Wat Pho is famous for its huge Reclining Buddha and is the oldest temple in Bangkok. It dates from the sixteenth century, but was completely rebuilt in 1781. It is also the largest temple in the city. The Reclining Buddha is on a pedestal and is 46 metres long and 15 metres high, the largest Reclining Buddha in Thailand. He is covered in gold leaf and features mother-of-pearl inlaid soles to his feet. One can approach this Buddha closely, in fact so closely that taking his photograph is difficult because of his size. Wat Pho is also the centre for Thai traditional massage. One can obtain a massage here (about 200 baht for an hour) or learn massage techniques. Admission to the temple costs Bt20.

From Khao San Road, Wat Pho is within walking distance. From Sukhumvit Road, take bus no. 25 or 48, or air-conditioned no. 8. From Hualampong Station, take bus no. 1, 25 or 53.

Wat Benjamabophit is often known as the Marble Temple. This beautiful piece of architecture is near Wiman Mek Palace. It is a relatively modern building constructed a century ago in white Carrana marble under the direction of King Chulalongkorn. Admission costs Bt20.

The following buses pass close by: 9, 12, 18, 28, 56, 70, 72, 108 and 110, and air-conditioned buses 3, 9, 10 and 16. From Khao San Road take a 9, 12, 56 or 70. From Sukhumvit Road, take no. 2, or air-conditioned no. 11, and alight immediately after crossing the railway tracks, from where it is about 20 minutes walk. If that is too far, continue to the Democracy Monument and change to a 9, 12, 56 or 70. From Hualampong Station, take a no. 53 to its terminus, from where it is about 10 minutes walk.

Wat Saket is also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount. During the time of King Rama III, a chedi (pagoda) which was being built collapsed due to the soft nature of the earth. The pile of rubble was left for many years, but then King Rama IV ordered the construction of a small chedi on top. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) enlarged the chedi and then the base was concreted this century. Now one can climb the steep steps to the top and obtain a good view of the city. One can climb to the top free, but to go inside one is invited to make a contribution of Bt10. In November there is a candle-lit procession up the steps.

From Khao San Road, again this is easy walking distance. From Sukhumvit Road, bus no. 2, or air-conditioned no. 11. From Hualampong Station, bus no. 35 (walk across the canal to catch it).

Known as the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun is an impressive temple to view from a distance. It is on the ‘wrong’ side of the river, i.e. the Thonburi side, and is a seventeenth century temple named after Aruna, the Indian God of the Dawn. King Taksin made it a royal temple when Thonburi was the capital of the country, because it was the first temple to catch the rays of the rising sun. The Emerald Buddha was housed here at one time. The main Khmer-style prang (steeple) is 104 metres high and the terraces at its base can be climbed by means of steep steps. It is covered with porcelain previously used as ballast by ships visiting from China. Admission costs Bt20.

Buses no. 19, 40, 56, 57, 83 and 149 pass near by. From Khao San Road, take bus no. 56, or take an express boat from Phra Arthit pier to Tha Tien (or walk there) and then a ferry across the river to the temple. From Sukhumvit Road, take a bus no. 40 to near the temple, or bus no. 25 or air-conditioned no. 8 to Tha Tien (which is the terminus for those two buses) and then a ferry. From Hualampong Station, take a bus no. 40 to near the temple, or bus no. 25 or 53 to Tha Tien and then a ferry.

Wat Suthat is just a short walk south of the Democracy Monument and is known for the Giant Swing outside. The swing was formerly used in a harvest festival competition when people would swing from it and try to reach a bag of coins on a pole, but now only the frame sits outside the temple. Inside the temple, there is a fourteenth century Buddha statue.

From Khao San Road, once more this is walking distance. From Sukhumvit Road, bus no. 2, or air-conditioned no. 8 or 11. From Hualampong Station, bus no. 35 (walk across the canal to catch it) to its terminus.

Wat Traimit is the relatively small temple, near Hualampong Station and just on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the Golden Buddha. But for an accident, it might never have become famous. In 1952, a plaster Buddha was being moved to the temple by crane when the rope slipped and the statue was dropped. The plaster broke and a metal statue underneath was revealed. When the plaster was peeled off, a beautifully formed solid gold Buddha was found inside. It appears to date from the fourteenth century and weighs over five tons. It was probably concealed in the plaster to prevent the Burmese from stealing it during one of their invasions. The glow of the solid gold is unforgettable. Admission costs Bt20.

From Khao San Road, take bus no. 35 to its terminus, then walk to the front bus in the line and take no. 35 again to Hualampong Station. From Sukhumvit Road, take a bus no. 25 or 40 or air-conditioned no. 1.

