The center of the Country of Smiles is the City of Angels. And ‘center’ perhaps is not strong enough a word as Thailand more or less lives, breathes (although the air certainly is not the cleanest!) and grows through Bangkok. We have many names for the things we love; Bangkok’s full name is exceptionally long: ‘The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated God, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukam’. Thai people normally are content with Krung Thep Maha Nakorn, or even only Krung Thep.
Regional Hub with Heavy Traffic and Exclusivity
Not only is Bangkok the heart of Thailand but also one of the main lungs of Southeast Asia. In many respects, Bangkok is a regional hub — not least when it comes to airline traffic where the new Suvarnabhumi airport (opened in September 2006) is one of the world’s largest. It could probably be debated for (p)ages how many people actually live in Bangkok; we are definitely looking at more than 10 millions but most likely less than 20 millions.
At the end of last century, the traffic-generated problems became nearly unmanageable. However, this century has seen such immense improvements as extended highways, the SkyTrain (BTS) and the Metro (MRT — only one line as yet but planned to be extensively expanded in the next few years).
Another important means of transportation is the vast Chao Praya River, connecting the modern melting pot with the Old City. The Floating Market, one of Bangkok’s best and most popular attractions takes place along the Chao Praya River (although the real, genuine Floating Market actually takes place along the Damnoen Saduak River in the nearby Ratchaburi province). Starting from Saphan Taksin (Taksin Bridge) is one of the most exclusive areas in Bangkok with such high-end hotels as Marriott Riverside, Shangri-La, The Oriental, The Peninsula and Hilton Millennium as well as some spectacular condominium skyscrapers.
World-Class Shopping and Action
So, what is the absolutely best thing about Bangkok? There are really too many to mention all the shortlisted candidates; forced to single out just one, that probably has to be shopping. Siam Paragon, in fact one of Asia’s largest and most luxurious shopping centers comprising some 300,000 square meters, opened in December 2005. Every brand with respect marketing luxury goods has an outlet here. In the same area, called Siam or Pathumwan, are Mah Boon Krong Center (better known as MBK), Erawan, EGV, Gaysorn, Siam Center, Central Chitlom, Central World (former World Trade Center) and Siam Square — which is a whole block of boutiques rather than a traditional shopping center. If further forced to single out one of these centers, apart from the self-recommending Siam Paragon, it would probably be MBK for its amazing number of shops under one roof, more often than not offering good products at impressively attractive prices. Speaking of MBK, the International Food Court on the fifth floor (called… well, The Fifth) is worth a special recommendation. Before leaving the subject of shopping, we simply have to mention Pantip Plaza that is a heaven on earth in five floors for anyone interested in computer-related products. In the category of ‘big shopping for small money’, the unique Chatuchak weekend market simply has to be mentioned.
It is in the area of action, such as shopping, that Bangkok truly excels. It is questionable whether one can actually find a more sprawling nightlife — anywhere in the world. Nightclubs, discotheques, bars, pubs, live shows — dance music, cabaret, a go-go, boxing, wild animals… You name it, be assured you can find it in Bangkok! And there is action available for everyone in Bangkok. As always, however, sine areas are not aimed at exactly everyone — such as Pat Pong at Siom, Nana Entertainment Plaza at Sukhumvit Soi 4, and Soi Cowboy at Sukhumvit Soi 33, where single men are more likely to find themselves at home than others. Young people normally gather around around the backpacking Khao San Road that has become utterly trendy in recent years, attracting a lot of different action. The main business districts of Bangkok are centered in the Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn areas.
Bangkok Attractions — a Must-Do Shortlist
When it comes to attractions of various kinds, again Bangkok is one of the better places to be. Given the huge quantity of good ones, we confine ourselves to a five-item Must-Do Shortlist here:
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — the palace itself is a revelation, decorated with large amounts of real gold, something that is equally true for the 75-centimeter Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew), the most sacred of all things in Thailand.
2. Wat Pho — this biggest and oldest of all Bangkok temples hosts the 46-meter long and 15-meter high Reclining Buddha, decorated with gold plating.
3. Floating Market — preferably the genuine version along the Damnoen Saduak River, where loads of vendors market their fruits, vegetables and flowers by boat.
4. Chatuchak — at this incomparably large weekend market it almost would not be an exaggeration to claim you can find everything here, from trucks to safety pins. Should you like shopping, this is not to be missed!
5. Safari World — simply a huge zoo with all conceivable species of exotic animals, not only walking around but also performing spectacular shows. This place is the perfect day trip for families with children.
Since Bangkok is almost like a universe in itself, we urge everyone with the least interest in this metropolis to visit our comprehensive, dedicated Bangkok portal at www.Bangkoki.com. 
