Making the most of Bangkok

First-timers should make a beeline for the glittering Grand Palace complex and the giant reclining Buddha at next-door Wat Pho. Book a river tour and take in the ceramic-clad Wat Arun and the Royal Barges Museum from the deck. Riverside hotels are handiest if you’re a Bangkok novice ticking off key attractions.

Been before? Visit the antique-filled home of silk mogul Jim Thompson and, on a day trip, the ruined temples of ancient Ayutthaya, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or the Bridge over the River Kwai. Avoid Bangkok’s heavy traffic by using the overhead SkyTrain or riverboat shuttles during the day. Taxis and tuk-tuks are cheap but always agree a price before taking an unmetered tuk-tuk.

If you’re in Bangkok over the weekend save an afternoon for the vast Chatuchak market (Mo Chit SkyTrain stop) where more than 15,000 stalls sell everything from fighting fish to furniture. Many of the city’s swanky department stores are clustered around Siam Square and linked by elevated walkways. For expert bargain hunting hire a personal shopper through your hotel concierge. Hotels near SkyTrain stations are well placed for shopping. Tailors (found along Sukhumvit Road, Charoen Kring Road and around major hotels) are great value but shop around for quality and leave time for at least one fitting to allow for any alterations. If you’ve got a favourite suit or garment and want a replica, take it along.

Bangkok’s sky scraping cocktail bars and restaurants are all the rage. Among the best are Sirocco, atop the Lebua State Tower and Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree. An evening dinner cruise on a converted rice barge is a romantic alternative. To try your hand at Thai cookery look no further than your hotel – many offer lessons. A city stay needn’t mean a big hotel either. Check out new boutique lovelies like the Shanghai Inn and Bel-Aire Princess.

Want to see more? Bangkok is a convenient springboard to the north and the islands in the south. Ask us about a Bangkok stopover .