Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital and gateway to Thailand, spreads along both banks of the Chao Phraya river. At the heart of the old city stands the Grand Palace, founded in 1782 and home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Nearby is Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha, and across the river rises Wat Arun.

Bangkok is a serious shopping city: ICONSIAM on the river, Siam Paragon in the Siam district, and the Chatuchak weekend market with its thousands of stalls. About two hours away by car are the floating markets, the best known at Damnoen Saduak.

The city has a long-established Muslim community, historic mosques such as Ton Son, which dates from the Ayutthaya period, and many halal restaurants in districts such as Charoen Krung and Ramkhamhaeng. Ayutthaya, the old royal capital and a World Heritage Site, is an easy day trip.

We suggest two or three nights in Bangkok, ideally in a hotel on the river: travelling by boat avoids the traffic and gives the best views of the city at sunset.