Located in suburban Bangkok , just off Ram Indra Road , encompasses an artificial inland sea complete with beach area, artificial waves, waterfalls, colourful slides, whirlpools and waterfalls. Satellite attractions include aviaries, and botanical garden and a children's playground.

The only government-run zoo in Bangkok , offers a wide variety of African and Asian mammals and birds, and a large ornamental pond whereupon paddle-boat rides are a popular past-time

The nearby 170-acre Safari World, at Km. 9 on Ram Indra road, encompasses a spacious zoo, a safari park and a marine park. The safari park features popular African and Asian mammals roaming free in a natural habitat. The marine park features performing dolphins, seals, birds and monkeys.

Though there are many markets throughout Bangkok , Chatuchak Weekend Market is still pretty much the undisputed king of them all. The scale of it is pretty unbelievable - it covers an area of 70 rai (35 acres), contains more than 15,000 shops and stalls, has over 200, 000 visitors each day, and they spend an estimated total of 30 million baht (approx US$750,000). The range of products on sale is extensive, and includes household accessories, handicrafts, religious artifacts, art, antiques, live animals (which unfortunately are frequently caged in cruel conditions), books, music, clothes, food, plants and flowers etc...

Though the western end of Sukhumvit road (between soi 1 and 33) has a lot of foreigners, both tourists and residents, it is not an especially great place for shopping. There are quite a few tourist shops (cheap tailors, camera shops etc...) and up to around soi 11 there are street stalls selling fake clothes, handicrafts and other similar merchandise.

Lumpini Park Whether jogging or protest rally, Lumpini is the place Bangkokians gather. This large park is bordered by Rama IV Road on the south, Sarasin Road on the north, Witthayu Road eastward and Ratchadamri Road on the west. A large artificial lake surrounded by well tended lawns dominates the center. Wooded areas and walking paths give Bangkokians an outdoor escape from hectic Bangkok life.

Thailand and Bangkok have developed into one of the best and most popular shopping locations in Asia , and with good reason. Prices are low, quality generally high and the range and variety is pretty amazing - silks, gemstones, tailor-made clothes and traditional handicrafts are all highlights of Bangkok shopping. Most shops seem to be open 10.00am to 10.00pm everyday of the week, and nightmarkets carry on even after this time - all very convenient in being able to go shopping at basically any time you want. Buying a shopping map is very useful in order to get the most out of shopping in Bangkok - despite the garish colours, the 'Nancy Chandler' map is actually very useful and probably the best.

Computers, TV's, cameras and similar items can be good value in Thailand, but you'll be hard pushed to find one with high quality components selling for significantly less than in the US / Europe. Overall, you're probably better off buying at home than in Thailand , as although you may spend slightly more, you are much more likely to get decent after sales or a refund in case of problems in Europe/US than in Thailand . On the other hand, if you're looking to buy computer peripherals then you can get some good deals in Bangkok , and repairs can be done similarly cheaply.

This area, east from the top of Sukhumvit road, is a modern and fashionable shopping district with several large shopping centers. This includes the 8 storey World Trade Center, which houses the Zen and Isetan department stores, Central Chidlom department store, a branch of Bangkok largest chain of department stores, Tokyu department store, Sogo, Narayana Phand store for Thai handicrafts, and the expensive and very upmarket Gaysorn Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, Promenda Decor and Amarin Plaza.

Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn and the full name is Wat Arunratchawararam and named after Aruna, the Indian god of dawn. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phaya River , the Khmer style temple dates to the 17th century. It once served as the palace for HM Taksin, the Great and home of the Emerald Buddha.

Thai boxing is both a sport and means of self defense. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders, are all weapons. The playing of traditional music during bouts makes for even greater excitement. There are two venues in Bangkok for this type of sport.

Traditional Thai massage is a proven physical therapy that dates back to ancient India sometime before the lifetime of Buddha. It has been practiced here for centuries, and many swear by it as effective cure for common ailments such as aches and pains, fevers and nervous strains.