Holidays to Bangkok

Bangkok, an exuberant city of contrasts, from the serenity of the exquisitely ornate golden temples to the vibrant nightlife. Holidays to Bangkok bring you the vast malls of designer shops to the bustling street stalls and marketplaces. You can discover a thrilling mix of ancient and modern, oriental and occidental in this buzzing metropolis. At Bangkok enjoy a host of day and overnight trips to fascinating places, including the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Holidays to Bangkok include the glittering temples, particularly the fabulous Grand Palace, attractive Wat Po, with its colossal reclining Buddha, and peaceful Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok has many cultural influences, alive at hundreds of wonderful restaurants and the Chinese and Indian market districts.

Holidays to Bangkok include day and overnight excursions to the ancient Siamese capital and World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, the bustling Damnoen Saduak floating market and the poignant railway, cemetery and museum at the River Kwai.

During your holidays to Bangkok you will learn that before 1939, this country where both rice and tolerance are cultivated with the same ardour was called Siam. But as it had never been colonized, it preferred the name Thailand, signifying "Land of Free Men". They number 60 million, 90 per cent of whom are Buddhists, a fact that permeates all facets of national life. Even in sophisticated Bangkok, women turn out in front of their houses soon after dawn to offer rice to saffron-robed monks. At Bangkok you will find that Thais are very proud of their past and their royalty.

In the tumultuous capital Bangkok, catch your breath in the peaceful atmosphere of a temple. Then experience the passage of time as you glide along the Chao Phraya River in a boat, observing the life of the canals, the colonial quarter with the legendary Oriental Hotel, and the futuristic skyscrapers. While on holidays to Bangkok, take time to wander in Chinatown, where the odours of the opium dens and brothels still linger. But times have changed: children whose parents rode water buffaloes out in the rice fields now programme computers and run production lines in Bangkok. In turn, city-dwellers need to journey 100 km to find an authentic floating market.

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Bangkok Tour - The Insider's Tip

Bangkok presents itself as a vibrant cosmopolitan city, gleaming with beautiful temples, palaces, and alluring specimen of architecture at every nook and corner. Bangkok has a rich cultural past which is still as visible, and attracts tourists from all over the world. Translated as the city of angels, Bangkok features as an exotic destination with a tropical feel, and along with the presence of grand architectures, travelers can witness the traditional lifestyle in the day to day life of the people.

Bangkok's most mystifying aspect is the coexistence of its tradition and a very hip and happening lifestyle. This perhaps gives Bangkok its unique identity; a place where you can spot the latest in fashion and dip your taste-buds in the secret recipes preserved through generations. A charming aspect of Bangkok, not easily found in most places is its waterways, which are a unique way to discover more of the Thai capital. A trip in the early hours of the day provides ceaseless opportunities for shutterbugs to capture the essence of the daily life of the common people.

There are a lot of historical attractions in Bangkok, the most revered of them all being the Grand Palace, which is a celebrated example of Thai architecture and design. Visitors to the palace can also see the famous Emerald Buddha. Among a multitude of temples, The Temple of Dawn, locally known as Wat Arun, is the most visited. Also worth a visit is the Wat Pho, which is home to the world's largest reclining Buddha. Apart from monuments and temples, another important allure of Bangkok is shopping, which is sure to get the most attention due to its fascinating variety.

Bangkok has created a niche for itself in the hospitality industry with an overwhelming number of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury ones. Bangkok hotels offer world-class facilities and services, along with a wide choice of locations. The best hotels in Bangkok are mostly centrally located and offers excellent communication. However, the surrounding areas also feature fantastic hotels.

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Holidays to Bangkok Bombard You With Endless Delights

Pulsating with life, the gleaming city of Bangkok has been a hot tourist magnet for long. People use epithets like 'City of Angels' and 'Venice of the East' to describe Bangkok. Whether its gleaming skyscrapers or quaint old houses and uber modern facilities intermeshed with time forgotten practices, Bangkok is an amazing blend of the old and the new. A world of sightseeing, endless local and global culinary delights, fantastic nightlife, and a magnanimous dose of the famous Thai hospitality - the list goes on when it comes to Bangkok Holidays. Although, endless charms are to be found here, the following attractions are among the most popular ones.

Wat Arun

Standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun bedazzles the approaching visitor. The temple has been intricately decorated with colourful tiles, which makes for this dazzling spectacle. This is one of the most important temples in Bangkok and was once home to the celebrated Emerald Buddha Statue.

Wat Pho

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho is the biggest and oldest temple in Bangkok. The gigantic gold plated statue of the reclining Buddha here is a sight to behold. The temple has also carved a niche for itself in the field of traditional massage and herbal medication.

National Museum

The humongous National Museum is one of the largest in Thailand and hides priceless treasures. Artefacts here date back to the Neolithic Age. In fact, the Thai architectural influence on the temple makes it unique in its own sense. The grandiosity of the Teak Pavilion is often said to be the major highlight of this museum.

Royal Grand Palace

The historic structure of an immense walled complex surrounding spectacular palaces made up of gleaming ceramics and tiles makes this attraction an astounding sightseeing attraction. This is also the site of Wat Phra Khaeo, Thailand's holiest temple. This temple is the home of the famed Emerald Buddha. With so many claims to fame, its natural that the Royal Grand Palace is the biggest highlight of Bangkok holidays for many.

Floating Market and Night Markets

Although the shopping scene in Bangkok offers the pick of gigantic malls, but perhaps the Floating Market and Night Markets make for the most unique shopping escapades. While the floating market makes for an indescribable experience, the night markets spell paradise for those who want to steal a deal.

Chinatown

A bustling area full of little shops plying their trade and a number of maze like lanes overwhelms visitors with its own brand of charm. The main Indian area or Phahurat is in close proximity. The place is excellent for sifting through scores colourful little fabric shops and restaurants.

Vimanmek Palace

When it comes to opulence, the Vimanmek Palace would give many modern hotels a run for their money. This palace is the world's largest building made up entirely in golden teak. Be it the 31 exhibition rooms or the beautifully maintained lawns, the palace makes for stunning visual appeal.

Jim Thompson Thai House

Finally, as your Bangkok holidays end, take a trip to the Jim Thompson Thai House. This is no ordinary house. Built from six traditional teak structures belonging to different parts of Thailand, the house was fittingly built for the American gentleman Jim Thompson, who revolutionised Thailand's silk industry. Many flock here to view the collection of Asian artefacts accumulated by Mr Thompson.

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Short Trip Around Bangkok in One Day on Your Vacation

Have you ever asked yourself where to go while you are on your vacation? On an average of 10 to 14 days vacation, you might spend 24 to 36 hours making the trip between your country and destination country. Then, you reach the capital city of your destination country. You seek for the local package tour to get to remote paradise island with beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea. Else, you travel around the country. After all the good time you have on the beach and swimming on the shore. You come back to the city and prepare to go home with sweet memory on this vacation. You wonder what can I do, or whereabouts I can go in the city before I get onto the plane.

That's right. This is the article for you to take a little tour around Bangkok. Venues I mention here are for all men and women as well as elders. You can take this trip once you reach Bangkok, or one day before you say good bye to Thailand from your vacation. But I really recommend you do this one day before you leave Thailand, for it is convenient to buy souvenir and pack them up. Then, go to the airport the day after.

After all it is not such a good idea to lie down around the swimming pool in the hotel. You're here for good time to experience the exotic place. You have to explore the city. I assume that most foreign visitors stay in hotels along Sukhumvit and Ratchadapisek roads. That is where the most convenient way to travel around Bangkok. On Sukhumvit road, there is the sky train line which takes you to air conditioner shopping malls as well as the famous flea market Jatujak Market (JJ Market). On Ratchadapisek road, there is subway train running. Both city train lines are intersected on the two points. One point is at the station of Sala-Deang for the sky train and Silom Station for subway on Silom road. The other point is at intersection of Asok Station for sky train and Sukhumvit Station for subway. Usually around rush hours the traffic in Bangkok is very heavy. You can go around this traffic quickly by motorcycle taxies which are easily found on the street. How can you identify the motorcycle taxi? All of the fleet parks in a group, locations like in front of gas station or the entrance of alley. Drivers always wear sleeveless jacket with the number on the back.

Now, your one day trip around Bangkok starts. The first place to visit in the morning is Wat Pra Kaeo (Wat Prasri Rattanasasdaram) and Wat Po. They are located wall to wall. After you are done visiting one temple, you can walk across the street to visit the other temple. Why is interesting to visit both temples? Wat Pra Kaeo houses one of the most important Buddha Image, call the Emerald Buddha Image. The temple has been built as the royal chapel. The decoration and architect of temple reflect the high craftsmanship of Thais. The other temple, Wat Po, is said to be the first university of Thailand. The library in the temple contains the knowledge originated in past. This includes herbal medication, famous traditional Thai massage, and more. This temple has the most number of pagodas in one temple. The statuses found around the temple display the intertwined culture from China. You may find some other thing interesting around the area. Just follow the tourist signs. If you consider yourself as Buddhism, you will enjoy being there. Even you are not Buddhism, it is not so bad to learn and appreciate art and culture there. To get there, it is recommended you take a regular taxi, not a motorcycle taxi. The door is open at 8:00 to 17:00.

