A winter respite-at lightning speed in Thailand

From Thai street food to fining dining offerings, central Bangkok offers international culinary delights for visitors. [Photo/China Daily]

I had a feast of duck and mango salad, frog legs, Canadian Bay scallop, lobster pasta and duck leg confit, among many other delicacies, which were all extraordinarily fresh and delicious.

What I loved most was the dessert, apple tart tartin. The combination of caramelized apples, puff pastry and vanilla bean ice cream created an unexpectedly warm, soft and aromatic delicacy that had a heavenly sweetness.

The next day after breakfast the inevitable attraction was Central World because it consists of Bangkok's largest shopping center, with the best local brands to shop for as gifts.

Thai perfume, essential oil, silk products and herbal ointment are among the most popular souvenirs and gifts.

For lunch, you can do much worse than S'mores Hunting Lodge, an American restaurant replete with wooden decor and stuffed animals to create a camping atmosphere.