Opposite Wat Saket is Wat Ratchanatdaram, built in 1846. It features unusual Burmese-influenced architecture consisting of a central spire 36 metres high with 37 surrounding lesser spires. It is also well known for its market of Buddhist amulets.

Buses 2, 5, 35, 39, 44, 56, 59, 60, 70, 79 and 201, and air-conditioned 3, 9, 11, 12 and 44 pass right outside and many others go near by.

Just round the corner from Khao San Road, Wat Bowon Niwet's claim to fame is that many of the royal family enter the monastery for a while to serve as monks. The present King did so, for example. Although the temple was not founded until 1829, it houses an impressive Buddha statue dating from 1357. It also operates a Buddhist university (Mahamakut University), one of the two in Bangkok (Wat Mahathat houses the other). Because of the temple's proximity to Khao San Road, no doubt, there is also an English language Buddhist bookshop across the street, and a Thai herbal medicine clinic.

Bus 56 and air-conditioned 11 go right past the gate, but any of those listed above for Wat Ratchanatdaram pass close.

Just to the west of Sanam Luang, Wat Mahathat is an eighteenth century temple which features a fruit and vegetable market at weekends, a religious market of amulets just outside the grounds every day, and an impressive collection of pigeons. It also houses a Buddhist university (Mahathat Rajavidyalaya University) and offers Buddhist meditation instruction in English once per month, on the second Saturday.

Buses 2, 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 39, 42, 43, 44, 47, 51, 53, 56, 59, 60, 64, 69, 70, 79, 80, 90, 91, 103, 201 and 203, and air-conditioned 3, 7, 9 and 11, but from Khao San Road it is easy walking distance.

This temple is near Wat Pho and was constructed in 1869 by King Chulalongkorn. It offers some elaborate and unusual architecture, with European influence, a trait of that monarch. Especially notable is the mother-of-pearl decoration around the windows and doors.

Buses 1, 25 and 48 and air-conditioned 1, 7 and 8. Many others pass near by.

Just across the canal from Wat Ratchabophit, this temple was established by King Rama IV and is known for its murals depicting the annual ceremonies performed by the monarch.

Buses 1, 25 and 48 and air-conditioned 1, 7 and 8. Many others pass near by.

This is a mid nineteenth century temple on the Thonburi side of the river. It was built by King Rama III. It contains a particularly large Buddha statue and some fine murals. Outside is the biggest bronze bell in Thailand and an old Chinese stone pagoda.

Buses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 21, 25, 37, 52, 60, 73, 82 and 85, and air-conditioned 1, 6, 7, 8 and 12 to Pak Klong Talad Pier and then a ferry across the river to the temple. Alternatively, an express boat to Rajini and then ferry across the river.

This is another temple in the vicinity of Khao San Road. It is famous for its huge standing Buddha, 32 metres tall.

Buses 3, 6, 10, 12, 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 43, 49, 53, 64 and 90, and air-conditioned 6.

Maha Uma Devi is a Hindu temple, built in Silom Road, where many of the Tamil Indian population are concentrated, in the 1860s. As usual with such temples, it has an elaborately carved façade, featuring hundreds of Hindu gods.

Buses 15, 16, 17, 76, 77 and 115, and air-conditioned 2, 4 and 5, or Sky Train to Surasak (S5).

Just to the west (river side) of Sanam Luang, the National Museum is only a short walk from Khao San Road on Na Phra That Road. There are English language tours at 9:30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays (no extra charge) and in French on Wednesdays, Japanese on Wednesdays and German on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays; open from 9 – 4 on other days. Admission costs Bt40. (02 224 1370).

Very many bus routes pass nearby, for example: 2, 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 39, 42, 43, 44, 47, 51, 53, 56, 59, 60, 64, 69, 70, 79, 80, 90, 91, 103, 201 and 203, and air-conditioned 3, 7, 9 and 11.

This is just opposite the National Museum on Chao Fah Road and displays classical and contemporary Thai art, including paintings by the King. The gallery is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and National Holidays. Admission costs Bt30. (02 281 2224)

Very many bus routes pass nearby, for example: 2, 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 39, 42, 43, 44, 47, 51, 53, 56, 59, 60, 64, 69, 70, 79, 80, 90, 91, 103, 201 and 203, and air-conditioned 3, 7, 9 and 11.

The royal barges are used on ceremonial occasions and otherwise stored in a museum on the Thonburi side of the river not far from the National Museum at the mouth of the Bangkok Noi Canal. They are remarkable old style vessels up to fifty metres in length. The largest requires fifty oarsmen, seven parasol bearers, two helmsmen, two navigators, a flagman, a rhythm-beater and a chanter. Admission costs Bt30 an is open daily from 9 – 5.

