Bangkok remains Southeast Asia’s favorite playground, filled with exciting possibilities that may or may not involve soaking up the views on its array of rooftop bars or a boozy night in backpacker stomping grounds. But, no matter what type of nocturnal activity you choose to take part in, the night will most probably also result to one thing: a hangover (sometimes a tattoo, but that’s another story). So, to help you avoid wasting the next day nursing the aftereffects of your night out, we’ve put together the ultimate guide for how to do Bangkok on a hangover.
Good coffee, right away
Like alcohol, caffeine is said to cause dehydration. And, if you are one those people who simply can’t start the day without the usual cuppa (i.e. this author), don’t skip it now because it may make the headache just that much worse. First, drink lots of water and then head to one of Bangkok’s many coffee shops, which serve good, quality roasts. Coffee Society in Silom is a favorite hangout for super-serious coffee aficionados, while the hip district of Ekkamai is home to some of the city’s best breakfast and brunch hangouts such as 24 Owls on Ekamai 12 and Ink & Lion on Ekkamai 2.
Chill at a café
If you’re not a coffee drinker, Bangkok also has numerous cafés and tearooms serving teas alongside breakfasts. Mitramitr Teahouse offers numerous Thai and Chinese teas with snacks, while the London Tea Café, located on Langsuan Plernchit Road, serves them with delicious Korean dishes and desserts. With its calm and minimalist ambiance, Library Café on Sukhumvit 24 is also a good retreat for spending your morning and afternoon with refreshing drinks and, possibly, a good book.
Champagne brunch, anyone?
“Hair of the dog” is an expression (and hangover theory) that suggests the best cure for your splitting headache is to drink more alcohol (the full phrase, “hair of the dog that bit you,” originated from an old assumption that taking a potion containing the dog’s hair can cure a rabid dog’s bite). Luckily, Bangkok is not short on Champagne brunches. Some hotels offering bubbly with your breakfast include Siam Hotel, Grand Hyatt and Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. UNO Mas, a restaurant on the 54th floor of Central World, has recently started its Sunday Bubbly Brunch — the perfect spot for amazing views and a good meal.
Get a Thai massage
Think ahead and book a Thai massage the day after your night out because you’re going to need it. With branches in Ekamai, Silom and Sukhumvit 21, Health Land is one of the most famous spas in BKK, offering a two-hour traditional Thai massage for 550 Baht (approximately P$770). If you’re looking for something cheaper, you can also try the local massage parlors scattered all over the city — the ones with the communal massage spaces — such as Lek Massage House on Rama 1 Road or Shewa Spa near Khao San Road.
Try Thailand’s favorite hangover cure
In Thailand, there is a dish that locals like to eat after an all-night bender. Called pad kee mao (also known as Drunken Noodles), this Chinese-influenced local meal is comprised of broad rice noodles, soy sauce, vegetables, beef or chicken or seafood, and of course, Thai chili. While the most common variety you’ll find in Bangkok is the stir-fried kind, another variant of this popular dish also comes with spicy flavored broth, which is sure to wake you up the morning after. Don’t forget to order water because, like most Thai dishes, this hangover cure is incredibly spicy.
Take a stroll at the park
When you have a hangover, it’s good embrace peace and tranquility. Even just for a day. It’s a good thing that Bangkok is home to several beautiful parks where you can enjoy a walk (Benjasiri Park and Queen Sirikit Park), a jog (Chatuchak Park), a quiet moment by the pond or even a short boat cruise. For the latter, both Lumini Park and Rama IX Park, the largest park in the city, offer lake rides on cute pedal-powered swan boats.
Pet cats
The day may not be the best time to indulge in touristy activities or seek out retail therapy in Bangkok’s crowded shopping malls and weekend markets (good luck going through Chatuchak Market’s 8,000 stalls with a hangover!). Instead, spend a quiet and relaxed day at a café petting some cats. Some places that are open from 11:00 a.m. until evening include Caturday Cat Cafe on Phayathai Road, Makura on Srinagarindra Road, Cataholic Cafe on Sukumvit 39 and Cat Cafe by Dome on Bang Na.
What are your go-to hangover cures when you’re traveling? Share in the comments.
Main image: istockphoto/lolostock
