Thailand Bangkok

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And now with the sleek new Suvarnabhumi Airport (www.bangkokairportonline.com) on the Pattaya highway 30km east of the capital, Bangkok has launched itself firmly into the new millennium. Welcome to Thailand.

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The SkyTrain, or BTS, as it is known, is changing all that. Along its snaking corridors, foreign businessmen and trendy tourists now travel with aplomb and speed, in comfort and airconditioning, high above the madding crowd. Underground, the whisper-smooth comforts, and speed, of the Metro await.

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The exchange rate is roughly, US$1=39 baht. The worst rates are at five-star hotels, the best at bank exchange counters in tourist areas. Service charge is 10 percent and government tax is will apply. Rates listed here are published "rack" rates for comparison purposes. Better rates will be available through travel agents or at the hotel websites with some chains offering a "best rate guarantee" for online bookings.

Amari Boulevard Hotel
- Superior rack rate from US$155, online booking rate $70++ single.

Bel Aire Princess

Dream Hotel Bangkok
- Classic Rooms from US$180++, Deluxe Room from US$210++, Dream SUite from US$295++.

Imperial Queen's Park Hotel
- Retail prices, Deluxe Room from US$109, Executive Room from $168.

JW Marriott Bangkok
- Deluxe King Room from US$180. Executive King Room from $215.

Novotel Lotus Bangkok
Rates from Bt2,000.

Rembrandt Hotel
Superior single from Bt4,500/ US$113, Executive Floor from Bt6,500/ US$163.

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Deluxe from US$250, Executive Suite from $450.

The Davis Bangkok
Superior (42sq m) from Bt6,000, Thai House two bedroom from Bt25,000.

The Landmark Bangkok
Superior from Bt5,600 single, Landmark Club Floor from Bt6,600 single.

Westin Grande Sukhumvit
Deluxe Room Rack rate from US$220.

Conrad Bangkok
Standard double US$240, Executive Floor $285.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Holiday Inn Bangkok
Rates from US$190 for a Standard Room. Executive Room from US$250.

InterContinental Bangkok
Deluxe from US$300, Club InterContinental Room from $350.

Nai Lert Park Bangkok (a Raffles International hotel)
Deluxe Room from US$200++.

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
Superior single from Bt3,600

Pathumwan Princess MBK Centre
Promo rate "City Break" Superior single from US$60++ and ExecuPlus Suite $90++.

Plaza Athenee Bangkok (A Royal Meridien Hotel)
Superior from US$230, Deluxe $270, Club Athenee Room $290.

Arnoma Hotel Bangkok

Baiyoke Sky Hotel
Deluxe single from Bt2,800.

Indra Regent Hotel
Single Bt2,400 (Internet rate).

Siam City Hotel
Superior from US$105.

Banyan Tree Bangkok
Suites from US$300++.

Dusit Thani Bangkok
Standard double from US$190++, Landmark Room from $250++.Evergreen Laurel. Rates from US$140++.

Holiday Inn Silom
Superior Plaza from US$99. Superior Crown from $114.

Manohra Hotel
Superior from Bt2,200, Executive Suite Bt4,000.

Sofitel Silom Bangkok

The Metropolitan Bangkok
City Room from US$240, Studio $260, Executive Suite $400.

The Montien Hotel Bangkok
Standard Twin Bt4,532, double.

The Pan Pacific Bangkok
Superior single from US$235, Pacific Floor $290.

The Sukhothai
Superior double from US$280++, Suite from $350++.

Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
Standard Room from US$105++, Suite from $140++.

Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Deluxe River View standard, from US$115++, room only.

Shangri-La Bangkok
Superior single from US$190, Superior River View from $210. Krungthep Wing Deluxe from $250, Deluxe Suite from $330.

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Superior Room from US$210, Deluxe $230.

The Oriental, Bangkok
River Wing Room/ Superior from US$300, Deluxe $380, Suites from $440.

The Peninsula Bangkok
Rack rates from US$280++. Promo rates from $160++ for a Deluxe Room.

Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel

Reflections
Rates from Bt3,600.

Sofitel Central Plaza Bangkok
"Shopper's Paradise Package", three days/two nights at Bt5,995, weekends with buffet breakfast and Mercedes airport transfer.

