Bangkok

An intoxicating blend of colours, sights, smells and sounds, Bangkok is a sprawling modern metropolis of luxury hotels, rich urban culture and glittering shopping malls juxtaposed with its ancient temples, beautiful Royal palace, old canals and traditional floating markets.

• Marvel at the dazzling grandeur of the Grand Palace
• Shop for bargains at the night and weekend markets
• Tantilize your taste buds with some of the best Thai street food on offer
• Whizz along Bangkok’s backwater Klongs in a traditional long tail boat
• Enjoy a well-earned sundowner overlooking the spectacular Wat Arun

For a few, Bangkok is a large and chaotic capital city which is to be avoided if at all possible, yet for many, behind the 21st Century facade is a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage just waiting to be explored. Wat Po is home to the famous 45m reclining Buddha and is also the original school of traditional Thai massage. A morning visit in time to experience the monks’ morning chanting ritual is a real highlight. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew is an architectural wonder and next door is the spectacular Grand Palace, which was the former royal residence.

Other highlights include a long-tailed boat ride along the ‘klongs’ (canals) of Thonburi to get a flavour of local life; Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II; Pak Klong Taland Flower; the Thai silk heritage at Jim Thompson’s house; enjoy a tuk tuk ride through the busy streets; visit Chinatown and have a cup of Chinese tea with the locals at an old teashop before exploring the bustling Talad Kao market. For those with more time a visit to the ancient capital Ayutthaya is fascinating.

Bangkok is a truly global city that never sleeps and with its wonderful hotels, vibrant nightlife, buzzing streets and markets and exquisite cuisine, this is a city that will truly engage all of one’s senses.