Bangkok might translate as 'City of Angels', but angelic it ain’t. Insane wealth, abject poverty and oppressive heat and pollution combine to make this a real assault on the senses. But look beyond that and there is a wealth of stuff to see, do and learn in Bangkok.
Top five things to do in Bangkok
Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Dwelling to the largest Buddha in Thailand and his odd feet, this temple was also a centre of medicine and learning – it’s the home of the conventional Thai massage. Part of a complex of buildings which offer a great deal to see, you should positively make time to come here.
Grand Palace
Construct in 1782, this palace is still the pious heart and seat of power in the Kingdom of Thailand. It houses many glorious structures, statues and while the King doesn’t live here any longer, it’s still fit for him, if he should forever want to move back in.
Siam Paragon
One of the largest shopping centre’s in Asia; this is full at the seams with restaurants, a cinema complex movie theatre the Siam Ocean World aquarium, an exhibition hall, an opera house, bowling alley and karaoke centre. If that isn’t enough, there are always the rows of shops.
Sukhumvit Road Street Market
Situated in a major shopping district this market sells the whole thing from trousers to toasters. Not much more to say concerning it, really, not including to go and see it.
Lumpini Park
The park features statues, ponds and bridges, and when it was built in the 1920s it stood on the outer edge of the city. Now in the centre of town, this retreat of calm in a city that can get to be too much is a welcome move back. It’s named after the birthplace of the Buddha in Nepal.