So far, you probably have spent two to three hours in the morning. It is almost near lunch time. You may take a lunch break, or you will continue right a way to another corner of Bangkok. From Wat Po, take the taxi to the nearest subway station at Hua Lompong. Let's buy the token for Jatujak Station and get onto the subway train. About twenty minutes, you will be taken to Jatujak Station and walk a little bit to Train Park (Suan Rod Fai). It is the public park, but why I am suggesting it. If you happen to come to this park on Saturday or Sunday, the Jatujak Market is open. After you have relaxed enough in the park, it is time to go shopping for sweet souvenirs. There is a shipping service in the JJ Market. In the Train Park (Suan Rot Fai), you will find the miniature landmarks, such a Golden Pagoda of Bangkok, (Pu-khao Tong). Another activity is to ride the bicycles in the park. Also, there is the Butterfly Park near by. The Butterfly Park is built with the proper landscape for live butterflies. There is an exhibition hall about the life cycle of insect. In a very big cage, the landscape is built to raise several species of butterflies. If you find that lying around the swimming pool in the hotel is boring, just go to the park.

By relaxing in the park and shopping in the Jatujak Marketing, it is now close to late afternoon. Let's get back to the heart of Bangkok. We are going to the Baiyok Tower in Pratunam. The tower is venue complex. It has hotel, international restaurants, and others. The Baiyok Tower is the tallest building. You will enjoy the spectacular view of Bangkok on the top roof. It is also near to shopping malls and the sky train. If you happen to check in the hotel there, it is probably the last place to come back.

I wouldn't say the next place is solely for men, but it seems to me that it is. It is the place where there are a lot of bars. There are two famous places for foreign visitors particularly westerners; they are Patpong and Soi Cowboy. Direction to get there, it is wise I leave the duty to the hotel front desk staff. Both places are open until 2:00 o'clock in the morning. I hope you are not getting too drunk that you miss the flight in the morning. Enjoy your trip in Thailand and Bangkok. Have a nice trip home.

Tumrong Sakul lives in Bangkok. The hobby is to read about the tourism destination in Thailand, Then, write about travelling destination. Whenever visiting Thailand, you can check where to go spending your vacation in Thailand at his web site. The web site is weekly updated with hotel information and traveling destination:

[http://www.findingthailand.net]

Holidays to Bangkok Spell Endless Exhilaration

The 'City of Angels' may have had its share of bad luck, but things seem to be progressively moving towards normalcy. In fact, many countries are toning down their level of warning pertaining to travel to Bangkok. After all, the city is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, not to mention cheap, given the wide plethora of experiences that visitors can indulge in. Here is a small sampling of what Bangkok has to offer.

National Museum

This is among the largest museums in Thailand and houses an exotic array of artifacts dating back until the Neolithic age. Done up in traditional Thai architectural style, this immense museum is a sight in itself. The grand Teak Pavilion is perhaps the hottest draw here.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha is Bangkok's largest and oldest temple. The temple's main claim to fame is its humongous statue of a reclining Buddha. This gold plated statue makes for an imposingly stunning sight. The temple is also famed for its emphasis on teaching herbal medication and traditional massage.

Vimanmek Palace

Opulence all but screams at the Vimanmek Palace. This is the largest building in the world to be entirely made up in golden teak. Standing in the midst of excellently maintained lawns, the palace has as many as 31 exhibition rooms.

Royal Grand Palace

This historic structure is a walled complex housing a number of magnificent palaces elaborately done up in ceramics and tiles. A major highlight here is the Wat Phra Khaeo, the holiest temple in Thailand. This temple is home to the statue of the well renowned holy statue of the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun or The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun stands on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The elaborate usage of colourful tiles in its decoration gives the temple a brilliantly dazzling appearance from a distance. Wat Arun was the earlier site of the Emerald Buddha statue.

Royal Barge National Museum

Check out the barges once used by the royal family. These intricately gilded long narrow boats required 50 to 60 rowers each.

Jim Thompson Thai House

Jim Thompson was an American who revolutionised the silk industry of Thailand. Today, his house in Bangkok serves as a museum, showcasing Jim's Asian artifact collection. The house itself is an attraction of sorts. It was made up of six traditional teak structures brought from different parts of Thailand.

Sanam Luang

Nestling among old tamarind trees, Sanam Luang serves as the venue for different ceremonies like kite flying and the Ploughing Ceremony. To get a complete feel of the place, book a cheap Bangkok holiday during one of the major festivals.

Floating Market and Night Markets

Holidays to Bangkok remain incomplete without a feel of its shopping scene. Among the numerous shopping experiences in the city, the floating market makes for a unique and unforgettable experience. Similarly, bargain hunters may steal some fabulous deals at the night markets of Bangkok.

Siam Ocean World

This is the place to come up close to exotic deep sea denizens. The adventurous souls may go diving with sharks here. These are just a few of the numerous spoilers awaiting those who buy holiday packages to Bangkok.

Chinatown

Finally, the Chinatown does merit a mention. This bustling area fascinates with its numerous maze like lanes and charming little shops selling a wide plethora of items. Near to Chinatown is Phahurat, or the main Indian area packed full of bright little fabric shops and restaurants.

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Have You Seen the Best of Bangkok?

As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is filled with plenty of things to see and do. It is located in southern Thailand, and as such it benefits from warm temperatures that do not vary too much at any time of the year. That means it pays to make sure you have plenty of water with you as you explore; although, it is a good excuse to keep stopping to admire the view!

So which locations can you see in Bangkok? Well, the Grand Palace is a good start, and while not all of it is open for you to wander into, even the exterior is worth seeing. You can see the Coin Pavilion though, which gives you an insight into all kinds of coins used in the past.

Every city has a wealth of museums to shed more light on the place, but the one you should definitely make time for in Bangkok is the National Museum. This gives you a look at what makes Bangkok and indeed, Thailand into the places they truly are - it is well worth spending a few hours there.

The Temple of Dawn is probably a familiar name to most people, but few could place its location as being in Bangkok. This is actually more of a tower in appearance than a temple, but this is one of those must see sights that you should always have on your list of things to do.

Ironically you don't actually have to visit it to get the best from it. Most people agree that the best views come when you look over at it from the other side of the Chao Phraya River. You can only really get an appreciation of the awesome sight of this temple by standing back and viewing it from afar.

You will soon see that the Buddha is a frequent sight here in Bangkok. The Temple of the Green Buddha is a heavily frequented location when it comes to tourists, but don't expect to take any photos of the Green Buddha itself, as this is strictly forbidden. The Buddha is tiny compared to the grandeur of the temple, so you may have to squint to commit it to memory!

What's more, you will find that once you arrive from your flights to Bangkok that wherever you choose to stay in the city, you won't be too far from some of the major sights and tourist attractions. And there is enough to see and do to ensure that you will be satisfied no matter how long you stay.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Bangkok - Mixing of Thai and Western World

Bangkok in Thailand offers a feeling of energy that is astonishing. In Bangkok, it looks like that there is all over the place music in the air. Alright there is also pollution and sounds of traffic in the air;) There is not just music and singing, but lots of historical structures, buildings and monuments, and of course fascinating museums and Thai exhibitions.

Bangkok is the one of the best places to visit in Thailand. Not just is this capital city of Thailand, it's also the destination that the majority of vacationers will fly into. Bangkok city is known every place in the world as being fast-paced and insane city that never sleeps. Yes much of that's true, but there's something more that can be hard to imagine.

Bangkok city is home to various of the Asia's most attractive temple buildings. Wat Phra Kaew (the temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the most beautiful temple building I have ever seen. This "Venice of the East" has some of the greatest shopping centers in Asia. These malls are where you discover speciality stores, global brands, book shops, finest fashion stores, accessories stands and numerous of luxury fashionable daily life goods.

Bangkok is located on the huge Chao Praya River, where river ships travel up and down taking people where they want to go. These boats bring also people and goods to as far away as China, so the river has been during the centuries crucial to this metropolis. You can find just about anything you desire in Bangkok. There are the largest outside market in Asia, international food places and Thai food restaurants, shopping centers, tuk-tuks, elephants and other exotic animals, wonderful temple buildings and the Grand Palace (the wide area which includes a lot of palaces, government buildings etc), contemporary Western and traditional Thai architecture and way of life - it's all in Bangkok. In this big city is easy to get from place to place by normal taxi car or by tuk-tuk, and it's cheap.

Bangkok has low-cost and pricey hotels from not-so-luxurious to the most luxurious in the whole world, and its days offers sightseeing, shopping and the sun and its nights are active with clubs, bars, music, dance, karaoke and restaurants. The city of bangkok is never boring and it offers something for every guests. Numerous of travelers who travel to Bangkok often expect not to like the city, but usually fall in love with it.

If you are planning to fly to Thailand, don't forget the city of Bangkok. You will have an amazing vacation in this place where you can eat delicious food, become familiar with friendly inhabitants of Bangkok, understand about Thai lifestyle and enjoy the ambience which is probably impossible to find in Europe, North-America or other places outside of Asia. Guaranteed.

Juha Wihtahousu is the webmaster of the travel related website Placesin.net. Check out the cool attractions in Cairo, Egypt. Every place/sight has a description and a picture.

The road to Chiang Mai - Bangkok, oriental city

The road to Chiang Mai: Bangkok, oriental city brings you inside the city of Bangkok, the present capital of the Thailand. We visit the famous Buddhist temples of the city with exquisite decoration and riches, containing gold statues and the famous reclining Buddha, the city palaces and exotic markets, taking also a trip on the canals that penetrate the city that have on floating markets.

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Global Treasures WAT ARUN Temple of the Dawn Bangkok, Thailand

WAT ARUN Most sightseers travel by boat to see the fascinating Wat Arun Temple that is located close to the shore of the Chao Phraya in the historic heart of Bangkok. According to legend, Wat Arun, The Temple Of The Dawn, existed long before the founding of Bangkok. King Taksin who reigned in the 17th century A.D. chose this sanctuary as his royal temple and also gave it its present name. The journey up to the higher sections of the sanctuary travels past several splendid images including various mythological and religious figures such as the Moon God, Soma. Over the years the temple was further extended and decorated and the central 'prang' of the building complex grew taller and taller. It symbolizes Meru, the Holy Mountain, upon which the Earth rests. The Hindu god Indra that rides on the three-headed elephant, Erawan, was also included in the impressive temple complex of Wat Arun. The main tower and magnificent decor of the buildings are one of the most famous sights inThonburi, the historical area of Bangkok. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

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Bangkok's Temples

Thailand is known to be a buddhistic country where people still practice a strong religion while also living in a very modern and trendy world.

It's interesting to see the combination of modern, gigantic shopping malls where you can buy everything from Giorgio Armani to Louis Vuitton but at the same time you have hundreds of temples all over Bangkok where monks in orange robes meditate, pray, perform rituals and other social functions.

Bangkok truly is a "melting pot" in every sense, and it's grounded in a very typical Thai characteristic: being able to assimilate different cultures, no matter how much they might differ, and integrate them into "Thainess".

Currently there are around 400 temples in Bangkok, and the number of mosques is also growing, specially around the area of Bangkapi.

Generally it's free to enter a temple, only the main tourist attraction temples charge an admission fee for foreigners - if you have ever witnessed how many tourists flood the Wat Pho temple on any given day you are not surprised though about the fact that managing such an influx of people actually needs to be funded somehow.

The Wat Pho is in fact the most famous temple in Bangkok. Here the gigantic "Reclining Buddha" can be found - it measures 64 metres in length and 15 in height and as far as I know there isn't even one photograph that actually fit the whole Buddha inside because of the way the temple is designed.

Around the Reclining Buddha there are 108 small bowls where people can drop coins inside for good luck.

Buddhist monks from all over the world - including Tibet, Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Burma and other nations come here to pray respect to the Buddha.

The whole Wat Po temple complex overs around 20 acres of land, and in fact while the reclining Buddha is almost always crowded if you just walk around a bit you might find yourself to be the only person around (specially if you come early in the morning).

Bangkoks temples are still great to explore and you will make many interesting encounters here. Many of the monks have very interesting life stories.

Visit my website on Bangkok's temples for more information.

What You Must See in Bangkok

Bangkok is an exhilarating destination, with her interesting mix of traditional sights and attractions, exotic aromas and western influence. To unravel the layers of this city, you'll need to understand its history and culture. A trip to this Kingdom of smiles will allow you to do this if you allow yourself enough time to see some of the treasures this place has to offer. At least three days, and this is not a problem with an abundance of cheap flights and good hotels available in Bangkok throughout the year. This article features some of the highlights and traditional must-see attractions.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok and located next to the Grand Palace. It is most famous for its grand and splendid reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf and measuring more than 150 feet long. There are some cool spots under the trees beside the temple for rest and rejuvenation as well. Treat yourself to their famed massage services where they offer trained professionals in the school of traditional massage housed within the temple itself. You will also enjoy the action of dropping coins into a long line of small containers around the reclining buddha, as an act of accumulating blessings for yourself and others.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, with its glittery, extravagant architecture, is simply grand. This famous palace was built in 1782, and it continues to capture visitors' imagination with its magnificent buildings and intricate details. It gives you an insight into Thai royalty, in local Siamese style with its wonderful mix of colours.

Entering the palace grounds, you will have to wear long trousers or skirts. The dress code states no jeans, but don't worry, you can always rent the appropriate clothing for free if you turn up in them. Audio guides are avaliable near the entrance and are helpful if you are not in a tour group.

There's always touts outside the palace scamming unaware tourists that the grand palace is closed, and suggesting to follow their tours. Just don't be fooled by them.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo)

Located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace, and regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Pra Kaeo enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.

This temple is a huge incredible riot of glittering gold and colours, everywhere you look. There are a million details not to be overlooked and part of visiting the Grand Palace is seeing this Emerald Buddha. If you happen to visit the palace on the same day as the King himself, grab the chance to see the Emerald Buddha clad in its gold outfits!

Floating Market

The floating market has been reduced to a touristy state nowadays, but even though transactions are more involved and to do with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh coconut juice and local food cooked right on the boat itself.

With each boat jostling for space within the narrow canals, it's absolutely frantic and disorderly. The paddling skills of each boat-woman are to be admired at and they will stop and bargain with you at any time. It's vibrant, noisy but great fun.

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River flows through the capital and is where Bangkok's historic roots lie. One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night. The river is also one of the major transportation systems of the city, with massive traffic jams along the roads all day. The water-taxis ferries commuters up and doen the river, and heavily laden rice barges can also be seen in the waters.

The river is set against a backdrop of glittering temples, palaces and historical landmarks. You can also find luxury, five-star hotels, as well as cheap hotel deals along the riverside.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a busy area, packed with market stalls and has probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city. Always crowded, especially during the Chinese New Year period, this area still retains its old look and relatively untouched by modern high-rise developments. The Chinese community here still continues their own traditions and religious practices. Restaurants can be found abundant along the streets, offering Chinese cuisines, delicacies and seafood. One of the best places to enjoy sumptuous seafood at relatively cheap prices, and this area has lots of budget hotels for any backpacker.

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson or James Harrison Wilson Thompson was born in Greenville, Delaware in 1906. He is an American who started the Thai silk industry in Thailand after World War II. With his natural flair for design and color, and his dedication to reviving the craft, Thompson gained worldwide recognition for his success in generating international demand for Thai silk. This former residence of his houses a magnificent collection of Asian art and many unique displays, in addition to it being best place to purchase silk in Bangkok.

This place has an intriguing history to boot as well. During the Easter weekend in 1967, Thompson disappeared while on holiday with friends in Cameron Highlands, a northern Malaysian resort. An extensive and extended search failed to reveal any clues about his disappearance. Theories abound about his disappearance, but there has been no answer as yet.

Vimanmek Mansion

Built by King Rama V upon his return from Europe in 1897, this palace is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion featuring an elaborate and unique blend of Victorian and Thai architecture. Altogether there are 31 exhibition rooms, with the bedrooms, the throne room and the bathrooms maintaining the atmosphere of the Thai past. Some display rooms house exhibitions of Thai art including silverware, ceramics, crystal ware, and ivory.

Having a desire to know the world, Hosh loves travelling and peeping into other countries' cultures, food, lifestyles and attitudes, infusing herself with the spirit and soul of each foreign place. Go out explore the earth, it will not be a wasted trip on this planet, she believes.

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One Night In Bangkok - Recommendations For Women Travelers

Bangkok, or the City of Angels, is a popular stopover destination for many thousands of air travelers every year. It is famed for its historical temples and its male oriented nightlife, as the song from Chess, the musical, implies. But what are the options for women travelers if you find yourself with a day and a night to spare in this vibrant city?

A lot depends on whether this is your first visit or indeed you first time in Asia. If so then you need to get a real flavor of the city by visiting some if its famed temples, historical sights and shopping opportunities.

If your time is limited to a 24-48 hour stopover the best way to do this is by taking two half day tours - a morning tour of the Grand Palace with its famed Emerald Buddha and an afternoon boat trip down the Chao Phraya River on a traditional rice barge. There are many similar tours available and can be booked either from your hotel or the plethora of tour operators scattered along the main streets. These tours usually last around 4 hours, giving you time to rest before taking on more of Bangkok's exciting sights and sounds (and shops.)

The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha

The Grand Palace, a former home of the Thai Royal family has been portrayed in many a Hollywood movie and is breathtakingly beautiful, with its Golden Cheidi, Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and Eight Colored Towers. In the palace grounds is the Wat Phra Kaew temple, which houses the much revered Emerald Buddha, considered to be the protector of the kingdom and is the holiest Buddhist site in the country.

Make sure you have your camera with you and dress respectfully. You can be refused entry if you are wearing slip on sandals, shorts or sleeveless tops, as the Grand Palace has a strict dress code policy. Should you be refused entry then go across the road to the many tourist shops and they will rent out shoes etc, or you can buy cheap clothing to cover up any offending parts! The same applies for men, no sandals, vests or shorts.

If you have time, then walk around the corner to Wat Po, Bangkok's oldest temple with its huge reclining Buddha - a great photo opportunity. It is also the home of the famed Thai massage school, where on a longer stay you can take their course in Thai massage, a Wat Po massage certificate is one of the most widely respected in the world.

