Magical Metropolis

Bangkok, or Krung Thep as it is known to locals, is an urban capital that pulses with excitement, making a sensual impression at every turn. Founded in 1782, Bangkok is now a city of 10 million. It is a bustling, modern metropolis, a paradise for shoppers and a favorite destination for nighttime revelers, yet Bangkok manages to retain its historic and cultural heart. It is still a city of temples and palaces, of golden spires and orange tiered roofs, of saffron-robed monks and serene Buddha images. Classis sights, most famously the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, remain as magnificent as ever. The BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground railway provide cross-town travel in a matter of minutes. Visiting the business, shopping and entertainment districts, the Chao Phraya River and many popular destinations is a piece of cake, besides which, the skytrain also provides convenient links to major hotels.

The Fascinating Living Past

One of the world’s most vibrant capitals, Bangkok has contrived to weave traditional ways into its metropolitan atmosphere. Dazzling temples, traditional houses, old communities and fragments of the past not only survive but also shape the city’s character. The most notable area is Rattanakosin Island, the old royal city where the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and many architectural treasures stand. The best way to explore Rattanakosin Island is by walking. Landmarks along the routes include the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn, the National Gallery, Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, and Wat Benchamabophit – The Marble Temple.

To further explore the living past of Bangkok, visit Wat Mahadhatu – the Temple of the Great Relic, Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Vimanmek Palace - the world’s largest golden teak building, Royal Barge Museum, and Mon Community of Ko Kret.

A Voyage through Time

Bangkok history is so closely connected to the waterways. It used to have so many canals that it was often called “The Venice of the East”. Cruising along the klongs as the canals are called in Thai, takes you on a journey of contrast back to earlier eras. Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canal tours are the most popular klong trips. These journeys take you to fascinating places such as the Royal Barge Museum and the colonial-style Thonburi Railway Station. During the trip, you will see children on their way to or from school and saffron robed monks traveling to their klong-side temples. You may even come across Thai women in boats selling boat noodles, drinks, snacks and fruits.

City of Gourmet Delights

The convivial enjoyment of food has always been a hallmark of Thai life, and for visitors to Thailand there is no shortage of eating options in Bangkok. Restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine are easy to find. You will also discover dining venues offering a complete range of international cuisines. Although there are great stand-alone restaurants in the city, some of the fine dining experiences are located in hotels.

Dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River is always a memorable experience and shouldn’t be missed. Sukhumvit is a cosmopolitan thoroughfare with restaurants to match. Italian, American, French, German, Japanese, Indian and Thai restaurants many of good quality line the road. Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, is best for Chinese food while Phahurat, Bangkok’s Little India, is unbeatable for its authentic Indian food. Silom, Bangkok’s main business street, has a lot to offer from lunch to dinner. Siam Square is crammed with medium to high eateries as well as Bangkok Hard Rock café and American fast-food outlets. To enhance your experience, explore street foods in Bangkok. This delight offers an amazingly wide array of food, ranging from rice to noodles and from papaya salad and grilled chicken to fresh seafood. Visit Chinatown, Khao San and Silom for sumptuous street foods.

Supreme Shopping Paradise

Smart people arrive in Bangkok with empty suitcases and go back with full ones. Bangkok is one of the world’s best shopping centers with many advantages: quality, cheap prices, skilled artisans and friendly good-natured bargaining. Favorite purchases include Thai silks and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery, silverware, pewterware, ceramics, celadon, custom-tailored clothing and hundreds of other special buys.

Major shopping malls include MBK Center, Siam Center & Siam Discovery Center, Erawan Bangkok, Siam Paragon, Gaysorn Bangkok, Siam Square, Central Chidlom and The Emporium. All are conveniently accessed by the BTS skytrain services.

For a unique shopping experience, visit Chatuchak Weekend Market where you can buy just about anything from all over Thailand, ranging from clothing to pets and everything in between. It is truly a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters. If you love night bazaar, Suan Lum Night Bazaar is the best. Here you can also visit numerous restaurants offering Chinese, Thai and grilled seafood dishes, and enjoy a traditional puppet show at Naatayasala (Joe Louis) Theater.

That’s Entertainment Bangkok

It’s no secret: Bangkok is a city with a wealth of entertainment to offer. Whatever your age, taste and persuasion, you can rest assured that this dynamic city can deliver. For the nature and culture lovers, visit Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia with more than 400 species or 30,000 marine animals, Jim Thompson’s Museum, a museum to the man who revived the Thai silk industry after the World War II, Siam Niramit, a one-of-a-kind cultural theme complex offering a world-class spectacular performance in a 2000-seat theatre, and Sala Chalermkrung, a theatre where Thailand’s classical masked dance is performed. For sports lovers, “Muai Thai” or Thai boxing can be seen throughout the week at 2 major boxing stadiums, Lumphini Boxing Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium, and Golfing in Thailand is golfer’s dream. The courses are well-designed, very cheap and caddies are always available.

Once the sun has made its exit and the lights are on, the Thai’s dedication to having a good time comes into play. There is no one single entertainment district in Bangkok, but many areas offer leisure time activities; so wherever you are, nightlife opportunities are never far away. Bangkok has never had so many pubs, bars and restaurants. Live music, too, has never known such popularity. There are good jazz and blue bands all over town. Some nightlife districts whose names have become well known over the years are Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana.