With its intense humidity, hedonistic nightclubs and hurly-burly taxiing of tuk-tuks, Bangkok is an exhilarating attack on the senses. Sukhomvit's malls and gleaming skyscrapers are just a veneer of modernity for a city firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist beliefs and traditions. Watch saffron-robed monks on their morning alms rounds, clouds of incense rising above the Grand Palace's golden spires, and long-tail boats gliding along the Chao Phraya River at dusk to discover Bangkok's underlying sense of calm and the spirit of old Siam.
Things to Do
Open-air massage and fresh coconut juice between temples keeps you cool and calm when sightseeing in Bangkok. Arrive early and dress modestly to seek out the dazzlingly intricate Grand Palace's sacred Emerald Buddha and neighboring Wat Pho's 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha. Families send colorful dragon kites soaring at the nearby Sanam Luang square, while locals practice morning tai chi in lake-dotted Lumpini Park. Take a long-tail boat along the Chao Phraya