Two Nights in Bangkok via Cathay First, Thai First and Singapore First
Aug 24, 23, 6:06 am
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
Two Nights in Bangkok via Cathay First, Thai First and Singapore First
With a 4 day hall pass in hand, I’m off on another trip… back to exciting Bangkok for a wonderful 44 hours. Four great Michelin star restaurants culminating with dinner at Gaggan Anand, #17 in the world and #5 in Asia. After the usual garbage United positioning flight, it’s my first time back in Cathay Pacific First Class since the pandemic. Then home via Thai First Class and Singapore First Class. And fabulous PS LAX at both ends of the trip to make it a truly enjoyable 4 days. First up is my 2 hour positioning flight to LAX.
Denver to Los Angeles
United UA 1368
737-900
7:10pm-8:41pm
July 17, 2023
The usual garbage United boarding… with never-ending pre-boards and where Group 1 is half the plane.
Sadly, this was the extent of good service from tonight's lazy crew.
Cool old Continental livery from back in the days where the US airlines actually provided good service.
Gorgeous night for flying.
More than an hour for any service...
... with drinks and nuts finally served but at the same time as the meal. Of course there was lots of time for FAs to sit and gossip in the galley.
My instagram video of my United flight from Denver to LAX.
Denver to Los Angeles
United UA 1368
737-900
7:10pm-8:41pm
July 17, 2023
The usual garbage United boarding… with never-ending pre-boards and where Group 1 is half the plane.
Sadly, this was the extent of good service from tonight's lazy crew.
Cool old Continental livery from back in the days where the US airlines actually provided good service.
Gorgeous night for flying.
More than an hour for any service...
... with drinks and nuts finally served but at the same time as the meal. Of course there was lots of time for FAs to sit and gossip in the galley.
My instagram video of my United flight from Denver to LAX.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 24, 23 at 6:12 am
Aug 24, 23, 6:09 am
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
P/S Private Suite at LAX
P/S at LAX, the Private Suite terminal at LAX, is the best part of LAX and the ultimate way to avoid the mess that is LAX. My PS rep met me in the jet bridge at my arriving United flight, and escorted me down the jet bridge stairs to my private limo across the tarmac to the PS terminal.
Cool drive around the tarmac.
Enjoyed a couple of hours at the bar and in the lounge.
Delicious food offerings including my salmon.
Just under an hour before my LAX-Hong Kong departure, my PS escort came to get me. I did private TSA and then to a waiting limo for the drive around the LAX tarmac to the Bradley Terminal and my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, then connecting on to Bangkok. Once again, fabulous PS at LAX is the only way to deal with LAX.
My Instagram video of late evening with P/S at LAX.
P/S at LAX, the Private Suite terminal at LAX, is the best part of LAX and the ultimate way to avoid the mess that is LAX. My PS rep met me in the jet bridge at my arriving United flight, and escorted me down the jet bridge stairs to my private limo across the tarmac to the PS terminal.
Cool drive around the tarmac.
Enjoyed a couple of hours at the bar and in the lounge.
Delicious food offerings including my salmon.
Just under an hour before my LAX-Hong Kong departure, my PS escort came to get me. I did private TSA and then to a waiting limo for the drive around the LAX tarmac to the Bradley Terminal and my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, then connecting on to Bangkok. Once again, fabulous PS at LAX is the only way to deal with LAX.
My Instagram video of late evening with P/S at LAX.
Aug 24, 23, 6:10 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
Cathay Pacific First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
What a treat to be back in Cathay Pacific First Class and its spacious 6 seat cabin. Sidelined for more than 3 years due to Covid, Cathay has finally resumed First Class service albeit on very limited routes and just a single daily 77W to the US. And I was fortunate to find a rare mileage seat. Excellent service and wonderful Krug tonight. With a 1:15am departure, meal service was somewhat limited and a bit disappointing overall. But still a wonderful way to cross the Pacific.
Los Angeles to Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific CX 881
777-300ER (77W)
1:15am-6:45am +1
July 18, 2023
Departed 3/6
Cathay First Class amenity kit.
Why not? LOL.
Tonight's menu, somewhat abbreviated due to the 1am departure.
Showtime Cathay Pacific First style.
Wok fried lobster with X.O. sauce. Yummy.
But what's with the ice cream? Frozen so hard that it was inedible.
My oh so comfy bed set up for me in 1A.
After some 6 hours of sleep, time for round 2.
My pork piccata looked wonderful.
... but sadly very dry after some 10 hours in the galley.
All in all a wonderful flight with excellent service. So nice to see Cathay First Class flying again.
