Voices of Bangkok, Thailand
The Thai capital is an exciting mix of ancient and modern, where glistening skyscrapers and marble-fronted mega-malls sit alongside centuries-old Buddhist temples and royal palaces.
Typical Thai life
“Khlong Saen Saeb, an inner city canal, is very Bangkok, and it’s a real remnant of the old city, which was once known as the Venice of Asia,” said Eric Hallin, the general manager of the Rembrandt Hotel. “Very very few tourists make it here, yet you’ll see traditional life that is invisible from the road. The canal cuts through so many culturally diverse bits of the city, from rural areas to slums and modern housing estates, from simple hotels to hi-tech shopping centres. And there’s a real cross-section of people: suits with iPads whizzing by, neatly dressed school kids, office ladies in their finest and farmers and vendors selling all manner of produce – even live chickens!” [(Alex Robinson)](www.alexrobinsonphotography.co.uk)
Bargain buys and sumptuous snacks
“Shop in one of the markets – either Sumpang or Chatuchak. In the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the home décor, linens and casual clothes are a real bargain, while also being stylish and contemporary,” said Jirawan Suwanlert, a fashion buyer. “Come early morning to avoid the heat and crowds, or mid-morning for a shop and then lunch in the food market. I always have kewteaw tom yam – noodles with pork balls in a spicy broth. Delicious.” [(Alex Robinson)](www.alexrobinsonphotography.co.uk)
A waterfront playground
“I love Asiatique, the new leisure centre on the Chao Phraya river,” said Jazmine Saengthian, a vendor at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. “It’s a living museum, a festive market area, a shopping mall and a superb spot to see the sunset. And it lies in the heart of the old city. It’s so romantic and there are like 40 restaurants with many varieties of food, including Japanese, Italian, Thai, American, seafood, steak, spicy food and bakeries. The big sky wheel – the 50m-tall Asiatique Sky – just opened here too, offering great views of skyscrapers, the river, the boats and temples.” [(Alex Robinson)](www.alexrobinsonphotography.co.uk)
Cocktail time
Sasikan Zeempoui, a local model, frequents My Bar at the Dusit Hotel. “I love the food – try the ba mee phad gung phrik thai dum (stir fried yellow noodles with lobster and black pepper) – the exclusive relaxing atmosphere, the live piano music and the superb service,” she said. “Come for the good deals on ‘Wild Wednesday’ when many of the drinks sell for just 200 baht.” [(Alex Robinson)](www.alexrobinsonphotography.co.uk)
Drinking in the view
“The Banyan Tree hotel has a rooftop restaurant, Vertigo, with an amazing view,” said Dan Hardy, a local model. “Centrally located, it overlooks the whole of this beautiful city. The best time to go is just as the sun is setting; the colour of the sky is almost unreal. The blue and orange combined gives you the warm, calm and peaceful feeling that’s needed in such a lively city.” [(Alex Robinson)](www.alexrobinsonphotography.co.uk)
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Source: BBC Travel.com