 Trok Mayom. 80 years old teak house. Grandma takes care of you. Read review by Scott Murray


Boworn BB: From 600 Bath. 335 Phra Sumen Road. Accommodation is "no frills", but clean, safe, backpackerish", notes travelfish.org


Donna Guesthouse: From 200 to 350 Baht. Clean, quiet. Read review on tripadvisor.com


Lamphu House: From 400 Bath and from 630 Bath with aircon. 75 Soi Rambutri. "Good, simple, cheap guesthouse" according to many reviews on tripadvisor.com









Pictures Lamphu House (1) and hankoss (2)


New Siam Guesthouse II: From 690 to 840 Baht. 50 Trok Rong Mai, Phra-A-Thit Road. Basic rooms, quiet with a small pool. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com


New Siam Riverside: From 1390 to 2290 Baht. 21 Phra Athit Rd, Banglamphu. Beside the Chao Phraya River, riverside rooms offer a great view. There is a swimming pool. A restaurant is under construction. See pictures on flickr.com. First reviews on tripadvisor.com are good. See a video of the pool area.

View from the New Siam Riverside. Picture © Elizabeth


Old Bangkok Inn - Hidden Gem: From 4000 to 9000 Baht. A charming nod to the past. The 10 rooms, including lofts and suites, are furnished wqith Thai golden teak and individually decorated in Thai floral themes: Lemongrass comes with an tropical garden, Jasmine has painted murals, and Orchid a four-poster bed, hanging oil lamps and rose-colored walls. Many rooms are even decorated with hand-painted porcelain. Old Bangkok Inn wants to be a green hotel: Alle the hot water comes from a solar water heater system. More on their green philosophy. The historic building is located in Bangkok's Rattanakosin Island, on Phra Sumen Road, near Democracy Monument and some steps away from Phan Fah Boat Stop, where you can get the Water Taxi on Klong Saen Saep, a short ride to may Bangkok attractions. See theirMap. And read the review of The Independent.

Picture © Lisa

Picture © Ruth

Rice Suite in Old Bangkok Inn

The Lobby. Picture ©：A.L：♂

Lemongrass room. Picture © belldesign



Phiman Water View Guesthouse: From 400 Bath. 123 Samsen Soi 5. Quite critical reviews on tripadvisor.com


Prasuri Guesthouse: From 200 to 400 Baht. 85/1 Soi Prasuri. Quiet place north of Democrazy Monument, rooms on four floors, Internetcafé with thai-western food. Read more and see pcitures here


Queen Suriya's Castle: 1700 Bath. 40/1 Samsen Road Soi 2. Two rooms with private balcony. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Guests like the very personal and friendly service. See picture by Rob1988


Samsen5 Lodge: From 1200 Baht. 58/1 Soi Samsen 5. Three rooms with a small shady courtyard and reading room. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com and in The Nation.

Samsen 5 Lodge


Sam Sen Sam Place: 48 Soi Samsen 3, Samsen Road. Tucked away on the quiet soi, but within easy walking distance of restaurants or Khao San Road. In a traditional teak house. Simple small rooms, very clean, airt condition, some rooms with bath, others witz bath to share. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. See pictures by Kittnrob, Magnoliafields, tflatval

Picture pkkbowers

Picture Esther

President Suite. Picture © Jeff


Shanti Lodge: From 400 to 1950 Baht. 37 Sri Ayuthya Road Soi 16. Surrounded by plants and trees. Restaurant with vegetarian menue. Penthouse with a tropical roof top garden for 1950 Baht. Some rooms have bamboo walls, so you are not too much separeted from your neighbours. Some critics about staff in reviews on tripadvisor.com, but not by all guests. Background about Shanti Lodge you find here

Picture © Wasaga Dave

Picture © Elizabeth

Penthouse with roof top garden


Siam Oriental Inn: From 280 Bath. 190 Khaosan Road. See pictures by Tscheburaschka


Sri Ayuttaya Guest House: From 350 to 500 Baht. 23/11 Sri-Ayutthaya Road Soi 14. House of wood and bricks. Relatively quiet place. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com and Lonely Planet


Tavee Guesthouse - Hidden Gem: From 280 to 400 Baht. 83 Sri-Ayutthaya Road Soi 14. A quiet location near Thewet Pier. Good reviews on travelfish.org and hostelz.com and tripadvisor.com. Pretty pictures by DragonFlies

Picture © Magdalena

© Magdalena


Villa Guesthouse: 230 Soi Samsen 1, Th Samsen. An old Thai house run by an old lady and her brother. A dark wooden interior and a tropical garden. Ten fan rooms with shared bath rooms. "Ask for the double room upstairs", say Rena and Tom, who show pictures. See also the gallery of Rene S, margauxrainbaux and taylorandayumi.


