Bangkok: A travel guide for the first time visitor (part two)

Another of Bangkok's temples worth visiting isfeaturing live music, there is something for
Wat Pho (also known as Wat Chetuphon). Wateveryone. Generally the nightlife is very safe and
Pho is the oldest temple in Bangkok and is homerelaxed, with dressing up not a necessity. Patpong
to Thailand's largest reclining Buddha at 46 metresis easily Bangkok's most notorious nightlife area
long and 15 metres high. You will also find theand has over 100 back-to-back neon lit bars,
greatest number of Buddha images in Thailandmost of which are catered towards men. For the
within its extensive grounds. You should expect tofirst time visitor on holiday in Bangkok, Khao San
pay approximately 20 Baht (30 pence) to visitRoad may be the ideal place to spend the evening
Wat Pho.as almost every type of entertainment can be
Shopaholics will be in their element in Bangkokfound along this busy strip at night time.
with a great number of shopping malls and streetA few do's and don'ts
markets of all types. The vast ChatuchakDo smile - Thailand is known as the land of smiles
Weekend Market in northern Bangkok has aroundand the Thai people smile for a variety of
twenty thousand stalls selling almost anything youreasons; to say hello or thank you, to make
could think of while the Suan Lum Night Bazaar isrequests, to apologise or to show
a large open air market offering bargains onembarrassment.
clothes, crafts, gifts and plenty more. Sadly thereDon't touch anyone on the head - The head is
are fears that the Night Bazaar be shut down inconsidered sacred and the Thai people do not
the near future to make way for a newapprove of touching anyone on the head.
development although the managers and vendorsDo be aware of your feet - It is considered rude
are resisting eviction.in Thailand to point your feet at another person
Other popular attractions for Bangkok holidayso be aware of what you are doing with your
makers include the house of Jim Thompson (thefeet, for example when crossing your legs.
American famous for revitalizing Thailand's silkDon't kiss in public - In Thailand it is not the done
industry and perhaps even more famous for histhing to show a public display of affection, so
mysterious disappearance in 1967), Bangkokavoid kissing or holding hands in public.
snake farm, and the national museum, where youDon't drink the tap water - Even the locals
can learn more about the history of Thailand andinfrequently drink water from the tap. Bottled
view one of the world's greatest collections ofwater is extremely cheap (no more than 25 baht
Southeast Asian art.- 40 pence - for a litre) and widely available.
NightlifeDon't touch any images of Buddha - Images of
The nightlife in Bangkok is diverse with huge clubs,Buddha are sacred so you should avoid touching
go-go bars, cocktail lounges, expat pubs and barsthem or posing in front of any for pictures.