A Rice Barge on the Chao Phraya River

An afternoon boat trip, setting off from the River City complex on the banks of the Chao Phraya gives you a great chance to see some of Bangkok's historical monuments in the shortest space of time, whilst giving you an authentic slice of Bangkok life, weaving in between the many houses along the city's klongs (waterways) and passing some of the amazing temples including the magical Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn, the most photographed temple in Bangkok. The tour will take you up river by long tail boat and you will return on the more sedate rice barge, where you will get the chance to sample some of Thailand's delicious spicy cuisine. Be warned, the long tail boats can go at quite a pace, especially if your pilot is intent on racing other boats up river!

Shop Til U Drop

Following our 24 hour stopover theme this then leaves you plenty of time in the evening to explore Bangkok's many shopping malls and markets. Shopping in the city can continue until late into the night with most shopping malls closing around 9pm but smaller stores and markets will remain open longer, especially in tourist areas.

Depending on your taste then a trip to the tourist night market in Patpong is an experience. You might have to run the gauntlet of touts try to entice you into the many girlie bars in this area, but this can be fun if you are a first time visitor to Bangkok, as you get the chance to experience its more infamous side. For a quieter, more sedate VIP night market try the Suan Lam Night Bazaar, near Lumpini Park. There are also many eateries here and if you are lucky you can take in some live music.

Some of the best of the shopping malls are The Siam Paragon and Central World Shopping Complex. Or, if you prefer a more upmarket choice then Gaysorn Plaza and The Emporium are at the exclusive end, with their world famous fashion house stores. The Siam Paragon also houses a huge aquarium, which is also worth a visit. If it's Thai silk you are after then visit one of the exclusive Jim Thompson Stores or the popular Thai chain called Naraya Phand, which is famous for Thai handicrafts.

If you are fortunate enough to have your visit co-incide with a weekend, then the Chauchak weekend market by Mo Chit Skytrain station is a "must see". With over 15,000 stalls, this market is thought to be the largest in the world. Prices are cheaper here than the shopping malls and this market sells everything imaginable, from simple cotton T-shirt to exotic pets and plants.

Restaurants and Bars

After your shopping trip you many want to sample some of the many restaurants and bars. Food is everywhere in Bangkok, all hours of the day and night - eating seems to be the Thai national pastime. Some good eateries can be found around the shopping mall areas of Siam Square (Siam Paragon), Sukhumvit (The Emporium) and Chidlom (Central World) so pick your area and then do a bit of reading up. Famous bars and nightclubs with a more exclusive feel include Sukhumvit's Bed Supper Club, with, as its name suggests, beds suspended from the walls. This amazing designer lounge has an all white interior and plays funk and techno music. The Q Bar, also in Sukhumvit is themed around a New York style club and plays the latest sounds from the west. Instead, you may be interested in sampling some Thai culture with a formal Dinner and Thai traditional dance show; this can be booked through a tour operator.

Extra Time

If you have more time to spare then a visit to Jim Thompson's House near the National Stadium skytrain stop is a good way to experience some traditional Thai architecture and learn more about the father of the Thai silk industry and his mysterious disappearance in the Malaysian jungle in 1967. There is a lovely quiet café here where you can sit and enjoy the garden. Then of course there are the myriad of Thai spa's - take in a Thai massage before your ongoing flight and pamper yourself with some herbal beauty treatments, all at a fraction of the cost of back home.

Bangkok is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, rich in history. Whilst a short stop over is nowhere near enough time to take in all its temples, cultural sites and shopping opportunities, some of these suggestions will give you a taster for your return trip next time!

Gill Hart is a freelance article writer and journalist in her spare time. She is also an English teacher and has worked in many countries including Thailand, Turkey and the Middle East.

Best Things to Do in Thailand, Beaches Near Bangkok and Andaman

Thailand's white and turquoise beaches, golden Buddhist temples, bloody history and marketplace culture are loved by both end of the travel budget scale. Some visitors just swing though the country on a beeline to the coast, while some take months meandering though; either way Bangkok, nearby beaches and the islands are some of the best things to do in Thailand.

Most visitors to Thailand fly into Bangkok. Bangkok has a reputation for a lot of different things, but most visitors will want to see the temples, eat and shop in the markets and make time to tour the city in a canal, and these are some of the best things to do in Thailand. Unless you're a fan of your local red light district you might want to swap a trip to the seedy, now touristy, red light district in favour of some cheap pampering elsewhere.

Top things to do in Thailand: Bangkok, includes visits to the Wat Phra Kaew: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, who is actually made of jade or jasper, the Temple of the Standing Buddha, Wat Traimit: and Wat Benchamabophit: also called the Marble Temple, made all of white, polished Italian marble and both one of Bangkok's most beautiful and most popular temples. The Grand Palace, the ornate European building with the Thai style roof made famous by 'The King and I', and home to Thailand's parliament since the 18th Century, and the Vimanmek Mansion Museum, a national museum, the world's largest teak building and a good place to come to see classical Thai dancing, Thai folk dance and martial arts demonstrations, are two of more of the best things to do in Thailand.

Go shopping, of the best things to do in Thailand, another thing people travel to Bangkok for, at Talat Kao Market for Chinese specialities, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, for a truly unique veggie shopping experience, or for everything else at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets with around 15,000 stalls. And if you're not a shopper, maybe duck off to see some Muay Thai boxing at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Another of the best things to do in Thailand is to visit some of the islands, of which Thailand has hundreds, but the two most visited groups are Ko Tao, Ko Samui and co. in the Gulf of Thailand near the Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe and co. in the Andaman Sea near Phuket and the Phang Nga Bay, out of which James Bond Island - the one used in 'The Man with the Golden Gun' - sticks like a dagger - seeing it is definitely one of the best things to do in Thailand.

The islands sprinkled round the Gulf of Thailand are fringed with coconut groves and white beaches, and warm, footprint-less, sandy coves; many of them have lush interiors, especially those of the Ang Thong Archipelago, or interesting limestone formations. Ko Samui is probably the most idyllically famous, but Ko Tao is supposed to be the new Ko Samui - more 'The Beach', than 'The Beach' beach, and is popular with divers and those on more modest budgets. Most visitors to these islands come for some resort and relaxation time - another one of the best things to do in Thailand.

On the other side of Thailand, the Andaman Sea Islands are the ones that look like giant limestone daggers with a sprinkling of bright green alfalfa jungle on top, plunging deep into sandy bottomed, turquoise seas, in dispersed with sandier islands totally ringed with perfect tropical beaches. Hundreds of islands make up this group, loved by divers snorkellers, paddlers, sailors and people who appreciate luxury resorts or just really lovely beaches.

WorldRevier.com has independent travel reviews written by many travel experts including the best things to do in Thailand, Beaches near Bangkok and Andaman Park

Bangkok - How to Spend a Perfect Day in Bangkok

Do you have a day in Bangkok while waiting for your connecting flight or have allocated a day to tour the city before heading out to a more secluded destination. Well there is so much to do in Bangkok how do you plan your day. Do you pack in as many temples as possible or just head to one of the famous shopping centres. There are some hard choices to make and it definitely depends on how much you enjoy your shopping or temples but there are a few must sees while you are in Bangkok. Why not try this itinerary as a perfect day in Bangkok.

Try to start early to avoid the crowds and head straight to the Grand Palace, which opens daily at 08:30. The palace was built by King Rama I when he became king in 1782, and resembles in almost identical detail the Royal Palace in the former capital Ayutthaya. On completion of the Palace King Rama I moved the centre of his administration to the location of the Grand Place, so for about 150 years, Bangkok's Grand Palace was not only the home of the King and his court but the entire administrative government. The Thai Kings stopped living in the complex at the start of the 20th Century but the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

After spending the morning at the Palace see Wat Pho one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples housing a gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha with beautifully in laid 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 educate people on varied subjects; such as, literature, warfare, astronomy, meditation, and Thai traditional massage.

Take a short walk down to the Chao Phraya River where you will have lunch by the river before taking a scenic boat trip. After lunch head to the house of Jim Thomson an American who stayed in Thailand after the war and set up the Jim Thompson Thai Silk company revitalising the whole Silk industry. Jim Thompson stayed in Thailand for 22 years after the war and became one of the most popular post-war legends of Thailand and Asia. Unfortunately he disappeared without a trace in 1967 whilst on holiday in Malaysia.

Jim Thompson's House is one of the best preserved examples of the traditional Thai house and architecture in the city showing a remarkable display of antiques and artworks from all over the Southeast Asian region.

That is already a pretty full day and one might expect you would want to relax but if you still full of energy or need a shopping fix, Bangkok is just the place. So why not try to squeeze in a trip to one of the shopping malls such as MBK, Pantip Plaza or CentrealWorld are just a few of the well known names.

If you are after electronics or anything computer related such as DVDs, Laptops or ever repairs Pantip Plaza is the place to go, MBK or Mah Boon Krong, is one of Bangkok's most famous malls for both tourists and locals, 8 floors packed with 2,000 shops with everything on offer. For the title though CentralWorld wins, newly launched with 550.000 square metres of retail space and officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia.

After all that you must try a traditional Thai massage to help relax your body and mind from the action-packed day. Thai massage involves using not just the masseuse's hands but in fact fingers, elbows, forearms and feet are also to put pressure on your tissues to help relieve tension. A great experience to finish of a great day.

