Bangkok in Bombay!

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You don't have to take a six hour flight to experience the flavours of Thailand. Bangkok – food, shopping, chanting and all – lives right here in Bombay, if you know where to look. Read our whole story on CNNGo.com!

Buddha no bar at Lakshmi Estate

We wanted to bar Buddhas in every shape and size from Mumbai homes after lifestyle stores across the city started stocking shiny mass-produced versions in all sizes. But then, we discovered the treasure of furniture stores locked up inside Lakshmi Industrial Estate, where Buddhas (and other Thai imports) are treated with more respect. At Petals, our favorite among these shops, you can buy intricately carved, seriously neat Asian furniture, from Thailand as well as Vietnam and Indonesia instead of drooling all day at Good Earth.

Getting there: Petals, Lakshmi Industrial Estate, next to Fun Republic, Andheri (W), tel. +91 (0) 22 2636 4681.

In Search of a True Thai Massage

Among the myriad massage parlours and day spas burgeoning in this workaholic city, the year-and-a-half old CosmicMandala15 is the cream of the crop when it comes to feeling kneady, Thai style. A host of extra long massages by expertly trained Thai therapists are on offer because owner Heymal Kampani tries to keep her rituals as authentic as possible. When in Thailand, she visits the Chiva Som spa in Hua Hin, and when in Mumbai, she gets the next best thing. A Thai herbal hot compression treatment at CosmicMandala15. In winter, Kampani recommends a massage under the stars on the spa terrace with pretty views of leafy, old world Colaba and its art deco architecture. But we know, we know, who has the time? If it's a Bangkok style quickie you need, try a 30 minute foot reflexology by visually-impaired masseurs at Metta Reflexology Spa or the Sawadee Express foot rub at Aroma Thai outlets around the city.

Getting there: CosmicMandala15, C-5, Amarchand Mansion, Madame Cama Road, Colaba, tel. +91 (0) 22 22043737, Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000; Metta Foot Reflexology Spa, 53, Suravi House, Pali Village, Bandra (W), tel. +91 9870719923, Rs 200; Aroma Thai outlets at Bandra, Lower Parel, Breach Candy and Malad, tel. +91 (0) 2353 6601, Rs 490.

Been looking for a Buddhist chanting session?

Nam myoho renge kyo is Mumbai’s new mantra. This Buddhist hymn, also known as the Lotus Sutra, is sending good vibrations through different neighborhoods as chanting groups spring up all over the city. Sonal Ahuja, Buddhist chanter, yoga instructor and Young Women’s Division Leader from the Indian chapter of the Soka Gakkai, believes that the increasing stress and negativity in Mumbai accounts for the popularity of this ancient ritual. "We meet in fellow members’ homes, chant, cleanse our karmas and study Buddhist philosophy. Anyone can join in," Ahuja says. Chanting sessions are also held at Nipponzan Myohoji, Mumbai’s oldest Buddhist temple at Worli. Peace out.

Getting there: Call Sonal Ahuja on +91 9820938560 or log on to www.bharatsokagakkai.org; Nipponzan Myohoji, diagonally opposite City Bakery, Worli.

Want more? Read about the city’s best Thai food and shopping in our story on CNNGo.com!