For some people, Bangkok is a stop-over city, before they travel on to Phuket or Koh Samui. It takes more than a single evening to see everything this eclectic city of exquisite temples, restaurants, markets and street food has to offer. However, if you’re lucky enough to grab time in this oriental city, here’s how to make the most of your stop-off.

If your down-time between flights includes daytime hours, you’re blessed with the opportunity to explore the architecture, craftsmanship and elaborate details of the Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It is nothing short of breathtaking, and there are plenty to choose from.Bangkok

In the grounds of the 18th century Grand Palace, is the sacred temple of Kat Phra Kaew and its Reclining Buddha. One of the oldest, and largest, temples in the city, it is where the 150-feet long emerald Buddha reclines in hushed grandeur.

Wat Trimitr is home to a gleaming Buddha sits lotus style, weighed down by five tonnes of solid gold and Wat Benchamabophit is a white marble temple with ornately stepped-out roofs that typifies Bangkok’s ornate style of high gables and elaborate finials. Early mornings, the monks of the temple line up to receive alms through the donation of food, toiletries, incense and lotus buds.Bangkok

The Khao San Road is one of the most visited atractions by foreign tourists. Right in the centre of the city, close to many tourist sites and shopping centres, and offers a good range of guesthouse-type accommodation, it’s where you’re best to go if you want to try street food. Vendors offer a range of Thai food – from scorpions to shark to shrimp skewers. If you want to try street food but are anxious about hygiene, head for the busy stalls where you’re pretty much guaranteed fresh ingredients thanks to the high rate of food turnover.

One thing to keep in mind – Monday is street cleaning day in Bangkok and it’s a quiet day for street vendors.

Patpong is one of the world’s most well-known red-light districts, where Thailand’s infamous “Go-Go culture began. Its parallel side-streets are next to each other and sightseers from all countries want to see where the strip bars and pole-dancing entertainment rub shoulders with tourist tat on the night market in the same streets.

If you want to venture into one of the neon Go-Go bars located on ground level, they’re free to enter as long as you order a drink. But be careful not to get ripped off: if there’s even a hint of “free for five minutes”, or no sign of a name on the bar, you might end up parted from your cash quicker than you can say Get-Get out of here. Bars will bring you your bill each time your order – if your bill doesn’t come until the end of your evening, don’t bother arguing – accept you’ve been had, pay up, and head home.Bangkok

For the chance to be part of a business for social progress, head to Cabbages and Condoms. What started as a small vegetable stand which boasted condoms and oral contraceptives among its wares developed into a small outdoor restaurant with salads that were among the best in Bangkok. Its reputation grew and it became a favourite with tourists: it is now acknowledged as one of the finest Thai restaurants in Bangkok and patrons of the original, or any of the chain restaurants that have spread across the world, will not only sample excellent fare, they’ll be supporting The Population & Community Development Association (PDA) and its programs in primary health, education, HIV/AIDS, rural development, environment and water.

As the song goes, one night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster.

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