Wild Orchid Villa: From 800 Bath. 8 Soi Chana Songkhram. 90 rooms. Reviews on tripadvisor.com show, that rooms can be noisy and in different size.

Picture DaVrolik
Rooms on the rooftop. See also this picture: Wild Orchid Villa from outside by misaothegenius


Boutique Hotels in Phra Nakhorn พระนคร: Charme and Design

See the locations on Phra Nahkhon พระนคร Hotels Google Map

Phranakorn Nornlen - Hidden Gem: Hidden oasis with organic food and very Thai. And nearly on top by ratings of tripadvisor.com. Read more about slow life in Bangkok

Picture marhas1


Buddy Lodge:From 2000 to 2400 Baht. 265 Khaosan Road, Taladyod, Pranakorn. Nice pool on the fifth floor. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com



The Pool


Feung Nakorn Balcony: From 1650 Bath. 29 Soi Fueang Thong, Fueang Nakhon Road. A 4 story building, which has been converted from a local elementary school with cozy open-air TaNao Bar & Restaurant and a peaceful garden with a Koi fish pond. There are 4 suites, 30 standard rooms and 4 shared dorm rooms.

Picture by The Travelista


Lamphu Tree House: From 900 to 1800 Baht. 155 Wanchat Bridge, Phachatiptai Road, Phranakhon. Lamphu Tree House has a small swimming pool and roof-top area for relaxing and sunbathing. Guests love this new hotel according to reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture Lamphu Tree House

Picture Lamphu Tree House


Siamese Views Lodge: From 1400 Bath. 211/21-23 Soi Damnoen Klang Nuea, Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture by Siamese Views Lodge
Ratchadamnoen Room


The Asadang: From 3200 Bath. 94,94/1 Asadang Road. The guesthouse in an old shophouse - built during the reign of Rama V - offers 9 rooms, the owners - both architects - have restored it in the traditional way and decorated it with Thai fabrics and antique furniture. The Asadang is located at the corner of an alley called Soi Phraya Si, that runs alongside the Khlong Ratchabophit Lot, connecting the two historic roads, Asadang Road and Fueng Nakorn Road. Each room has a local name from "Bangkok Noi" to "Ratchabopit" and is presented very carefully on the homepage. So you are advised, that you will have "Footstep noise from room upstair" in the "Bangkok Noi" room on the ground floor, that some rooms have view to the main street or that there is a small spiral stair up to "Ratchabopit", from where you have a balcony with view to the Ratchabopit temple.

Asadang Suite. Picture by The Asadang

Balcony with view to Ratchabopit temple. Picture by The Asadang


The Bhuthorn: From 3200 Bath. 96 – 98 Phraeng Bhuthorn Rd. Three guestrooms in shophouse from 1906 in Samphraeng, in the heart of the Old Town of Bangkok, decorated in colonial style. The owners are the architects Chitlada and Direk Senghluang. Execellent reviews on tripadvisor.com. Read more and see detail pictures on Limzhu Photography. And check the review by tannetwork.tv

Picture Bhuthorn

Picture by Xin Li 88
The Bhutorn Suite

Picture Bhuthorn
Salpasart Room

Picture by Xin Li 88
Nara Suite

See more pictures of The Bhutorn on Pok Pok and Away!

