The shiny new Suvarnabhumi Airport is a fantastic introduction to Thailand's capital city. Colourful terminals, pieces of traditional Thai art in distinctive red and gold, cutting-edge architecture, excellent restaurants and stores and friendly people, it is a microcosm of Bangkok itself.
In the bustling city outside, Western commercialism and Eastern Buddhist traditions exist side by side. To really take the pulse of the city visitors would need to book cheap flights to Bangkok year after year, but a taster visit would take in the east side of the Chao Phraya where most of the major sights are: Grand Palace, Wat Po and National Museum.
To sample the Bangkok night-life revellers are not restricted to Patpong, the red-light district. The Khao San Road, where backpackers throng, is home to lively bars and clubs, and the central area has world-class clubs and bars. Thai boxing, with its Wai Khru ritual and Ram Muay dance, is the national sport and matches are popular with Thais and visitors alike.
The shopping alone is almost reason enough to visit. Bustling street markets such as Chatuchak and sparkling shopping malls and night markets cater for every whim.
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