Vertigo at Banyan Tree is an open-air bar and restaurant located 61 floors above the bustling streets of Bangkok. Indulge in some of the world’s finest champagne, exotic cocktails, wine-by-the-glass or non-alcoholic beverages in the bar area, or go all the way for a memorable dinner of seafood.

Stylish, sophisticated, romantic, the magical atmosphere makes for a memorable evening, weather permitting. A telescope is available for star-gazing, and on most nights there is live jazz too. Due to its popularity, reservations are required for the restaurant.

If Bangkok is a city where East greets West, then Khao San Road is the scene of their collision. With travellers from every corner of the modern world, sleek clubs playing sophisticated sounds, eclectic market stalls, converted VW cocktail bars, and foods tamed to suit the Western palate, this area is extremely popular with the backpacker crowd who use Bangkok as a hub to explore all of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Read more

Soi Cowboy was named after the cowboy hat-wearing African-American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s. This adult-themed district has a more laid-back, carnival-like feel to it than Patpong or Nana Plaza. Flashing neon lights up a colourful streetscape comprised mainly of middle-aged expats, Japanese and western tourists. Read more

One of the most scenic areas, the Chao Phraya riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night: water-taxis and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples and luxury hotels. The areas from Wat Arun to Phra Sumeru Fortress are home to some of the oldest settlements in Bangkok, particularly Bangkok Noi and its charming ambience of stilt houses flanking the complex waterways.

The floating markets of Bangkok are must-visits on any visit to the Thai capital. Among the few is Amphawa, one of the most popular floating market near Bangkok. It may not be as large as Damnoen Saduak, but it’s more authentic. It’s become such a magnet for Thai weekenders that food stalls have grown from the riverbanks and stretched far into the surrounding streets.

The main draw is, of course, eating seafood grilled precariously on wooden boats moored around the famous central bridge, serving an appetising array of huge prawns, shellfish and squid. The smell is simply irresistible and customers flock to each side of the river from noon until late in the evening.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is the centrepiece of Bangkok’s own Champs D’Elysee. This impressive 2-storey white marble palace sits at the end of Dusit’s long, wide Royal Plaza, a leafy ceremonial boulevard that’s often the focus of regal pomp and ceremony during royal celebrations.

Ordered by King Rama V in 1907 and finished in the reign of King Rama VI, the neo-classical Renaissance architecture of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – particularly its central dome – dominate the scene just as Italian architects Mario Tamango and Annibale Rigotti intended.

Soi Rambuttri is Khao San’s more attractive, well-behaved brother. This street gives you a taste of how Bangkok used to look before all the skyscrapers arrived. Leafy banyan trees shade the pavements and the vibe sways more towards local than backpacker despite a number of them now choosing to stay here rather than on the infamous Khao San Road.

Soi Rambuttri has a great mix of guesthouses, restaurants, bars and street food stalls. Most of the shops are similar to those you find anywhere in the area selling the usual T-shirts, DVDs and other tourist trinkets. You can explore the entire horseshoe-shaped road on foot within 30 minutes.

Cooking classes in Bangkok are great for budding cooks interested in Thai culinary arts. Learn directly from professional Thai cooks who’ll teach you about the flavours, ingredients and techniques in cooking. At the end of your class, you’ll get an apron and certificate to take home with you.

Most cooking classes include a market visit, so you can see where the ingredients come from. Others will combine some classroom learning with time in the kitchen, putting your new knowledge to good use. Whichever Bangkok cooking class you choose, your friends and family will be happy to test your new skills once you return home.

Lumpini Park, after the birthplace of the Lord Buddha in Nepal, is one of the largest parks in downtown Bangkok. It’s as big as 93 football fields, housing numerous benches, walking paths, and picnic spots as well as various flora and fauna.

Lumpini Park appeals to just about everyone – you’ll often find the elderly practising tai chi and couples lounging by the lakeside, along with 9-to-5 workers relaxing on benches or exercising in the evenings. This green space is often populated by families, especially on weekends.

