The Deck at Arun Residence @ Bangkok, Thailand ***

Som Tam Thai Kub Koong Mae Naam Yang (Papaya Salad with Grilled River Prawn)

Although there can be a certain delight in discovery, the joy of travelling to visit friends is that privileged insider knowledge is at your fingertips, unadulterated by the narrow perspective of guidebooks and overwhelming array of local listings.

With an upper deck overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the in-house restaurant of the Arun Residence boutique hotel serves traditional Thai and french bistro cuisine as delighted diners look out on Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).

Although the green papaya salad’s atomic seasoning rather defeated my delicate taste buds, milder options like the Tom Yam Koong Mae Naam (Grouper and River Prawn Soup with Thai Herb, Chilli Paste, and Mushroom) and the Mango with Black Sticky Rice and Coconut Milk Ice Cream are the perfect complement to open-air enjoyment.

Details: 36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok 10200, Thailand (+662221 91589)