Bangkok

Bangkok is one of our favorite cities in the world. Its unique combination of inimitable Thai art, beautiful Wats (temples), happy people, great hotels and excellent shopping ensures that almost all visitors will have a great time.

Bangkok is a bustling Asian city, incredibly crowded in certain places yet easy to navigate through its Sky Train. The city is congested with traffic and pollution, but the skyscrapers are beautiful, and the landscape is studded with hundreds of Wats, with their white washed walls, spiky roofs, dragon-spouted gutters and gold, gold and even more gold. The Grand Palace is a sight to behold. I've visited several times and still can't get enough of its beauty and unique architecture. Thai dancing is also special and distinctive, and is worth taking the time for a performance.

Shopping is a central theme in Bangkok, from the people's weekend Chatuchak market, where bargain hunters flock on weekends for pet squirrels, military fatigues, antique Burmese tapestries or hand-made wood carvings, to huge, ultra-modern shopping centers. Take the Sky Train to Siam Center and switch to the line that goes to Mo Chit . At the end of the line follow the masses to Chatuchak. You find both locals and tourists, looking for a wide range of merchandise in 8 sections. Come prepared to bargain (start by offering between 30-50% of the asking price; I typically end with 50% of the asking price, but I've been well trained thanks to childhood in the Middle East) -- you're not being offensive, just native.

As you return to your hotel from Chatuchak, disembark at Siam Center and explore the shopping centers in the area. Paragon is the "Western Brand Name" mall, except for the several traditional Thai jewelry shops on the second floor. Enjoy good French pastries and good coffee at Lenotre or the Oriental shop at the bottom floor of Paragon. After reviving yourself, go to Central Mall if you're interested in cool clothing for young people, or just walk the street to enjoy the many street vendors hawking their wares.

My favorite hotel in town is the Peninsula, hands-down. The service is exemplary; executive chef Philip Sedgwick creates outstanding cuisine in the hotel's three restaurants (my favorite, surprisingly, is the River Café with its daily buffet meals, great value and tasty food). Philip also invented Natural High Tea, building on his British roots and marrying them with health consciousness to create whole wheat scones and a healthier, less caloric alternative to the traditional High Tea (I still ask for a pile of whipped cream with my scones, and get it). You can just sit in your room and watch the boat traffic along the Chao Praya river or get the best massage in Southeast Asia at the hotel's stunning spa. I recommend trying Khum Jom - she is the best! You will be amazed at how strong a 5'2" Thai women can be. The hotel also has a unique multi-level pool by the river, and chef Sedgwick performs miracles in the kitchen regularly.

Other good restaurants in town include the new Face, where classic Thai cuisine is served for non-Thais (they also have excellent Northern Indian food), and the romantic Normandy at the Mandarin Oriental. If you are really adventurous, try some of the traditional Thai restaurants along the river. The food is unique, can be very spicy or unusually fragrant and your stomach will surely not recognize it, so keep some Tagament handy.

While in town, don't miss a long-tail boat excursion doqn Bangkok's winding riverways where you can see its citizens living, bathing, laughing and showing how strong faith (they are Buddhist) and the right attitude can make almost any life not only bearable but even enjoyable.

Bangkok offers a well-rounded, friendly and relaxing vacation to its visitors. Try this adventure -- you won't be disappointed!