And my Instagram video our a wonderful Cathay Pacific First Class flight to Hong Kong.
What a treat to be back in Cathay Pacific First Class and its spacious 6 seat cabin. Sidelined for more than 3 years due to Covid, Cathay has finally resumed First Class service albeit on very limited routes and just a single daily 77W to the US. And I was fortunate to find a rare mileage seat. Excellent service and wonderful Krug tonight. With a 1:15am departure, meal service was somewhat limited and a bit disappointing overall. But still a wonderful way to cross the Pacific.
Los Angeles to Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific CX 881
777-300ER (77W)
1:15am-6:45am +1
July 18, 2023
Departed 3/6
Cathay First Class amenity kit.
Why not? LOL.
Tonight's menu, somewhat abbreviated due to the 1am departure.
Showtime Cathay Pacific First style.
Wok fried lobster with X.O. sauce. Yummy.
But what's with the ice cream? Frozen so hard that it was inedible.
My oh so comfy bed set up for me in 1A.
After some 6 hours of sleep, time for round 2.
My pork piccata looked wonderful.
... but sadly very dry after some 10 hours in the galley.
All in all a wonderful flight with excellent service. So nice to see Cathay First Class flying again.
And my Instagram video our a wonderful Cathay Pacific First Class flight to Hong Kong.
Aug 24, 23, 6:11 am
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong
Cathay Pacifics First Class Lounge The Pier at Hong Kong International is one of the nicest One World First Class Lounges, when it is open. Unfortunately, it was a Covid casualty and closed more than three years ago. But The Pier finally re-opened the morning I was connecting to Bangkok. Lovely decor and amenities including a spa. Excellent bar and restaurant. Nice to spend 90 minutes here in between flights and enjoy a tasty breakfast.
Lovely Pier bar.
Off to the Dining Room for breakfast.
The Dan Dan Mien was really good.
As was the Akoori scrambled eggs with roti. Delicious.
My Instagram video of my visit to The Pier.
Cathay Pacifics First Class Lounge The Pier at Hong Kong International is one of the nicest One World First Class Lounges, when it is open. Unfortunately, it was a Covid casualty and closed more than three years ago. But The Pier finally re-opened the morning I was connecting to Bangkok. Lovely decor and amenities including a spa. Excellent bar and restaurant. Nice to spend 90 minutes here in between flights and enjoy a tasty breakfast.
Lovely Pier bar.
Off to the Dining Room for breakfast.
The Dan Dan Mien was really good.
As was the Akoori scrambled eggs with roti. Delicious.
My Instagram video of my visit to The Pier.
Aug 24, 23, 6:12 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
Cathay Pacific Business Class to Bangkok
Hong Kong to Bangkok
Cathay Pacific CX 755
A330-300
9:30am-11:30am
July 19, 2023
From Hong Kong, it’s a short 2 hour flight to Bangkok. Cathay’s connecting service to Bangkok features Business Class on this route. Today’s flight is on a dated but still comfortable lie flat regional A330. Excellent service from a lovely crew.
Dated but still comfy regional Business Class product, more than adequate on a short two hour flight.
My tasty Dim Sum breakfast.
On time arrival at BKK with the sad boneyard of unused Thai planes.
My Instagram video of my Cathay Pacific Business Class flight to Bangkok.
Hong Kong to Bangkok
Cathay Pacific CX 755
A330-300
9:30am-11:30am
July 19, 2023
From Hong Kong, it’s a short 2 hour flight to Bangkok. Cathay’s connecting service to Bangkok features Business Class on this route. Today’s flight is on a dated but still comfortable lie flat regional A330. Excellent service from a lovely crew.
Dated but still comfy regional Business Class product, more than adequate on a short two hour flight.
My tasty Dim Sum breakfast.
On time arrival at BKK with the sad boneyard of unused Thai planes.
My Instagram video of my Cathay Pacific Business Class flight to Bangkok.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 24, 23 at 9:16 am
Aug 24, 23, 9:14 am
#6
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Posts: 21,390
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
The Four Seasons Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River is a gorgeous hotel in a perfect Bangkok location. Beautiful decor, wonderful bars and restaurants and a perfect Chao Phraya River location for easy access to shopping, restaurants and attractions along the river. Thanks to Jarvis Marcos @theluxurytraveller for the recommendation and for making my reservation.
My lovely room #407 with an outstanding river view.
Around the grounds.
Breakfast the next morning...
Lovely outdoor terrace setting.
Yummy Breakfast pizza.
My Instagram video of The Four Seasons Bangkok at the Chao Phraya.
The Four Seasons Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River is a gorgeous hotel in a perfect Bangkok location. Beautiful decor, wonderful bars and restaurants and a perfect Chao Phraya River location for easy access to shopping, restaurants and attractions along the river. Thanks to Jarvis Marcos @theluxurytraveller for the recommendation and for making my reservation.
My lovely room #407 with an outstanding river view.
Around the grounds.
Breakfast the next morning...
Lovely outdoor terrace setting.
Yummy Breakfast pizza.
My Instagram video of The Four Seasons Bangkok at the Chao Phraya.
Aug 24, 23, 9:15 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
COTE by Mauro Colagreco
For lunch on arrival day, I walked next door to the even more exclusive Capella Bangkok and its welcoming Riviera-inspired signature restaurant COTE by Three-Michelin star Mauro Colagreco. Colagreco’s Michelin three star French/Italian Riviera restaurant Mirazur was ranked #1 in the world in 2019 World’s 50 Best Restaurant list. Mauro was also voted Best Chef in the World by Le Chef Compilation 2019. What a delightful lunch, amazing dishes and excellent service. And an amazing bargain at just $180 including wine pairing, tax and service.
Wonderful amuse-bouche selection...
The most amazing bread!
Crab - Burrata - Green Tomato Sorbet
Mimolette Ravioli - Bottarga - Green Peas was fabulous.
Lamb - Swiss Chard and Artichoke - Lavender
Wonderful cheese cart.
Bravo Mauro!
My Instagram video of my delightful lunch at COTE by Mauro Colagreco.
For lunch on arrival day, I walked next door to the even more exclusive Capella Bangkok and its welcoming Riviera-inspired signature restaurant COTE by Three-Michelin star Mauro Colagreco. Colagreco’s Michelin three star French/Italian Riviera restaurant Mirazur was ranked #1 in the world in 2019 World’s 50 Best Restaurant list. Mauro was also voted Best Chef in the World by Le Chef Compilation 2019. What a delightful lunch, amazing dishes and excellent service. And an amazing bargain at just $180 including wine pairing, tax and service.
Wonderful amuse-bouche selection...
The most amazing bread!
Crab - Burrata - Green Tomato Sorbet
Mimolette Ravioli - Bottarga - Green Peas was fabulous.
Lamb - Swiss Chard and Artichoke - Lavender
Wonderful cheese cart.
Bravo Mauro!
My Instagram video of my delightful lunch at COTE by Mauro Colagreco.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 24, 23 at 12:21 pm
Aug 24, 23, 12:15 pm
#9
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Posts: 21,390
Not far in advance surprisingly. But the $400 per person price... THB 14,124 per person including taxes (7%) and gratuity (10%)... is definitely on the high end for Bangkok. Gaggan is only open Thursday thru Sunday with two seatings... 5:30pm and 9pm. The night I ate there, they consolidated the two seatings into a single 7pm seating that night.
Aug 24, 23, 12:18 pm
#11
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Drinks at BKK Social Club, Dinner at Yu Ting Yuan.
Tonight I stayed in house at the Four Seasons, meeting ex-pat Flyertalker SKT-DK for drinks at BKK Social Club (ranked #3 bar in Asia) and then dinner at Michelin 1 star Yu Ting Yuan. Wonderful meal with excellent service. I clearly enjoyed the evening as I completely missed taking pics of two courses. LOL.
And my Instagram video of my evening at the Four Seasons.
Tonight I stayed in house at the Four Seasons, meeting ex-pat Flyertalker SKT-DK for drinks at BKK Social Club (ranked #3 bar in Asia) and then dinner at Michelin 1 star Yu Ting Yuan. Wonderful meal with excellent service. I clearly enjoyed the evening as I completely missed taking pics of two courses. LOL.
And my Instagram video of my evening at the Four Seasons.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 24, 23 at 8:46 pm
Aug 24, 23, 12:20 pm
#12
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Posts: 21,390
Aug 24, 23, 1:10 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
Lunch at Blue by Alain Ducasse
Alain Ducasse is one of our favorite chefs so I was so excited to have lunch at his Bangkok outpost, Blue by Alain Ducasse ranked #24 in Asia. Blue is the flagship restaurant in ICONSIAM, Bangkoks luxury shopping centre on the Chao Phraya. What a delightful experience it was. Stunning decor and location overlooking the Chao Phraya River, with exquisite French cuisine and flawless service.
Iconic Thai Longtail RIver Boat.
ICONSIAM, Bangkok's new luxury shopping destination.
To Blue by Alain Ducasse.
And since blue is my favorite color, gorgeous blue decor.
