Bangkok

Bangkok has one of the worst traffic problems in the world. It is also one of the most polluted. Once you depart the airport, it's like entering a blanket of smog. The heat is very heavy so an air-conditioned taxi to your accommodation is a must. The airport is a 15 minute ride from the city, so transport is essential.

We stayed at the Asia Hotel, conveniently situated in the heart of the city. You are welcomed at the entrance by the porters who escort your luggage for you. The Thais are well-known for their hospitality and can make you feel like royalty. The hotel costs from £25 a night which includes a buffet breakfast served between 7-10am. Twin rooms are available with en suite and are very comfortable for the price. There is an inside and outdoor pool with jacuzzi and towel hire. The hotel itself could be a mini-complex. There's a selection a restaurants from Chinese to Thai with live entertainment. See the Thai Elvis impersonator or pay to watch a cabaret show on the ground level. Upstairs you'll find gift shops and even an art gallery. The service is faultless and you can arrange tours or transport for you to take the worry out of your hands.

A unique feature to Bangkok is the sky city where you can escape the pollution and browse around the air-conditioned shops. Escalators take you up to the hoards of department feet away from the ground. There's a multiplex cinema which shows alternative plus the latest releases with subtitles. Clothes are very cheap so take the opportunity to shop until you drop. The only difficulty you may find are the clothes sizes, which are smaller as the Thais are a tiny race. If you fancy some indulgence, treat yourself to Thai massage. Beauty parlours are everywhere as it appears to be one of their favourite pastimes. Salons are clean and treatments range from bikini-waxing to cosmetic tattooing. Fake goods are everywhere so its ideal for that last minute gift before you go home.

There is also a sky-train that takes you to various parts of the city. It is colour co-ordinated and very simple to use. It's also a great way to see the city from above. Bangkok is a large city so walking isn't really an option if you're staying in the centre. Taxis are reasonable and accessible but the best way to get around is by the local transport: tuk tuk. These are motorised rickshaws that weave in and out of the traffic. They're the best mode of transport and also the cheapest but do hold on tight! You can even hire them for an hour to take you around the local temples. It's like having your own tour guide and is easier than walking around with a map. They can also tell you the local history. If you visit Bangkok on a 'Government Holiday' the drivers are entitled to free fuel for taking tourists to the jewelry and silk shops. So be firm on where you want to go, otherwise you could find yourself buying a necklace that you didn't want. However, if you do want a tailor-made suit then this is the place to buy one. For £60 you can have your own personal three-piece suit.

Khao San Road is the place to pick up statues, sarongs or have your hair braided for £5.00. It's popular with backpackers and has budget accommodation. It's a busy area with a few English style pubs serving western food. The cheapest way to eat is buying from road stalls that sell noodles or rice and cook it in front of you. You can choose from a snack for about 80 pence or a meal for £1.00 and it's acceptable to eat on the streets. It's a good way to try new dishes, some stalls offer the English translation but others you'll just have to use guess work. Squid is very popular, you can even buy dried squid and cuttle fish in stores. Convenience stores 7/11 are open late and offer hot dog or pies. Drinking tap water is not advisable, bottled water is cheap though.
Bangkok is a lively city that has great shops, bars and nightly entertainment. You can be forgiven for feeling vulnerable when you first arrive as the city is very busy but once you're acclimatised you're be rushing around like one of the Thais...