Buses 19 and 91 pass by the Royal Barge Museum. It is also possible to take a ferry or express boat to Thonburi Railway Station (Rot Fai), and then walk along beside the railway until reaching a bridge over the canal on your right. The museum is just across the canal. (02 424 0004)

Jim Thompson was a famous American who came to Thailand after the war and revived the silk trade. Even more famous is his disappearance in mysterious circumstances in 1967 in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, where no trace of him has ever been found. He built a traditional Thai house on the bank of a canal in Bangkok and that house is now a museum showing his collection of Asian antiques and handicrafts. Jim Thompson’s House is in Soi Kaseman 2, off Rama I Road, which is the western extension of Sukhumvit Road. Admission costs Bt100 and open daily.

From Khao San Road, take bus no. 15 or 47 to the National Stadium. From Sukhumvit Road, take bus no. 48, or air-conditioned no. 8. Alternatively, Sky Train to National Stadium (W1). From Hualampong Station, bus no. 73. No. 25, 29, 34, 40 and 113 also go very near. Alight at Siam Square. (02 216 7368)

Just to the west of Suan Chatuchak, mentioned above, is this train museum displaying steam engines and model and miniature trains. The area adjoins the yards of the State Railways of Thailand and can be seen from the train on the right as one departs from Bang Sue station, fifteen minutes after leaving Bangkok (Hualampong). The museum is open only between 5am and noon on Sundays.

Buses 3, 8, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 59, 63, 69, 77, 92, 96, 104, 107, 112, 122, 129, 134, 136, 138 and 145, and air-conditioned 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, 157 and 159, or Sky Train to Morchit .

A large collection of Buddha images displayed in this well laid out museum. It is located on Soi 40 Pattanakarn Road and open from 10am until 5.30 pm every day except Monday.

These are next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) at 128 Sukhumvit Road. They are closed on Mondays and National Holidays and the planetarium has its last showing on other days at 2.30. Admission costs Bt30 for the museum and Bt30 for the planetarium.

Buses 2, 25, 38, 40, 48 and 72, and air-conditioned 1, 8, 11 and 13, or Sky Train to Ekkamai (02 392 1773).

A well organised museum with lots of hands on things to do. Located at Soi Khlong 5 Rangsit and open every day except Monday from 9.30 until 5pm. Admission is 50 baht. (02 577 9999)

A hi tec museum that has something for all ages. Located at Techno Thani, Thanon Rangsit – Nakhonnayok, North East. Closed on Mondays and open from 9am – 5.30pm for the rest of the week.

Dolls from all over the world, but especially from Bangkok. The address of this collection is Soi Ratchataphan, Soi Mor Leng, off Ratcha Prarop Road, so, as can be imagined, it is not so easy to locate. Closed on Sundays and National Holidays. Admission free.

These buses run along Ratcha Prarop Road, from where the House of Dolls is a 10 minute walk: 14, 38, 62, 74, 77 and 204, and air-conditioned 4 and 13.

A museum devoted to cameras and photography. Open Monday to Friday 10.30 – 3.30 and with an admission of 100 Baht. It is located at Department of Photographic and Printing technology, Faculty of Sciences, Chulalongkorn University. (02 218 5583).

The site is a collection of a Thai teak houses collected from around Thailand all linked together in a small garden. It is open at weekends and on holidays from 10 – 5 and has an admission charge of 50 baht. Located at 19 Soi Phra Phinit, South Sathin Road. (02 286 8185)

A museum that displays the effects and information related to King Rama V11. The king was instrumental in reforms in the early part of the 20 th Century and these are described. The museum is open form 9 – 4 from Tuesday until Sunday including national holidays with an admission of 40 baht. It is located at 2 Lam Luang Road in the Pomprap District (02 280 3414).

A typical Lanna house over 150 years old. It is owned by the Siam Society who use it as a museum that is open from 9 – 5 Tuesday – Saturday. It is located at the Siam Society No 131 Sukhumvit 21 Road, North Khlong Toei. (02 661 6471)

A museum that shows the history of the working people of Thailand over the years. Open every day except Mondays from 10 – 4, with free admission. Located on Makkasan Road, Ratchathewi District. (02 251 3173)

A new museum about silk and located on the First Floor of the S.V. City Building on Rama 111 road. Open Monday – Saturday from 10 – 7.

