"This major river flows through the heart of Bangkok to empty into the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok is big and always buzzing, soa languid boat ridealong the riveris a tranquil alternative to exploring the streets. As you float along, you’ll still get a look at daily life in the city, seeing vendors selling produce from long, narrow wooden boats. You'll also view houses built on stilts, and city landmarks like the Royal Barges dock."

"Bangkok’s most iconic site is a massive palace complex that served as the royal residence until 1925. Of its manybuildings, the one with the most architectural interest is Chakri Mahaprasat. It was designedin 1882 by British architects, in a style that could be described as traditional Thai meets Italian Renaissance. Nearby is the 1784 Wat Phra Kaeo, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand ’s most sacred Buddhist place of worship. Go inside to see the Emerald Buddha, carved not of emerald but of semiprecious green stone, robed in gold and just 66 centimeters (26 inches) high."

"Happy Buddha! Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is revered as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The temple is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace at the historic center of Bangkok, and it is a highly important site to the Thai national identity. The Emerald Buddha itself is a 26-inch-high statue hewn from a single piece of deep-green jade stone, and no one but the Thai King is allowed to touch it. Visit the shrine to understand an intimate piece of Thai culture, but be sure to exercise the utmost respect! By Christina"

"A Choice Spot for Som Tam and Spicy Chicken Wings One of Thailand’s most loved dishes, som tam (green papaya salad) is ubiquitous in Bangkok, with vendors across the capital pounding together the essential components of shredded fruit, garlic, fish sauce, palm sugar, and lots and lots of chili. One of the best places to sample a truly delicious version is this friendly venue tucked away in the backstreets of Silom. Besides serving their versions of som tam , agargantuan barbecue produces beautifully smoky grilled chicken wings. While these are the stars of the show, the restaurant also does a winning line in other classics from northeast Thailand such as kor moo yang (grilled pork neck)."

"Vintage Nirvana All kinds of antique, art and retro items can be found in Bangkok’s huge array of vintage stores where shoppers can pick up anything from old-fashioned cameras to lovingly reproduced Thai movie posters from the 1950s and 1960s. Prime browsing locations include Papaya Vintage, a treasure trove of vintage items that has become a favoured shooting location for professional photographers."

"Top of the Shops Considered by many as Bangkok’s de facto city centre due to its location by the teeming Siam skytrain station, Siam Paragon has established itself as one of the most popular of the city’s temples of consumerism. With its easily navigable layout and tremendous range of shops, its elevated status comes as no surprise. Premium brands to be found here include Jimmy Choo, Versace, Hermes and Rolex while high street fashion is represented by the likes of Uniqlo, Gap and Zara."

"A Contender for the Crown of Bangkok's Finest Thai Restaurant Head chefBee Satongun andco-ownerJason Bailey, a husband-and-wife team, are dedicated to bringing back lost recipes and techniques of heirloom Thai cooking. Paste is one of Bangkok’s most exciting Thai restaurants, and the Michelin judges have duly noted that fact by gracing it with a star. The cuisine is based on century-old family recipes served with innovativetwists and an attention to detail that make it as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. Signature dishes include black cod poached in duck lardand larb salad with pheasant, hog plum leaves, and edible flowers, but really everything is good."

"Tasty Thai Cocktails Authentic Thai elements are to the fore at Tep Bar – a new venue in the old town. Housed in an atmospheric shophouse, the bar serves potent cocktails and home infused ya dong (Thai herbal whisky), while traditional musicians provide an atmospheric soundtrack."