Bangkok museums are among the city’s finest cultural venues, where you can admire centuries-old artefacts of historical significance, Buddhist relics, and modern art pieces. Some are housed in buildings just as interesting as their contents. Bangkok’s many museums exhibit some of the most sublime and strangest collections of relics you can imagine, giving you a wonderful insight into Thailand’s colourful culture and unique heritage.

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is a large aquarium that is 3 storeys underneath the glitzy Siam Paragon shopping mall. It’s an aquatic wonderland the size of 3 Olympic swimming pools – the underground aquarium is one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

The aquarium will dazzle you with innovative world-class exhibits and over 30,000 curious-looking creatures from various depths and aquatic regions across the globe. To get there, take Exit 5 from the Siam BTS Skytrain Station, which provides direct access to Siam Paragon.

You can find Bangkok temples spread throughout the city. The 3 most famous ones are Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. Once you’ve seen them all, there are still many other temples worth visiting.

Fortunately, many of the most famous temples in Bangkok are located near the Grand Palace, excellent for a day of fun exploration. With any temple visit, remember to not only to bring your camera but also to wear appropriate temple attire: long pants and clothing that covers your shoulders and proper shoes (no flip-flops).

Calypso Cabaret in Bangkok is an entertaining show that takes place every night at Asiatique: The Riverfront. Thailand’s katoeys (ladyboys) are some of the most beautiful (and convincing) transvestites in the world, mostly accepted and embraced by a highly tolerant Thai society.

The ladyboy cabaret show takes place within Warehouse 3, near Asiatique’s town square. Decorated with rainbow neon lights, the auditorium can accommodate up to 350 people per show. Tickets come with a free drink and it’s possible to purchase a dinner and show package.

Assumption Cathedral is Bangkok’s principal Roman Catholic cathedral and the main church of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, which dates back to 1662. Located in Bang Rak, the church was built between 1910 and 1918 to replace an earlier church on the same spot and was repaired after sustaining severe damage during World War II. Pope John Paul II visited the church during his trip in 1984. To get to the church, you can either take a taxi or embark on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Oriental Pier (N1).

14 forts were built during the reign of King Rama I to protect the borders of the Old City, but most have disappeared over the years. Only Phra Sumen Fort and Mahakhan Fort have managed to remain in Bangkok.

This pale white concrete fort with battlements is nestled in the quiet Suan Santichaiparkran Park, which straddles the banks of the Chao Phraya River. You can get there by taxi or the Chao Phraya Express Boat (disembark at Phra Athit Pier).

Bangkok markets offer unique shopping experiences compared to the air-conditioned megamalls of the city. You’ll explore mazes with alleys after alleys of shops selling everything from one-off fashion accessories to knock-off and kitschy items. There are also markets dedicated to farm-fresh flowers and agricultural products like Pak Klong Talad, the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok.

In all, they offer excellent bargains as well as a glimpse into the local life. For foodies, it’s a great opportunity to sample dishes you won’t find in most restaurants. Must-visit markets in Bangkok include the Chatuchak Weekend Market, while the Patpong, Khlong Thom and Saphan Phut markets offer exciting shopping experiences after dark.

Thonburi is the old Bangkok capital situated on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River. Having stayed an independent province until it was merged into Bangkok in 1972, Thonburi has avoided much of the modern development seen elsewhere. Its manmade network of khlongs (canals), including Khlong Mon and Khlong Bangkok Noi, retains much of its ramshackle charm.

The Snake Farm was set up to produce antivenom serums for snakebite victims nationwide, but it’s also an attraction in Bangkok. It’s the place to see poisonous snakes that range from cobras, Malayan pit vipers and king cobras to banded kraits and Russell’s vipers.

All snakes are ‘milked’ (their venom extracted) and there’s lots of information and close-up encounters with these slithery animals. You can also watch a live show about the history and function of the snake farm. You can find it at the corner of Henry Dunant and Rama IV Roads, on the grounds of Chulalongkorn University.

