The three-wheeled motorcycle or Tuk Tuk taxis are relatively fast but unsafe and leave you with a face painted in soot at the end of the journey.
By far the most comfortable and fastest method of travel is by boat. The wide Chao Phraya that flows some 20km away into the Gulf of Thailand is the real soul of the city and every visitor should at least make one such trip.
From the water one can imagine what the city once looked like in contrast to the unimaginative skyscrapers that could be anywhere in the world.
People along the river still live like their ancestors a century ago. Children play in the water, an old man stands knee-deep along the river bank dipping his hair with shampoo and diving beneath the water.
For a few Baht an express boat can be taken to the major sightseeing points a welcome relief from the hectic shopping spree.
Most tourists spend at the most two days in Bangkok before traveling to the beaches in southern Thailand or other venues in Asia. But at least half a day should be reserved for sightseeing including a visit to the palace in the old part of the city, although King Bhumibol no longer officially resides there.
The temple complex of Wat Phra Kaeo with its famous emerald Buddha is the other major attraction. The area is protected by a 1,900m wall and was once a city within a city. The architecture is breathtaking.
At least another temple, the Wat Pho, should be visited with its 46m lying Buddha painted in gold with an unusually relaxed expression.
The Wat Pho can also be recommended for its massage school. Newly reinvigorated with stretched muscles and limbs the visitor can then move on to more shopping.
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