by Sylvia Savage

Created on: July 16, 2008   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

Welcome to the country of the Thai Smile. Whether you look for it or not it will shine in every corner of the land. And where to start exploring this diverse terrain? Firstly fall head first into the dynamic atmosphere of Bangkok. You've read about it in books, watched snippets in Bridget Jones's Diary, but now is the time to feel your way round the streets yourself.

There are many places to stay in Bangkok, the most notably best budget accommodation is the D&D Inn on the Khao San Road, but book ahead, this place is popular! Nestled in the centre of the road its name glows bright in the evening, and is camouflaged by day.

Bangkok is a hub of activity. Book yourself for a day's tour going to a tiger temple with bamboo rafting and elephant riding. Or visit the night market in Patpong where you can buy anything from arty photos of city life to a fake Rolex and Thai Silk boxers. Patpong is also the home of very interesting night clubs, where it is common to see girls in underwear, or less, dancing on tables in beach decorated bars accompanied by house music. However if this is not your evening scene, drink a cocktail in a bar on the side of the Khao San Road overlooking the active life on the streets below you. During the day you can also take a wonder to the eye watering Golden Buddha Temple and marvel at its story and weight! Another exciting experience which must be had is the floating river market found at Damnoen Nam Saduak.

Food in Bangkok is never hard to find. Whether you're looking for the local specialties or a taste of home it is always around the corner. One meal that can never be found anywhere else or reinvented in any other style is the "Pad Thai." Found on the Khao San Road on wheelie stalls, it offers several types of noodles with bean sprouts and possibly a scrambled egg. Add Thai sweet chili sauce or soy sauce and enjoy! You can also find small bags of pineapple, mango or papaya sold on these stalls, an ideal healthy breakfast.

However while you're in this country you must not let the Thai Curry pass you by, especially as it is quite differently portrayed in this country. It arrives in a bowl as soup with your preferred meat of chicken or seafood within. Some provide rice with it, but many you have to order as an extra. But you must beware, their curries are hot, and sometimes hiding the odd chopped up chili pepper!

And so now you have been bombarded with culture, humidity and shopping, dip your feet into the warm waters of The Ko Phi Phi's.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>