Bangkok Hotels

It is easy to list the reasons for avoiding Bangkok as a travel destination: the congestion, the pollution and the chaos. And there is no denying those realities. Bangkok's explosive growth over the past 30 years has created a unique set of challenges for the city fathers. But there is a reason that Bangkok has grown and continues to attract thousands of visitors each day. There is an excitement and vibrancy to the chaos, but if you scratch that surface, you will find that this is a city that offers much more to those who are willing to look for it. Your Bangkok hotel will serve as the base for your exploration into this colorful, thriving city. All of the tourist hotels in Bangkok will provide plenty of information on making the most of your visit.

Chinatown may be the most fascinating district in the city: wonderfully chaotic, stuffed with cheap trinkets, choked with traffic and accented with the smells of exotic foods hawked from tiny stands. Here you can buy antiques, foods, jewelry, fabrics, and nearly anything else you can imagine (and a few things you cannot possibly imagine!). Prices are excellent, although a discerning eye is required. Just west of Chinatown stands Pahurat, the cultural melting pot of Bangkok. Be prepared to haggle over a wide variety of Indian goods that are available in this small area. Bargains await those who know the game.

The Grand Palace is still the official residence of the king, although he no longer lives there. The buildings are used, however, for official state business and are therefore not open to the public. You may wander the grounds and enjoy the wonderful landscaping and artwork that adorns the Palace. A more unusual residence of interest is the Jim Thompson house. An American architect who settled in the region after the Second World War and mysteriously disappeared in 1967, Thompson made his fortune in the silk industry. His home is a collection of 6 Thai houses, some of which were imported completely from the rural regions of the country.

The National Museum is Southeast Asia's largest museum and incorporates elements of the history, culture and industry of the region. Free tours are available in English, and are highly recommended. It provides a fascinating study of the culture and history which form the basis for energetic city just outside its doors.