Bangkok

Situated between the secret countries of Burma, Laos and Cambodia, Thailand remains a curios mixture of eastern  and western influences. Nowhere is more evident than its capital, Bangkok. Bangkok is a city of contrast. A modern city of ten million inhabitants, it is growing at breath-taking speed. Sometimes when the midday heat and the noise and traffic are at their worst, it feels a little too busy. But Bangkok is also a city with an ancient heritage. Take a ride on the Chao Phraya river and its connecting canals and you will find a city and a way of life that is not very different from that seen by the first Europeans to arrive here. Then there are the temples (known as wats), the numerous statues of Buddha and of course the splendeur of the Grand Palace. But Bangkok is not just about monuments. It is vibrant, alive and full of hope. It gives the visitor a feeling that anything might be possible, and it usually is.

Thailand's capital since 1872, this chaotic city offers a unique experience of fun-loving Thai lifestyle. Float along the Venetian style canals and zip around the bustling streets with your own private tuk-tuk driver. Barter at markets and food stalls and visit the numerous Buddha temples around the city.

No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to at least one of the Buddhist temples and there are so many in the city that it is difficult to avoid them. Bangkok has the greatest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world. The most renowned is the Wat Phra Keo which is also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha containing the mysterious Emerald Buddha statue, a Thai national symbol. Established in 1782, adjoining the Grand Palace, it is the ceremonial temple of the Thai Kings. If you are looking for Buddhist statues then go to Wat Pho, the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok containing the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. Of course, don't miss Wat Arun the "Temple of Dawn". Despite the surrounding skycrapers, at over 100 metres high the glittering tower is still a breathtaking sight as you approach it up the river.

Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew

Once a city within a city and surrounded by 2km of perimeter walls, the Grand Palace is a must for any visitor in Bangkok. It contains some of the finest examples of eastern architecture and art in the world. Among other delights, you can see the harem, the Chapel Royal and the audience hall of Amarinda where kings are crowned. There is also the Grand Palace Museum which explains the 200-year history of the Palace.

There are so many places to visit in Bangkok that it is impossible to list them all. But two other places well worth visiting are the National Museum, a treasure trove of Thai art and culture, and the Wimanmek Palace or "Palace in the Clouds", the world's largest structure made entirely of golden teak. 

For decades, Khao San Road has been the meeting place for backpackers from all over the world. Packed with cool bars, cheap restaurants and funky nightclubs, this area is also popular for the young, hip and trendy Thais.

You should visit the Rattanakosin, the historical royal city of Bangkok which has Buddhist temples on its grounds. You can also hire long-tail boats and cruise the narrow canals of Thon Buri and get to the Banglamphu, a temple with a standing Buddha statue. For a better view over Bangkok, climb the 320 steps of the Golden Mount.

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience, visit the weekend markets of Chatuchak where they sell absolutely everything. The floating markets of Damnoen Saduak are also worth checking out. If you like your shopping more air-conditioned then head to the shopping malls at Siam Square, The markets of Little India and Chinatown are good places to improve your knowledge about authentic Asian food and spices.

After all this sightseeing you might like to take a rest. Try Lumphini Park, a pleasant green park at the meeting of the port and downtown areas. But be careful at night when the park can be a little dangerous.

You cannot leave Bangkok without going on a river trip to see the fascinating bustling life of the city. Bangkok has been called "The Venice of the Orient" and any trip down the numerous canals will reveal a picturesque range of glittering wats and cool palms. Don't miss the Thonburi floating market which despite recent commercialisation still possess a unique and fascinating character. The old capital, Thonburi, managed to stay independent until 1972, and it is here, among the khlongs (sort of canals). 

Damnoen Saduak

For a few baht, take a water taxi and whizz along rickety old buildings on stilts over the river. Don't miss the river market, Damnoen Saduak is possibly the best, the sight of hundreds of long wooden boats laden with produce is remarkable.

Going out

Banyan Tree

To make the most of Bangkok's staggering sunsets, try one of the rooftop bars or restaurants on the city's skyscrapers. Head to the open-air Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree on the 61st floor! Order a Vertigo Sunset cocktail and take in the view. For clubbing, make a beeline for the RCA district. The red-light district is still there but you will also find more conventional clubs and discos with a variety of jazz, rock, reggae and Latin music. There are no licensing laws so if you want an alcoholic drink it is not a problem. Try Saeng Thip, a rum-like local spirit. More traditional Thai entertainment can also be found like dancing and drama at places like the National Theatre and the Cultural Centre.

Where to eat

Bangkok is a city that eats out so on any street corner you find delicious affordable food. Try the famous Pad Thai noodles from Pratu Pee, commonly know as Ghost Gate. At the other end of the spectrum, try an incredible authentic Thai meal in the luxurious Salathip restaurant, complete with traditional dancers while you dine. If you fancy trying your hand at making your own Thai banquet, you can attend a traditional Thai cookery course at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Bangkok is a gourmet's paradise. Thai food can be extremely spicy and hot but delicious. Try the shophouse restaurants where you can get simle fried noodles with soy sauce at a very cheap price. Or the Thai delicacy of freshwater crab in one of the more up-market restaurants. There are numerous street food stalls which turn Bangkok into one huge open-air restaurant at night. The Thais enjoy wandering around to find out what is cooking in the next street.

 

Fancy some shopping?

Head to Siam Square and be prepared to barter (don't be shy, it is a way of life here). The general rule of thumb? The original price given will be around 40% higher then the actual "deal" you could secure. Bag some beautiful silks and semi-precious gemstones here. Visit the Pandora factories in the "Gemopolis" area. It is fascinating to see where some of the favourite jewellery starts life. Whether you are shopping in the colourful, lively but blisteringly hot markets or the ultra-modern department stores, one thing is clear: Bangkok is a city for shoppers and you are sure to find something you want. Markets are everywhere selling anything from artificial flowers to barber's scissors. If you are souvenir-hunting, why not buy some Thai wood-carving, some local jewellery or a brightly coloured sarong?

For beautiful beaches strike out for the islands. Koh Samet, Koh Tao or Koh Lan are around three hours from Bangkok and offer the whole white sand, postcard-pretty paradise vibe.

Koh Tao

Koh Lan