Bangkok has a collection of beautiful parks where you can briefly escape from the big city’s skyscrapers, malls and traffic. Parks in Bangkok provide its residents with fresh air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas.

Some offer picturesque views of the downtown Bangkok skyline, with swathes of green and expansive lakes and with dedicated bicycle and jogging tracks. Most Bangkok parks come with additional sports facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pools and football fields. Bangkok’s most popular parks are usually close to a BTS Skytrain or MRT station, making them convenient spots for relaxation during your holiday.

At 304 metres tall, Baiyoke Tower II is one of Bangkok’s (and Thailand’s) tallest buildings. The 88-storey building has a public observatory deck on the 77th floor, while the top floor is an open-air, 360-degree revolving roof deck (an admission applies). Both venues offer a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling Thai capital. Baiyoke Sky Hotel covers from the 22nd to the 74th floor.

Taking in the Bangkok skyline from your hotel window is one thing, but watching it from the 84th-floor outdoor revolving deck is another experience entirely. Up at the top, the excitement, open space and the sense that you’re on top of one of Thailand’s tallest buildings make all the difference.

A rejuvenating spa treatment in one of Bangkok’s luxurious spas or a famous traditional Thai massage can be the antidote after a long day of walking, shopping and sightseeing. Despite being a thriving and bustling metropolis, Bangkok is also a haven for relaxation, rejuvenation and regeneration.

There are several ways you can enjoy a massage in Bangkok. Soothing treatments range from an aromatherapy and oil massage to facial massages that will make your skin glow radiantly.

Siam Niramit is a spectacular show in Bangkok. With its rich history that reads like an epic novel, Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing Asian nations, replete with over 700 years of captivating culture, customs and traditions. But just how Thailand’s spawning seven centuries are brilliantly captured into a 90-minute production, Siam Niramit has the answer.

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was used as a summer dwelling by the Siamese royalty and their consorts. It is about 60 km north of Bangkok and within easy reach of Ayutthaya. Also called Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the complex comprises several iconic buildings all around a large park. Renting an electric cart is a good way to go around, especially on hot days.

Coming all the way from Bangkok just for the palace might not be worth the trip, but it is a great stop on the way to Ayutthaya. Proper attire is required similar to visiting the Grand Palace, meaning no short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and shorts.

Bangkok has a host of unusual sights that are simply must-sees which also offer you a good break from the shopping malls, skyscrapers and hotels. Some are the result of centuries-old Buddhist culture being pushed into the 21st century – take the so-called ‘David Beckham Temple’ (Wat Pariwat) as an example. The back corner of its main altar has a Garuda that’s been replaced by the English football legend!

There are museums inside massive, pure copper statues or those that present a dedicated collection of morbid exhibits of human body parts. Some of Bangkok’s buildings are designed with outright quirky architecture – like the one in Chatuchak that resembles an elephant, or the one in Sathorn shaped like a robot!

Bangkok Butterfly Garden & Insectarium is where you can take the family for a day out admiring nature’s artistry in Chatuchak. You enter the huge and lofty enclosure of the conservatory with rockeries, shady ferns, wildflowers and a cooling waterfall – all the elements that make up the insects’ natural habitat.

Unfortunately, only a few species of beautiful winged creatures hide within the dome. So, if you’re quiet and still, you may be able to lure 1 out of hiding. Combine your visit with a tour of Queen Sirikit Gardens, which lies between here and the Children’s Discovery Museum.

Circled by perpetual swarms of traffic, the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is a large western-style symbol of Thailand’s adoption of democracy and liberty. Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram commissioned it to commemorate the June 1932 military coup that led to the country’s first democratic constitution in place of absolute rule.

Flight Experience Bangkok is a flight simulator that’s great for anyone wanting to know how it feels like flying a jumbo jet. It’s an extra-special gift for everyone, from young children who dream of being pilots to those who have a passion for planes. According to research, it can even help alleviate the fear of flying. Flight Experience Bangkok feels so realistic that its cockpit has even been used in local films and TV shows.

