Today's Bangkok is a city in constant motion. It still teems with temples and traffic, but there seems to be a new glitzy shopping mall opening every few months and countless restaurants.
Sightseeing in Bangkok
Main sights worth seeing are as they were years and even decades ago. Among these are the over-the-top Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the always-busy Erawan Shrine. Bangkok cherishes its history but also enjoys shopping in long-established locales such as the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market, and some of the smaller markets such as Pak Khlong Talaat, heaven if flowers are of interest, or the makeshift markets in Chinatown.
Each of these stops offers a sense of the city – not to mention the country – that simply does not exist anywhere else in the world. When the day is done, cruise along the river at night past the illuminated Grand Palace and dare yourself not to be amazed.
Shopping in Bangkok
A more modern take on shopping is in evidence everywhere these days. In and around Siam Square, itself a magnet for teenage fashion, are mammoth malls like Siam Paragon, Central World, Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Centre. If that's not enough there's also Gaysorn Plaza, Central Chidlom and Emporium nearby. Call it a love of air-conditioning in a tropical climate, yet this trend also underscores another reason for visiting: the Thai flair for design. Local designs of clothing, furniture, knick-knacks and spa products are on display everywhere so you'll never be short of a souvenir or a gift.
Eating in Bangkok
OF course, you cannot think of Bangkok without broaching the subject of food. It's everything. Not just Thai food – though all its variations and combinations are well represented across the city – but almost every other regional cuisine as well. Particularly popular are Italian, Japanese and other cuisine from Southeast Asia. There's also every from of Middle Eastern, European and most likely some types of food you've never tried before.
Getting around in Bangkok
Overall, the city has become much more diverse, taking on an international flavor while simultaneously retaining its rich heritage. Bangkok has become easier to navigate in large part due to the ultra-modern Skytrain and the subway system, both instances where the Thai capital has taken on modern sensibilities. One thing that hasn't changed is that smiling faces are as easy as ever to come across.
