The city doesn't sleep, but it dreams

It's hard to imagine any other city being in as exhilarating a position as Bangkok finds itself in today. The clichéd images of the Thai capital have been blown away by its astonishing evolution into a city that will surprise newcomers and returning visitors alike.

The Chao Phraya River is still the epicentre of a city that celebrates its past whilst embracing the future. Cruises and river taxis ferry locals and visitors along, providing a chance to take in some of the stunning temples that are an unmissable part of any visit to Bangkok. Hire a long-tailed boat for the day and explore the 'klongs', the canals that are home to the famous floating markets of the city, where you'll have a chance to appreciate Thai homes and gardens.

The Grand Palace is one of the world's most impressive tourist attractions. The grounds are everything you could imagine them to be, with a dazzling array of golden statues and multi-tiered spires. Towering above the beautifully preserved traditional architecture are hotels that epitomise the tasteful sophistication of the new Bangkok. This new breed of hotel will please even the most discerning guest. They are effortlessly suave, incorporating modern Thai sensibilities with ultra-tasteful western chic.

From gourmet restaurants and space age nightclubs to night markets and hip bars, Bangkok appeals to your every whim. Haggle your way to incredible bargains at the countless market stalls, experience some of the best cuisine you'll taste anywhere, and settle back with a drink listening to lounge music or a Thai Elvis impersonator - the city caters to every taste and budget.

Whilst the markets have their own particular charm, if you've left your bartering head at home, there is always the retail therapy enjoyed in places such as the Emporium Shopping Centre. Here you'll find enough designer attractions to keep even the most demanding followers of fashion in new looks.

MUST DO: Grand Palace; Thai Massage at Wat Po; Klong River Tour, Traditional Thai Cookery Class; Floating Market; Buy a Tailor-made suit; Patpong Night Market; Walk in Lumphini Park; Dinner Cruise; Skytrain Shopping Adventure; River Taxi; Tuk-Tuk.

However you choose to travel around the capital, you'll find it a memorable experience in itself. The three wheeled tuk-tuks buzz through the traffic and make taking a taxi look positively pedestrian. The city's Sky Train soars above the bustle of the Bangkok traffic, a one-way track through the doors of Thailand's new spirit of consumerism.

Giving you even more travel options, an extensive new metro system and state of the art international airport are soon to become reality, cementing Bangkok's position as a truly first class world capital.

Wat Phra Kaeo

Wat Phra Kaeo , situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Three main buildings inside the temple which form up a glittering scene are the Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans. The compound of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. The admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry to the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.

Wat Pho

This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace enclave and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha, some 46 metres long and 15 metres high, with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called Thailand's first university. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and Thai traditional massage. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Wat Benchamabophit

Also known as the Marble Temple, this temple is on Sri Ayutthaya Road near the Chitralada Palace. The main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.

The National Museum

Within the walking distance of the Grand Palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Bangkok's National Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayuttthaya to Bangkok period. The complex, also begun in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colorful Thai architectural design. The museum is open everyday, except Mondays, Tuesdays, and annual holidays, from 9.00 a.m. to4.00 p.m.

Vimanmek Mansion Museum

Or Vimanmek Palace, located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, it is the world's largest golden teak building. The 3-storey palace contains 81 rooms, halls and ante- chambers. A guided tour inside the building is provided to visitors. Other buildings in the same compound are also used as museums and display various items and art objects. The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. 

Jim Thompson's Thai House

This remarkable Thai-style house, was the work of Mr.Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk industry. His house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi Kasemsan 2 opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Mr.Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts and many other fabulous antiques. It is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Volunteer guides explain the collection to visitors.

The Grand Palace

This inner-city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. It was built in 1782 when King Rama I succeeded to the throne and Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand. The architectural plan is almost identical to that of the Royal Palace in the former capital of Ayuthaya. In the same compound located the royal chapel or Wat Phra Kaeo. The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m..

Vimanmek Palace

Or Vimanmek Mansion Museum, located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, is the world's largest golden teak building. The 3-storey palace contains 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers. A guided tour inside the building is provided to visitors. Other buildings in the same compound are also used as museums and display various items and art objects. The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Suan Pakkad Palace

Located on Si Ayuthaya Road, this complex of five Thai style houses occupies a beautiful garden and houses an important collection of Asian antiques. A lacquer pavilion is decorated with sumptuous late Ayutthayan period (1350-1767) gold-leaf murals. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Suriwong, Silom Area

Numerous shops, and department stores sell jewellery, gemstones, antiques, ceramics, leather goods, men's and women's clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and cottons, electrical and photographic goods.

Sukhumvit Road Area

Concentrated largely between Soi Nana (Soi 3) and Soi Asoke (Soi 21), several shops, shopping centers and department stores offer a broad range of Thai and imported items. The luxurious Emporium Shopping Center is located between Sukhumvit Soi 24 and the Benjasiri park.

Banglamphu

The riverine section of Bangkok is favoured by back-packers for its budget accommodation. The area offers inexpensive items, especially readymade clothing, leather foods, footwear, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended.

Jatujak Market or JJ Market is another shopping area where many Thai people and tourists go to at the weekend. You can find many inexpensive items. A Recommended visit when you are in Bangkok!

The National Theatre

Details of current programmes and events can generally be found in Bangkok's major English language newspapers, namely the Bangkok Post and The Nation. The theatres where cultural shows and plays are periodically held are as follows: The National Theatre is located on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Call (02) 2241342 for a current programme.

Thailand Cultural Centre

Located on Ratchadaphisek Road, it is fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities. Thai Life Permanent Exhibition can be seen on Mondays through Fridays from 9.30 a.m. ��" 4.30 p.m.. Call (02) 2470028 ext. 109 for a current programme.

Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre

Located on New Road near the Old Siam Plaza. Thai dramas, plays and performances are usually held while international films are featured occasionally during special film weeks. Call (02) 2258757-8, 2221325 for a current programme.

Bangkok Playhouse

Located on Phetchaburi Road. The theatre hosts contemporary plays. Call (02) 6798548, 3197641-4 for a current programme.