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The Landmark - comfortable surroundings and a straight pool
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For those who don't require a full 25m, many hotels offer beautiful garden pools in the 15-20 metre range. Fees generally include use of both the pool and fitness center. Particularly lovely are the JW Marriott's gorgeous 17m pool with three heated jet/bubble pools (481 Baht/US$13 per day) and the lush garden setting surrounding the fantastic pool at the Sheraton Grande (550 Baht/US$14.50 per day).
Although they look great, not all the pools are conducive to lap swimming. The curved pool at the Amari Watergate's Clark Hatch center (400 Baht/US$10.50 day), the hexagonal pool at the Dusit Thani (321 Baht/US$8.50 day) and the steps running along the sides of the two pools at Imperial Queen's Park (310 Baht/US$8 day) might frustrate serious swimmers. An alternative to the creatively designed pools is the 12.5m pool at the Landmark (300 Baht/US$8 day). It's not long but it is straight and also boasts a heated whirlpool under a pretty gazebo.
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The Atlanta hotel has the oldest pool in Bangkok - a great place to spend the lazy days of summer
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Cheaper hotel pools include the Ambassador's 17m pool for 150 Baht/US$4 (300 Baht/US$8 for pool and fitness center). Though the health club is somewhat faded, the jogging track and tropical bird aviary are nice touches.
The utterly charming and quirky Atlanta Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 2 lays claim to having the oldest hotel pool in Thailand. At 17m and 107 Baht/US$3 per day, the pool offers inner tubes, artificial rain from sprinklers, hammocks, delicious and reasonably-priced food - and suspicious water quality. It's possible the oldest pool also has the oldest filtering system!
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A serene and refreshing pool at boutique hotel Silom Serene
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Two hotel pools on the small end: Stable Lodge on Sukhumvit Soi 8 offers use of its 9.5m pool to anyone ordering food or drink from the restaurant. Most dishes and drinks run about 100-200 Baht (US$2.50-5.25). The pool at Silom Serene on Silom's Soi Phipat is a beautiful piece of architecture but, at 8.5m x 3.5m, is too small for serious swimming. Despite the size, it's still a lovely place for a refreshing dip and the 150 Baht (US$4) daily fee for the pool and high quality fitness center is relatively cheap.
Many apartment buildings also offer pool access to non-residents. Just two examples: for 100 Baht (US$2.50), you can take a dip in the 12.5m pool at the delectably named Boss Tower on Rama 4 in Khlong Toey. For 300 Baht (US$8), you get a day at Oakwood City Residence’s 20m pool and fitness centre on Sathu Pradit.
Last, and definitely least, is Buddy Beer’s pool on Khao San Road. This 7 x 3 metre pool in an uninspiring setting charges desperate backpackers 100 Baht (US$2.50) to wallow in the crowded water and deck area. Unless mixing with bikini-clad Scandinavians or discussions of Koh Phangan are top priorities, this one certainly belongs last on the list.
So, instead of hiding from the water this Songkran, go out and get wet, but do so with dignity! Don't forget that swimming is a great aerobic exercise that is easy on the limbs and joints. From the most exclusive resorts to swimming with the masses, Bangkok offers you numerous ways to take the plunge.
For addresses and phone numbers, please visit our directories (Directory > Sports > Recreation or Directory > Accommodation > Other Available Hotels in Bangkok) or use the links below. Also, check back here after Songkran for information on the pools closed for the holiday, including those in the 50m category.
Happy Songkran!
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