Where to catch Bangkok riverside hotels’ complimentary shuttle boats

Pretty much all of the Bangkok hotels along the Chao Phraya River have complimentary shuttle boats running constantly between Sathorn Pier and the respective hotels.

Many people when considering booking a hotel by the riverside wonder where Sathorn Pier is and how difficult it is to find and board the free boats.

It is very easy to get to and even accessible by the BTS Skytrain from Saphan Taksin station on the Silom line. If you are somewhere along the Sukhumvit line you will need to go to Siam station and change to the Silom line.

Please note that Praya Palazzo shuttle boat leaves from Phra Athit Pier, see below for details.

Once you get off at Saphan Taksin, take exit number 2 and keep heading straight out of the station and head towards the river along the covered pathway past the scratching and sleeping dogs. The pier is right there on the left.

All of the major riverside hotels and some smaller boutique hotels that you probably haven’t heard of pick up and drop off passengers from Sathorn Pier on a regular basis.

Bangkok riverside hotels with free shuttle boats

The Peninsula Bangkok

The Peninsula is located diagonally across from the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station and offers a free shuttle boat between 6am and midnight.

The Shangri-La Bangkok

The Shangri-La doesn’t have a free shuttle boat because it is within walking distance from the pier. Take exit number 1 from the BTS Skytrain Saphan Taksin station and walk a short distance. You will see signs. The entrance to the hotel is down a small street. Look for a Chinese shrine on the corner as your landmark.

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s free shuttle boat operates from 7am to 11pm. Call the hotel from Sathorn pier if you don’t want to wait for it’s regular round. +66 (2) 659 9000

Millennium Hilton Bangkok

The Millennium Hilton Bangkok’s free shuttle boat makes two stops, one at River City shopping complex adjacent to the hotel and then at the Sathorn pier with direct access to the BTS Skytrain.

See my review of Millenium Hilton Bangkok

Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort

Anantara Bangkok Riverside resort’s free shuttle boat departs the Sathorn pier all day until midnight at 30 minute intervals.

Ramada Plaza Menam

Departs Sathorn Pier every 30 minutes from 7am to 11pm.

Chatrium Suites

Chatrium Suites is downriver towards to Anantara.

See my review of Chatrium Suites

Phraya Palazzo

This boutique hotel can only be accessed by water and all check-in procedures take place at Phra Athit Pier. See map below for directions.

View Praya Palazzo in a larger map

Protip

Apart from Praya Palazzo, the hotel shuttle boats do not require passengers to show any proof that they are staying at the hotel. You could take a free river cruise on these boats and enjoy the sights of the River of Kings even if you are not a guest.

The trip to Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort takes about 15-20 minutes and they have a marvelous riverside buffet with a huge selection of Thai and international dishes, which makes for a very pleasant night out.

You might also like:

• The 6 Best Bangkok Riverside Hotels
• Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort
• Things to do in Bangkok near BTS Skytrain stations on the Silom line

Bangkok’s Skytrain is a fast, economical and efficient way to zip around Bangkok above the congested traffic of Thailand’s capital city. This guide will let you know where to get off the Skytrain for some of the major attractions in Bangkok.This is a follow-up article to last week’s Things to do on the Silom line.

The Sukhumvit line is one of two lines on Bangkok’s elevated mass transit system, the BTS Skytrain, which covers many of the areas of the capital that are of interest to tourists. The Sukhumvit line intersects with the Silom line at Siam station, which is one of the major stations on the network.

The Sukhumvit line runs from Mo Chit station, interchanges with the Silom line at Siam station, then runs along Sukhumvit road with stations every few hundred meters until it terminates at On Nut station. Below is a brief rundown of things to do near some of the main stations along the Sukhumvit line.

Mo Chit

This is the first station on the line and home to the famous Chatuchak Weekend markets, also known as JJ Weekend markets, probably because it’s easier to say. It is the largest market in Bangkok and is popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Spreading over 35 acres (the size of several football fields) and absolutely vibrant with life, the Chatuchak Markets house anywhere between 9000 and 15000 stalls depending on the day. It is home to everything from bargain value clothing and household accessories, handicrafts, art, antiques, religious artifacts, fruit, vegetables, flowers and exotic plants, to Thai silk and plenty of souvenirs to take home.