The Holy Rosary Church was originally built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in 1768, following a land grant by King Rama I. The Portuguese Catholic church that you can see near the Bangkok riverside today is the result of rebuilding work between 1891 and 1898.

This restoration lent it its neo-gothic style, showcasing an impressive statue of the Virgin Mary, towering central spire, marigold facade, curving gilded stucco ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows, depicting stories from the Old and New Testament. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Si Phraya Pier.

Papaya Studio is like no other vintage shop you may have seen before. Trying to list the amazing objects, items, figures, toys, household objects and furniture tightly packed next to each other would be impossible, but you can’t help but notice the pinball machines, Vespas, and full-sized comic book characters. It’s so bizarre that some of the genuine vintage items on display aren’t even for sale. Go there if you’re a vintage lover and dive into a world of fantasy and fun memories… it’s like a free museum!

Built in 1909 during King Rama V’s reign as a temporary royal residence, Phyathai Palace comprises 5 buildings all constructed in a combination of neo-gothic and Romanesque styles. The interiors showcase a rococo influence, complete with beautiful ceiling frescos, gilded Corinthian columns, and elaborately carved fretworks.

Guided tours are often available on Saturdays at 9.30am and 1.30pm. Otherwise, you are usually free to walk around the palace grounds.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman. It was built by Tamil immigrants in the 1860s, featuring a riotous blend of rich colours and ornate decoration that makes for rather unexpected sight in Silom. It’s a great site for a little taste of Indian architecture right in the heart of Bangkok.

The tall central structure is plastered full of detailed, entwining Hindu deities. The shrines inside the temple are dedicated to both Shiva’s consort and the elephant-headed Ganesha, with others paying homage to Vishnu and Krishna.

Bangkok art galleries offer glimpses into the Thai capital’s vibrant contemporary art scene. Most of the city’s small private or commercial galleries promote Thai and regional artists. Through a day of gallery-hopping, you’ll discover that the city’s art galleries and museums are pretty much scattered all over town.

Several large art complexes in the city centre offer an all-integrated art experience. Those like the Queen’s Gallery promote the works of both established and up-and-coming Thai artists. The Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC) offers a wide range of contemporary art, design, music, theatre and film. Bangkok National Gallery displays work by Thai artists from the 17th century onwards, as well as permanent exhibitions of works by King Rama VI and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Sanam Chandra Palace is set in a beautiful park full of giant trees and perfectly manicured lawns winding around ponds and lakes. In the middle of this garden stands a very unlikely building: a yellow castle worthy of a Cinderella fairytale.

Located 50 km west of Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom was built in 1907 in the small town of Nakhon Pathom. It’s well-known for housing the world’s tallest stupa called Phra Pathom Chedi. Despite being located only 1 km from it, this unusual royal palace sees very few local visitors.

Santa Cruz Church is a Roman Catholic church in Thonburi that offers an impressive sight with its imposing neoclassical architecture. The Portuguese have allied with Thailand since 1516 when they began supplying the country with arms and ammunitions to help ward off the Burmese aggression at the time.

After the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767, and with it the Catholic church there, King Taksin granted permission for them to build another one in the new capital Thonburi, a gift in recognition of their vital services. The church and the surrounding area are a good starting point for discovering the traces of Portugal in the Thai capital.

Flow House Bangkok has an artificial wave machine as its centrepiece. It provides a great way for the whole family to have fun, keep fit and cool off – all while learning a new sport. Flowriding is basically an amalgamation of surfing and wakeboarding on an inflatable ramp, which has a thin sheet of water pumped up and over it to simulate a perpetual breaking wave.

Experienced boarders of any variety will soon pick it up and enjoy practising flicks and grabs, while children can jump straight into it – literally – with a bodyboard. Staff are on hand to guide you with a rope at first, and continually offer you advice, correct your posture, and generally give encouragement.