Alex Aziz has been travelling and setting up tours in South East Asia since 2000 with vast experience and knowledge of many on and off the beaten places he now spends his time between the UK and Asia. A relaxing break takes him trekking along the Ho Chi Minh trail or kayaking the rivers of Laos http://www.xplore-asia.com

Touring Travel to Bangkok Thailand from SuperCities

Experience serene yet chaotic Bangkok, a super city whose culture proves to be as spicy and subtly textured as its famous food. See the lively Chao Phya River with its klongs (canals) full of floating traders and commuters. Visit the huge Wat Pho temple with its 150 foot-long reclining Buddha, and the Royal Chapel with its thirty-inch emerald Buddha, perhaps the most sacred object in the realm. Explore the notorious Pat Phong Street in the city's red-light district. Stroll through the Rose Garden Resort and the heavenly Bangrak flower market. Attend boxing and sword fighting events uniquely Thai spectacles that combine grace and fury in this one-of-a kind tour

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Global Treasures WAT PHO Wat Phra Chetuphon The Temple of the Reclinning Buddha Bangkok, Thailand

WAT PHO Wat Pho or, The Temple Of The Prone Buddha, is a famous religious landmark is the largest and oldest monastery complex in Bangkok. Almost two hundred years before Bangkok became the country's official capital city under the rule of King Rama The First, a smaller temple complex already existed. The stylishly decorated buildings of Wat Pho developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today some of the buildings have a religious function whereas others form sections of an impressive museum. More than a thousand Buddha statues, some of them having originated from the early capital cities of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai, highlight the religious significance of Wat Pho. Thus those who come here are not only keen to inspect its treasures but they are also fascinated by the thousands of years old religious faith of the temple's former inhabitants. Covering almost eight hectares the temples of Wat Pho provide a remarkable variety of interest and several opportunities for meditation and relaxation. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

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Bangkok Travel - Fun Family Activities in Bangkok

As a family exploring in Bangkok, temples and historic sights may not excite the fun factor for kids and teens. Even though Bangkok is a fascinating city with much to see, it is much more than trudging along an itinerary with a boring tour guide. There are plenty of things to do for families in Bangkok. The best thing of all is that it is much more affordable compared to back home.

Bangkok (Dusit) Zoo

Located in the old district of Bangkok, the zoo encompasses a large compound with plenty of rooms for animals from all over the world to roam around. Reptiles and mammals are abound ready to intrigue young kids. The zoo teaches locals and visitors alike about conservation and the necessity of protecting and preserving the animals we share the planet we live on. Live shows are scheduled throughout the day and it's best to visit Bangkok Zoo during the weekday to avoid the crowds.

Siam Ocean World

Touted as Southeast Asia's largest indoor aquarium and they're right. This massive compound is located beneath an equally impressive Siam Paragon shopping mall. Siam Ocean World has on display fish of all sizes from all over the world as well as other animals that live in aquatic environments such as penguins and beavers. For a spine tingling experience take a walk through the enclosed aquarium to get face to face with man eating sharks.

Catch a Movie in Bangkok

Local Thais love movies. Especially American movies whether it is action, horror and especially movies for families. Most movie theaters in Bangkok are found in large department stores such as Central World and the Siam Paragon. The seats are big and plush. For extra you can get a sofa style couch that seats 4 for a home theater feel. Tickets and snacks are very affordable for foreigners. Be sure to bring a light sweater or jacket as the temperature inside is frigid.

Go Bowling and Ice Skating

For a competitive family winning a game of bowling can provide serious bragging rights. Bangkok's high quality bowling lanes will surprise most. You can even rent your own private room with 2 lanes. To cool off head over to an ice skating rink. You can find bowling and ice skating easily in central Bangkok in large shopping centers such as Central World and Siam Paragon. As usual these activities are inexpensive for tourist that are use to high prices back home.

Bangkok is a remarkable cosmopolitan city with an easy sophisticated transportation system. It is a very tourist friendly city with plenty of English signs pointing in the right directions. Bangkok is especially a great place for families to visit and explore an exotic location without breaking the bank.

For further information on traveling and where to stay in Bangkok for families visit Family Friendly Hotels in Bangkok.

Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who works and travels to Southeast Asia for over 9 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business ventures and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.

Bangkok Attractions - Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Whether you are looking for a quiet and reserved hotel near the river itself, or one of the more luxurious hotels crowded into the city centre, one of the most important sites in Bangkok is the Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon, otherwise known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Located just behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Chetuphon is not only the largest temple in Bangkok, but also one of the most majestic. It is famous for its massive Buddha statue measuring 46 metres long as it reclines in all its resplendent glory, covered in gold leaf for all to see. And while you could experience traditional massage techniques throughout the city near your Bangkok hotel or at the all-inclusive resorts featured at more Bangkok hotels, there is no better place to get a traditional Thai massage than at Wat Pho.

This is one of the more friendly sections for English-speaking travellers, and whether you hire a guide from near your Bangkok hotel or use the services offered by other Bangkok hotels to find a guide for you, it is relatively inexpensive to find someone to guide you through the city.

Prices will vary depending on how many people there are in your group, as well as whether or not you are willing to negotiate, but for sheer splendour there is no better place than the Temple of the Reclining Buddha for experiencing simple amazement at what the hands of man can do when inspired.

Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Bangkok Hotels content.

Exotic and Oriental Vacation Spot For Tourism in Thailand - Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of diversity and also is an amazing city for people who come to visit this capital of Thailand. There the modern and sophisticated office buildings, Star hotels and malls those are scattered all across the city of Bangkok, there are about 400 heritage cultural temples in this beautiful city. These temples to some may seem to be a little out of place in a modern and fully developed city like Bangkok, which is pretty contrasting in style with the modernity of urban life seen in most western countries, but they are so amazingly lovely that you keep looking at them in awe. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand has been an ideal choice as a vacation spot, especially for foreigners since many decades.

When you are walking on the streets and footpaths of Bangkok, you will see local citizens dressed up in modern business attires that you see in most of the western world, you will also come across the Buddhist monks wearing traditional saffron colored robes as well. Such cultural diversity is what makes Bangkok, the capital of Thailand so different. It has become an ideal vacation spot for people from across the world because of its blend of tradition, modernity and cultural diversity.

As is the case with other big cities in Asia, Bangkok too is congested with traffic and people everywhere because of the huge population density. The sultry and hot tropical weather keeps most of Thailand at an average temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius annually which is around 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the summers ,the high humidity levels can make you feel more warmer. During the monsoons, the weather is still warm, but heavy rains can bring down the temperature.

The local people are well aware of the importance of foreign tourists and they cleverly try to hustle and convince the foreign tourists for taking their package tour when they are on a business visit. The local people are very warm and courteous and you'll find that many of the people in Thailand are very polite and are good in behavior.

The charges for taxis a bit high wherever you want to go, be it to the temple of the Golden Buddha, The Reclining Buddha or to have some experience of nightlife that has made Bangkok a favorite vacation spot for tourists who visit Thailand. In fact there are many tourists who visit Bangkok to indulge in the sexual services like massages offered by stunningly beautiful young women providing relaxation therapy to their clients for a price. In fact Bangkok is known as the sex capital of the world which once again made this city a much sought after vacation spot for the tourists.

Bangkok is worth exploring for a week or so, after which you can travel to some of the other beautiful vacation spots in Thailand like the Pattaya beach which is approximately a two hour drive from the airport area and then to Phuket, which is also famous for its golden beaches and ancient temples. Bangkok, being the capital of Thailand also offers excellent air connectivity to a majority of the other Asian destinations, which makes this city a great vacation spot in a central location.

I love to write 100% original content, which any person looking for relevant information about the topics will find to be extremely useful. This is all phrased in good English language which readers would love to read till the end and it is an enjoyable reading and learning experience for them.

Reasons to Visit Bangkok, Thailand For Your Next Vacation

Bangkok is the capital city of the Southeast Asian nation of Thailand. It is a highly westernised and modern city with a population estimated at over 11 million. Located 14 degrees north of the equator, Bangkok has a climate that encourages the growth of flowering shrubs and trees creating beautiful scenic natural views. Bangkok is the perfect blend of Western and Eastern cultures, and travellers can expect to find a contrast of trendy nightclubs and temples taken care of by saffron-robed monks in this city. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Bangkok, Thailand.

Rattanakosin island is one of the city's older districts and is the home of most of Bangkok's sight seeing locations. All travellers to Bangkok must pay a visit to Rattanakosin island if they want to experience the best of the city in one place.

For followers of Buddhism a visit to Bangkok will be a great experience owing to the Buddhist temples in the regions. The three most visited temples of this district are Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), The Grand Palace, featuring Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho, the place where of the world's largest reclining Buddha and a famed massage school are located.

Bangkok also has a number of museums that feature the country's rich history, culture, and arts. The Bangkok Dolls Museum and Museum of Thai Pharmacy are two museums that offer interesting learning experiences for free. Visitors who are travelling with children should not fail to pay a visit to the Bangkok Dolls Museum, which the kids are sure to enjoy.

The Sukhumvit area is known for its shopping malls and markets. Compared to Western standards, prices are relatively cheap and bargaining is expected and required. Visitors will enjoy shopping in Bangkok as they would be able to purchase beautiful clothes, handbags, sandals, souvenirs and handicrafts for excellent prices here.

