One of the reasons Bangkok is such a great city to visit is that the unique culture of Thailand is so evident in every aspect. Thailand has never been conquered, or occupied, and has avoided undue outside influences. That is not to say that Bangkok does not have all the modern conveniences and services one would expect from a large city, it does. It somehow manages to offer modern sophistication and still retain the gentle charm and traditional cultural heart of ancient Thailand.

For tourists, Bangkok is a banquet of attractions. The city houses 400 glittering Buddhist temples, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centers and examples of traditional ways of life. This is especially evident along the “Venice of the East”timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River that winds through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into old Bangkok. The best time to make a canal boat trip is around six o’clock in the morning in order to capture the authentic atmosphere and the varied activity which begins early in the day: Monks receiving alms, children hurrying to school, and boats delivering vegetables from farms to markets.

If possible, time your visit to take advantage of one of the colorful festivals that Bangkok celebrates:

1) Bangkok Songkran: The traditional Thai New Year joyfully celebrated citywide and countrywide with rituals of merit making cleaning houses, honoring elders, parades of dancers and music troupes, and boat races.

2) Chinese New Year Festival in Bangkok Chinatown. There are a number of demonstrations presenting Chinese culture. Some are: traditional Chinese Lanterns, Kang Fu Fighting, Chinese dragon and lion dances, ancient Chinese costumes, music, and recipes

3) Loi Krathong: One of the most beautiful of the festivals, this “festival of the lights” is observed citywide and nationally. In the evening, people gather at the waterside to float krathong, lotus-shaped vessels beautifully decorated with flowers and lit candles, as a thanksgiving and worship to the Goddess of Water. Imagine how lovely this must be! There are also fun fairs, concerts, beauty contests and other entertainment.

If you have time, take a Thai cooking class; or visit the floating market on the River Kwai. Shop the legendary malls MBK or Siam Paragon, or haggle with the merchants at an open air artisan market. You can enjoy traditional Thai Dancing, or a kickboxing demonstration, or visit a royal palace. Make sure to indulge in a spa treatment for which Thailand is famous.

With so many delights waiting, a trip to Bangkok is sure to charm everyone.