Bangkok holidays

Primarily residential, Din Daeng is dotted with shopping opportunities and, on its eastern fringes, incorporates part of the Ratchada entertainment zone. Here, theme bars rub shoulders with cabaret nightclubs, massage parlors, and restaurants under the spell of a neon light show that rivals those of Las Vegas. Nearby is Fortune Town, with more than 1,000 outlets, which includes a technology section.

“Downtown” refers to a cluster of swanky entertainment and shopping complexes radiating out from Siam Square in the Puthumwan district. The square features everything from designer boutiques, to cafés, banks, and bookshops, and is across from other shopping centers such as Siam Discovery, Siam Center, and Paragon. Jim Thompson’s Thai House Museum is a must-see. The skytrain provides convenient access to all.

Relatively modern, Dusit is an administrative center, and home to royal palaces and the Dusit Zoo. The 81-room Vimanmek Palace is perhaps the area’s top attraction, boasting the oldest golden teakwood mansion in the world and a huge collection of European antiques. Rise early for a visit to the Wat Benchamabophit, a Carrara marble temple where locals bring gifts of food to resident monks.

Unsurprisingly, the Old City, or Ko Rattanakosin, is packed with treasures and history. High on any sightseeing list should be the striking Grand Palace, which incorporates Thailand’s most sacred site, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (don’t forget to dress modestly and cover feet). Also recommended are the National Museum and Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), which is 150 feet (46 meters) long and set on 20 acres.

Hugging the Chao Phraya River, Silom, and Sathorn are home to the full gamut of industries. Considered part of the central business district, the area is also home to the city’s most renowned entertainment and red light area, Patpong. Other distractions include the shopping complexes of Robinson, Central, Silom, and Makro. Expect constant traffic congestion.

Here, moderate to plus hotels are complemented by a nightlife scene that thrives along one of the major commercial arteries of Bangkok. The mix is further enhanced by street stalls, international restaurants, antique shops, traditional stores, and large shopping complexes such as Sukhumvit Plaza, Times Square, Robinsons, and the up-market Emporium. The skytrain offers speedy access along the thoroughfare.

One of the oldest districts in Bangkok, Yaowarat operates as an authentic, living/working Chinatown. Offering a high concentration of gold and pawn shops, the main thoroughfare of Yaowarat Road is also the place to tempt the palate with a variety of Chinese delicacies. Sampeng Lane is renowned for textiles, and the Thieves Market is antique heaven.