This area is also where the Mo Chit bus terminal, serving North and Northeastern Thailand is located. Catch buses from here to all points of central, Northern and Northeastern Thailand including Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, all of Isaan and Aranyaprathet for Cambodia.

To get to the bus station from Mo Chit skytrain station either walk across Chatuchak park, take a motorbike taxi or the number 77 bus (7 Baht flat fare- 22 US cents).

Victory Monument

This is a major intersection in Bangkok where a number of major roads meet. There is a large monument erected in 1941 to commemorate a victory against French colonial authorities in the Franco-Thai war.

Many Bangkok BMTA buses stop around the monument’s traffic circle, including lines no.8, 12, 14, 18, 92, 96, 97, 108, 112, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 54, 59, 63, 74, 77 and 515. Many private commuter and regional mini vans leave from this area as well, which can be a very cheap way to travel throughout Thailand, however at least rudimentary Thai language skills and a sense of adventure are required.

Rajvithi Hospital and Robinson Department Store are located at this intersection and there is also a large King Power duty free mall located here.

Siam

Siam station is one of the busiest stations on the Skytrain network and also serves as an interchange between the Silom and Sukhumvit lines. It is also your station if you are in the mood for some serious shopping.

Siam Paragon, Thailand’s most luxurious shopping complex opened in December 2005 and covers more than 400,000 square meters. Just about every luxury brand that you can think of has their flagship store here amongst the 250 establishments housed here.

On the 5th and 6th floors of Siam Paragon, the 21 screen Siam Paragon Cineplex, including an IMAX theater offer the latest Hollywood and Thai movies.

In the basement of Siam Paragon you will find Siam Ocean World- the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, covering 10,000 square meters. The aquarium is home to 30,000 marine animals of 400 species.

Across the street from Siam Paragon is the lively district of Siam Square, a trendy area of shops and restaurants popular with the youth of Bangkok. This area is always lively and it is a great place to see emerging trends. You will also find Siam Discovery Center here as well as a Hard Rock Café.
Hotels near Siam Skytrain station.

Chit Lom

Chit Lom is connected to Siam station by a covered overhead walkway and is close to several malls. Central World is the biggest shopping mall in Thailand and it incorporates Zen mall as well as Centara Grand Central World Hotel. Gaysorn department store is also nearby.

You will also find Erawan Shrine, located on the corner by the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The Erawan Shrine is a popular Hindu shrine that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma.
Hotels near Chit Lom Skytrain station.

Nana

Get off at Nana station if you are heading to NEP, or Nana Entertainment Plaza, a complex of beer bars and gogo bars, open later every night except on religious holidays.
Hotels near Nana BTS Skytrain station.

Phrom Phong

Phrom Phong station is connected by skybridge to Emporium department store, an upscale store with cinemas, a food court and many luxury brand stores, though not as many as Siam Paragon.

Benjasiri Park is located next to Emporium and Soi 24 runs up the other side, all the way to Rama IV, another major thoroughfare in Bangkok.
Hotels near Phrom Phong Skytrain station.

Ekkamai

If you are looking to catch the bus down to Pattaya or other destinations on the eastern seaboard such as Rayong, Ban Phe, Chanthaburi or Trat, get off at Ekkamai station for the Eastern Bus Terminal. Hotels near Ekkamai Skytrain station.

With fares ranging from 15 Baht (around 45 US cents), to a maximum of 40 Baht (USD1.20), the Skytrain is a very inexpensive and efficient way to travel around Bangkok. All stations in the network are clearly signposted in English and there are also announcements inside the carriages in English.

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The Temples of Bangkok

With so many beautiful temples in Bangkok it’s easy to get blasé about them – “oh look, it’s another temple!” Don’t let this happen to you as it would be a shame to miss out on some of Bangkok’s best temples. By choosing a few of the best you can make sure you don’t get ‘templed out’; hopefully this brief guide to Bangkok’s top three temples will help.

Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew, which in English means the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is definitely one temple you should not miss. This is considered to be the most sacred Buddhist temple in the whole of Thailand and is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. Construction of this stunning temple began in 1785 when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok and wanted a personal place of worship.

As the English name for this temple suggests, Wat Phra Kaew is home to the Emerald Buddha which is housed within the central ‘ubosoth’, but all around the temple buildings there are magnificent and intricate carvings and statues to see. The model of Angkor Wat is particularly impressive.

Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn

Wat Arun can be seen from quite some distance away as the most striking feature of this temple is its tall tower. The central ‘prang’ (Khmer-style tower) rises up to a height of 85 meters (279 feet) and is complemented by four smaller prangs. The seashells and porcelain that decorate the prangs are what give Wat Arun the name ‘Temple of the Dawn’ as at dawn the first light reflects off these, giving a beautiful pearly iridescence. Some would argue then that dawn is the best time to visit this Bangkok temple!

Wat Pho – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Situated behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the grounds of the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok and is of course home to the Reclining Buddha, plus over 1,000 Buddha images. The Reclining Buddha itself is a massive 46 meters long by 15 meters high and is decorated with gold plating and mother of pearl.

Have you visited any, or all of these temples? What are some other “wats” that you would recommend for visitors to Bangkok?

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This is part three in a series of planned events and festivals in various parts of Thailand in 2011. The previous installments were:

• Phuket 2011: Events and Festivals
• Chiang Mai 2011: Events and festivals

Koh Samui events in 2011

The wonderfully sunny island of Koh Samui, well known as one of the true melting pots of Thailand, is home to Muslim, Buddhist, Chinese and tribal populations, and 2011 promises to another diverse calendar of events.

No-one in Koh Samui in April will want to miss the joyous festivities of the Thai New Year, Songkran. At this time of year Thai’s can really let loose, and many towns and cities degenerate into a fun-filled water fight, one that most visitors can’t help but take part in.

One of the most famous festivals to take place on Koh Samui is the Buffalo Fighting Festivals, which often coincide with Songkran. The Buffalo are wonderfully adorned with golden leaves and bright ribbons, before being sprayed with holy water by monks. These fights are not as furious as you might think; the bulls strut, lock horns and shove, until eventually one gives way. Much money changes hands on the outcome of these exciting and visceral contests.

Don’t forget the other New Year celebration in Thailand – the Chinese New Year. With a strong Thai-Chinese presence on the island, the 3 February 2011 is sure to be a big party on Koh Samui. This time around it is the Year of the Rabbit that will be leaping into life. Red flags and bunting will adorn many streets, and firecrackers will signal the start of the New Year.

On a more serene note, the Sawadee regatta is held on Koh Samui from May 30th to June 4th. It is based at Chaweng Beach, on the east coast. Most of the yachts will anchor in the bay at the event head quarters on Centara Grand Beach Resort as there are not yet any marinas on Koh Samui. As the final regatta in the Asian Grand Prix series, it is a significant factor in the eight races in five countries event. It has a large spectator presence and consequently a reputation for glamorous and sensational parties and celebrations. This event is in its tenth year and so promises a thrilling festive atmosphere to mark the occasion.

At the end of August, usually the last week, is the annual Fisherman’s Village Festival. This part of Bophut Beach was originally the location of a French quarter on the island, and so the Village has retained a European, almost Mediterranean feel. The Festival is linked to the boutiques and crafts clustered in this delightful area, seeking to bring in visitors to sample local wares, foods and culture.

The island of Koh Samui also offers a perfect location for the November Kraton festival to honor and worship the Goddess of Water. This event, which reaches its climax at night, involves the floating of banana leaf boats down rivers, lakes, streams and sea, all bearing candles, and turning the waters into a flowing liquid of light.

There are also sporting events scattered throughout the calendar to keep the more active entertained. In May look out for the annual bowling event, the Koh Samui Bowling Championship, in July there is the Avis Samui Tennis Open; and for the super-fit, why not try the International Samui Triathlon? Or at the very least be a spectator for this major sporting event.

There are plenty of Ko Samui hotels from which to launch your tropical adventures in 2010.

You might also like:

• Phuket 2011: Events and Festivals
• Chiang Mai 2011: Events and Festivals
• Exploring away from your Koh Samui Hotel

In part two in a series of scheduled festivals and events in 2011. This week we look at the northern capital, Chiang Mai. Part one last week was Events & Festivals in Phuket 2011

Events in Chiang Mai 2011

Tucked up in the northern mountains of Thailand, Chiang Mai is proud of its uniquely northern slant on Thai culture. 2011 promises to be an interesting and varied one, with a wide range of events and festivals to cater for all tastes.

Kicking off the year, in mid January, is the Bor Sang Umbrella festival, where the locals parade with the bright colors of the Sa parasols and fans, throughout the ‘Umbrella Village’, on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Later in the month, in the village of Tawai, is the wood-crafting fair, a celebration with stalls and local craft, including hands-on demonstrations.

