Things to Do in Bangkok

The gleaming gold roofs, intricately carved statues and soaring spires of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace are of a scarcely credible scale and opulence. The Royal Island is also home to the Emerald Buddha, the country’s most important religious relic.

Few areas in the world scream ‘backpacker’ as loudly as Bangkok’s Khao San Road. Scruffy, lively, and full of cheap places to sleep, eat and drink, this is the definitive budget travel mecca.

If Khao San isn’t bustling or sleazy enough for you, make for Patpong. Lined with Go-go clubs and sex shows, Bangkok’s seedy underside is an explosion of lurid bright lights and flashing neon signs that has got to be seen to be believed. Not far away, Silom 4, with its more conventional bars and clubs, can come as a welcome relief!

They may not be the authentic canal markets of old, but a boat ride on the ‘khlongs’ (canals) of Thonburi and the floating markets of Wat Sai and Taling Chan is still an incredible experience

There are plenty of cheap places to eat on the Khao San Road, but picking up a plate of noodles in the crowded food stalls of Chinatown has got to rate as one of the more atmospheric and sensory dining experiences.