| One Night in Bangkok…as the famous | | | | meal; however, if it is trouble that you are looking |
| song goes, but there's much more to this city, | | | | for, you won't need to walk farther than a couple |
| including fantastic culture, great value shopping, | | | | of meters before being approached by a tout |
| exciting entertainment and plenty of sights to | | | | promising a menu of sexual delights. While this can |
| point a camera at. With only a few days in the | | | | be annoying, there is no denying that this is a |
| Thai capital, here are ten things you really must | | | | novelty for many and the reasonable percentage |
| see or do. | | | | of non-sleazy venues makes it a friendly, |
| Shopping | | | | non-intimidating place to browse. |
| Whether you hot-foot it around Bangkok's latest | | | | Chatuchak Market |
| glitzy addition to its long list of shopping malls - | | | | If you want something specific but you're not |
| Siam Paragon, or you spend hours sifting through | | | | sure where to find it, this is the place. Chatuchak |
| the bargains at Pratunam Market, shopaholics will | | | | weekend market has vendors selling literally |
| not be disappointed with Bangkok's offerings. | | | | everything, from books to kittens. Busy all year |
| Ranking as one of Asia's top shopping hubs, it is | | | | round, expect to be pushed, shoved and pulled at |
| no wonder that shopping is a favourite pastime of | | | | as you wind your way through the narrow alleys. |
| the Thais. With all of the main centres within | | | | But don't worry; there are plenty of places to |
| walking distance of one another, you can start at | | | | stop for a rest and eat some delicious, |
| Siam Discover Centre; pass through Siam Square | | | | inexpensive food. It's a good idea to decide on a |
| on your way to MBK, then hit your final | | | | landmark before you begin to explore as the size |
| destination, the World Trade Centre. The biggest | | | | and crowds here make it easy to loose your |
| problem will not be finding what you want; it will | | | | hopping companions. A bargain lover's hunting |
| be getting it back home. | | | | ground; this is a shopping experience you will not |
| Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew | | | | want to miss. |
| The royal residence known as the Grand Palace | | | | Jim Thompson's House |
| sits adjacent to Thailand's most famous temple | | | | Thompson was responsible for rebuilding the Thai |
| complex, Wat Phra Kaew. Home of the Emerald | | | | silk industry, for which he gained recognition as |
| Buddha statue, made of jade contrary to what | | | | making an outstanding contribution to Thailand. |
| the name suggests; this is one of the most | | | | Before his mysterious disappearance in 1967 on a |
| revered religious sites in Thailand and the location | | | | vacation to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, |
| of many prestigious ceremonies. Make sure you | | | | Thompson built this impressive Thai-style teak |
| wear appropriate clothing if you want to visit | | | | house, which became the talk of the town. Now a |
| these must-see landmarks. | | | | museum, visitors can explore the building and gain |
| Wat Arun | | | | insight into this colourful characters life. |
| You can catch a glimpse of this important | | | | Dreamworld |
| Buddhist temple on the back of a 10 baht coin if | | | | Not all stomach-churning rides, this popular |
| you want a taste of what to expect. Nestled | | | | adventure theme park has dozens of attractions |
| between Chinese-style pavilions on the banks of | | | | including gardens, miniature replicas of seven |
| the Chao Phraya River, the highlight of Wat Arun | | | | wonders of the world, live shows and |
| is its Khmer-style tower. At the base of the | | | | performances, a cable car and even a snow field |
| tower is a sculpture of the Hindu god Indra and | | | | where you can sling snow balls at your friends. A |
| depictions of Chinese soldiers and animals, while | | | | lively alternative to Bangkok's traditional |
| the tower itself is intricately decorated with | | | | sightseeing attractions, the park is easily |
| seashells and small pieces of porcelain. Once the | | | | accessible by train, bus or car. |
| home of the Emerald Buddha during the time of | | | | Khao San Road |
| the Ayutthaya Kingdom, this temple remains one | | | | If you don't fancy staying in among hundreds of |
| of the most important religious sites in the | | | | backpackers, this travellers' mecca is still worth a |
| country. | | | | look, if just for its cheap pirate CDs. Renowned |
| Lumpini Park | | | | as a party street, things are unusually quiet until |
| Sit back and relax in the shade of palm trees or | | | | street vendors set up shop in the afternoon. By |
| rent a peddle boat and explore the lake and its | | | | nightfall, the street is unrecognisable as it fills with |
| canals, Lumpini Park is a haven of tranquility, ideal | | | | throngs of youngsters dining, drinking and |
| for those in need of a rest from the urban jungle. | | | | watching football. A great place to meet people |
| Interesting features include the Thai Lanna and | | | | and make friends, this is also the spot to get |
| Chinese pavilions, while there is also a pretty | | | | cheap travel deals to onward destinations. |
| Chinese-style clock tower. In addition to some | | | | Muay Thai Boxing |
| impressive sculptures, there is a children's play | | | | Only football inspires as much passion as boxing in |
| park and a new pavilion designed as a rest area. | | | | Thailand, with the latter being considerably more |
| And if you miss the buzz of the city, the park is | | | | violent. Even if you are a bit reluctant to spend |
| right in the heart. | | | | your money on watching men sling punches and |
| Patpong | | | | lethal kicks, it is surprising how the electric crowd |
| The go-go bars and wild nightlife often | | | | can soon have you up there cheering with the |
| overshadows Patpong's other offerings, of which | | | | rest of them. Fights are held almost nightly at |
| there are plenty of the tame variety. | | | | Lumphini and Ratchadamnoen stadiums, with |
| People-watch from one of the cafés, relax | | | | tickets sol in three tiers, depending on how close |
| and listen to some live music, barter for some | | | | you want to be to the action. |
| bargains at the night market or enjoy a tasty | | | | |