Amateur Golf week takes place in Chiang Mai from 23^rd to 29^th January 2011. The schedule for the week takes in the following venues; the Summit Green Valley Club which is designed by Dennis Griffiths, of Thai Country Club in Bangkok fame; the Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club, situated in gently undulating countryside, which has a very good reputation and is an equally challenging course for the amateur and the professional golfer; the Mae Jo Golf Club located in a working fruit orchard in the grounds of an ancient agricultural college; and the Alpine Golf Resort, which is cradled in a valley in between mountain ranges, in the breathtaking San Kampaeng forest – this can be counted as one of the most popular courses in Chiang Mai.

At the beginning of February a delicately scented and vibrantly colored procession takes place on Tha Pae road – to celebrate the Chiang Mai Flower festival. It is at this time of year that the flowers of the region are in full splendor. Mid-February also sees both the wonderful Chinese New Year’s festivities, and also the unique Lanna Wedding on Elephant Back. Many people travel to Chiang Mai to get married at the Elephant Conservation Center for this romantic event with a twist!

Taking place in April 2011 is the Poy Sang Long festival, a three day event where young Shan men are paraded around the streets in preparation for Buddhist monkhood. They are dressed in a princely fashion, like the Lord Buddha, before being taken to the monastery for a period to learn the ways of the monks. The Thai New Year is also in April and this inevitably involves a lot of fun and plenty of water spraying – prepare to be drenched!

With the first full moon in November comes Loi Kratong, also known as Yi Peng, a ritual where banana leaf boats are floated down rivers with candles and incense. This is all part of the worship of the Goddess of Water; the air is also filled with a breath-taking dazzle of lights, as thousands of khom fai sky lanterns sail serenely over the city. This is definitely an event that will be a magical highlight of your visit to Thailand.

The Hilltribe Cultural Festival also takes place throughout November; this is where the distinctive hill tribes of northern Thailand display their crafts and culture, not to mention indulging in much merriment, with their distinctive food, drink and live music.

There are plenty of Chiang Mai hotels from which to base your northern adventures in 2011

You might also like:

• Phuket 2011: Events and Festivals
• Koh Samui 2011: Events and Festivals
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Approaching the end of the year, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of the events in various areas of Thailand in 2011. Every Thursday this month I will present a rundown of events and festivals in different areas of Thailand. This week- Phuket.

Events in Phuket in 2011

The popular and beautiful island of Phuket has as busy, and as exciting, a schedule in 2011 as previous years, with its dynamic mix of Thai cultural events and modern leisure activities.

Starting with that epitome of modern leisure, the cruise yacht, will find a multitude at the Royal Phuket Marina from the 6th to 9th January, for the Phuket International Boat Show, PIMEX 2011. This event has been developed to encourage the growth of the marine industry in South Eastern Asia, and against its typically picturesque Thai backdrop will be demonstrations, exhibitions and dramatic nautical displays.

The Chinese New Year bounces in in style at Phuket on the 3rd February, as the Year of the Rabbit is proclaimed across the Chinese Old Town. Many a house and street will be bedecked in red, and visitors will be weighed under platters of oranges, tokens of happiness of the arrival of the New Year.

There’s more than one New Year to celebrate in Thailand – Songkran Festival, April the 13th to 15th, gives Thai’s the chance to welcome in their New Year – and to get very wet in the process! Songkran is an exuberant time, with much water throwing antics in the streets, as well as live music and stage shows at many hotels and beaches.

Be part of an amazing spectacle and give something back to Thailand’s natural wonders, by attending the Mai Khao Beach Songkran Turtle Release Fair. This is held by the Turtle foundation in celebration of the Thai New Year in April.

Phuket amateur Golf week takes place from 24th – 30th July 2011. The tournament round one tees off on day two at the Loch Palm Golf Club; this palm tree lined course is in a valley of tropical hills and offers the amateur a fair chance of success as long as you can hold your nerve around the vast loch.

Round two is at the island’s oldest course, Phuket Country Club’s Old Course, which is the first championship level course in Phuket. This graceful course cuts its way through limestone and hills and forest, and is a delight to play.

