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Sandwiched between a big international hospital and a hum-ho stretch of Sukhumvit Road, Ad Lib’s location might not have a lot going for it. Yet, this savvy boutique hotel masterfully turned its plot at the dead end of a residential cul-de-sac into an oasis of lush greenery and contemporary design.
Shaded by banyan trees, its 58 rooms are snug but comfortable and come with a handy smartphone to take around town.
Guests can also use the complimentary shuttle service to reach the Phloen Chit BTS Skytrain station, while a dip in the gorgeous saltwater rooftop pool is a welcome treat after a day in the Thai sun.
The Ad Lib manages to be right at the heart of the city – a stone’s throw from Sukhumit, one of the city’s busiest and most traffic-congested roads – and still maintain a feeling of calm and quiet.
The street on which the hotel is located is a little unprepossessing, edged with low-rise houses and apartment blocks, with the Burmungrad hospital right next door.
The immediate surroundings aren’t a huge consideration, however, as the hotel has a complimentary shuttle service that whisks you to the BTS Skytrain station in mere minutes.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.6 miles]
The former home of silk magnate Jim Thompson – who mysteriously disappeared in the jungles of Malaysia – is a must-see for its well-preserved teak buildings and art.
Best for ages: 13+ | £4
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[4.4 miles]
Bicycle tours through the back-alleys of Chinatown and Bangkok’s rural suburbs offer a fascinating peek into the daily lives of the city’s residents.
Best for ages: 13+ | £20 | 3-5 hours
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[5 miles]
Blood, sweat, and muscled men in tiny shorts – there are few better ways to see Thailand’s national sport than a Muay Thai match at Bangkok’s Rjadamnern Boxing Stadium.
Best for ages: 16+ | £11 | 3.5 hrs
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[5.2 miles]
From fancy river cruises to public transport boats, seeing Bangkok from its many waterways gives you a whole new perspective of the city and lives of the locals.
Best for ages: 4+ | £3 | 30+ minutes
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.9 miles]
When you feel the need to escape Bangkok’s oppressive traffic fumes, Lumphini Park is a lush central oasis and a fantastic place for a stroll. Go early morning and late afternoon when locals come for sports and you’ll find elderly ladies practicing sword fighting and Tai-Chi.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Bangkok, Thailand[3.4 miles]
With galleries, concept stores and art markets amalgamating into a kaleidoscope of creativity, Bangkok’s de-facto design district offers an excellent primer on the city’s burgeoning creative scene.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.9 miles]
Flaming woks balancing on tiny canoes, mountains of fresh fruits – Bangkok’s floating markets are a kaleidoscope of Thai-tinged wonder. That said, their old-timey charm has long faded as souvenirs shops have replaced most noodle joints. It’s a fun day out, but no longer an authentic experience.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[4.1 miles]
One of Bangkok’s most popular little museums. The charming, 70-year-old restored teak house offers a compelling glimpse of family life in Bangkok from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Central Thailand, Thailand
From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.
