One Bangkok

The “Land of Smiles” is a place everyone must visit at least once, and it’s not short of things to experience, as Bridget discovers

Ihave had the pleasure of passing through Bangkok on a number of occasions. It’s a popular stopover en route to South-east Asia and Australia, or else the perfect rest retreat after a long-haul flight on the way to explore Thailand’s many enthralling attractions, such as remote hill tribe villages and jungle treks in the north, or its beautiful beaches on idyllic islands like Phuket.

My most recent visits were in November – one night in Bangkok on the way to a guided, tailor-made tour from Chiang Rai to Kui Buri National Park with Audley Travel (audleytravel.com or call 01993 838115) and one more night in Bangkok before flying home to a dark and wintry UK.

Ironically, Thailand’s “winter” from November to February is a good time to visit as the days are generally dry and the weather still “cool” – although still a balmy 20-30C. The annual monsoon runs from June to October, when there tend to be brief daily downpours and the humidity is hot and steamy.

Whenever you visit Bangkok, it’s bound to be vibrant and just a little bit crazy. Thailand’s captivating capital is home to over eight million people, so traffic, noise and pollution are always an assault on the senses.

The Metro and Skytrain monorail help to beat the jams, especially if you’re travelling from the airport to the city or vice versa. Yet you should really try the hair-raising experience of cramming yourself in the back of one of the many colourful tuk tuks at least once.

So what is a perfect day in Bangkok? If you’re not on a tight budget, I’d recommend booking yourself into one of the many luxury hotels along the Chao Phraya River. Yet, if you’re on a budget, you’ll find plenty of backpacking hostels on the manic Khao San Road.

I recommend The Siam Hotel (the siamhotel.com), an amazing oasis of calm on the riverbanks, yet close to the city’s many attractions. The spacious suites are larger than my first Dundee flat and the Opium Spa is simply heavenly, while the stylish, five-star hotel houses an eclectic collection of arts and antiques. Enjoy an earlymorning swim in the pool watching life on the river float by, then breakfast on the terrace – banana waffles are scrummy with some exotic fruit.

Five million visitors flock every year to Thailand’s number one tourist attraction – the Grand Palace – and you can catch The Siam’s own river boat there, or else one of the many longtail ferries plying up and down.

This fairytale city that inspired The King and I is awe-inspiring; the glittering, ornate temples and statues simply breathtaking.

Wat Phra Kaeo (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is within the walls of the Grand Palace and home to Thailand’s most venerated religious object – a 26-inch Buddha carved from

Whenever you visit Bangkok, it’s bound to be vibrant and just a little bit crazy

jade which sits on a gilded throne 34 feet high. Visitors must cover their knees and heels before entering, so don’t forget to wear a long skirt or trousers.

At night, we enjoyed the bright lights from temple spires to skyscrapers on board a river cruise, stopping off at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s trendy rooftop bar Avani for a cocktail or two. The bustling night markets are open all hours and are fun to browse, while grazing from street stalls, enjoying the enticing aromas and flavours of coconut milk, lemongrass, chili and hot basil or sitting down with a chilled Singha beer.

There’s a very good reason why Thailand is called the “Land of Smiles” and you’re sure to be won over by the warm and friendly welcome.

One night in Bangkok may not be enough – but will undoubtedly leave you longing to return for more.