Suan Pakkad Palace is a place to find visions of Thailand you thought long since vanished in Bangkok. Its name means ‘cabbage patch’, referring to times when the land was nothing more than just that. Today, however, it’s a well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds surrounding 8 traditional Thai houses, each of which brims with fine arts, antiques and oddities belonging to Prince and Princess Chumbhot.

You’ll come across a variety of impressive shrines on your stroll around Bangkok. Some are unique and quirky – others are hidden among the skyscrapers while a few are laid out in bare sight. There’s even a shrine that’s famous for lovelorn singles! Shrines are places of worship honouring sacred religious icons who’d grant you love, happiness, good fortune, success, luck or even fertility.

An easy one to get to is Erawan Shrine, which attracts more visitors than many of the city’s temples. A very interesting shrine requiring a little more effort to find is the Tubtim Shrine dedicated to a fertility goddess. It’s adorned with literally hundreds of phalluses – from small wooden carvings to big stone sculptures standing 10 feet tall and decorated with ribbons!

Christ Church Bangkok is an Anglican church that continues to be a popular place of worship among Bangkok expatriates. After an influx of protestant missionaries between the early and mid-19th century, King Rama IV granted land for a church to be built to serve them in Charoenkrung Road.

It wasn’t long until the English Church (as it was then known due to its mainly English congregation) was overstretched. In 1904, King Rama V granted permission for a bigger and more centrally located church to be built. As an attraction on its own, the clean-white simple Gothic church is a sight to behold.

The monument of King Rama I, otherwise known as King Puttayodfa, is a double lifesize monument to the Thai royal that was built to mark the city’s 150th anniversary in 1932. It was built along with the Puttayodfa Memorial Bridge next to which it sits.

The monument was designed by HRH Prince Naris, and architect Silpa Bhirasri sculpted it in bronze. Born on March 20, 1736, King Rama I was the first king in the Chakri Dynasty which continues to this day. He ascended to the throne on April 6, 1782, and died 27 years later.

Wangderm Palace, also called Phra Racha Wang Derm, was built to mark the establishment of the new capital in Thonburi. After liberating Siam from the Burmese in 1767, a general and provincial governor named Taksin was crowned King. He built this palace on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River near Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn).

The Thonburi palace occupies a site once of great strategic importance, behind the Wichayen Fort and other fortifications that guarded access to the Kingdom’s port. Visits are by appointment and limited to only 2 groups of 5 or more.

Although mainly a popular sojourn for those looking to pick up Thai silk, antiques, jewellery, carpets and art, OP Place is also something of a destination in itself. Built in 1908 and constructed in an elegant neo-classical style, this impressive white-stone shopping centre, originally known as the Falck & Beidek Store, exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of old Bangkok.

Victory Monument in Bangkok marks a brief and relatively bloodless war that led to Thailand regaining disputed land on its borders with Indochina. It was built to commemorate the country’s victory over French colonialists in Indochina. If you travel by Skytrain to Mo Chit (en route to Chatuchak Weekend Market), you’ll catch the best view possible of this large military monument.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, also known as Wat Leng Noei Yi, is a temple that’s nestled in the heart of Chinatown. The temple is the hub of activities during festivals like Chinese New Year. It’s often referred to as one of Bangkok’s most important and largest Chinese-Buddhist temples.

The temple contains spectacular Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian shrines and dates back to 1872 when it was called Wat Leng Nui Yee. King Rama V then changed its name to Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (which means Dragon Lotus Temple).

Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is a Sikh temple in Pahurat, on the edge of Chinatown. This area is the heart of Bangkok’s small but lively Sikh community. The white, 6-storey temple is topped with a golden dome. It was built in 1932 and is the second largest of its kind outside India.

You’ll find the congregation hall on the 4th floor, and an international school on the 5th floor of Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Temple. The top floor is the main prayer area, with a copy of Sikhism’s holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, interned on a flower-filled altar.

