Apple, Strawberry & Prune

Not, those are no nicknames of local belles. But something’s in the air … The unique scents of apple, strawberry and prune lingering about … And what’s that strange bubbling sound? Shishas, hookahs, water pipes … You find them everywhere these days in Thailand. People chuffing fruity tobacco, herbs and such.

No weed or dope is stuffed into those pipes you’ll not only see along beaches where backpackers relax on triangular oriental pillows. In Bangkok’s hip hookah venues places you can relax on chic large pillows and canopy beds along with oriental singsong …

Even the large established luxury hotels, such as Chiang Mai’s The Mandarin Oriental, offer the cooling, tantalizing water smoke. And you don’t have to be a smoker to enjoy. Well, maybe better don’t inhale – and here is where you get that Arabian feeling in Bangkok and else:

By Christina Grawe

Time to try something new. Shisha bars are all over. Just open your mind and eyes and discover a pan-Moroccan decor and relaxed oriental coziness of a Thousand & One Night right at your Bangkokian doorstep.

GAZEBO – Gazebo’s roof deck in Banglamphoo is a institution. You’ll find it on the 3rd floor on Jakrapong Road around the corner from Gullivers. Or at Sukhumvit Soi 1, on the rooftop of Building 1. Enjoy a large shisha menu – if they just wouldn’t have those live bands. Marvel the breaks with the oriental lounge music. And maybe the Hareem nightclub.
Tel. 02 629 07 05

AL MAJILIS TEAROOM – Lying in the garden under the stars like in a camp of nomads … The Al Majilis Tearoom is hidden in the garden of the Praduu Spa Club – you’ll not only find shishas, but also oriental snacks.
83/8 Soi Charoenchai (Ekamai 12), Sukhumvit 63, Bangkok
Tel. 02 392 23 45
http://www.almajlis-tearoom.com

INDUS – The Indian version with Arabic elements. In the bar you’ll get your water pipe – an as well Indian tradition!
71, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok
Tel. 02 258 49 00
http://www.indusbangkok.com

SUKHUMVIT SOI 3 – And then there is Bangkok’s Little Arabia, called Soi Arab. Maybe not the best of places at night, but you can’t pass every night like the previous one, can you. Shishas and hookahs everywhere.

BAGHDAD CAFÉ – A shisha with an original Turkish coffee will set you back a whole 120 baht. Oriental décor and photos at Khaosan.
13 Samsen Road, Bangkok

AD HERE – Proven blues and jazz bar with good cheap food.
13 Samsen Rd, Bangkok
Tel. 089 033 90 70

DHARA DEVI – The Mandarin Oriental’s hotel bar is not only for a special cocktail. You’ll get an apple and strawberry pipe as well. Rather an overkill for backpackers.
51/4 Sankampaeng Road, Chiang Mai
Tel. 053 888 888
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai

THE CHEDI – On the terrace of one of the north’s most chic hotels they don’t only serve Cuban cigars. The shisha is sociable.
123 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai
Tel. 053 253 333
http://www.ghmhotels.com

WHAT`S UP – A small shisha bar, hippie style. You can buy your own water pipes and accessories.
Ratchawithi Road, Chiang Mai

If you’re after a hotel with oriental flair, check this:

IMMHOTEL FUSION – Called a “Thematic Accomodation for New Experiences,” Bangkok’s Imm Fusion is quite noteworthy. The entrance is so tiny, you’ll nearly miss it! As a small road in an oriental city. But then you get to this true oriental oasis. Moroccan lamps, sparkling mirrors, colorful tiles, huge curtains and canopy beds as sofas … Even the foyer is a Thousand & One Night. And check the pool, surrounded by cozy alcoves.
1594/50 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Tel. 02 331 55 55
http://www.immhotel.com

AL MEDINA – Moroccan towers, white patios, mosaic deco, whirlpools and candleholders … Nested tranquilly between the hill and beach, Al Medina is a true insider tip. Only nine rooms in the stylish beach house … Guess you just found your intimate hideaway.
99 Kung Vimarn Beach, Mu 7, Sanam Chai, Chanthaburi
Tel. 085 334 35 55
http://www.almedinabeach.com

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Comments

3 Responses to “Apple, Strawberry & Prune”

A.F. on January 5th, 2009 3.14 pm

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death. Choose wisely.

- A.F.
whoopla on January 5th, 2009 4.03 pm

A.F., shisha pipes do not use tobacco, unless the customer requests it added to a blend … even the local contabluary at Soi Bin Laden had to be convinced, as they were bent on getting kickbacks from the anti-smoking laws.
Veera on January 7th, 2009 3.11 pm

Bombay Blues – An Indian restaurant towards the end of Soi Rambutri (near Khao Sarn Rd.). Down-to-earth atmosphere with great sheesha and Indian food. A variety of sheesha flavors to choose from, the best-seller being “Paan” (exotic Indian chewing leaf).

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