Bangkok, Thailand

At the end of 2000, the new Sky Train has gone into service and new roads have been built. Bangkok's bad reputation for long traffic jams and pollution are no longer justifiable. In comparison to other Cities, Bangkok is a very safe city and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. When you are in the City of Angles you will find out that walking , instead of taking a taxi or bus is often the quickest option. For the more adventurous visitor there is also the option of the “water taxi” which will take you through the back life of Bangkok in its canals. Many of the city's attractions are near the various stops along the river.

Some of Asia's most spectacular temples are located in Bangkok. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are located in the same compound. The extravagant rooflines and spires are richly ornamented and will leave you in awe.

The National Museum is within walking distance of the Grand Palace, once a palace consisting of several old beautiful Thai style buildings. It houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period.

Wat Pho is the world famous temple located on Thai Wang Road next to the Grand Palace. It is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. The gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha with inlaid mother-of-pearl soles is highly revered among Buddhists. Also regarded as the first centre of public education, or sometimes called "Thailand's first university", the temple houses mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues which educated people on varied subjects; for example, literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation, medicine, and Thai traditional massage.

The Vinmanmek Royal Mansion is located on Ratchawithi Road. This is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. Many rooms currently maintain the atmosphere of the past. Most of the building in the same compound are now used as museums. Abhisek Dusit Hall, exhibits H.M. Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. The other displays of various items and art objects including H.M. King Bhumibol's photography, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, ancient cloth, clocks, and royal carriages.

Bangkok's Chinatown is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Roads. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops and vendors selling all types of shops and vendors selling all types of goods.It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby Phahurat or Indian market is one of the city's renowned cloth centres.

Jim Thompson's House is a remarkable Thai-style house was the work of Mr. Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk industry. His house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi Kasemsan 2 opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Mr. Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts and many other fabulous antiques.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is a large open public ground on Phahonyothin Road where people buy and sell a thousand local products including food, clothing, household products, handicrafts, pets, and pit plants. The market is a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. It operates on Saturdays and Sundays. From Wednesday to Fridays, the ground becomes a wholesale for various kinds of plants. Bangkok also has a wide range of Restaurants with food from all over the world. The areas of Silom, Banglampoo and Sukhumvit offer all kinds of Thai and International restaurants. China town for Chinese food and Pahurat for Indian. Shopping is excellent in Bangkok. When visiting the innumerable markets, bargaining is expected and part of the experience. Bangkok's plush shopping area is in Siam Square where designer labels and many international names and brands are on sale in air-conditioned shops. There are also numerous huge shopping malls in Bangkok which offer excellent city views and fixed prices.