A Honeymoon in the Sky at Bangkok's Tower Club at lebua

Stretching from the winding Chao Phraya River in uncountable layers, it offers everything from the simple pleasure of a street vendor's pineapple on a stick to some of the world's finest dining. Bangkok is an absolute must for any luxury traveler heading to Southeast Asia and is the grand finale of our honeymoon.

My wife and I are booked into the Tower Club at lebua and our hotel driver is waiting with a smile–despite a flight delay of several hours. The ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport is our first glimpse of the city's expanse. Activity of every sort beckons but like many international travelers, our immediate concern is rest. Thankfully the staff at the Tower Club at lebua escorts us directly to our suite. Check-in is completed in the room, and we collapse into comfort.



We awaken refreshed, with a renewed appreciation for our surroundings. The Tower Club at lebua occupies the 51st through 59th floors of Bangkok's second-tallest building, a marvelous structure capped with a stunning golden dome. Space, quiet, and perspective are the privileges of affluence in this teaming city. The Tower Club at lebua provides them all, along with views once only available to the gods.

Cocooned in our luxury suite, we discover little surprises around every corner. There is a wide selection of pop and jazz CDs available through the television's entertainment system. Our accommodations include a room with two massage beds. So while relaxing in our bathrobes and listening to the sultry voice of Madeleine Peyroux, we call and schedule a couple's massage for later. At the moment, however, the city beckons and we head out to explore.



A short walk from the hotel takes us to one of the many piers along the Chao Phraya. Tourist express boats avoid street congestion (legendary in Bangkok) and awaken the senses. We pass luxury hotels, riverside shacks, and countless Buddhist temples (or, as the Thai call them, "Wats"). After a fifteen-minute boat ride, we hop off at the stop for the Grand Palace. A signature tourist attraction, the Grand Palace proves worth the hype. A guided tour includes a mini lesson in Thai history and an up-close look at stunning Thai architecture. Next door is the Wat Po, better known as the home of the giant Reclining Buddha. It is a statue that must be seen to be truly believed. Remember to wear modest clothing–long pants or a long skirt is a must.

In the afternoon, the clean, cool Metro system carries us across the city to the Jim Thompson House. Built by an American entrepreneur in the 1950s, the house seamlessly combines elements of Thailand and Western architecture. Our guide is a wealth of knowledge and fascinating trivia. After the tour, we take full advantage of the gift shop, with its many unique silk products. On the way back, we pass through the shopping district. With both pristine indoor malls and sprawling street markets, there's ample opportunity for even the most discerning shopper.

Not all the delights of Bangkok can be found in a guidebook. On the advice of our hotel's concierge, we discover the intimate Thanying Restaurant. Miraculously, the restaurant is somewhat hidden on a rare quiet street in the city center. If you're looking for authentic Thai cuisine, you'll have a hard time finding the Thanying's equal. The extravagant decorations make us feel like Thai royalty. We dine on chicken curry and stir-fried shrimp. But beware–Thai chili peppers are to be approached with respect!



With its broad appeal and wide range of offerings, you might think picking our highlight experience in Bangkok would be difficult. Not so! On the roof of our hotel is the world's highest al fresco restaurant, Sirocco. Sixty-three stories in the sky, in the shadow of the golden dome, an extraordinary dining experience unfolds before us.

We sit just feet from the edge. Before us, Bangkok's nighttime skyline reaches toward the stars. Behind us, a live band provides a steady jazz soundtrack. So awesome is the spectacle before us, I forget my fear of heights. In such a setting, the meal could be easily overshadowed, but the chefs at Sirocco rise to the challenge. From the lobster bisque to the fresh scallops, from the Wagyu beef to the Australian Sea Bass, everything is fresh and perfectly prepared. Our hostess helps us select the perfect bottle of wine to complement our food. Our nightcap is at Sky Bar. Also on the roof, the bar practically floats out into the darkness. In a city of wonders, the Dome at lebua literally towers above all else.

Bangkok marks the end of our two-week Asian honeymoon. Reluctantly, we pack our bags and head to the airport for the long trip home. There is so much to do in Bangkok, so much to see and experience, that we make a promise to return. How soon, we wonder, can we book the Tower Club at lebua for our five-year anniversary?



To read more about the hotel and for booking contact information, please see Luxury Travel Magazine's Hotel Profile for: Tower Club at lebua