AT A GLANCE Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and like most cities in SouthEast Asia its noisy, bustling and

exotic. Lying on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is a city of two sides. Youll discover ancient Siamese temples with carved wooden characters wafting incense out into the streets, then turn a corner and come across a bustling market with hawkers selling faux-designers goods. No mention of Bangkok would be complete without mentioning the street food and some of the best dishes in the world can be bought on the pavements of the city. WHEN TO GO If youre planning a trip to Bangkok, you may want to avoid the rainy season. Lasting from July until October, the rain typically arrives in short bursts and once its stopped youll find that the city has cooled down. During the summer months, the city can get hot with the coolest months being from November through to February. Weather Spring: Bangkok has three distinct seasons: the cool season, the hot season and the rainy season. The cool season runs from December to March and is at its most comfortable in December. In February to March, the spring months expect to encounter highs of 34C rising to 35 in April. The city rarely reaches below 24 in spring. Summer: The rainy season coincides with the European summer and although short bursts of rain happen often it is not an entirely bad time to visit. The rain cools down the temperature and clears the air. Autumn: The autumn sees highs of 31 and lows of 22 Winter: December is by far the most comfortable month to visit Bangkok with lows of 20 and highs of 32. As youll see there is no real cool season in Bangkok, but nevertheless winter is an ideal time to visit.
Image: Bangkok sun by *Christopher*

THINGS TO DO From bustling neon-clad streets to the impressive reclining Buddha, the attractions in Bangkok arent like anything that youve ever seen. Gaze in wonder at the rich tapestry of colours and intricate artwork that adorn the many temples or barter for handmade masks and woven silk cushions while you float down the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn is an impressive place to watch the sunrise each morning Grand Palace: Built in 1782, the Thai Royal family lived here for 150 years Wat Pho: Home to the giant reclining Buddha, the largest object made from solid gold Safari World: A zoo consisting of two parks, Safari Park and Marine Park Siam Park City: An amusement and water park featuring wild flume rides and entertainment Jim Thompson House: The former home of the American business is now a museum Wat Phra Kaew: The most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Bangkok National Museum: Features exhibits relating to Thai art and history

Nightlife Bangkoks nightlife has something of a reputation, particularly in areas such as Patpong and Soi Cowboy. However, these rowdy districts are just the tip of the iceberg and you will find a diverse scene where classy cocktail bars sit alongside dive bars, and jazz clubs can be found next to cabarets featuring the infamous Thai lady boys. With a city which offers something for everyone, here are some of the highlights: Cheap Charlies Bar: A legendary roofless dive bar which serves cheap beers Sky Bar Lebua State Tower: This rooftop bar featured in the Hangover Two and has stunning views LED Nightclub: One of the best clubs in RCA, Bangkoks legendary clubbing area Calypso Ladyboy Show: Meet performers such as Marilyn Monroe and Carmen Miranda Saxophone Pub: A different jazz band plays each night in this legendary club Bed: An exclusive nightclub where you can party amongst Thailands elite Route 66: Separated into several wings the club mixes live music and DJs Q Bar: Often named as Bangkoks best nightclub, Q has an extensive cocktail menu

Day Trips from Bangkok: Ancient City of Muang Boran: Sometimes referred to as Bangkoks largest open air museum, Muang Boran occupies a 320-acre site and comprises an excellent collection of replicas of original Thai monuments and temples. Youll also find an art museum, and priceless antiques. Travel Time: 1 hour

Ayutthaya: The old capital of Thailand houses an impressive collection of ruins, temples and old Buddha statues. The buildings are built in the Khmer architectural style, associated with Cambodia, and a highlight is the Ba Pa-In Summer Palace which consists of many different royal buildings. Travel Time: 2 hours

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Located 110km away from Bangkok, this floating market will give you a taste of rural Thai life. Travel on one of the long-tail boats and visit hawkers selling everything from fresh fruit to carved wooden masks. Most trips also include an elephant show. Duration: 12 hours

Dream World: This theme park will appeal to the kids and consists of four different themed lands: Adventure Land, Fantasy Land, Dream Garden and Dream Plaza. Highlights include the Giants House, where everything is 50 times as big as it should be and the corkscrew rollercoaster. Travel Time: 2 hours

River Kwai: The majority of tours to the River Kwai also take in the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is en-route. Travel to Kachanaburi where youll be able to take in a range of historical sites from Allied War Cemeteries to the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. Duration: 12 hours

Pattaya: This beach town is located just a short distance from Bangkok, which makes it ideal for a daytrip. In Pattaya you can take a boat trip out to Coral Island or enjoy a selection of watersports. Of course, if you just want to relax and spend time soaking up the sun thats entirely your call! Travel Time: 2 hours
Images: Grand Palace by Kat Sommers / Safari World by Peterd482001 / Jim Thompson House by Phong_Ek / Bangkok National Museum by Paul Trafford / Muang Boran by Thai Jasmine (SmileSmileSmile..) / Ayutthaya by Jeremiah Ro / Damnoen Saduak by Coolinsights / Dream World by Neajjean / River Kwai by Permanently Scatterbrained / Pattaya by Taz Lambert

