Bangkok is a city of extremes where ancient traditions hold sway and contemporary consumerism runs rampant. To be sure, these bi-polar opposites are beguiling. For all the chaos and traffic swarms, it’s still a city full of pockets of serenity, tons of tremendous temples, razzle-dazzle nightlife, and chances to shop until your bank balance drops a few digits. There are reasons why the capital keeps winning T+L Readers’ Choice Awards as the world’s favorite city for tourism. One of them is value for money. Another is the range of accommodations, from five-star opulence to boutique chic, while another big drawing card is that the city is a movable feast, with food stalls, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and exorbitant eateries, all serving up a taste bud-temping selection of one of the world’s greatest cuisines, Thai, and a full spectrum of international dishes.
The City of Angels’ envious reputation as a regional hub of hospitality is not for nothing. Expect to be greeted by large luxury hotels, chic boutique chains, and, not to mention cheap youth hostels and guesthouses for the evergreen backpacker crowd.
One of the world’s greatest foodie cities, Bangkok’s culinary landscape is stuffed with wild and pleasant surprises. Whether it’s spicy Thai cuisine from buzzing street stalls and food courts in mall, or intercontinental restaurants to drool for, you will never be starved for choice.
Sometimes Bangkok can seem like the biggest and most labyrinthine bazaar on the planet with loads of mega-malls, street stalls, boats laden with goods at floating markets, and bustling markets full of fresh produce.
Bangkok’s high-octane nightlife is a globe-spanning legend. From VIPs-only clubs to high-tech discos, karaoke, pool bars, hostess clubs, and live music venues to a plethora of English and Irish pubs, plus sports bars, whatever your preference, no matter your poison, you will find it and a whole lot more.
As the fountainhead of the spa scene in Southeast Asia, Thailand has an enormous number of refuges for relaxation. Bangkok is no exception. Many are located in upscale hotels with prices to match but there’s a sprinkling of day spas and little massage parlors all over the city in case you need a Thai or foot massage after tramping the streets on a sightseeing binge under a broiling sun.