Bangkok also has a rich and vibrant nightlife and travellers are sure to enjoy a visit to the many clubs or restaurants in the city after a hard day of sightseeing and shopping.

The majority of Bangkok's residents speak Thai, and most of the signs are written in Thai script. If you do not speak the language, it is advisable to take a local guide with you while travelling or buy or tourist's phrasebook to help you as the number of fluent English speakers in the city is few and asking for directions can prove to be a bit of a challenge. Travellers are advised to bring maps with them and a calling card showing the address of their hotel, which they can present to the driver of their vehicle.

Paul writes about Bangkok travel and culture and about Amsterdam culture and travel.

Thailand Travel - Top Things to Do in Bangkok

When in Bangkok make sure you don't miss these Bangkok highlights

National Museum is on Na Phra That Road walking distance from Khao San Road.

National Gallery is opposite the National Museum on Chao Fah Road within walking distance of Khao San Road and displays classical and contemporary Thai art, including paintings by the King.

Royal Barge Museum is located near the National Museum on the Chao Phraya river at the entrance of the Bangkok Noi Canal. The museum houses the royal barges that are used on ceremonial occasions.

Wat Pho is located next to the Grand Palace and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. The temple houses the famous Reclining Buddha, 46 m long and 15 m high, making it the largest Reclining Buddha in Thailand.

Grand Palace is in the old city, walking distance from Khao san Road, and is a wonderful palace complex of buildings and golden temples where the King use to live. Visitors must be properly dressed with long trousers, long skirts and long sleeves to visit the Grand Palace.

Jim Thompson's House - Jim Thompson was a famous American who revived the silk trade in Thailand after World War II. In 1967, while on holiday in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, he went for a walk and mysteriously disappeared and no trace of him has ever been found. He built a traditional Thai house on the bank of a canal in Bangkok and that house is now a museum showing his collection of Asian antiques and handicrafts.

Siam Ocean World is an aquarium complex located at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in the centre of Bangkok, near Siam BTS Station. Shows include Shark, Sting-ray, Sea Otter and Penguin feeding. Visitors can take the opportunity of a lifetime and dive with the Sharks.

Dream World is a theme park to the North of Bangkok on Rangsit Nakornnayok Road by Bus 188 from the northern bus terminal or Bus number 538 at the Victory monument.

Safari World and Marine Park is 25km east of Bangkok and houses natural habitats for African and Asian animals. There is a wildlife feeding show, Orangutan boxing show, white tiger show, water ski show, Hollywood cowboy show and a lot more.

Wat Saket (Golden Mountain temple) is an artificial hill with a towering gold chedi (pagoda), built around 1850, and is located within walking distance of Khaosan Road. Visitors can climb the 318 steps to the top and obtain a great view of the city.

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is a 17th century Buddhist temple named after Aruna, the Indian God of the Dawn. The central Khmer-style pagoda is about 80m tall and symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe. It is an impressive sight and major landmark on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Traimit (temple of the Golden Buddha) is a temple, on Tramit Road near Hualampong Railway Station on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the 900 year old world's largest solid-gold Buddha, nearly 10 feet high and weighs over 5 tons.

Wat Suthat is a large complex covering 10 acres located near the Democracy Monument. It houses a beautiful 13th-century bronze Buddha over 8m (25ft) tall.

Khaosan Road is north of the old city and is within walking distance of the Grand Palace and Wat Po. Khaosan road and the adjacent roads are packed with shops, restaurants, travel agents, market stalls and cheap accommodation which makes the area attractive for backpackers.

Floating Market is a market on boats floating in the canals and river. The floating market at Klong Dao Kanong in Thonburi is the closest to Bangkok. The market at Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi Province is larger and is located 110 km west of Bangkok. It's an attractive place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables, etc., from small boats. Many tour operators are available to take visitors to the floating markets.

Snake Farm is on Rama IV Road and is operated by the Red Cross. Every day snakes are milked for their venom to produce anti-venom serum. Visitors can watch a snake milking demonstration.

As you can see there is a lot to do in Bangkok - one visit will not be enough!

Read more about Bangkok at Bangkok Travel

Book your Pattaya Hotels at HotelWorld.ws.

The Cultural Highlights of Bangkok

For some Bangkok might be invigorating while for some it may be intoxicating. It is a city that has become a melting pot of cultures especially since its rise as a true cosmopolitan business city and as a Mecca for tourism. Bangkok is a city of different facets it may interpreted by different travelers to represent different things but the actual fact is that within the many layers of the city, Bangkok offers something for everyone.

Beyond the ultra cool, hip and trendy image of the city, lies its architectural wonders and historical monuments. The numerous temples in Bangkok make this the spiritual centre of Thailand, the traditional Thai architecture that has been utilized to build Buddhist pagodas and golden Buddha statues and countless other artifacts is truly awe inspiring. Temples or Wat in Thai are more than mere tourist attractions, they signifies the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the land. Some of the major temples in Bangkok are Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun and What Pho, each of these temples is complete with diligently carved Buddha statues, traditional art and exquisite pottery.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must see tourist attraction; it is undoubtedly the city's most loved and well known land mark. The Palace was built in the late 1700's as the residence of the Thai king and to be the administrative centre of the country. The Palace's grand architecture and intricate carvings are a tribute to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Thai people. The palace had supposedly housed the war ministry, state departments and the mint.

Though it is not very well known, Bangkok is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the East, due the large number of canals and waterways in the city, though not used as much as they were in the past these waterways still contribute to the economy of Bangkok. The importance and the significance of visiting the Bangkok waterways is that it provides a contrast between the old and the new face of the city. Also a number of museums and art galleries offer a cultural insight into Thailand, and should definitely be visited by the discerning tourist.

Bangkok's many attractions require a long time to explore, as such the best options for long stay tourists would be to stay in a serviced apartment in Bangkok. They offer executive accommodation in Bangkok for business travelers while also having great deals for leisure travelers.

The Sights of Bangkok in Thailand

One of the most popular destinations in Asia to visit over recent years has been Thailand. This of course has also coincided with the booming popularity of Thai cuisine around the world. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is the main entry point where the vast majority of tourists to Thailand will use.

Bangkok is a very interesting city because in addition to the usual modern buildings of offices, hotels and shopping centers, there are also about 400 exotic Thai temples that seem to stick out among the urban landscape. There are Thai citizens on the streets dressed in modern business clothing as well as Buddhist monks in saffron robes. Yet this is what part of Thailand is. The traditional mixed in with the modern. In fact, it's the traditional attractions that make Thailand so magical. The temples are sights that one just cannot see in the western world. They are like objects that popped out of an Asian fairy tale.

Like many other large Asian cities, Bangkok is congested with traffic, people and pollution. In fact, the air can be bad enough that there are locals wearing surgical masks in the streets. With an average annual temperature of 28 degrees Celsius or 83 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be somewhat uncomfortable outside for some tourists, especially those from northern climates. Also beware that there will be people on the streets who will try to hustle tourists and direct them to their own businesses and tours. But unlike places in the Caribbean, Thais are polite and not aggressive people. For example, once upon arrival at the international airport, there will be people within the terminal including the ones at the booths who will be offering taxi transportation to your hotel. Although these are legit, they will charge a premium compared to the taxis waiting outside the terminal. There is a similar situation at the hotels. The taxis waiting right outside the main hotel entrances do seem to quote more than those waiting on the side streets just further down. The three-wheeled 'tuk tuk' vehicles also vary a lot so it may be wise to ask for quotes from a few drivers rather than taking the first one you see. The tuk tuks are a fun ride by the way so they should be experienced at least once while in Bangkok. The city also has various public buses and river taxis which are long boats used on the river canal system. A nice way to spend some time is to take a ride on one of these river taxis to cruise the canals which some refer to as the 'Venice of the East'.

The Grand Palace is probably the most visited attraction in Bangkok. This complex is surrounded by walls built in 1783 and contains government offices, royal residences monuments and the Emerald Buddha Chapel. The Royal Chapel which contains the Emerald Buddha is the monarch's private chapel. The Buddha itself is actually a one piece jade sitting on top of a golden altar. It's not a large Buddha but it is very special. Apparently, they change the Buddha's clothing which is also made of gold on a seasonal basis. There are numerous monuments on the grounds that are dedicated to past monarchs. Walls with large mythological scenes are displayed throughout. The buildings and monuments within the Grand Palace have some very striking colors including golds and greens. Gold color is used quite a lot and the distinctively curved Thai roofs on the buildings are very detailed. Equally stunning are some of the interiors of these buildings with their magnificent rooms and halls used for different ceremonies and events. Some of these halls have special royal altars.

One temple not to miss is Wat Pho which is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It features a giant Buddha lying on its side. Even the soles of this Buddha's feet have very intricately detailed designs. Other nice temples to see are Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple). The Wat Pho temple has traditional Thai massage services which are very popular among tourists. Other temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok also have Thai massages available. The Royal Barges or long boats which are used during ceremonies on the river are also nice to see. The details put into decorating these boats are just remarkable.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there's the Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm where poisonous snakes are fed daily and visitors can watch handlers milk cobras for their venom. There is also the world's largest Crocodile Farm. The national sport of Thai kickboxing can be seen at two different stadiums in Bangkok. Both the Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini stadiums feature events throughout the week on different days. Thai theatre and traditional dance are very interesting to watch as cultural entertainment. These can be seen at theatres as well as some of the top hotels in the city.