A museum that educates about stones and minerals. Located at 1054 Charoen Krung 26, New Road, Bang Rak and open daily from 10 – 5.30 with an admission of 50 baht. (02 236 5655)

This is a collection of exhibits that centre on the role of Elephants in Thai life. It is located at U-thong Nai Road in the Dusit District and open every day from 9 – 4. The entry is 5 baht. (02 282 3336)

Bangkok has a variety of specialist museums and these are listed below. It is suggested you call them first as many require advance notice and not generally open unless a request is made. Some will only open for special pre arranged groups.

There is a shrine just opposite the southern (Grand Palace) end of Sanam Luang enclosing the wooden city pillar erected by King Rama I in 1782, when Bangkok became the capital of the country. King Chulalongkorn later added five more deities to the shrine. The spirit of the pillar is the guardian of the city, so many people come here to pray and it is usually crowded. This shrine has its own special atmosphere and is worth a visit, especially as it is so near to Khao San Road and to many of Bangkok’s other major attractions. Sometimes classical Thai dance performances can be witnessed here.

Buses 2, 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 39, 42, 43, 44, 47, 51, 53, 56, 59, 60, 64, 69, 70, 79, 80, 90, 91, 103, 201 and 203, and air-conditioned 3, 7, 9 and 11. From Khao San Road it is easy walking distance.

This was a shrine connected with the Erawan Hotel, now demolished and replaced with the Grand Hyatt Erawan. (Erawan is Brahma’s thirty-three-headed elephant.) It is famous for bringing good luck, so if you stand around for a while you will usually see some ceremony taking place, often classical Thai dancing to petition or thank the Gods for their mercy. The Erawan Shrine is on the corner of Ploenchit Road, which is an extension westwards of Sukhumvit Road.

Buses 2, 13, 14, 15, 17, 25, 40, 45, 48, 54, 73, 74, 77, 119 and 204, and air-conditioned 1, 4, 5, 8, 11 and 13, or Sky Train to Chitlom.

In the centre of Ratchdamnern Klang Avenue is Democracy Monument built in 1932 by Silpa Bhirasi to commemorate the first constitution. Seventy five cannon balls are buried at the base of the monument to represent the Thai year of construction (2475).

Located between Wiman Mek and the National Assembly on one side and the King’s Chitralada Palace on the other, this is quite an old zoo, with a good range of animals and birds. Admission costs Bt30.

Buses 5, 18, 28, 70 and 108, and air-conditioned 10 and 16.

The Snake Farm is part of the Red Cross facilities on Rama IV Road. Snakes are milked of their venom in order to produce anti-snake serum. Milking demonstrations are held at 10:30 every day and at 2pm on weekdays. At weekends, the Snake Farm opens only in the morning. Admission costs Bt70.

Buses 4, 16, 21, 46, 109, 119 and 141, and air-conditioned 2 and 7.

A contrast to the rest of Bangkok and a place to enjoy cool sitting areas and relax. A well presented natural habitat for zebras, giraffes and other African and Asian animals. Shows are organised during the day with the dolphin show being the highlight. Safari World is 25km east of Bangkok and a cab charter to reach Safari World would cost about 1000 Baht. The entrance fee is 700 Baht for adults and 450 Baht for children.

Want to see 60,000 crocodiles, then this is the place to do it. For entertainment there is a acrobatic elephant show and crocodile wrestling event. Located in Samut Prakan about 30 km south east of Bangkok. A cab charter would cost about 1200 baht. The entrance fee is 300 Baht.

Built in 1992 to commemorate the 60 th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirkit features some contemporary sculpture. Located on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 24 an open daily from 5am to 8pm.

A popular park at the weekends and has the Hall of Railway Heritage in its grounds. It is next to the Chatuchak weekend market.

This is a pleasant park, very popular with Thais, especially in the early mornings and at the weekend, situated on Rama IV Road and near Chulalongkorn University. It is named after the birthplace of Buddha, on the border of India and Nepal. The park contains a lake and wooded areas and, at the entrance on Rama IV, a statue of King Rama VI . There are food stalls within the park, and even fresh snake blood available, if you happen to fancy it!

Buses 4, 13, 14, 15, 17, 22, 45, 46, 47, 50, 62, 67, 74, 76, 77, 106, 109, 115, 116, 119, 141 and 149, and air-conditioned 2, 4, 5 and 7, or Sky Train to Ratchadamri (S1) or Sala Daeng (S2).

Built to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of His Majesty the King in 1987 covers an extensive 200 acres. Admission is free and is opoen every day from 6am – 8pm. Located at Sukhumvit 103 Road, Nong Born, and Prawes District.

This park was built to preserve the where the childhood home of the H.R.H The Princess Mother. There are a collection of buildings and a public park and is free to enter between 6 and 6 and museum from 9 – 4 every day. Located at Somdet Chao Phraya 3 Soi Khlong San District.

