Leisure

Dining

Hop between Bangkok's districts for a round-the-world dining experience. Chinatown boasts a bewildering array of restaurants, and Phahurat is the place to go for Indian food. International restaurants in Sukhumvit and Silom accommodate all tastes.

Street vendors churn out Thai food all over Bangkok. In particular, they cluster on touristy streets such as Khao San. Try the national dish, pad Thai, a stir-fry of noodles, fish sauce, vegetables and seafood. The more adventurous can snack on crunchy crickets and scorpions.

Impress business associates with lunch at one of Bangkok's many upscale restaurants. Breeze, on the 52nd floor of the State Tower, serves Asian-style seafood. Take in breathtaking views from the glass footbridge that leads into the dining room. Hop aboard a 50-year-old rice boat for a refined Manohra Dinner Cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Retreat to the lush gardens of the Kinnaree Gourmet Restaurant for classic Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Shopping

Forget your suit? You're in the best place to get a custom replacement - without paying Savile Row prices. Bangkok is renowned for its myriad tailor shops, most of which produce good-quality clothing to order. Be wary of places recommended by taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, who often work on commission.

Pick up souvenirs such as silks and ceramics at the animated Suan Lum and Pat Pong Night markets. If you'd rather not rummage and haggle, seek out a mall. At Siam Paragon in Pathumwan, you'll find world-class designers, from Jimmy Choo to Versace. Gaysorn, in the same district, concentrates on upscale Thai designers. At Pantip Plaza in Ratchathewi, gadget fanatics stock up on computer equipment for bargain prices.

Things to do

Spend an afternoon at the dazzling Grand Palace. Navigate around gilded buildings, intricate murals and the Wat Phra Kaeo temple, home to the sacred Emerald Buddha statue. At Bangkok's oldest temple, Wat Po, see the giant Reclining Buddha before relaxing in the traditional Thai massage cloister. Remember to respect the temples' strict dress code: no thong sandals, sarongs, shorts or other revealing clothes.

The National Museum in Rattanakosin captures Thai history through vast collections of fine art, textiles, woodcarvings and other treasures. At Lumpini Park downtown, watch locals practice early-morning tai chi or ride a pedalo (pedal boat) on the carp-filled lake. In the evening, watch boxing with animated crowds at Ratchadamnoen and Lumpini stadiums. Or book seats for a colorful costumed show of Thai song and dance at Siam Niramit cultural center.