Whatever your shopping style or whatever you’re looking for, you’ll most likely find it in Bangkok. You’ll find an endless assortment of cheap knock-off goods, cheap clothing and souvenirs everywhere you walk. Step into one of the marble and glass shopping centers or any of the huge outdoor markets for a better assortment of goods.

          Rama I Road as it runs past Siam Square and Siam Center is the epicenter of upscale shopping emporiums. The Siam SkyTrain station is a transfer point between the two SkyTrain lines and will drop you into the midst of all this shopping. North of this stop is MBK, a maze of indoor shopping outlets catering to the young and trendy on a budget.

          Heading south is Siam Discovery center, then Siam Paragon shopping mall, then the Zen center and finally Central Chitlom. Head down any of the side streets to encounter more shopping malls and street stalls. This is truly the center of retailing in Bangkok.

          For a more local experience, the Chatuchak weekend market is an enormous outdoor market with permanent stalls loosely arranged by type of goods. You can find just about anything here, from gardening supplies and pets to antiques and Buddha images. A large used book store, music shops, beads, handicrafts, clothes, and shoes are just some of the items to be found here.

          Other markets spring up in the evenings throughout the city to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and accommodate workers after hours. The most famous of these is Patpong, with its lurid and lively nightclubs and girlie bars.

          One of the best selections of Thai handicrafts and luxury Thai goods, such as high quality silks, is on the 4th floor of Siam Paragon. Finding good quality souvenirs and goods in Bangkok is time consuming, so if bargain hunting is not your thing, or your time is limited, head here for a relaxed, easy shopping experience.

          You can’t think about Thailand without picturing its exotic temples and palaces with their unique architecture. Bangkok has its share of Buddhist and Chinese temples (wats) to explore.

          Wat Po is perhaps the most visited temple, with its enormous reclining Buddha and the original Thai Massage school. Wat Arun, across the Chao Phraya River from Wat Po, is an ancient temple in a style reminiscent of the Khmer architecture. If you’re not afraid of heights, climb to the upper tier for a fabulous view of the city and the river.

          The Grand Palace is a favorite destination for Thais and foreigners alike, and in the neighborhood of the palace is the National Museum, a sprawling museum with historical depictions of Thailand’s history from prehistoric times to the present. This neighborhood has wide, tree lined streets, a rarity in Bangkok.

          Traditional Thai dancing is performed every day at the Erawan Shrine in central Bangkok. Dances are performed throughout the day, so if you stop by, you won’t have to wait long to watch the action. Several of the larger hotels offer cultural shows as well.

          Who doesn’t think of food when thinking of Thailand? You can’t walk more than a few feet without encountering a few tables set out on the sidewalk, the proprietor serving up homemade noodles to regulars. Rolling restaurants line the streets, offering up every manner of portable food. From fresh fruit smoothies to exotic dried squid and fried insects, the streets hold a culinary adventure all their own.

          The basement food court at Siam Paragon is an excellent place to get a beginner’s introduction to Thai street food, if you’re not the adventurous type. Besides all the gourmet restaurants and groceries, there is a Thai food section with all the popular street foods, labeled with their names and ingredients, and hygienically prepared.

          Bangkok has a fabulous selection of first-class restaurants set high atop highrises or tucked into sheltered nooks along the Chao Phraya River. If there is one thing Thailand knows how to do, it’s prepare and eat great food. International chefs have found a warm welcome here, and every type of ethnic cuisine is available at every price point.

          The nightlife in Bangkok is legendary, perhaps even notorious. Live jazz and music of every sort, discos, nightclubs and the bawdy delights of Patpong and Soi Cowboy draw dedicated devotees from around the world. Sunset cruises on the Chao Phraya River are a more serene way to spend an evening out, and the many bustling night markets are another way to spend the cooler hours after dark.

          You’ll notice right away that Bangkok lacks something most westerners are used to: sidewalks and safe walking conditions. For a safe place to power walk or jog, head for one of the parks in the city. Lumphini Park is the largest, with walking and jogging paths and a children’s playground.

          Children and their parents will love the aquarium below Siam Paragon shopping center. This is one of the largest aquariums in Asia, and is well worth the entrance fee. Huge sharks and rays, a glass bottom boat ride atop the enormous deep-water exhibit, the Amazon Rainforest exhibit, and many exotic tropical fish on display are fascinating and extremely well presented.

          Be sure to take a ride on the Chao Phraya River. The last stop of the Silom SkyTrain line (Saphan Thaksin) is adjacent to the Central Pier, where you can catch one of the river taxis heading upriver or downriver. This is the easiest way to get to many of the top cultural attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Po, and Wat Arun. There are also cross-river ferries for hopping back and forth.

          Golfers will find more than 20 courses in and around Bangkok. Some hotels have golf packages and agreements with members-only courses for their guests.

          Thailand is synonymous with ‘spa’ for many visitors, and with good reason. Thai Massage, developed centuries ago, is a unique experience that combines stretches with muscle manipulation. The effect is a bit like yoga for the lazy, and the result is a relaxed and rejuvenated body and mind.

          Thais are dedicated to foot reflexology and massage. For this reason, you will find massage shops everywhere. No-frills foot massage and head/shoulder/neck massages are cheap and easy to find. More established massage places will offer ‘oil massage’ in private massage rooms. Traditional Thai Massage is performed fully clothed and usually in shared rooms with several massage mats. Loose clothing is usually provided for you to change into for the massage.

          For a transformative experience, try one of the many full-service spas that offer a wide range of body treatments, wraps, facials and massages. These pricier spas try to outdo each other with their exotic offerings and fabulous décor. The very best of Thailand’s culture and beauty is showcased in many of these spas. Asian antiques, lustrous silks, lush greenery, beautiful attendants and exotic scents are the hallmarks of these memorable spas. Book in advance for the most popular spas.