Cultural phenomenon, shopping heaven and tourist treasure, Bangkok is one of the most cosmopolitan, contrasting and compelling Asian cities. Find your niche among dazzling temples, hotels of every style and size, eclectic markets, gleaming palaces, ritzy malls, a famous nightlife scene and the many things in between. Enjoy a memorable dinner cruise adrift the Chao Phraya River, bask in the city’s warm, affluent glow at a sky scraping rooftop bar, experience a tuk-tuk ride, lady-boy show, Muay Thai kickboxing match, and a Thai massage that everyone always comes home talking about.

See

• Wat Phra Kaew (The Emerald Buddha) - regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, the highly revered Buddha image is meticulously carved from a single block of jade.
• Grand Palace - the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. The Grand palace continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - the largest temple in Bangkok and famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha measured 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf.
• Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha) - Wat Traimit houses the world's largest golden seated Buddha measuring nearly five metres in height and weighing five and a half tons.

Experience

• Chatuchak Market - with over 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak Weekend Market is possibly one of the biggest and most famous markets in the world. If bargain-hunting gives you an adrenalin rush, get ready for a head-spinning, earth-moving experience.
• Floating Markets - the boats are piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.
• Bangkok Loy Nava Cruise - on board the Tahsaneeya Nava, an antique teakwood rice barge, drift down the Chao Phraya River. While dining open-air, pass landmarks like the Temple of Dawn, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace.

Secrets of the City

• Bangkok nightlife - has a reputation for being wild and rowdy, but Bangkok's diverse nightlife scene features everything from excellent live music and good jazz clubs to ultra cool bars, trendy clubs and great restaurants.
• Shopping Malls in Bangkok - Bangkok's modern, multi-storey shopping malls are a shopaholic's paradise. From the legendary Mah Boon Krong (MBK), to the sophisticated Emporium, trendy Siam Discovery or unashamedly upscale Siam Paragon, Bangkok accommodates every taste, pocket and style. These malls are where you'll find the city's finest fashion stores, global brands, book shops, speciality stores, accessories stands and all kinds of luxury designer lifestyle goods.