Discover, what you can find nearby on Good morning old Bangkok 2


Hotels in Phra Nakhon พระนคร

See the locations on Phra Nakhon พระนคร Hotels Google Map

Phra Nakhon พระนคร
Subdistricts and historic places: Banglamphu บางลำพ, Khao San ถนนข้าวสาร, Rattanakosin รัตนโกสินทร์, Phra Borom Maharatcha Wang พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Wang Burapha Phirom วังบูรพาภิรมย์, Wat Ratchabophit วัดราชบพิธ, Samran Rat สำราญราษฎร์, San Chaopho Suea ศาลเจ้าพ่อเสือ, Sao Chingcha เสาชิงช้า, Bowonniwet บวรนิเวศ, Talat Yot ตลาดยอด, Chana Songkhram ชนะสงคราม, Ban Phan Thom บ้านพานถม, Bang Khun Phrom บางขุนพรหม, Wat Sam Phraya วัดสามพระยา


De Moc Hotel From 1600 to 2000 Baht. 78 Prajatipatai Rd. If you don't take a superior room, it may be, that your window looks out to a wall. Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture by De Moc Hotel De Moc Pool


Navalai River Resort: From 2100 Bath. 45/1 Phra Athit Road. The best rooms with balconies towards Chao Phraya River. Many good restaurants around and pier for Chao Phraya River Express just in front of the hotel. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture marhas View from Navalai River Resort across Aquatini Restaurant, Phra Athit Pier and Chao Phraya River


New World Lodge Hotel: From 990 to 1760 Baht. Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture by New World Lodge Hotel


Rajata Hotel: 1000 Bath. 46 Samsen Soi 6.


Novotel Siam Square: From 5300 to 10600 Baht. 392/44 Siam Square Soi 6 Rama I Road. Mixed reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture by Novotel


Royal Hotel: From 1050 to 1550 Baht. There are rooms, where you have a stunning view to the Grand Palace. Guests love the pool. Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Historical pictures you see on 2bangkok.com

Picture by windweit

Picture by adaptorplug


Sourire@Rattanakosin Island: From 1500 Bath. Quiet location in a side street, close to attractions, very good reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Picture by Sourire@Rattanakosin
Exekutive Room


Swissotel Nai Lert Park: 2 Witthayu Road. From 4800 to 87500 Baht. A five-story, low-rise hotel set in eight and a half acres of tropical trees and flowers, featuring a Thai-style canal and a majestic landscaped garden. Guests love the rainforest-like pool-area. "You don't think you are in a crowded city when you relax around this big pool", writes one guest on tripadvisor.com.








Trang Hotel: From 1400 Baht. 99/1 Wisutkasat Rd. Some renovation work is going on. Mixed reviews on tripadvisor.com


Viengtai Hotel: From 2000 to 5000 Baht. It can be noisy, if the room faces the street becaouse of the music in the area. Read reviews on tripadvisor.com





Discover the first part:
Bangkok Neighbourhoods Guide: Phra Nakhon พระนคร 1


Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

A telecom tycoons compassion for art: MoCA - Bangkoks Museum of Contemporary Art

See the location on Bangkok Arts and Museums Google Map




Bangkok has got the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) พิพิธภัณฑ์ศิลปะไทยร่วมสมัย: It houses a collection of Thai contemporary art, mostly paintings, collected by telecommunications tycoon Boonchai Bencharongkul, who founded and then sold major telecom player Dtac. "I've loved art passionately since I was a child, but as an eldest son I had to help run the family business," says Boonchai, who was schooled in the US and now runs the network provider Benchachinda, according to The Nation.

Over 400 artworks are shown in the six-storey building. You can see more than 100 works by artist Thawan Duchanee ถวัลย์ ดัชนี, one of the international best known Thai painters. "Thawan developed a unique style of artistry using black and red tones, based on the styles of traditional Buddhist art to explore the darkness lurking within humanity. His pictures initially shocked many people as being blasphemous to the Buddhist religion and some of his early exhibitions were attacked. But many leading Thai intellectuals supported his work", noted The Nation (see pictures).

Works of other artists shown for example: Hem Vejakorn, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Prateep Kochabua, Fua Haripitak, Suchao Sisganes, Thawee Nandakwang and Chalem Nakiraks. "Visitors will find themselves ticking off the near-complete roster of National Artists and eminent Thai names of the past half-century", writes Bangkok Post. You can start a virtual tour on mocabangkok.com

MoCA is on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road next to the Benchachinda Building. Open daily (except Mondays) from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Admission is 180 Bath. See also a video by The Nation. See also parts of the collection shown by rama9art.org




Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)