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