Bangkok has some good shopping opportunities especially for jewelry, handicrafts and textiles including silks as well as cottons. As in other locations in Asia, vendors in the streets will expect some bargaining of prices where the retail stores have fixed prices. Just like in Hong Kong, Bangkok has many custom tailors who can make suits, shirts and dresses for clients within 24 hours. Some will even delivery the finished clothing to your hotel free of charge.

There are some general guidelines of etiquette in Thailand that should be followed by all visitors. The Thai royal family is revered in this country so no outsider should ever make any even slightly negative remarks about the country's monarchy. Temples should not be entered unless one is covered with long pants or skirts. Shorts and shoulderless tops are not permitted in temples. Footwear is always removed prior to entering any temple. Images and statues of Buddha, even postcards, are considered sacred in Thailand so one should never climb on one or do anything that will show disrespect. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon. Of course this seems to be a complete contradiction to Bangkok's famous red light and adult entertainment districts such as Patpong. But this is yet another example of the contrast that's found in Thailand.

The attractions in Bangkok warrant a few days stay in the city before heading out to other parts of Thailand where there's much less pollution and more beautiful natural scenery. Bangkok has good air connections with other Asian destinations as well so it can easily be fit into a larger tour of Asia.

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca, an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.

Thailand Vacation - Things to Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It's loud, it's noisy, it's modern and fast-moving, and at the same time it's quiet, slow and old-fashioned. It's a fusion city, a city where tradition and modernity not just meet, but mix and create something new.

It's a fascinating place. Many people who make a stopover in Bangkok for a couple of days before heading to one of the many beautiful beaches Thailand has to offer do not like it at all. All they see are decadent red-light districts, annoying traffic jams and nosy tuktuk-drivers.

But that's really just Bangkok's most outer layer - that's what is the easiest to find for a tourist who comes here. If you peel that first layer away, you will find the many other faces of Bangkok: the gentle, the kind, the cultural, the culinary, the religious and more.

Temples in Bangkok

There are so many temples in Bangkok, if you have an interest in Buddhism or religious architecture, you will love it here. The temples are built in many different styles, and the "must see" temples are the Wat Pho which features the 46 meter long reclining Buddha image and Wat Arun, which is just across the river.

Wat Trai Mit is another impressive place to see, as it houses the golden Buddha. It's the largest Buddha statue in the world made out of solid gold. And it has an mysterious history. Nobody knows for sure how old this Buddha statue is. And in fact, nobody even knew it existed until a couple of decades ago. It was once covered in plaster, probably to hide it from invading armies who where known to melt down the gold from Buddha statues. Accidentally a monk discovered that under the plaster, there was a golden Buddha, when a piece of the plaster chipped of.

Culture and History

If you want to know more about the history of Thailand and gain a better understanding of Thai culture, the National Museum is a great place to visit.

Many people also like to visit the Grand Palace, which is a huge compound that mixes architectural influences from different regions of the world.

Shopping

Seasoned shoppers love Bangkok. It's a true shoppers paradise. Do you have cash to spend? Modern shopping palaces like the Siam Paragon or Central World offer you ample opportunity to buy pretty much all the material things that one can crave for. Almost every luxury brand of the world has a flagstore at Siam Paragon, and in case you want to buy a new Lamborghini, just head to the second floor.

If you want cheap clothes and fashion accessories, you probably want to check out Pratunam, specially Platinum Mall. But Pahurat also has a lot to offer, just as Bobae.

And then there is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as JJ or Jatujak market. It's the world's largest weekend market and has a very diverse mix of merchandise on offer. If you love markets, this is the one to check out.

There is so much more to do in Bangkok. But it can be overwhelming.

To learn more about temples in Bangkok visit http://www.bangkoktemples.com

Bangkok - Temple Rundown

Bangkok is famous for many things, and one of those things is its glittering temples. I will cover many temples in this blog, some well known, and others not so. Also I try and provide address details and a How to Get There wherever I can. If temples are your thing, then you need never be short of a place to visit in Bangkok! You can visit my website (see below) for pictures of many of these temples.

Wat Phra Kaew

Any list of temples in Bangkok has to begin, quite rightly with Wat Phra Kaew, the capital's number one tourist attraction. Housed in the Grand Palace complex, it is a fantastic collection of buildings, spires and roofs glittering in the bright sunlight. It also hosts the country's most revered Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha, which in itself is quite small but has a history. Also only the King of Thailand changes the Emerald Buddha's attire at the turn of each season, such is the reverence in which it is held.

If you have the time, a visit here is a must. Try to get there early before the crowds build up (it does get incredibly busy) and before it gets too hot. Beware of the touts outside who'll tell you it's closed for a public holiday, research Touts and scams in Bangkok before you leave home. And finally make sure you're properly dressed, this goes for any temple. Acceptable attire is trousers or a long skirt, and a t-shirt that covers your shoulders. Location - The main entrance is off Thanon Na Phra Lan, most easily accessed from Tha Chang river express pier. Many of the river express boats stop off here.

Wat Pho

Probably Bangkok's second most famous temple, located just a short walk down the road from Wat Phra Kaew. It is most famous for two things, the world renowned Institute of Thai Massage and the massive and hugely impressive Reclining Buddha. While you're here both are definitely worth a look in, but I find that the grounds of Wat Pho are surprisingly peaceful once you get away from the main entrance and the building that houses the Reclining Buddha. I like to stop off here to relax sometimes; you can usually find a quiet spot to yourself to chill out for a bit. The same warning about touts as above also applies here.

Wat Arun

This is an instantly recognisable Bangkok landmark. Located just a short ferry hop away on the other side of the river to Wat Pho. Catch a cross river ferry at Tha Tien and it drops you right outside. It is recognisable because of its towering "prang" a central spire surrounded by smaller spires. You can climb up to a certain level on the main prang and this gives you great views back across the river to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The temple grounds are reasonably interesting, but the most famous shot of Wat Arun is probably from back on the Wat Pho side of the river, at sunset. Capture it if you can!

Wat Saket - The Golden Mount

Literally a temple on top of a hill. This was once Bangkok's highest point and offers great panoramic views around the city. It's a fairly easy climb up some broad stairs to the top of the mount and there are some interesting nooks and crannies at the top. It is sandwiched between Thanon Worachak and Thanon Boriphat, the most interesting way to reach it is by boat along the Saen Saeb canal, stopping off at Fan Fha pier, near to the Democracy Monument.

Wat Benjamabophit

Commonly referred to as Wat Benja or the Marble Temple, this is a stunning temple and with a difference. As the name suggests, it is heavily laid with Italian marble, which gives this temple that extra gleam in the midday sun, as if it were needed! If you know how to adjust your camera to the light conditions, you can get some great shots here. Located a short taxi ride away from Ratchthewi skytrain station, along Si Ayuthaya Road, it can also be combined with the nearby Chitrlada Palace, Vimanmek Mansion and Dusit Zoo.

Wat Indrawihan

This temple is made famous for two reasons, one being that it is a highlight of the tuk tuk touts "grand tour" of Bangkok, before they drop you off at a nearby tailors or gem shop. The other reason is that it's home to an imposingly tall standing Buddha, which is worth making the trip alone. Located just down the road from Wat Benja, the easiest way to get there is by river express boat to Rama VIII pier.

Wat Pathum Wanaram Ratchaworawihan

This temple is a bit of a wildcard on my list, because it's not particularly outstanding in itself. However it's the location that fascinates me. It is situated somewhat uncomfortably between the monolithic shopping centres of Siam Paragon and Central World Plaza. I find it to be a great oasis of peace and calm in the chaos of downtown Bangkok. Because there is so much surrounding it, I find I can often have the place completely to myself. You can also get some great juxtaposing photos of the old and the new from the grounds of this temple.

Wat Pariwas

This final temple on my list is even more of a wildcard, or should that be red card?! Famous because it has an image of David Beckham in its main altar, this temple tips a nod toward modernism to try and attract the younger generation. And as a resident of the temple said "Football is a modern religion". How very true! A bit more difficult to find, it is located on the southern bow of Rama III road, and only really accessible by taxi.

There are countless other temples that I haven't managed to visit, probably the most famous being Wat Suthat, home of the Giant Swing and Wat Traimit which houses the biggest gold Buddha in the country. Feel free to get in touch if you want any further advice on visiting temples in Bangkok.

Matthew's Travel Website http://www.matthewt.co.uk
My blog http://matthewted.blogspot.com

The Chao Praya River in Bangkok - So Much to See and Do

When traveling to Bangkok, a great way to take in a lot of sights at once is to hop on the Chao Praya River Express. Instead of catching a cab or hiring a guide, take this cheap and easy tourist boat along the Chao Praya River and hop off at any of the major tourist attractions. For 20baht (less than $1 USD) you can take a relaxing ride away from all of the noise and pollution of the city. For 100 baht ($3 USD), you can buy an all day pass giving you an unlimited amount of rides to hop on and off whenever you please.

