A trip to Bangkok is an eclectic mix of stepping back in time 200 years ago while exploring the alleys of Chinatown, feeling like you're in Venice when venturing along the myriad of intertwining canals that connect the city, having a spiritual experience when visiting the many magnificent ancient and modern Bhuddist temples and palaces all over the city, seeing the poverty of slum housing along the rivers and rail lines that seem to have a life of their own, and of course the amazing setting of the most modern high rises and bright luxury malls that sprawl across the huge Bangkok city as far as the eye can see, housing well over 11 million people.
Bangkok has something for everyone, whatever your taste in a vacation, you can be assured Bangkok has it, aside from beaches, however only a 2 hour drive and you'll hit the Gulf Of Thailand with it's many beach towns and cities to enjoy that as well.
The famous Thai streetfood can be experienced from literally every street corner in any part of the city, and the huge markets for budget hunters are also in every part of this great city. However if you're into your luxury goods, some of the most modern malls in the world are located in the city centre. And for those that are into the night life, Bangkok also caters for you with some of the most vibrant red light areas in the world.
I haven't listed specific destinations or attractions, because on each visit to this city, I discover a new area, a new place, a new site that simply amazes me and makes me fall in love with the city even more. And the best part of it all, the transport system is amazing with many different rail options, river options, or bus options that can take you anywhere in the city. Or if you're up for an adrenalin rush, take a moto taxi as it weaves through bumper to bumper traffic on a thrilling ride of your life.
For new travelers, my only tips I could give is plan your trip to Bangkok based on the amount of time you intend to stay, of course there's all the more internationally famous points of call such as the Sukhumvit area, Khaosan Road, the Grand Palace, Chinatown, Makhasan Skywalk, etc, however if you have the time, I would break your exploration of the city into sections where you can allow yourself the time to experience an actual section of the city in full, and if you can do it on foot even better, as the real beauty of Bangkok is exploring the city on foot, and if you feel tired, there's always a mode of transport that will take you where you want to go on your doorstep. If you're here for a week, choose 5 different section of the city to explore over 5 days, leaving 2 days to do whatever you like, and you will also fall in love with the city.
