The AVANI’s infinity pool
is a great place to cool off
and simultaneously soak
up views of the city.
Bikini top, Zazzie, 2,728; beaded burgundy cape, Karima,29,681;
shoes, Jimmy Choo,
price on request.
monotonous instructions in Thai and a rusted iron sluice
opens slowly into a Bangkok wonderland you’d never
know was there. Stilt shanties, shops, steaming cantina
and services of every nature dot the line of the water.
Mangroves and the last vestige of jungle forest shelter
parts of the canals from the concrete overpasses and life
on land. Others appear accessible only by water and it
seems that’s the way they like it.
Passes come and go: lefts and rights, narrow
channels, bridges, walkways, road and rail, hollows and
tunnels are all embroidered into the water and the city
alike. I realise it’s just another layer to Bangkok, albeit
an older one. It’s a layer I like.
Further ahead, delicately adorned temple complexes
squat on one side of the riverbank; their jetties inviting
the faithful, and you, if you choose, to join them.
Opposite, an imposing 30-foot high, white statue of the
Buddha sits deep in contemplation, far too benign to be
bothered with me. Even his row of snarling tigers and
lions don’t seem to be too offended by my presence.
All too soon, I’m disembarking and back in the land
of loud landlubbers. Its then I also understand the canal’s
other great quality; its serene lack of noise. Whether it’s
the canopy of trees that seem to guard its banks,
I don’t know, but I’m mighty pleased I dipped a toe in
this particular water of calm with its ripple-of-a-whisper
into yesterday. Now it’s time to dip another one, if I’ve
any left, in the rooftop pool at AVANI, sip on a cold craft
cocktail, ease my way into urban cool and possibly make
some noise. But just a little, you understand. ▪