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When King Rama I took the throne as the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty in 1781, he moved his capital from Thonburi to the other bank. He then ordered the construction of the Royal Grand Palace as the centre of the new city.

Inside the Royal Grand Palace are the Maha Monthien group of buildings, the Throne Halls, and other palaces and buildings. These have been renovated, refurbished, repaired, extended and added to continually as appropriate to every reign since then.

The Royal Grand Palace is a glittering walled complex that houses several palaces, all highly decorated with tiles and ceramics. Building was begun in 1782 when Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand.

The complex houses Wat Phra Kaeo, the holiest of all Thai temples, where the sacred Emerald Buddha rests, not covered in emeralds but jade. There is even a scale model of Angkor Wat.

There is a strict dress code and visitors wearing shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops will be refused entry, although it is possible to hire trousers and plastic shoes.

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A cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed "Venice of the East". The majestic charm of the Chao Phraya adds perspective to your exploration of the city's premier attractions.

Tourists can book such a tour through travel agents or rent a boat at Tha Chang (Tel: 225-6179, 623-6169), a pier near the Grand Palace, or Tha Si Phraya (Tel: 235-3108) near the River City Shopping Complex.

Rivers and canals referred to maenam and khlong in Thai have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), the capital was laced with canals, so Bangkok was sometimes called the "VENICE OF THE EAST" by European visitors.

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King Taksin chose this 17th century Wat for his royal temple and palace as it was the first place in Thonburi to catch the morning light. The Emerald Buddha was housed here after it was recaptured from Laos, before beeing moved to Wat Phra Kaeoin 1785.

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On the site of the former Intercontinental Hotel in Siam Square, you will now find The Siam Paragon it is the largest development of its kind in Thailand, on a massive 21 acres of prime central Bangkok land.

The Paragon has moved the Emporium firmly into second place.

The Paragon has car showrooms, an aquarium, high class food court (not the one on the ground floor!), fountains.

In fact the whole concept has been designed to eclipse similar projects in neighbouring countries and make Thailand a shopping destination similar to Hong Kong or Singapore.

All the top name brands are there, along with a first class hotel, serviced apartments, cinemas, restaurants, aquarium, and a hall for grand events.

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Sukhumvit Soi 24. In my opinion this is the best all round mall, department store, food court and cinema complex. Built adjacent to Queens Park (Benja Siri), The Emporium houses a collection of designer stores, an excellent department store, and a whole floor (5th) of restaurants, coffee shops, fast food, supermarket, and the cleanest and best food court I have seen in Thailand.

The 6th floor houses a multi-screen cinema where you can see all the latest films for a fraction of the normal cost AND several months before they get released in the UK. All shown with the original English soundtrack and Thai sub-titles. Usually 120 Baht per seat and only 100 Baht in the daytime. Cinema re-furbished March 2003.

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MBK Shopping Mall [Mah Boon Krong] This is a very popular shopping mall for locals. Located just across from Siam Square.

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In 1976, the Court-appointed administrator for the property of Jim Thompson received permission from government ministries of the Kingdom of Thailand to establish a foundation bearing Jim Thompson's name.

Accordingly, the property was vested in the Foundation, and the house and art collection are now officially registered as a national museum.

By virtue of the dictates of its charter and the abiding interests of Jim Thompson, the Foundation dedicates and commits itself to the preservation and conservation of Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

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Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and houses an enormous gold-plated Reclining Buddha, which is 46m (150ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Today, the temple is also renowned for its teaching of herbal medicine and traditional massage.

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Vimanmek Palace is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. It used to be a royal summer retreat and was dismantled and rebuilt in Bangkok in 1900. The 81-room mansion stands in carefully manicured lawns, located close to the current royal residence, and contains 31 exhibition rooms.

Visitors are not free to wander but must take a guided tour, which take place every 30 minutes. Highlights include Thailand's first indoor bathroom and the oldest typewriter with Thai characters. The dress code is the same as for the Royal Grand Palace.

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One of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the region, the National Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the neolithic period through to more recent periods.

The building, begun in 1782, is fascinating in its own right, having been built in traditional Thai style.

The museum is so large that it needs more than one visit, however, if time is short, it must be spent in the lovely teak pavilion, which houses personal royal belongings.

Free guided tours in English are given by volunteers at 0930 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and are highly recommended.

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