Mr & Mrs Smith

For authentic spicy Thai food in a pretty garden setting, try Balee Laos (186-8 Sukhumvit Soi 16; +66 (0) 2663 1051). Bo.Lan is an elegant mod-Thai restaurant owned by a Thai-Australian couple who trained with chef David Thompson at his Michelin-starred London restaurant, Nahm. Find it at 42 Soi Pichai Ronnarong, Sukhumvit Soi 26 (+ 66 (0) 2260 2962-3; www.bolan.co.th).

If you’re after stunning city views and killer cocktails, as well as the longest dining table you’ll find in Bangkok, head to The Long Table. There’s even a pool on the terrace should you feel like a dip (25^th Floor, 48 Column Building, Sukhumvit Soi 16; +66 (0) 2302 2557-9; www.longtablebangkok.com).

Kuppa is a relaxed Aussie-Thai eatery and Bangkok’s top brunch spot (39 Sukhumvit Soi 16; +66 (0) 2663 0450).

Stretch out with a private lesson at the Ashtanga Yoga studio next door to the hotel (28/1 Sukhumvit Soi 16; +66 (0) 83 449 8002; www.ashtangayogabangkok.com). If retail therapy is more your bag, Emporium (Phrom Phong; www.emporiumthailand.com) is a one-stop shopping destination for international labels, top Thai designers such as Greyhound and Soda, and the third outlet of It’s Happened to be a Closet. This fabulous, den-like boutique is stuffed with girly fashion, jewellery, shoes and bags and even has its own nail spa and café. The centre’s posh food court and supermarket are also well-worth a visit.

December Peak holiday season in Thailand and host to several public holidays. The King’s Birthday is celebrated on the 5 December when nocturnal fireworks erupt all over the city; Benjakiti Park will have its own display. Constitution Day on 10 December is also a public holiday. Christmas Day is rarely celebrated in Buddhist Thailand, although you will see festive decorations. December-January New Year is a big holiday and many shops and restaurants will close on 31 December and 1 January. Bangkok’s official countdown is held at CentralWorld Square, though it’s nothing like events held in other capital cities – you’re better off heading to Long Table. February February 14^th 2010 is Chinese New Year when most Thai-Chinese businesses and shops will close for a few days. November At romantic Loi Krathong, on the night of the full moon early in the month, join the throng on the banks of the Chao Phraya river as lit candles are set afloat on lotus-shaped banana leaf boats.