By James Stone -


Thailand is rebuilding its reputation as an alternative travel destination after its clash with the Tsunami in 2005. After landing at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, myself and my fiance were greeted by a sea of welcoming faces. Thailand was living up to its label as the 'land of smiles', but would it recreate the Thai food we loved so much back home? We took a Taxi to a nearby youth hostel in the local region where we left our back sacks before heading out into the vast metropolis.

Feeling peckish, Jules and I hailed a Tuk Tuk and set out for the Chang Whattana road near Don Muang airport. After stumbling across a restaurant we were soon seated outside amidst the city life before eating a meal of Pad Kaproa (stir fry meat with basil) and Hoi Todd (an oyster omelet). Before heading back to the hostel for a good night's kip, Jules and I checked out a local bar and relaxed with a Tiger beer while watching Thai students dancing in traditional folk dress.

After a reasonable nights sleep, the two of us left the hostel to investigate the giant rambling city. Again the weather was fantastic (despite the smog) and we took another Tuk Tuk to central Bangkok to investigate the Royal Grand Palace. Inside this vast construction, built by King Rama I during the Chakri Dynasty, is a collection of different styled buildings including the Chakri Throne Hall, Chakrapatpiman Throne Hall, Dusit Throne Hall and Royal Decorations & Coins Division exhibition buildings.

We then headed down to Bangkok's Riverside region looking for more food and picked up a meal of sticky fried rice and spicy chicken. Here we booked, last minute, onto a half day tour boat tour which took us into the intricate canal region of Thonburi. We were dazzled by floating kitchens, speeding canal boats and the riverside houses where life takes a more leisurely pace.

Back at the harbour, Jules and I felt we wanted to get a better perspective of the city. A tourist on the boat had mentioned the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the tallest building in Thailand, which boasts panoramic views of the city. So we grabbed a canal boat and sped back into the city centre at a breath taking pace, swerving between bridges and boats. By the time we reached the Baiyoke building the sun was setting, adding to the thrill of riding the outside glass elevator. At the top I treated Jules to a meal, which was superb and far superior to even the Elephant's Temple back home in Luton, surrounded by the vast metropolis.

We spent the next day visiting some of Bangkok's Wats (temples) which included Wat Trimitr (featuring a five and half tonne statue of Buddha), the Wat Banjamaborpitr (a beautiful white temple) and Wat Po with its giant reclining Buddha. After a very late lunch Jules and I visited the Putkao Bird Park to appreciate the 35,800 sq metre natural bird habitat with its collection of owls, night herons, egrets and storks.

Again we ate out, this time in the lively Phra Nakron district which is home to Khao San Road, an international street full of cafes, bars and markets. We then hit Sukhumvit road and sampled some of the night clubs on the five kilometer stretch between Ekamai and Withayu.

After a good nights sleep, it was time to leave Bangkok and head south and see some of Thailands islands, including Ko Phi Phi Lee - the set of the 2000 blockbuster movie, the Beach.

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