Buzzing, sweaty, exotic Bangkok is a city that really is larger than life. Pacy, hot and a curious blend of the traditional East with the modern West, it offers the cruise holiday passenger surprises around every corner.

Ramshackle buildings crouch next to exotic temples surrounded by delightful gardens, which are in turn overlooked by soaring modern skyscrapers. The mighty Chao Phraya divides the city, and teems with river craft.

Cruise ships call at Laem Chabang port, under two hours by road from the city, making it easy to reach and a must on any itinerary.

A cruise to Thailand wouldn't be complete without a visit to the capital. Although increasingly westernised in appearance, there is also a strong sense of tradition in this congested city where the ubiquitous three-wheeled ‘tuk-tuks' weave their way through the chaotic traffic.

Royal palaces, spectacular temples and peaceful backwater canals (Khlongs) vie for attention with shiny new buildings, while a rice barge cruise along the Chao Phraya is a highlight, offering great views of Thailand's famous, richly ornamented, Royal Barges.

Highlights:
• Grand Palace complex
• Khlongs canal cruise
• Floating market
• Wat Arun temple
• Temple of the Reclining Buddha
• Patpong night market
• Jim Thompson's House

Bangkok Tourist Division
17/1 phra Athit Road
Tel: +66 2225 7612.
Website: www.bangkoktourist.com

Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, batiks, silver, pottery with celadon green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones, dolls, masks, lacquerware, pewterware, bamboo artefacts and bronzeware. The weekend market at Chatuchak Park in Bangkok is a regular cornucopia with anything from genuine antiques to fighting fish. Tailor-made clothes are very good value and can be made in a matter of days.

There are many restaurants - and any number of street vendors offering tasty snacks. Thai food is hot, spicy, and irresistible. Popular specialities include green and red curries, fried rice, and sweet rice cakes.

Thailand is generally very hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February.

Thailand

GMT + 7.

Baht (Bt) = 100 satang.

Thai.

Central Thailand.

10 million.

Constitutional monarchy.

The vast majority of Thais adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form). There are Muslim, Christian and Hindu minorities.

The Royal Family is regarded with reverence, and visitors should respect this. Openly showing anger is bad form, as is public display of affection between the sexes. It is rude to touch anyone on the head, or to point one's feet. Shoes should be removed before entering a home or temple.

Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants will add 10% service charge and 7% government tax to the bill.