Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis, divided into five key districts – Thonburi, which offers a glimpse of traditional Thai canal-side life, Old City which boasts the breathtaking Wat Pho temple and the famous Grand Palace, Chinatown with its bustling markets, Downtown, Bangkoks main commercial centre and home to Patpong night market, and finally Dusit, where you can find the City Zoo and Vinanmek Mansion. Travelling around Bangkok is incredibly easy thanks to a well-runSkytrain public transport system, an efficient subway network and the Chao Prayariver, with its series of canals brimming with riverboats.
Krabi as a Relaxing Alternate to Bangkok Bangkok is a bustling and very busy city! If you are the type of person that wants privacy and avoids crowds, consider visiting nearby Krabi (400 miles away) instead. Krabi offers incredible beaches, good restaurants, and a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for those vacationers wanting to avoid the crowds. Consider a Krabi villa rental as a peaceful alternate to Bangkok.
Where to Stay Accommodation in Bangkok caters for all budgets and tastes, from the cheap backpacker hostels of the Khao San road to the sumptuous five-star hotels overlooking the river.
What to Do in Bangkok It is difficult to do more than just scratch the surface of Bangkok in 48 hours, but you should be able to fit in at least some of our suggestions below.
Down by the River Take a riverboat tour on the magnificent Chao Praya River. This is one of the most relaxing ways to soak up the sights and sounds and to visit the top tourist attractions in Bangkok. You can even buy a one day pass and really get to see Bangkok from a totally different perspective.
Cultural Itinerary Dont forget to dress appropriately for Thai temple visits, which means no bare legs or shoulders! True culture-vultures must visit the Wat Pho temple, an impressive labyrinth of buildings renowned for its vast, 46 m long, gold-plated reclining Buddha. Wat Pho temple is a stunning example of ancient Thai architecture. Not far from Wat Pho is the Museum of Siam, recommended for tourists interested in Thai history, art and culture. You can also take time out of your busy sightseeing schedule for a refreshing Thai iced tea served in the beautiful gardens. Dedicate a few hours to exploring the Grand Palace, once the official residence of Thai kings, on Na Phra road. It is a huge walled complex of buildings, criss-crossed by narrow alleys that reveal dazzling royal temples, palaces and manicured gardens. Here you can marvel at the breathtaking temple of the Emerald Buddha, which features an intricate image of Buddha, carved lovingly from jade. Another fascinating display of traditional Thai architecture is the Jim Thompson House, next to KhlongSaenSaeb canal. This is an intriguing collection of six Thai houses constructed from teak. These ho mes were originally moved from other parts of Thailand and painstakingly reconstructed in Bangkok by an American silk merchant, Jim Thompson. These incredible buildings, crammed with beautiful antiques and works of art, are surrounded by magnificent gardens.
