Bangkok

Thailand’s capital is a fascinating hodgepodge of modern and traditional with its stunning temples, monks walking around the city, crazy nightlife, numerous shopping districts, and international firms. Despite it’s financial crisis back in the late 90’s, Bangkok is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Getting Around

Tourists can primarily roam Bangkok via three modes of transportations — the BTS Skytrain, tuk-tuks or tricycles, and taxis. Eversince the BTS Skytrain was built, the Thai people commuting hassles were reduced to 80 percent. It practically connects one major destination to another. If you want to experience getting around the traditional Thai way, though, you can ride one of them tuk-tuks which can take you anywhere in the city. Taxis are an option for people going out at night or after a whole day of shopping but not during the rush hour. Traffic can be hell and the meter can hike up way high.

Things to Do

Visitors will never run out of things to do whether you’re looking for urban daytime adventures, an intriguingly wild nightlife, temples and various historical sites, or shopping. Tourists can fill up one day by hopping from one temple to another. But if you’d like to allot only a short time for this, then the Grand Palace is definitely the place to visit. Once inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world of kings, gods, and devils, of once-upon-a-times.

At night, Patpong offers the wildest (and sometimes quite offensive for women) shows in town. The Royal City Court, on the other hand, is currently the hottest spot in the clubbing scene.

And for all the shopaholics out there, Chatuchak is definitely the perfect shopping haven! With over 900 stalls, one day is not enough to go through even half of what this weekend market has to offer. Before you begin to shop though, better make sure that you’re fully equipped with haggling skills. Prices can be reduced to as low as 20 percent depending if you’re good.

Where to Stay

Many Caucasians prefer to stay in Khao San Road where there is alley full of clothing racks and laid-back bars where one can just plop down and guzzle some beer after a day of touring or shopping. This is also the perfect area if you plan to visit all the tourist spots. It is also very practical to stay in the business district wherein one station of the BTS is located. This will help you go from one place to another without as much as breaking a sweat.