BANGKOK — Just because Bangkok is the world's top travel spot doesn't mean all of its finest attractions are teeming with tourists — not even in Sukhumvit, arguably the city's most popular district, which is home to a bevy of off-the-radar experiences worthy of exploration.
That's the central theme of 'Bangkok Confidential,' a new package for guests of the year-old Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.
The upscale hotel's latest deal includes an exclusive guidebook to Bangkok featuring Sukhumvit's hidden gems, two Immortelle Secret to Brightness spa treatments, an intimate gourmet dinner for two at L'Appart rooftop restaurant and three nights in a 60-square-meter Prestige Suite.
'Bangkok Confidential' is priced at THB 34,900 (about US $1,080) net per room based on double occupancy and is valid for stays between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2014.
"One of the beauties of our location is you don't have to look far to find something of interest," said Christian Schlegel, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit's hotel manager. "Why fight traffic and crowds when you don't have to? We're within walking distance of so many great, tucked-away places."
Among the more obscure yet compelling destinations in the Sukhumvit area detailed in the hotel's own guidebook are: an art gallery that's committed to showcasing the work of emerging contemporary artists; and a house-cum-museum that was constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago and features preserved items that were used daily by farmers and fishermen.
Opened in April 2012, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit has made a name for itself in the luxury hotel market by marrying French sophistication with Thai touches.
Inspired by the art deco period, the 344-room, limestone-steel-and-glass structure extends 32 storeys above Sukhumvit Road and is capped by L'Appart, a Parisian-styled eatery and lounge designed to look and feel like a lavish penthouse apartment.
A rice motif — in honor of the grain that has shaped Thailand's landscape and culture — runs throughout the property, site of the country's only Le SPA with L'Occitane.
For more information about the hotel, or to book the 'Bangkok Confidential' package, visit www.sofitel-sukhumvit.com or call +65.02.126.9999.
