first impressions on the way into town - endless high rise buildings, busy expressway flyovers and billboards of western companies advertising in English. Yet while Bangkok has undoubtedly embraced westernization and modernization, you only need to look a little under the surface to see that it remains undeniably a Thai place at heart.

Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.

Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the country's population.

Bangkok's temples, despite being in the center of a busy metropolis, are some of the finest in all of Asia. The museums in Bangkok are mostly devoted to Thai art and architecture, but the National Gallery is a place to view art from other countries. Be sure to see the National Museum and the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, as well as the Shed of the Royal Barges-a one-of-a-kind experience. The influence of the past is not limited to major monuments and it continues to colour daily life. Files of saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms round, for example, present a scene unaltered in essentials by the passing of time.

A wide selection

Joyfully exuberant, Bangkok embraces modern development and presents an initial picture of thrusting office towers; of world-class hotels offering deluxe comforts; of glittering shopping plazas packed with treasures of the East such as silks and gemstones; of restaurants serving Thailand's acclaimed spicy specialities and virtually every other national cuisine worthy of the name; of neon-lit entertainment spots where the fare ranges from classical dance to laser disco. Don't forget the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Shopping can be a full day affair


Shopping is great fun in Bangkok especially when visiting the innumerable markets. They offer the freshest produce and widest variety of goods. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. For unbeatable range, value and atmosphere, don't miss the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok. Bangkok's plush shopping area is in Siam Square where designer labels abound and many international names and brands are on sale in air-conditioned shops. There are numerous giant shopping malls in Bangkok which offer excellent city views and fixed prices.

A Vibrant Nightlife

No other city in Asia rivals Bangkok for a thrilling night life, and evening entertainment is both plentiful and inexpensive. Most famous are the neon-lit bar districts which are both more fun and much safer than their counterparts in other cities around the world. However, there is much more to Bangkok by night than just the glitter of pubs and bars. Especially popular are the cultural shows staged by various Thai restaurants. Here you'll find the perfect introduction to Thailand's highly stylized classical dance, accompanied by music played on traditional instruments. Dressed in gorgeous costumes, dancers perform the slow, graceful movements that make up the intricate language of classical Thai dance drama. Visually stunning, these shows are a must. For either pre dinner aperitifs or late evening drinks, Bangkok boasts many sophisticated bars and cocktail lounges, some of the best being located in the top hotels.

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