Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contradictions: A buzzing metropolis with a laid back attitude, elegant temples and palaces stand side by side with Romanesque concrete skyscrapers and charming wooden houses. And while the main thoroughfares are choked with traffic and fumes, nearby side roads contain tranquil houses nestled among lush gardens. Love it and hate it, you can' t ignore or forget it.

City Layout
The metropolis always makes an impression: traveling from Don Muang Airport, visitors are overawed by skyscrapers, chaotic traffic and confusing road systems. With no real center it is hard to know exactly where to go, but a quick look at a map in the comfort of your hotel should give a clearer perspective.

Take the Sky Train
Bangkok has little green space, but Lumphini Park on Rama 4 Road and the Queen' s Park on Sukhumvit Road provide a nice break from the city streets. Chatuchak Park is farther north, but all are easy to reach on the new sky train. Dusit Zoo is especially popular with children.

Cultural Heritage
Despite the modern skyline, some districts retain their old-world charm. The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew have dazzled visitors for over 200 years, and no visitor should miss a tour around the teak masterpieces of Vimanmek Mansion, Suan Pakkard and Jim Thompson' s House. The Chao Phraya River hosts a number of inspiring sights. Long-tail boats take sightseers past famous landmarks like Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and through adjacent canal communities.

Shopping Mecca
For shoppers, large department stores offer VAT refunds for tourists, and market traders bargain with grace. Narayanaphand stocks beautiful handicrafts, Pratunam Market is great for garments, and Patpong Road and the Weekend Market (beside Chatuchak Park) sell almost everything imaginable.

City Never Sleeps
With a selection of restaurants, pubs and discotheques unrivalled in Asia, Bangkok' s nightlife holds endless possibilities. The free and widely available Guide of Bangkok carries an informative list of establishments.