Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, and it has something for everyone. A city of contradictions, it blends eastern and western cultures in its own way, and it appeals to families, couples, groups and solo travellers.
If you are looking for a place where timeless temples sit alongside upmarket shopping, busy nightlife and exotic scenery, Bangkok is for you.
Bangkok – travel the world in 605 square miles!
What strikes most travellers when they arrive in the city is its sheer diversity. Originally a trading port, Bangkok has always been a melting pot of cultures, absorbing customs and ideas from Europe and elsewhere alongside its own eastern heritage. The result is a colourful mix of ancient and modern, eastern and western, with slow-paced traditional life alongside a frenetic 24-hour contemporary culture. These contradictions give Bangkok its individuality. Where else could you combine a tranquil boat trip down the Chao Phraya River past royal palaces with a visit to a noisy, thriving river market?
The Buddhist influence on the city is clear in its many shrines and statues. The best known is the Emerald Buddha, which despite its name is carved from jade. The Grand Palace, formerly the seat of royalty, and Wat Phra Kaew remain impressive buildings that dominate the area; dress modestly when you visit them and other temples. As you would expect in a port city, commerce and trade are an important part of life. As well as the famous floating markets, there are traditional street markets, stalls and modern shopping centres. Both western and eastern food is easy to find, as are restaurants serving a fusion of the two. For a taste of the local nightlife, Chinatown, Soi Cowboy and Khao San Road have plenty of clubs, pubs and bars.