Delicious amuse-bouche offerings.
Frozen rhubarb, tomato granit, lovage.
OMG, the bread cart, and butter from France.
Lightly smoked gamba roja prawns, avocado hass and prune
Mediterranean baby squid, trumpet zucchini, white currant.
Amazing wild white tuna, green peas, citrus zabaglione
Lamb rack from Hackataramea valley, green asparagus and basil. Wow!
OMG, another incredible cheese cart.
Coconut and red pepper dessert.
And one more dessert to cap an incredible meal. Simply divine with flawless French-trained service.
And my Thai-for-Uber Grab pick up point for my 15 minute ride back to the Four Seasons.
My Instagram video of my fabulous lunch at Blue by Alain Ducasse.
Alain Ducasse is one of our favorite chefs so I was so excited to have lunch at his Bangkok outpost, Blue by Alain Ducasse ranked #24 in Asia. Blue is the flagship restaurant in ICONSIAM, Bangkoks luxury shopping centre on the Chao Phraya. What a delightful experience it was. Stunning decor and location overlooking the Chao Phraya River, with exquisite French cuisine and flawless service.
Iconic Thai Longtail RIver Boat.
ICONSIAM, Bangkok's new luxury shopping destination.
To Blue by Alain Ducasse.
And since blue is my favorite color, gorgeous blue decor.
Delicious amuse-bouche offerings.
Frozen rhubarb, tomato granit, lovage.
OMG, the bread cart, and butter from France.
Lightly smoked gamba roja prawns, avocado hass and prune
Mediterranean baby squid, trumpet zucchini, white currant.
Amazing wild white tuna, green peas, citrus zabaglione
Lamb rack from Hackataramea valley, green asparagus and basil. Wow!
OMG, another incredible cheese cart.
Coconut and red pepper dessert.
And one more dessert to cap an incredible meal. Simply divine with flawless French-trained service.
And my Thai-for-Uber Grab pick up point for my 15 minute ride back to the Four Seasons.
My Instagram video of my fabulous lunch at Blue by Alain Ducasse.
Aug 24, 23, 1:11 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,390
Gaggan Anand Bangkok - #17 in the world
The highlight of my 2 days in Bangkok was dinner at extraordinary Gaggan Anand, a restaurant like no other. Kolkata-born Gaggan worked at El Bulli in Spain before moving to Bangkok. His first restaurant, Gaggan, rose to #1 in Asia and #4 in the world before he closed it after a dispute with his financial partners… right after our visit four years ago. His new restaurant Gaggan Anand features just 14 seats around a chef’s counter. It is a 3 hours delight... a wonderful culinary delight with humor, music, entertainment and showmanship. As Gaggan notes on his website… “Are you ready to embark on the journey of flavors? Are you ready to experience food as an act of live and rebellion? Join us for a culinary adventure of the senses and a roller coaster ride of emotions”.
Rain and traffic caused most of the 14 guests to arrive late... so our 7pm rez was pushed back to 7:30pm.
Lots of time to explore include upstairs at Gaggan's casual Indian restaurant, Ms. Maria and Mrs. Singh, ranked #33 in Asia.
And tour the eclectic restrooms.
With interesting amenities.
Showtime with no menu... until the end.
Gaggan's "rat press" LOL.
What a great experience and fabulous meal.
My Instagram video of an amazing dinner experience at Gaggan Anand.
The highlight of my 2 days in Bangkok was dinner at extraordinary Gaggan Anand, a restaurant like no other. Kolkata-born Gaggan worked at El Bulli in Spain before moving to Bangkok. His first restaurant, Gaggan, rose to #1 in Asia and #4 in the world before he closed it after a dispute with his financial partners… right after our visit four years ago. His new restaurant Gaggan Anand features just 14 seats around a chef’s counter. It is a 3 hours delight... a wonderful culinary delight with humor, music, entertainment and showmanship. As Gaggan notes on his website… “Are you ready to embark on the journey of flavors? Are you ready to experience food as an act of live and rebellion? Join us for a culinary adventure of the senses and a roller coaster ride of emotions”.
Rain and traffic caused most of the 14 guests to arrive late... so our 7pm rez was pushed back to 7:30pm.
Lots of time to explore include upstairs at Gaggan's casual Indian restaurant, Ms. Maria and Mrs. Singh, ranked #33 in Asia.
And tour the eclectic restrooms.
With interesting amenities.
Showtime with no menu... until the end.
Gaggan's "rat press" LOL.
What a great experience and fabulous meal.
My Instagram video of an amazing dinner experience at Gaggan Anand.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 24, 23 at 6:18 pm
