Do you love shopping and eating in Bangkok?  So does the whole world.  Where do the real Bangkok insiders go for the best Thai fashion, specialty shops,  great Thai and international food and coolest bars?

Ultimate fashion insider and Thailand’s top model  Cindy Sirinya Bishop shares her favourite places for the best of Bangkok fashion, food and fun.

In her native Thailand everyone knows this part-Thai/ part-American beauty from countless magazine covers, fashion shows, and  luxury campaigns for Celine, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Omega and more.

Outside Thailand, you can see her on Asia’s Next Top Model 4 as the host and lead judge, airing all around Southeast Asia in March on StarWorld.

I met Cindy while writing my first spa book, the Thai Spa Book, when she was one of the Thai supermodels who were shot for the book by our beloved colleague and good friend, Italian photographer Luca Invernizzi Tettoni.

I feel  so lucky that Cindy was among the bevy of Thailand’s top models  that Luca shot for my book.  She’s also on the cover of the German language edition of the Thai Spa Book.

This German book cover shows the back of her head – a lovely image though I’d rather see the front view.  I wasn’t the cover designer, so I’m glad it does actually include a photo of Cindy’s face on top, which is one of my favourite shots in the book.

Find more on or buy Thai Spa. Sanfte Wellness zur Selbstsanwendung (Thai Spa Book German language edition) here

Find more on or buy the Thai Spa Book (English edition) here

Aside from being Thailand’s most famous supermodel, Cindy also happens to be an extremely nice person, with a kind-hearted spirit.   Believe it or not, she builds houses  (Yes. Builds. Houses.)  for needy people for Habitat for Humanity, and actively volunteers at Pattaya Orphanage and Camillian Home for Disabled Children in Bangkok.

Oh, and on top of all that, she’s an entrepreneur with her own line of beauty products called Mama’s Secret, and is a young mother with two gorgeous little  kids with her model/actor husband Byron Bishop.  For such huge celebrities, I can honestly say that Cindy and Byron are two of the nicest famous people you could ever meet, which is probably why they continue to be popular and successful at whatever they do (in contrast to some others who simply fade away….).  I have no idea how they find the time to do all the stuff they do.

So where does Bangkok’s most popular fashionista like to go in her down time? Here are some of her favourite places in Bangkok, in her own words…

EAT

My favourite places to eat in Bangkok are … Thai Lao Yeh Restaurant in the Cabochon Hotel …

I love to order the spicy green mango salad, Sai Ua Chiangmai sausage, and for dessert, shaved ice with Thai iced tea and tapioca pearls.

… The Commons,  a newly opened shared dining mall concept with some of the best places to eat in the city …

… and across the road, Rocket for amazing breakfast …

… and Lady Brett for lunch and dinner.

SHOP  FASHION

My favourite designers are … Poem for lovely tailored dresses …

 

… Fly Now for haute couture …

… Issue for super ethnic bohemian designs …

… super designer to the stars, Vatanika, which can be seen on A-list celebs in Thailand and Hollywood…

… Asava for amazingly chic effortless modern minimalist designs.

SHOP JEWELRY

Lucien Elements for jewelry …

… 77th  Bangkok …

… MCL Jewelry, most of which I wore on Asia’s Next Top Model 4.  I absolutely adore his designs and he’s a dear friend.

MALLS

Favourite malls are …  Siam Center for the largest collection of Thai designers …

… Central Embassy for luxury international labels …

… Emquartier for Bangkok’s newest international lifestyle mall …

… and Central World for best selection of fashion and lifestyle stores.

 

BROWSE

My favourite market is Bangkok Farmer’s Market, offering products by local and expat vendors on the last weekend of every month at K Village in Sukhumvit Soi 26.  Here I get my fix of fresh, organic produce, homemade gourmet cuisine and artisan crafts.

 

DRINK

My favourite bar at the moment is Maggie Choo’s. I’m in love with the 1930’s Shanghai cabaret vibe and the live jazz music, which then turns into a club later. My usual drink of choice is champagne or a shared bottle of vodka with friends.

 

Do you have your favourite places to eat, play, and shop in Bangkok? Where do you like best and why? Do let us know!