SHOPPING Bangkok is one of the best shopping destinations in the world but, like most places in South East Asia, you should be prepared to haggle for the cost of their goods. Everything from faux designer goods to handcrafted souvenirs can be found in Bangkoks many stores and markets. Many western stores also have a presence in Bangkok and will recognise some high street brands. If youre considering bringing a souvenir back to remind you of your travels, consider mango wood carvings and silk cushion covers. But be warned, its illegal to remove Buddha icons and images from the country. That carved wooden Buddha may be confiscated at the airport unless you have the relevant permit. Shopping Areas: Chidlom: This district of Bangkok is known for its luxury malls and trendy western shops Khao San Road: Known as backpacker central, this area has markets and bookstores Chinatown: This area sells everything from herbal remedies to branded goods at low prices Ratchaprasong: Fashionable malls stand alongside eclectic clothing stores in this unique area Sukhumvit: If youre looking for a tailored suit this is the area to head to for great prices Markets: Chatuchak Weekend Market: 15,000 stalls selling everything from pets to household goods Bangplee Nives Evening Market: Head here for delicious street food and fresh produce Bangkok Flower Market: Just south of Wat Pho, this market sells orchids and bags of flowers Khlong Lod Night Market: Second hand goods and exotic street food are sold at great prices Shopping Centres: Siam Paragon: Sells everything from high street fashion to high street gadgets CentralWorld: Fashion is the main focus in this luxury mall with brands such as Zara & Diesel MBK: Bangkoks most affordable mall contains over 2,000 stores over seven floors Terminal 21: Shop Londons Carnaby Street, Tokyo City and many more under one roof Pantip Plaza: This mall is technology heaven featuring computers, gadgets and cameras

FOOD & DRINK As the street food capital of the world you dont need to travel far to find good quality food in Bangkok. Thai food revolves around a mix of hot and sour and the national dish is the extremely tasty Pad Thai. This dish consists of fried Pho noodles, with eggs, fish sauce, tamarind, chillies, beansprouts and either chicken or shrimp topped with crushed peanuts, lime and coriander. Popular Hotspots in Bangkok: Chidlom: Luxurious, smart dining restaurants can be found in this exclusive area of Bangkok Chinatown: The best Chinese food in the city. A mixture of cheap and exclusive restaurants Khao San Road: Sample some of Bangkoks best street food in this inexpensive district Old City: Thai food is toned down slightly for the western palate in this tourist centric area Victory Monument: Street side vendors and shop house eateries dominate this district
Images: Pad Thai by Steve Snodgrass / Thai Wai by Zoonabar

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE Thais typically greet each other with a wai and while foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai it is an insult not to return one. This involves placing the palm of your hands together with your fingers extended at chest level and bowing slightly. Thais ask where are you going rather than saying hello, this can get confusing, but a polite response is just down the street. Touching someone of the opposite sex is taboo and visitors should refrain from showing affection in public. Never ever touch or pass something over someones head in Thailand, the head is considered to be sacred and should therefore be respected. Similarly you should never point your feet at anyone while talking to them as your feet are considered to be unclean. When talking to someone you should never put your hands in your pockets or around the back of the chair of which they are sitting. You should also avoid pointing, especially with just the one finger which is considered extremely rude and never ever pass anyone anything with your left hand. When in the presence of monks or the elderly you shouldnt cross your legs and when eating out you should never click your fingers or raise your voice to beckon over a waiter. It is against the law in Thailand to speak badly about the Royal Family and you should respect this and stand to attention when the Thai national anthem is played. Useful Phrases Sawatdee (krub/kah) Hello Nee Tao Rai? How much? Pood Thai mai dai I cant speak Thai Khob khun (kup/kaa) Thank you

Dos and Donts Do dress appropriately when visiting a temple by covering your arms and legs Dont feed an elephant in the city! Its against the law and tourists can be fined Do make sure you sample the local cuisine. Its inexpensive and tasty Dont drink the tap water. It may cause stomach upsets for western visitors Do check before entering a shop whether there are shoes outside. Some require you to remove them. Dont gamble in Thailand as its illegal Do take care of your personal hygiene. Body odour is considered extremely offensive Dont leave your chopsticks in the bowl as it symbolises death and is bad luck Tipping Tipping is not obligatory and there is no requirement to tip. However, small gratuities for good service are always appreciated. In taxis, it is common to round up the fare as a tip and in restaurants 10% may sometimes be added to the bill to be shared against the staff at the end of the month. TRANSPORT Bangkoks traffic is notorious and gridlocks are common whatever the time of the day. However, with great public transport, such as the SkyTrain and Tuk Tuks that can wind in and out of the traffic theres no reason to get caught up in it. Getting Around Car Hire: Bangkoks traffic means that this isnt usually a favourable option Buses: A cheap way to travel around the city, although not the speediest option Tuk Tuks: A typical Thai experience! These three wheel motors can zip in and out of traffic SkyTrain: Travelling above the city, this modern metro system is fast, cheap and efficient MRT: The underground metro system. Connects 18 stations and the national rail system Taxis: Often in funky colours! An inexpensive and cheap way to get around the city Boats: Ferries are a great way to see the sights and sunsets along the Chao Phraya Airport: Suvarnabhumi is the international airport which serves the city of Bangkok Fare Information Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 100 Baht Public transport: Fares start at 15 Baht for a single journey on the SkyTrain
Image: Tuk Tuk by Garycycles7

HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in Thailand Foreign and Commonwealth Office Emergency number: 191 Tourist Police: 1155 (English, French and German spoken)