Tournament round three will take place at Blue Canyon Lake golf course, where water is an element in seventeen of the holes; the course comprises of natural jungle contours and wet canyons created by old open cast tin mining; Very much a rewarding course. The final tournament round and prize giving ceremony will be held at the stunning Red Mountain Golf Club.

In October the annual Phuket Vegetarian festival will take place; this is a nine day Chinese event that was allegedly bought to Thailand by a wandering Chinese opera group, who were laid low down by malaria whilst visiting the island. Tradition has it that they were cured by a strictly vegetarian diet. This has since evolved into a colorful event that promotes the cleansing of mind and body, and dramatic displays of fire-walking, piercing and climbing of sword ladders – who said vegetarians were dull!

Find a Phuket hotel from which to base your adventures in 2011.

You might also like:

• Chiang Mai 2011: Events and Festivals
• Koh Samui 2011: Events and Festivals
• 9 Five Star Phuket Resorts in December 2011 for under USD 289.

Koh Samui is a wonderful, beautiful and fantastically sunny island, simply dripping with luxury hotels throughout Koh Samui. But to fully embrace the Thai experience, visitors need to break out from the obvious confines of their hotels, and see what else Koh Samui has to offer them.

Thailand has a very popular martial culture, particularly for the local boxing – and Koh Samui is no exception, with many Thai Boxing stadiums; a great example is the Lamai stadium, in South Lamai, between the Ring Road and Lamai Beach Road. The events held here, include “Lady boxing” which is free. The Chaweng Stadium is the most popular arena on Koh Samui; it runs fights several times a week, with occasional events that include ‘farangs’ (westerners) against Thai men.

Buffalo fighting is another traditional event on the island, this time pitching the mighty horned Buffalo bulls against one another. The contests are not usually dangerous for the bulls participating and instead are more a show of strength. They are decked out in a glory of ribbons, and then blessed by attendant monks. These events are popular with Thai’s, and a lot of money in prizes is on offer for the victors.

For those keen to seek out the natural wonders of the island, there is the mind blowing waterfall at Hin Lad, south of Nathon. It can be ‘discovered’ after a walk through the verdant and cacophonous jungle; close by there is a lagoon that you can swim in.

If you’re willing to travel a little further afield, a trek to the Secret Buddha Garden, also known as the Magic Garden, in the hills of Samui is well worth the effort. This gorgeous tropical garden was recently built, reputedly by one man. Not for the faint hearted, this is a two hour trek from the Lamai temple – it is accessible only via a route that takes you through the jungle, across rivers and through the interior mountains; so you will need a four wheel drive jeep.

In the southeast at Leam Set, there is a butterfly garden where you can wonder at the beauty and trepidation of these glorious creatures, more leaves of shimmering light, be-jewelling the trees, than insects. No trip to Koh Samui is complete without taking in the bizarre wonders at Lamia Beach.

Here you will find Hin Ta and Hin Yai – these are natural rock formations named the ‘grandmother and grandfather rocks’. They are so named after their resemblance to the female and male human genitalia. Think twice if you have imaginative children in your travel party!

An event that is a must when visiting Koh Samui is the Full Moon Party. This is held each month at full moon on Koh Phangan Beach and is popular with as many as ten to thirty thousand revellers. It begins at dusk and goes on at full pelt right through till the early hours; expect to drink, dance and abandon all restraint!

Finally to be recommended on Koh Samui is a visit to the Snake Farm; not for the faint hearted, you will see demonstrations with native snakes, centipedes, scorpions and even cock fighting; another martial Thai tradition!

You might also like:

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• This week’s hotel deals-Phuket & Samui- Feb 16th 2011
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Loy Krathong 2010 hotel packages

The Loy Krathong festival is one of the most popular events on the Thai calendar, and originated historically when Thai people offered thanks to the Goddess of Water by floating their krathongs, or delicately crafted floats – made of lotus leaves, a candle and incense sticks – on the river to wash away all bad luck and misfortune, and make wishes for the future. Loy Krathong is a magical time to visit Thailand.

I have assembled a list of hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai that offer special Loy Krathong packages designed to relax and replenish your soul.

