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 With
famous guests like Somerset Maugham and Mick Jagger, and glowing
reviews from the world’s most illustrious travel magazines,
the Oriental Bangkok (celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2006)
enjoys an enviable reputation as the number-one hotel in Southeast
Asia. It also boasts a number of exorbitant retail outlets, like
Lotus Arts de Vivre, which is a treasure chest of designer jewellery,
dazzling paintings, and all that glitters. But if you’re just
in the mood for window Shopping,
or steeping your senses in the historic ambience, stop by the Author’s
Wing for high tea in the afternoon.
 The
hotel is situated on the River of Kings, at the bottom of Oriental
Avenue, which is lined with upscale shops selling time-cherished
antiques, rosewood furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and Buddhist
imagery.
Near the hotel, you’ll find the Oriental Place Shopping
Arcade at 38 Charoen
Krung Road. Much like the stalls at River City, it also deals
in fine antiques and a wide variety of art from all over Southeast
Asia. Many shoppers also take a shine to all the shops selling top-of-the-line
jewellery and precious gemstones
along this busy street.
 Within
walking distance is River City. This complex is for serious connoisseurs
of artworks and antiques from all over Asia. Around 200 shops, spread
over four floors, are showcases for ornate betel nut trays from
Thailand, Chinese-style vases,
wood carvings from Burma, and silverware forged in the kiln of Khmer
heritage. Also on offer are treasures from Europe like art deco
clocks.
On the first Saturday of each month is an auction of art and antiques
up on the fourth floor. A preview room displaying all the items
is open to the public 15 days before the auction date. These objets
d’art are also listed in the monthly catalogues given to customers
of the Auction House. When there is no auction, the space is usually
dedicated to an art exhibition.
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