Tours

Bangkok may seem a bit overwhelming at first, with so much to see and do, but once you get used to all the traffic and confusing geography be ready to experience the time of your life.

Unlike many other cities around the world where you immediately feel a sense of awe and wonder, Bangkok's contrasts might require an adjustment when first arriving. However, it is certainly worth exploring this amazing capital. There are a number of areas inside and outside the city where an abundance of sights and attractions can be visited on a day tour.

Grand Palace

The most famous of Bangkok's sights, the Grand Palace is a square mile of royal white buildings surrounded by white walls. Within the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, which contains the Emerald Buddha. To gain an overview of Thai history and art, go to the nearby National Museum, which offers free guided tours in English. Not far south from the Grand Palace is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple, Wat Pho, famous for its enormous Reclining Buddha and its school of traditional Thai massage. Dip through the Pak Klong Talat fruit and flower market on your way to nearby Wat Mahathat, the most important place of Buddhist learning in Southeast Asia. Finish up your day on the rooftop of the Phranakorn Bar & Gallery with a refreshing drink and a curry.

Democracy Monument

Near the Democracy Monument, which forms the centerpiece of a roundabout, you will find a variety of important and interesting temples. Wat Sa Ket may look undistinguished, but from the top of this "Golden Mount," you can enjoy some truly stunning views of the city. Built by Rama V, the unusual Chinese-influenced design of Wat Ratchabophit makes it one of the city's prettiest temples. Wat Indravihara, is worth visiting for a glimpse of the towering 32-meter-high Standing Buddha. Nearby is the spacious, leafy area of Dusit, a royal district since the reign of Rama V. The last major temple built in Bangkok, Wat Benchamabophit incorporates an intriguing mix of classical Thai and 19th century European design and is often referred to as the "Marble Temple" because of its Carrara marble walls. The Dusit Zoo, set in a beautiful park, houses some rare animals, including the Komodo dragon, the world's largest reptile. The elegant National Library is also in this area, alongside a smaller library built as a tribute to the present King, Rama IX. Not far away is the backpackers' hangout, Banglampoo, where you can do some shopping and have a bite to eat in a number of good restaurants, including the Sidewalk Cafe.

Chinatown

The markets, shops and remnants of old-style architecture make Chinatown interesting for tourists. Check out the China House, located at the Oriental Hotel, for fine dining, or the Bamboo Bar for live jazz and drinks. There are also some interesting temples in the area. Wat Chakrawat, which overlooks the Chao Phraya River, is home to several crocodiles and monkeys. Wat Ga Buang Kim is a typical neighborhood temple where local residents socialize and the occasional worshiper drops by. Inside Wat Traimit, you will find the world's biggest solid-gold Buddha, which is more than three meters tall and weighs five and a half tons. Stop in at Thai Nakon Intimex to admire the traditional craft of nielloware, or metalwork. Although Bangkok is generally a very safe city, this is one area that can be dangerous for tourists at night.

Thonburi

Thonburi became linked to central Bangkok by the construction of the Memorial Bridge in 1932, but it retained its separate identity until 1971. For an authentic Thai cuisine experience try the Blue Elephant, located in the historic Blue Elephant Cooking School. Beside the Memorial Bridge lies Wat Prayoon. This temple is worth visiting for its unusual collection of miniature chedis or Thai Buddhist monuments and shrines. A popular way to see the sights in Thonburi is to embark on a canal tour by chartering a boat at Tha Chang, in front of the Grand Palace. A canal tour will take in one of Bangkok's most memorable landmarks, Wat Arun, also known as the "Temple of Dawn." Another highlight of a canal tour is the museum of the Royal Barges, where you will see a variety of fantastically ornamented boats used in ceremonial processions on the river. Stop in at Chao Phraya River Cultural Center to see how local crafts are made. You can purchase the ones you like, or come back in the evening to see one of their regularly held performances. If your visit falls on a Saturday or Sunday, head to the Taling Chan District Office, to buy fresh fruits and more at the Floating Market.

Lumpini Park

Bangkok's downtown area includes the main financial district around Silom Road, the green expanse of Lumpini Park and a number of shopping centers around Sukhumvit Road and Siam Square, including the Ma Bun Krong Center. Around Siam Square, you can have coffee at Au Bon Pain, then go on a tour of Jim Thompson's House and Museum nearby. After visiting the famous Erawan Shrine, you can go across the street and visit the fabulous Thai Craft Museum, followed by some duty-free shopping at the World Trade Center. At the Snake Farm, near the intersection of Rama I Road and Silom Road, you can see venom extracted from live snakes two times a day. A few blocks away lies the Patpong Night Market, which is also well known for its many neon-lit go-go bars.

Ayutthaya

There are a number of destinations outside Bangkok that are worth visiting. Ayutthaya, the ancient capital and a World Heritage Site, is situated 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. Kanchanaburi, best known as the location of the bridge over the River Kwai, is set in some limestone hills 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the northwest. Worth the trip is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, 109 kilometers (68 miles) southwest of the capital. Here you will see canals crowded with paddle boats laden with fruits and vegetables.

After spending some time in Bangkok, the "City of Angels," you will see why many visitors keep coming back, some for business, some for holiday, and some to settle down.

Bus Tours

Thailand For You (+66 2671 0235/ http://www.th4u.com/guide.htm/)

Walking Tours

Walking Tour of Bangkok (http://www.visit-thailand.info/special-features/walking-tour-of-bangkok.htm/)

Thailand For Visitors (http://thailandforvisitors.com/central/bangkok/ctown-tour.html/)

Bangkok Private Tours (http://www.bangkokprivatetours.com/bangkok_walk.html/)

Boat Tours

Bangkok River Cruise Tours (+66 2651 9501/ http://www.bangkok.com/river-cruise-tours/index.html/)