Peninsula Bangkok

The Peninsula 2010 Loy Krathong Package includes two tickets to gala buffet dinner at the River Cafe and Terrace– a great vantage point right on the River of Kings to view the colorful Bangkok skyline – and a stunning firework display over the Chao Phraya River. The evening will also feature classical Thai entertainment and dances, and each guest will receive a krathong to set afloat on the water. A buffet breakfast is also included, as well as an 800 THB Spa gift certificate from the Peninsula Spa ESPA.
THB 14,500 (about USD485). Valid date: November 21, 2010.
Package details (PDF download)

Amari Boulevard Bangkok

The Amari Boulevard’s Loy Krathong package 2010 includes 2 nights upgraded to Deluxe room, breakfast, THB1000 food & drink credit, a floral krathong to float in the pool and one way airport transfer upon departure.

THB 7599 (about USD254). Valid dates: November 20-25, 2010. Package Details It appears the website may be wrong as the woman on the telephone at the reservation center quoted me THB5599, and confirmed it when I questioned it. If so, that’s a great package deal.

Amari Koral Beach Phuket

Package includes 3 nights in a superior room with breakfast included. Round trip airport transfers by car.
THB 18000 (about USD600). Valid dates: November 20-23, 2010. Package details

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

Enchanting Loy Krathong Package. Minimum 3 night stay. Package includes daily breakfast, round trip private limousine airport transfers, a cocktail followed by an outdoor Thai buffet dinner on November 21st on the Colonial Lawn, and floating of your krathong on the lotus pond.
THB 12300 per night (about USD 412 per night). Valid dates: November 19-22, 2010. Package Details

Puripunn- A Baby Grand Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai

The 5 star Puripunn offers a Loy Krathong package that includes private check-in and check-out, daily breakfast, a fruit basket and hand garlands, in-room traditional Thai desserts, free use of the fitness center and a Loi Krathong candlelight dinner with live Lanna music.

THB 17520 for Deluxe room, THB 19920 for Puripunn Deluxe. Valid dates: Package is valid for 3 consecutive nights over Loy Krathong and must include November 21st. Package Details

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Bangkok is a major hub for flights in South East Asia and many tourists may find themselves, by design or otherwise, with transit time on their hands in Bangkok. Rather than looking on it as a “lost” day of your vacation, why not consider it an additional destination and make the most of the opportunity by doing something unique?

There is something exciting about a visit to Bangkok. The tropical hum, the smiling locals, the shopping and the exotic sights all add up to making it a great place for a stopover. From the airport take a local taxi, limo or a cheap bus into the central district.

For getting around, the clean and efficient Skytrain (BTS) is ideal and a day pass is just a few dollars. Use it to head for the Chatuchak weekend market in Chatuchak Park where 9,000 stalls sell anything and everything to the 200,000 daily visitors. From silk and ceramics to herbal remedies and fake designer goods, visitors with nerve can barter for the lowest prices.

In the center of Bangkok, upmarket department stores and air-conditioned malls offer a different shopping experience.

Along the busy streets, the vendors do a roaring trade in local cuisine. Choose a busy stall with a good turnover of fresh food and enjoy tasty satay, fried rice, curries and soups. Once satiated you may want to take a tuk-tuk or guided tour to the main sights. The Grand Palace complex includes 100 buildings, some of which can be toured. The Golden Temple is a fantastic attraction which houses the relics of Lord Buddha, while the Wat Phra Keow Temple of the tiny Emerald Buddha is one of Thailand’s most sacred sites.

Visitors to Bangkok can attend one of the local cultural shows at the Lumphini Stadium. Kick-boxing is very popular, accompanied by loud drums and pipes and elephant shows also offer fun, local entertainment. For the best views of the city, buy an elevator ticket to the top of the Baiyoke Sky Tower and enjoy a drink in the bar whilst enjoying the superb views.

The Chao Phraya River runs through Bangkok and long-tail boat rides are a great way to see the local waterfront houses, the decorated wats and the colourful boats and water taxis along the way. Most boat tours take in the Floating Market where boats gather to offer exotic fruit, fresh vegetables and flowers as well as souvenirs for sale.

Many of the five star hotels in Bangkok have day spas and for those suffering from jet-lag, a session with a masseuse or a relaxing beauty treatment may be the perfect therapy. The Thais are experts at Ayurvedic treatments including massage and holistic treatments to make you leave Bangkok feeling a whole lot better than when you arrived.

If you just want to relax and maybe get some sleep but don’t want to camp out on an airport bench, there are many hotels near Bangkok airport that are cheap and clean, where you can relax either in bed, or by the pool. Many have spa facilities and even provide free airport transfers.

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