Things To Do In Bangkok

Things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand's capital since 1782, is a city of golden temples, river life, street food and rooftop bars, with over ten million people.

The Grand Palace, the former royal residence, encloses Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred image; go early, and dress with shoulders and knees covered. Wat Pho, next door, has a 46-metre gold reclining Buddha and the country's most famous massage school, where you can book a traditional Thai massage. Across the river, Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is covered in porcelain mosaic; climb it, then watch the sunset from the other bank.

Ride the Chao Phraya Express boats along the river, and explore the canals, khlongs, of Thonburi by long-tail boat. At weekends, Chatuchak Market has over 15,000 stalls. The Jim Thompson House is a teak home built by the American who revived Thai silk, and Lumpini Park has giant monitor lizards among the joggers.

In the evening, eat your way along Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, then drink at a rooftop bar with views over the city.

Ayutthaya, the ruined old capital, is about an hour and a half by train, and the Maeklong Railway Market folds its stalls back as the train passes.