Bangkok

It's hard to imagine that this bustling metropolis where skyscrapers have replaced stilt houses was official founded only in the 18th century. Tuk-tuks circulate below futuristic metro lines, and visitors savour spicy dishes and cocktails on roof-top terraces.

5 good reasons to go to Bangkok

A city rising from the water

Built just one metre above sea level, Bangkok is a river city on the meanders of the Chao Phraya River. The latter remains the best way of getting around the great monuments, main hotels and temples located along its banks. It is essential to sail along this river and its canals to get a glimpse of the real soul of the "City of Angels".

Enjoy spicy food

Whether you choose rice, noodles or fried vegetables, in Thailand, all of them are generally accompanied by chili peppers. Thai curry, which is also very spicy, is a very common street food dish. The wok remains the ultimate cooking utensil, enabling ingredients to be flash-fried and and stirred constantly. As a result, tasty combinations are created combining vegetables, cereals, spices, meat or fish.

In the country of smiles

Thailand did not become a great tourist destination simply because of its natural assets. The population is very welcoming and friendly, and their relative openness towards western culture and generous smiles have forged them a solid reputation. However, this may also be thanks to their peace-loving and very philosophical Buddhist religion.

Admire the crown jewels

Thailand is one of Asia's last monarchies, having miraculously escaped wars and skilfully protected itself from colonisation. Although the country today is ruled by parliament and the army, the king is a personality who is still enormously respected, for he embodies the nation's unity and reduces conflict.

Set out on an urban adventure

Sputtering tuk-tuks, fast-moving taxis, and an air-conditioned overhead metro, there are plenty of novel means of transport in Bangkok and you can choose in accordance with your mood and temerity. The "samlo" tricycle is a quieter option and is useful for discovering different quarters like Chinatown. Finally, long boats are a must for sailing on the numerous canals.

To see / do

Culture and History

The National Museum

An excellent museum which houses some real treasures. It's ideal for understanding the history of Thailand, discovering its traditions, architecture and different decorative styles. An essential prelude to your trip, where you will learn all there is to know before entering the kingdom's temples and palaces.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kéo

This is a truly royal city with its temples, museums, palaces and gardens, located on 219 hectares. Khmer, Thai and colonial styles form an eclectic mix in a burst of ornamentation and colour. Although the king no longer resides here, this complex and its glittering gilding is definitely the jewel in the crown, the pride and joy of the whole country.

Kite fights

Sanam Luang is a large green space, traditionally reserved for royal celebrations and events. When large events are not being staged, Thai people like to come here to get some air at the end of the afternoon. From February to April, it is also the stage for amazing kite fighting battles, where particpants compete litterally to get their opponents to the ground.

The Golden Mountain

This artificial mount symbolises Mount Meru, the axis mundi of Hindu cosmology. It took two reigns to raise it to a height of 78 meters on foundations made of teak trunks. There are 318 steps to its summit, where you can reach a golden chedi and get an incredible view over the capital city.

Outings

Thai Boxing

"Muay Thai" is a combat sport where you can do just about anything, except biting. It has been elevated to the status of an authentic national sport, matches are shows in their own right which are accompanied by an orchestra and wild crowds. Go and see at Ratchadamnoen or Lumphini Stadium, unless you actually want to take part in an introductory training course.

Excursion on the khlong

Canals criss-cross the west of Bangkok. A water maze composed of hundreds of wooden stilt houses, temples and charming villas. Traditional quarters where you can see the inhabitants fishing, swimming or trading cheerfully in the midst of luxuriant vegetation.

Time for a massage

Massage is an unmissable ritual throughout the country. It is primarily theraputic, but has gradually been democratised as a technique for relaxation. You will also find spa facilities in most of the large hotels, in the street as well as a recognised school near Wat Po.

Gastronomy

Test new tastes

Insects are generally fried, and can be found in the majority of Thailand's markets. Will you dare to taste grasshopper, spiders or silk worms? They are nutritionally rich and could be the meat of the future.

Pad Thai

This dish is made with wok-fried noodles, meat or seafood, eggs, soy, cashew nuts, fish sauce and lime sauce. It's one of Thailand's best-known and most common dishes.

Tom yam

This sweet and sour pork, chicken or fish soup, is made with stock, coconut milk, lime, ginger and chili peppers. This rather spicy soup is a classic in Thai gastronomy.

A tropical Paradise

As the country is a great producer of fruit, you can find the latter everywhere in Thailand, ready to eat, fresh and cut or blended. We are all familiar with pinapple, coconut, papaya, lychees and passion fruit, but you can also taste dragon fruit, rambutan, durian, jackfruit, mangosteen and many other tropical varieties.

Vegetal Sculptures

It's very common to find fruit and vegetable sculptures in Thailand. This ancestral custom was inherited from ladies of the court; it is today found in most of the chic restaurants. In larger hotels with immense buffets, it is not uncommon to find huge pyramids of tropical fruit, some of which may even be crowned with an ice sculpture.