Bangkok
Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis which can be overwhelming: the trick is to avoid congested roads by using the ferry boats on the Chao Phraya River, which stop at all the main sites of interest: The Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Temple of Dawn.
Alternatively head off the beaten track on a canal boat cruise to see the Taking Chan Floating Market or catch the Sky Train to other venues in the city such as the National Theatre of Bangkok, the Puppet Theatre or the excellent Jim Thompson’s House, featuring exhibitions of Thai textiles and crafts presented inside six 200 year old tea houses.
Riverfront hotels are the best locations to choose for your accommodation since the ferry boats and excursion boats all pick up and drop off from their landing stages and these have excellent facilities including restaurants, swimming pools and spa programmes. Our favourites are the Mandarin Oriental and the Royal Orchid Sheraton.
