On your first day in the city expect to be taken aback by its tall office blocks, hectic freeways and let your senses reel with all the new sights, smells and sounds to take in. Don't immediately catch a bus out of there though, stay a few days and Bangkok's secrets will be revealed. Amongst the chaos you will find ancient rituals, Thai temples, stunning palaces and traditional wooden houses, and then you will be pleased you took the time to get to know this wonderful and fascinating city a little better.



The Grand Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city and visitors flock here from all over. Built in 1782, it used to be the royal residence. Within the complex are many glorious and striking palaces, Wats and monuments. To really appreciate it, visit early to miss the crowds and the intense heat of the mid-day sun. Wat Phra Kaew is also called The Temple of the Emerald Buddha as that is what you will find within its walls, a reclining Buddha sculpted from a colossal piece of jade and more than a century old. Wat Arun, is also called The Temple of Dawn and its elongated Khmer-style tower is decorated in minute pieces of porcelain. King Rama I built Wat Pho and apparently it is the oldest temple in Bangkok, otherwise known as The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it is more than 200 years old and an impressive 46 meters long and 15 meters high.

Jim Thompson's House is actually a museum that is named after the American man who opened established it to keep the practice of Thailand's silk industry alive. Within the museum is an appealing and dazzling collection of Thai and Asian art, antiques and pottery.

You can always take a trip along the Chao Phraya River in a long-tail boat or aboard the local ferry that runs up and down the river many times every day. Get off at various famous landmarks and then embark again at the next stop. This is a relaxing and leisurely way to avoid the traffic and see some great sights.

Bangkok is a great city for shopping so make sure you bring your credit card with you. There are street markets all over the city along with air conditioned department stores and local designer boutiques. Chatuchak Weekend Market has thousands of stalls to check out and you can find whatever you are looking for here, craft items, artwork, antiques, stylish clothes or tasty local delights. China Town is street after street of stalls with gold, fabric, traditional Chinese medicines and jewellery. Night-time shopping at Patpong market will provide you with all your presents to take home, souvenirs, fake brands, watches and clothes.

If you are planning on traveling for a period of time then Thailand is not the only Asian country with lots to offer. Bangkok is the ideal location to visit Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam from and all these destinations are unique and fascinating places to explore. Or take a train from Bangkok to many other Asian cities, they are very cheap and sleepers provide comfort and a good chance of meeting other travelers.

There are an abundance of hotels and guest houses in Bangkok city and other Asian cities, whether you are looking for a simple Bangkok hotel room with a fan or Singapore accommodation with an international hotel chain, you will be able to find something clean and comfortable to fit your requirements. If you are taking a trip to Asia in the near future then look online for hotels in Thailand and Bangkok as well as cheap Singapore hotels.