Make your way to the river and you can catch this boat at any pier. Public Buses, the sky train, taxis and tuk tuks, they will know where to take you. The boats run in either direction from the Taksin Bridge to The Banglampu District near Khao San Road. Both the tourist boat and the public boat leave from these piers. If you really want to save money and travel like a local, catch the public boat for only 8 baht. It is more crowded and there are no tour guides, but it will get you to where you want to go just fine.

But if you are a first time visitor to Bangkok I recommend the tourist boat. It is quieter, the seats are comfortable and it doesn't spew exhaust that chokes you as ride along. A tour guide will talk to you about the sights on the shores and you can sit and listen all the way to the end of the line. However, you will want to jump off a lot, because this boat stops at every major tourist attraction along the river. These sights are some of the most spectacular in the city and a must for every tourist.

You can hop off at China Town, the National Museum, Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The Maritime Museum, the Gemstone Market, the Oriental Hotel and of course the Grand Palace, Bangkok's most popular destination.

It is an efficient and well-run system. At each pier the deck hand ties the boat up as he blows his whistle relentlessly to let the captain know what is going on. Once the boat is safely secure, you can step off onto the pier to explore the area in front of you. Once you are done, you can catch the next boat that comes by. Between the tourist boat and the local boat, you can get to your next destination in minutes. They run just like a bus or subway system. If you don't have the 1-day pass, you will have to pay again, but the price is so little, you won't feel bad, especially if you ride the local boat.

You could spend days in Bangkok and never leave the river. Every stop is either right on the rivers banks or within walking distance from the Pier. The temples are extraordinary and Wat Pho is a must see destination. The oldest temple in Bangkok, it is home to the 46 meter long reclining Buddha. Lying down, it stands 15 meters high.

Wat Arun aka The Temple of the Dawn is majestic. It stands on the opposite side of the river from the other attractions and its tower stands proudly looking over the water. Chinatown is vibrant and exciting and you can make your way to the Temple of the Golden Buddha. A solid gold Buddha sit in its walls and it has an interesting story. For 20 years it was sitting in storage hidden within a plaster Buddha. It was discovered when a crane accidentally dropped it to reveal this great treasure that is now on display for your viewing.

Last but not least is the Grand Palace. Built in 1782 it houses the Royal Temple containing the Emerald Buddha. Walk around its beautiful grounds and take in its grandeur. This is by far the most visited temple in all of Bangkok.

When visiting the Wat's, make sure to dress properly. Have respect for the Buddhist culture and follow the guidelines. In places like the grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho wear a long sleeved shirt and a sarong or long skirt. Men should wear long pants and have their shoulders covered. These temples are open to the public and people pray and worship within their walls. Have respect for their beliefs and do not disrupt them.

Once you are done your day of sight seeing, you can hop back on the tourist or local boat and make your way to the Taksin Bridge where you can catch the sky train back to anywhere that you are staying in the city. Be it Siam Square, or Sukhumvit. The sky train is quick, efficient, cheap and fast.

Or better yet, hire a tuk tuk to experience a true Thailand tradition. Zip through the streets in a three-wheeler motorcar and feel the energy of the city. Barter hard however and never fall for the scam of a free or cheap 10 baht ride because they will take you to every gem market until you buy something. Once they have their commission, you may not have a lift back to your hotel.

With a good map, a guide book and a firm resolve to stick to your plans, getting around Bangkok can be a lot of fun and a few days by the river can be a rejuvenating experience.

Debra Corbeil is one half of Canada's Adventure Couple with her husband Dave Bouskill. Together they have traveled to over 30 countries on 5 continents. Follow their journeys at http://www.theplanetd.com as they hike, bike, dive, trek and climb their way around the globe. You can also see their photo stories at http://www.picturetheplanet.com

Bangkok Temples

Bangkok is a fascinating and unique travel destination and the Bangkok temples are a major reason for this. Any travelers visiting the Thai capital should definitely visit at least one or two temples. The architecture of these temples is just stunning and all the gold and colored glass which you will find at the temples in Bangkok will allow for wonderful photo opportunities.

If you would like to visit some of the beautiful Bangkok temples then please note that the best time to visit these temples is in the morning as it will not be too hot and the temples will be less crowded. Temples in Thailand open their doors very early in the morning and generally close for the public in the late hours of the afternoon.

Travelers who are interested in visiting some of the magnificent temples in Bangkok can ask their hotel concierge to organize a tour which includes visits to several temples. You should also be aware that there are big differences between the various different Bangkok temples so please do not think that if you visit one then you have seen them all.

Information on the most famous and popular temples in Bangkok can be found below. Be sure to visit some of these outstanding temples during your next stay in the capital city of Thailand.

Wat Arun

The Wat Arun in Bangkok is also known as the temple of dawn. This beautiful Bangkok temple is located along the west bank coast of the Chao Phraya River.  Wat Arun is open daily for visitors from 08:00 until 17:00.

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is also known as the temple of the emerald Buddha. Many Thai people consider this Bangkok temple to be the most important temple of Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew is located on the same grounds at the Bangkok Grand Palace and is open to the public between 08:30 and 12:00 and from 13:00 until 15:30.

Wat Pho

Another name of Wat Pho is the temple of the reclining Buddha due to the large statue of a reclining Buddha which is located at this temple in Bangkok. The reclining Buddha statue is nearly fifty meters in length and is covered in gold leave. Wat Pho is also famous for another reason and which is its legendary massage school in which they train blind people to become experts in the art of Thai massage. Opening hours of this Bangkok temple is daily from 08:00 until 17:00.

James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket travel guide which includes an excellent section on Khao Lak.

The Bangkok Tuk-Tuk Trick

Bangkok is a city quite famous for its touts and scam artists. However some are now so famous that you'd have to lead a pretty sheltered life to fall for them.

One such scam is run by some of the city's tuk-tuk drivers. They will loiter outside famous attractions (especially popular is the Grand Palace) and try to tell you that it's closed for a public holiday. Despite the fact that you can clearly see it is open and people streaming in and out! Nonetheless, people still fall for it and one day I decided it might be fun to "fall for it" myself and find out just where they take you.

Now, firstly let me fill you in on just what the scam is. They will tell you that they're taking you on a tour of some of Bangkok's great temples, usually featuring a combination of the "Lucky Buddha", "Golden Buddha", "Great Buddha" and other imaginary names! And indeed they do take you to a temple or two along the way and wait outside for you to finish. And these are temples that you might not otherwise have seen during your stay.

The catch comes at the end when they drop you off at their brother's/uncle's/friend's tailors or gem shop. This is where you become subject of some high pressure selling tactics, which for some people may be uncomfortable. Having lived in Thailand and having Thai inlaws I felt ok with this, had a quick look round and politely declined and left. Certainly don't be pressured into buying something you don't want.

And what does the tuk-tuk driver get out of this? Well here I'm a little hazy. They say they get some tokens which they can exchange for gas at their local filling station. However I think they get paid some sort of commission for bringing tourists to the various shops.

As for my own journey, I decided to play the tourist. Dressed in Beer Chang t-shirt and three-quarter length trousers with rucksack I looked the part! Sure enough as I approached the entrance to the Grand Palace grounds I was approached by a friendly driver by the name of James (a common Thai nickname). He informed me that the Grand Palace was closed for maintenance (a variation I hadn't heard before, other stories may include public holiday, Buddhist ceremony, King in residence). James kindly offered to take me to some beautiful temples instead for a flat fee of 20 baht. I hopped in and off we went. First stop Wat Indrawihan (photos on my website linked below). The temple itself is fairly standard, the main attraction is a very imposing standing Buddha. Next stop, just down the road was Wat Benjamabophit, this temple is certainly worth a visit, laden with Italian marble it shimmers in the sun.

James then informed me that we'd be making one more stop on our grand tour, a fantastic government tailors that had a special promotion for today only. What luck! Sure enough, 5 minutes later, we pulled up outside the tailors. "This way Sir..." he opened the door and waited outside. The owner and his assistant came rushing over, "Suit for you Sir? I make you nice shirt, special promotion" etc etc etc. I humoured him for a few minutes, had a quick browse then made my excuses (that I would return later) and left.

I asked James if he would take me back home, he replied "Sure, but first I take you to Gem shop, special promotion, you buy cheap" and so forth. At that point I opted out and walked to the nearest main road and caught a taxi home.

These drivers get paid for each drop off they make, so they will try and take you to as many shops as possible. One thing to remember in Thailand is not to get angry, it will not gain you anything. If you realise you've been scammed, or if you've just had enough then politely make your apologies and walk away. Shouting and getting angry can very quickly escalate into an ugly confrontation that you won't win.

Now, I never felt threatened or intimidated during this excursion, but that maybe because of my previous experience in the country. I've never heard of anyone getting into difficulties as a result of this scam, the only thing is you may feel pressured into buying something you don't want and I have heard of people getting into arguments when trying to get back to where they wanted to be. And as mentioned above, keep calm and if your driver is being stubborn, just walk away and pick up the next taxi. It's not worth getting into a fight over a few Baht!

Now for me, having spent a lot of time in Thailand this was no problem, as I was curious to see it for myself. However for somebody with limited time in Bangkok, this scam is a nuisance that could leave you with a sour taste.

As on any holiday, keep your wits about you and don't believe everything you're told!

Matthew's Travel Website, http://www.matthewt.co.uk My blog, http://matthewted.blogspot.com