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Discover Bangkok in 5 Days Thailand Free information

Lucky you - five days will allow you to tick off all the sights in your glossy guidebook, do an unholy amount of shopping, take a trip out of town and even find a little time to relax. Bangkok is a nuanced city, and you'll have time to see why, to experience the cultural subtleties that make it such an enjoyable destination. Alternatively, you could just party hard or indulge the many sensory pleasures on offer, from wonderful food to luxurious spas

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There is a lot to see in Bangkok-palaces, temples and museums. One visit is never enough, and once entranced by the magic this city exudes, you keep coming back for more. Bewitching, Bewildering. Beguiling, Bangkok is all that and more, It is a city of many shades, many layers. It is the archetypal modern Asian metropolis, with tradition never far away. Every trip here is one of discovery. No one can claim to have seen Bangkok in its entirety. Try ad you might, aspects of it elude you, there is always something that you missed. Founded in 1782, this sprawling capital straddles the Chao Phraya (the river of Kings) and was at one time redials with klongs (canals). The klongs gave way to tarmac just as the unhurried way of life gave way to modernism-in-a hurry, The city is obviously urbanised, yet, the incredibly urbanised veneer belies the traditionally that lies within The City of Angels is a roller coaster ride of surprises-a high rise building and nestled behind it a temple. You are never far from a temple. The best way to get to know the city is to take a walking tour. Arm yourself with a good map, take the traffic in your stride and discover Bangkok. GRAND PALACE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The Place is large walled complex on the Chao Phraya comprising several buildings that date from the city's founding (in 1782) to the late 19th century. Most striking are the late 18th century Chakri Throne Hall, built at the beginning of the Bangkok Period in traditional Thai style and the Dusit Throne Hall, built in 1882, in a combination of European and Thai styles. Wander around the Grand Palace complex and take in the frescoes from the Ramakien (The Ramayana). Though it is not the residence of the present monarch (who lives a little distance to the northeast in Chirtlada Palace) its significance today lies in its architecture. Within the Grand Palace is the Coin Pavilion which houses exotic coins and other monetary exchange units used in Thailand since the early 11th century and shouldn't be missed. You might be tempted to skip it, but don't. Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the other attraction in the Grand Palace complex. It is the resting place of the Emerald Buddha, the most revered statue in Thailand. Exquisitely carved from a block of jade, the Emerald Buddha is the protector of the kingdom. The palace complex is open every day from 8:30 am to 12 noon and from 1 pm to 3.30 pm. (Admission fee Bht125 also allows you to visit the Vimanmek palace near the Dusit Zoo and the Coin Pavilion.) A word of warning-visitors should be properly dressed: no shorts or sleeveless tops. (Tel: 222-0094, 224-3273). Sanam Luang-a huge public ground, which is the site of special ceremonies, like the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May. Wat Po or the Reclining Buddha. This is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples,  and was built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago. Much of Wat Po's fame derives from its gigantic gold-plated reclining Buddha. This unique image, which rests on its right side, is 46 metres long and five metres high. The soles inlaid with mother-of-pearl detail 108 characteristics of Buddha. The temple has the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and is the centre for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine including Thai massage. You can study massage here in a weeklong couse. Open daily from 8am to 5 pm. Admission: Bht20. (Tel:222-0933) While in the area visit the City Pillar Shrine. Just east of the Grand Palace, this graceful temple-like shrine houses the foundation stone of the city (Lak Muang is believed to have the power of granting wishes. Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn. It is worth the side trip and can be reached by boat from Tha Thien Pier near Wat Po. The temple predates the city's founding and is located on the West Bank of the river, diagonally opposite the Grand Palace. The Temple of the Dawn served as the Royal Chapel when the Thai capital was located on the West Bank of the river. The most mutable structure of the temple is the Khmer style 79-metre-high Phra Prang pagoda studded with the pieces of broken Chinese porcelain. Despite its name, the most beautiful view of the Temple of the Dawn in at dusk from the Bangkok side of the river. Admission: Bht10 (Tel: 465-5640