Zanook Wake Park is one of Bangkok’s busiest wakeboarding lake, with the fun addition of a floating, inflatable playground in the centre of the lake. Whether this is your first time trying to wakeboard or you are an experienced rider, Zanook Bangkok is where you can strap on a board and carve up the water close to the city centre. It’s close to the Bang Wa BTS Skytrain Station on the Silom Line.

Cycling in Bangkok takes you pedalling off the well-beaten tourist track and beyond. It also offers you an immediate connection to your surroundings, something you won’t experience with other modes of transport. Head out of the city on 2 wheels and you’ll quickly discover places of hidden interest and unsung beauty like lush fruit orchards, quaint country villages, and ancient temples.

Take a Saturday night tour around the historic heart of Bangkok – Rattanakosin Island, Wat Pho, Wat Suthat and Khao San Road, or a Sunday morning cycle tour along the Thonburi khlongs (canals) to discover a different side of Thai life. Some tours involve taking a ferry and/or a train to the starting point.

Bangkok golf courses offer great value for money with many excellent golf clubs offering a high level of service and very competitive prices. Golf tours and holidays have grown rapidly across Thailand, particularly in Bangkok where there are scores of great golf courses and clubs within easy reach of the city centre. Most of them have been renovated and developed to world-class standards.

While golfing in Bangkok, you can enjoy a great round while experiencing the beauty of manicured links and fairways. Many golfers in Bangkok prefer setting off in the early mornings to avoid Thailand’s intense midday sun – the cool breeze through the palms and the orange sun hanging low adds up to a memorable experience.

Ice-skating rinks in Bangkok help you beat the heat of the city and stage your holiday on the ice. They can be an ideal way to spend time with your family, as ice-skating offers plenty of fun for both kids and parents. Remember to wear something warm and comfortable, such as long, thick socks, jeans, and gloves to help cushion you against unexpected falls.

Many Bangkok ice rinks are within the city’s famous shopping malls, so you can easily enjoy some shopping and dining after some rounds. One rink is even Olympic-sized. If you’re a bit wobbly on skates, sign up for a lesson. If you can glide on the ice like a pro, you’re in for great winter-style fun in the hot Thai capital!

The Bangkok Science Museum and Planetarium is an interactive museum and planetarium in Sukhumvit. Also known as the National Science Center for Education, it’s designed to educate the youth and general public about science and astronomy. There are interesting activities, exhibits, models, multimedia presentations and real objects.

The museum occupies 4 main buildings – the Planetarium, the Natural Science building, the Science Museum and the Aquatic Life building. The semi-dome planetarium (the oldest in Thailand) is probably its most popular permanent fixture.

Although Muay Thai seems like a violent sport, learning it properly can be a fun and worthwhile experience. One of the best places to go (if you want a comprehensive learning experience) is Muay Thai Institute in Rangsit, just 12 km northeast of Don Mueang International Airport. Even so, there are many Muay Thai gyms in central Bangkok if you just want to enjoy a few rounds of Thai kickboxing with an experienced coach.

Bowling in Bangkok can be a great time for family fun. It’s a good way to stay active and light-hearted and can be a great way to spend a rainy day or evening out. Cinemas, bowling alleys, and karaoke usually go hand-in-hand in most Bangkok malls, so teens can hang out in a fun environment while their parents enjoy some shopping.

You can enjoy go-karting in Bangkok at EasyKart Bangkok at Royal City Avenue (RCA). It’s an exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed by everyone and in any weather. You can find a range of karts catering to different age groups and levels of experience.

For those with a competitive spirit, lap times are recorded electronically and displayed on an overhead screen, and a print out of your lap times are also given to racers afterwards. EasyKart Bangkok even has a viewing deck above the long straight for cheering on your friends or family.

Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm is home to over 60,000 crocodiles, making it one of the largest in the world. You can take your family for a visit to this farm that’s around 30 km from central Bangkok and be thrilled by exciting crocodile shows and demonstrations. This old-school Thai attraction also has other wild animals, including tigers and bears.