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In this episode of the Tips for Travellers show Gary Bembridge shares observations, advice and tips for visitors to the capital of Thailand: Bangkok.

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The show covers the following and more:

Observations:

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• Bangkok is capital of Thailand (Thai = free so Thailand means land of the free)
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• Never been colonised unlike so many other Asian countries - sided with Japanese in WWII and supported USA in Vietnam war.
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• Monarchy which is highly respected and revered\\xa0 offence to say negative against the monarchy.
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• Bangkok used to be "Venice of the East" as so many rivers and canals - but now mostly filled in.
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• Lots of traffic and traffic jams.
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• Relatively safe despite political troubles and street demonstrations - more likely affect by tourist scams !
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Getting there
Major gateway and also connections hub with most international Travelelers coming in via Suvanathmi international airport

Getting around

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• Sky train
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• Underground Metro
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• River rides - express boat up\\xa0 and down Chao Phraya river
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• Buses harder to navigate as most routes in Thai
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• Taxis - metered but ensure is switched on
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• Motorbike taxis - ensure you given a helmet
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• Tuk-tuk - 3-wheeled open sided - most drivers focus on where they want to take you to..!
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Must see things to do
Sights are fairly concentrated in one area close to each other

Wat Phra Kaew and Royal Grand Palace Complex

Grand Palace
Including some key buildings:
Borombhiman Hall
Amarin Vinitchai Throne Room
Chakri Maha Prasat
Dusit Maha Prasat

Emerald Buddha temple - Housed inside the Wat Pra Kaeo

Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavillion

Wat Pho
Close by is oldest and largest temple in Bangkok - contains country\'s largest reclining Buddha

Golden Buddha
Housed in Wat Traimit - 5,5 ton Solid gold Buddha - 3 metres high

Wat Arun
Temple of Dawn named after Indian god of dawn

Museums:
Dolls museum
National museum
Jim Thompson House
Royal Barge Museum

Shopping
Bargaining expected in markets
Chinatown and Little India
Bangkok floating market
Central World Market

Patpong
Red light district