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Bangkok,Thailand
The city doesn't sleep, but it dreams
It's hard to imagine any other city being in as exhilarating a position as Bangkok finds itself in today. The clichéd images of the Thai capital have been blown away by its astonishing evolution into a city that will surprise newcomers and returning visitors alike.
The Chao Phraya River is still the epicentre of a city that celebrates its past whilst embracing the future. Cruises and river taxis ferry locals and visitors along, providing a chance to take in some of the stunning temples that are an unmissable part of any visit to Bangkok. Hire a long-tailed boat for the day and explore the 'klongs', the canals that are home to the famous floating markets of the city, where you'll have a chance to appreciate Thai homes and gardens.
The Grand Palace is one of the world's most impressive tourist attractions. The grounds are everything you could imagine them to be, with a dazzling array of golden statues and multi-tiered spires. Towering above the beautifully preserved traditional architecture are hotels that epitomise the tasteful sophistication of the new Bangkok. This new breed of hotel will please even the most discerning guest. They are effortlessly suave, incorporating modern Thai sensibilities with ultra-tasteful western chic.
From gourmet restaurants and space age nightclubs to night markets and hip bars, Bangkok appeals to your every whim. Haggle your way to incredible bargains at the countless market stalls, experience some of the best cuisine you'll taste anywhere, and settle back with a drink listening to lounge music or a Thai Elvis impersonator - the city caters to every taste and budget.
Whilst the markets have their own particular charm, if you've left your bartering head at home, there is always the retail therapy enjoyed in places such as the Emporium Shopping Centre. Here you'll find enough designer attractions to keep even the most demanding followers of fashion in new looks.
MUST DO:
Grand Palace; Thai Massage at Wat Po; Klong River Tour, Traditional Thai Cookery Class; Floating Market; Buy a Tailor-made suit; Patpong Night Market; Walk in Lumphini Park; Dinner Cruise; Skytrain Shopping Adventure; River Taxi; Tuk-Tuk.
However you choose to travel around the capital, you'll find it a memorable experience in itself. The three wheeled tuk-tuks buzz through the traffic and make taking a taxi look positively pedestrian. The city's Sky Train soars above the bustle of the Bangkok traffic, a one-way track through the doors of Thailand's new spirit of consumerism.
Giving you even more travel options, an extensive new metro system and state of the art international airport are soon to become reality, cementing Bangkok's position as a truly first class world capital.
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