The river passes through the centre of Bangkok has played an important part in history. Today it remains busy with barges, ferries and cruise boats. Lining the river are the large international hotels, apartment blocks, temples, international offices and small dwellings. Express boats run a taxi service up and down the river from 6am – 6pm and a good trip is on the public express boats from the Oriental Hotel to Nonthaburi which will take about one hour.

On the opposite side of the river from the city is Thonburi which still has the canals in place. The best way to travel around the canals is to hire a long tailed boat, made famous by James Bond. These boats cost about 400 baht/hour. They travel fast and can manouvre around the many ninety degree bends in the canal system. There is a floating market in the early morning but it is better to visit the one at Damnoen Saduak.

At night time there are a number of cruise boats and popular to combined dinner with a cruise. They can be booked at the jetty by the River City.

Bangkok shopping has everything and lots of bargains can be found. As a major producer of clothing fashion boutiques are everywhere along with bargains. Custom tailoring is also possible. Thai silks are famous along Thai cotton and batik. Bangkok is a good place to buy coloured gems such as sapphires and rubies but only buy from authorised shops. Antiques, ceramics, pewter ware can all be found. Furniture, orchids and just about everything else can be found somewhere in Bangkok.

Shops extend all over Bangkok but important areas are Silom Road, Sukhumvit Road and Rama 1 Roads. The markets are great fun. Fixed prices are displayed in all the main shops and bargaining is a must in the markets. The Central and Robinson’s Department stores are spread around the city.

Do not use any touts or let anyone offer to help you shop. There are many scams in operation and commission is paid to touts.

Many shops sell antiques and many are fake. Buddha images cannot be exported. Antiques may require permission from the Department of Fine Arts (02 221 7811).

Thailand is a major manufacturer of all sorts of drafts and endless shops display an enormous range of craft items made for a full range of materials.

Fashion shops are all over the city. In the plazas they are genuine and in the markets they are often fake copies. Small tailors will make up a suit or other fashion items in as little as 24 hours.

Thailand mines sapphires, rubies, garnets, zircons and turquoise and imports all their other gemstones seen in shops. Make sure you are not conned into buying fake gemstones and if you have suspicions that you might have been cheated contact the Tourist Police. Be very careful when buying jewellery and remember there are no official jewellery shops in Bangkok. The best jewellery shops should provide a full refund with 90 days if you are not happy with your purchase.

Thai silk is found in numerous shops. If not sure whether it is silk take a thread and ask for it to be burnt and the smell will be similar to singed hair.

Fake goods are found all over the city and in all the markets. Many of a very high quality and large numbers are sold.

Set amongst the Pratnum market a good place for clothe bargains. Located near the Indra Regent Hotel on Petchuburi Road.

A huge computer mall that sells everything to do with computers at great prices and lots of software and DVDs. Located near the Pratunam market on Petchaburi Road.

A modern plaza on Ploenchit Road near the Erwan Shrine.

Located on Rajdamri Road and mainly selling imported name products.

The place for quality antiques. Located at 23 Trok Rongnamakaeng next to the river.

A huge mall with ice skating rink on the roof. Located on Ratchadamri Road.

Bangkok Markets are a popular visitor attraction. You should bargain in all markets. Be fair if you say a low price just to keep the seller happy and they say yes the deal has been struck and you should honour your price. Of course the best bargains can be had when you are not all that bothered if you buy.

A wholesale clothing market on Krung Kasem Road open from early morning.

Located at the Memorial Bridge in China Town has clothing and lots of other goods. It starts about 7pm and closes at 2am.

Next to the Indra Hotel, on Ratchaprarop Road, the place to buy bargain clothes amongst the tight alley ways.

Sometimes called the Indian Market but located in Chinatown on Sampeng Lane and a good collection of goods from all over Asia.

This area near the Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit) is open land during the week, but a vast market at the weekend. The prime commodity is clothing, but almost everything is sold there, and it is well worth a visit. It opens from about 8am every Saturday and Sunday and closes around 5pm.

A night bazaar selling many bargain goods. Located at Lumphini Park.

Located at the centre of the sex show areas on Soi Patpong 1 is a popular market in the evenings for fake goods and cheap clothing.

A specialist market for watches in China town.

A market that sells used electronic goods and located near the Royal Hotel.

Thais love kids and if you bring children to Bangkok you can be sure that people will wish to talk to the kids, and be very friendly. Being a busy crowded city with limited open spaces and crowded pavements also makes it difficult. Moving with a pram is impossible and if you have infants, bring a back carrying infant device. Some of the best attractio