Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Thailand / Bangkok
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| | | Culture on the cheap |  | Why go on holiday to Bangkok?
The huge metropolis of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, never fails to charm visitors with its (albeit polluted) vitality.
It is one of South-East Asia's most exciting cities as well as being cheap and overflowing with culture. Old Bangkok is home to ancient temples and sights and its sprawling new city has markets, shops and tourist districts.
How much does it cost?
Prices fluctuate so keep an eye out for bargains, but as a guide, a basic six-night package can cost as little as £400 in May. A flight-only deal can be found for around £350. The Thai economy is still fragile, which means it's incredibly cheap once you are there.
If you head for the Khao San Road (made famous in the book and film The Beach) area in Banglamphu you'll be able to find a (very) basic room for £1-£2.
When should I go?
It rains least between November and February, and the heat isn't too bad - 86F (30C). April in Bangkok is like roasting alive at 95F (35C).
Pack waterproofs in September and October as the monsoon season will be upon the city. The quietest months are May, June and September.
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| | | Temples of tranquillity |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Visit a few wats - Thai temple-monasteries, ornate havens of tranquillity of which Bangkok has 400.
Top wat is Wat Phra Kaew, which adjoins the magnificent Grand Palace. The expansive grounds encompass more than 100 contrasting buildings from the past 200 years.
Wat Pho is Bangkok's oldest and biggest wat, has the largest reclining Buddha and largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand.
Are there any museums?
Yes, the huge National Museum on Th Na Phra That is an excellent place to learn about Thai art from all periods and styles.
Jim Thompson's House is also worth a look - it doesn't sound very Thai, but Jim Thompson was an American silk entrepreneur who was responsible for reviving the Thai silk industry in the years after WWII.
He disappeared in mysterious circumstances and his house, with its collections of silk, is now open to the public.
The Royal Elephant Museum, Wang Suan Phakkard and the National Art Gallery are also of interest.
What about a boat trip?
A vast network of canals and river tributaries surrounds Bangkok and there are several different boat trips you can take to see the scenery outside the city.
There's the Chao Phraya River Express boat which takes 40 minutes, the Bangkok Noi canal taxi route which you can stop off wherever you want, or you could charter a boat and see the canals at your own pace.
Then there are cruises, including dinner cruises you can go on, and of course the floating markets you will see on postcards.
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| | | City that never sleeps | | Where's good for nightlife?
Bangkok is famous as a world centre for sleaze, and you can find plenty of it if you try. However, the older, seedier joints are being slowly outnumbered by a growing selection of more orthodox establishments.
There are several enormous hi-tech discos such as Phuture (on Th Ratchadapisek, part of the Chaophya Hotel), a great many Western-style "theme bars" such as Salvador Dali on Th Rambutri and countless go-go, cigar and gay bars.
One thing's for certain, you'll always be able to find somewhere to go out for the night - Bangkok lives up to its reputation as a city that never sleeps.
What's the food like?
Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy with heaps of garlic, chillies, fish sauce and shrimp paste. Lime juice, lemongrass and coriander are characteristic flavours along with peanut, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk.
Hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries and noodle soups are just some of the countless highlights. Fruit and vegetables are abundant and varied, but if you like spices, Thailand is your kind of place.
What should I buy?
Everything is cheap in Thailand, but textiles are probably the best buy of all. Thai silk is the best in the world and tailor-made clothes are a bargain.
Head for Payer Textile Gallery on Siam Square for fabric and along Th Sukhumvit for the best tailors.
Shoulder bags are attractive and well made, and the jewellery offers those in the know rare bargains. Hill-tribe craftware is available in most markets and you can pick up unique mementos and gifts, but be prepared to bargain.
Ceramics, furniture and nielloware can also be superb.
What is there for children to do?
On the whole Thais love children, so they will never be short of attention. Kids love the Dusit Zoo, the Snake Farm, Elephant Zoo and Safari World.
There is an ice rink on the eighth floor of the World Trade Center which is popular and most shopping centres have free play areas on their top floor.
Tourist office
Tourism Authority of Thailand, 3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6EE. Brochure line: 0870 900 2007 (national rate) or for general enquiries: 09063 640 666 (60p a min).
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| | Available rental properties in Bangkok |
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