Thailand
Bangkok Guide

Bangkok is beyond simple description. It is an experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. If you ask 100 people who have visited the city to describe it, you are likely to hear 99 different attempts. Some will surely dwell on the traffic and smog and what can be off-putting aromas. Others will revel in the hedonism available in the many entertainment venues. But finally and simply, Bangkok is extremely personal.

Shopping is a rare experience for the consumer oriented. Luxuriating in a fine health spa's will soothe the senses of the most jaded jet setter. And while it is all of the above, it is so much more. It is a culture, a people, a relationship, a philosophy and at the same time a harsh reality. Your Bangkok is still there waiting to be discovered. Even the full Thai name is special, the longest in the world ...

Krungthepmahanakhon Amornrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit”

Which translates into english as ...The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated God, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.

Markets
Bangkok doesn't lack for markets, and they are generally the cheapest places to shop. This doesn't necessarily reflect on the quality of the goods sold either, and some excellent bargains are for the taking in Bangkok if you know where to look. Chatuchak Market is the largest and probably the best of the lot, but there are many more.
Chatuchak Weekend Market Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is the mother of all markets - and 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. Conquering this massive market is no easy feat though. The reward for taking a lot of patience along - together with a bottle of water - is that you can find pretty much anything here.
Patpong night market is very popular with tourists, but there's no real good reason why. It's got the same combination of souvenirs, fake brand name items and cheap clothes as in any tourist area in the city, but prices are way over the going rate. Bargaining very hard is essential to get a good deal and the touts for the go-go bars that Patpong is most famous for are persistent, annoying and can be aggressive. Patpong is between Silom and Surawong roads, and any taxi driver will know it.
Banglamphu market extends over Phra Sumen road, Chakrapong road and others nearby. Despite it's proximity to touristy Khao San road, this is still mainly a market frequented by locals to buy clothes, household accessories etc...There's a separate market on Khao San road itself, which sells anything the foreign backpacker could need including backpacks, stereos, pirate CD's, books, clothes, traveling accessories etc
Suan Lum Night Bazaar A mixture of poshly dressed, fresh-from-the-office Thai's and expats along with fisherman pant-clad tourists, Suan Lum could best be described as the VIP outdoor market of Bangkok (where you're always welcome, of course). Covered walkways with centrally-located snack bars provide perhaps the most luxurious (outdoor) market shopping experience in the city

The Skytrain is very convenient for many attractions. A map of the Skytrain and free shuttle routes can be found at ... Skytrain map the is a very useful Bangkok guide.

Attractions vary from the simplicty of Lumphini park to the splendor of the Grand Palace ... Attractions

Temples vary to extremes. The Emerald Buddha temple with all it's splendor is a controlled location. But most temples are in neighborhood wats that seldom see tourists. Here are some Bangkok's famous. ... Temples

Golf is a popular sport. Some of Thailand's finest golf courses are a mere taxi ride away. Most country clubs will accept visitors and have rental clubs ... Golf

Hotels are a true bargain. For the price of a Motel, the astute visitor can get a very nice 3 - 4 star hotel at great prices circa £30 per night per room ... Bangkok Hotels
If you want to splash out a bit then try the Shangri-la Hotel its appeard in some of the top 10 hotels in the world lists over the past 10 years at a price of a run-of-the-mill hotel in the UK. A less pricey but very popular hotel is the Ambassador Hotel prices start at about £20 per room per night.

Restaurants Most international cuisines are available in Bangkok, Thailand. And, quite naturally, Bangkok has the best Thai food in the world ... Dining