Hi Dermot
What’s the craic, Bangkok is the best city in the world, most love it or hate, I love it. The smells, bars, restaurants, hotels, tuk tuks, elephants walking up and down the streets, deep fried bugs, fake bags, DVDs we could go on forever.
Some of the things myself and my girlfriend do in Thailand and see are the following. (I just took some things off the net for you hope this helps and gives you ideas).


Grand Palace: Is an absolute MUST, as it is an outstanding architectural achievement, that also houses the infamous Emerald Buddha, which is the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. We suggest that you go early in the morning to avoid the major crowds, it will still be busy but getting there around 9 am or 10 am will give you a little more space. Do not wear shorts when you visit, and if you are female we recommend that you do not wear sandals, skirts and suggest that you wear a long sleeved blouse or something. You will need to keep half the day if not more open to see everything and you will definitely need your camera with a lot of film handy. To get there, you can either take a taxi, or the Sky train to National Stadium stop and then a taxi from there, on the way back we recommend that you take one of the many taxi boats. The Grand Palace officially opens 8.30 am and closes 3.30pm. Admission fee costs 200 Baht and includes a ticket to the Vimanmek Royal mansion. It may be advisable to rent a Personal Audio Guide that will only cost 100 Baht for two hours, and comes in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin.

Floating Market: The infamous market that many articles on Bangkok, cover with pictures of Thais selling there fresh produce on boats. The market is some 80 Kilometres outside of Bangkok. You can take an organised tour, or take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendors boats crowd the market area early morning until around noon. You will be able to travel around in boat and see a little of what Thai village life is like. Although do remember that this is now a very famous excursion so it will not be your normal Thai village. It is best to get there early.

Wat Pho: Neighbouring the Grand Palace the Wat Pho is found along Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high ! Its soles are inlaid with mother of pole ! Admission is 20 Baht and is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai): Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is becoming very well known around the world, and is a popular stop off for people who enjoy it. The two main stadiums are Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road and is open Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm Thursday at 5 pm and 9 pm, and Sundays at 4 pm and 8 pm.

Siam Paragon - For years the Emporium has enjoyed the position of the leading Shopping Mall in not just Bangkok but Thailand, followed very closely by some of the Central Department Stores such as the Central Chidlom. The Siam Paragon and also Central Chidlom have now in our view taken over this prestigious accolade and they offer everything, if not even more, than the Emporium. The Siam Paragon opened its doors in December 2005 and is quite literally enormous. This is an absolute must for travellers to Bangkok in search of high quality merchandise. As with most other Malls and Department Stores do remember to take your passport so you can enjoy the 5% Tourist Discount, and also make sure you claim VAT. It should also be noted that the Siam Paragon is home to many of the world's leading designers in Bangkok and while the actual mall may close at around 10:30 many of the designer shops close much earlier, so if you are looking for Gucci, Zegna, LV etc then an afternoon or morning visit is advised. There are also some excellent restaurants at the Siam Paragon.

MBK (Mahanakorn) is 6 floors of little shops that sell assorted goods. Everything can be bought here at very good prices. It is hectic and busy especially at the weekend, but if you are looking for a bargain this is a great, if not a tiring place to start. They have two shops that we can strongly recommend, and deserve a mention simply because a lot of people look for this and don't find them. The first is on the sixth floor and is called Seven Sis, here you can have words printed on to pretty much anything, hats, t-shirts, shirts, you name it. The beauty is that not only is it great value, but it is also stitched and not screen, this means that your t-shirt or whatever will not fade out in the wash or even start peeling. You should also not miss the food court on the sixth floor, it must be one of the biggest in Bangkok, the food is great, and everything is amazing value.

Patpong Night Market offers a wide range of fake goods such as watches, clothes, bags etc. Located in the heart of Patpong (skytrain station Saladaeng), with Bangkok's famous bars on either side this night market offers many distractions, and perhaps an excuse for many to visit this famous night spot. Haggling is expected.

There is a few for thought I hope its not too much **** there. I dont know how up todate those prices are.

Garrett