Ten Short Things to Do in Bangkok

Taking in a dinner cruise on a restored teakwood boat along the Chao Phraya is an utterly unique and memorable experience. Be sure to take a camera along to catch a few snaps of the Grand Palace and the shimmering temples that line the banks of the River while enjoying the scrumptious Thai fare and fine wine served on board. It's a brilliant experience to enjoy with friends, a loved one, or even individually.

The floating markets consist of small thin canals and longboats piled high with fresh produce and paddled by a lady ready to stop and bargain in an instant. Although the event is staged – Thais no longer buy and sell produce at river markets – this cultural 'show' remains one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist spots due to its vibrancy and controlled chaos.

Sitting on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya, Wat Arun – known as the Temple of Dawn – is renowned for its outstanding spire decorated with thousands of pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns. Adjacent to Wat Arun is Wat Po, the famous Thai traditional medical and massage school – famed for its huge and majestic awe-inspiring reclining Buddha that is covered head to toe in gold leaf.

The obligatory ladyboy show is a feast for the eyes. You'll see extravagant costumes, hear thrilling soundtracks and witness glistening stage design and all this makes for a few hours of cracking entertainment. These feline creatures are some of the most attractive and natural transvestites in the world, notorious for their convincing appearances and wild cabaret performances. These shows are in no way offensive; more a bedazzling few hours of foot-tapping entrainment.

Thailand has emerged as something of Southeast Asian golfing hub in recent years. Bangkok’s golf courses offer a high level of service at very competitive prices- with the unique twist of employing only female caddies. There are a few world-class golf courses and clubs within easy reach of the city centre, where a day of scenic golfing is followed by sunset drinks in one of the many courses' excellent clubhouses.

Jim Thompson was a former Military Intelligence office considered in large part to have single-handedly revived the craft of silk weaving in Thailand, with superb results as you will notice. His mysterious disappearance in 1967 was met with sadness; consequently the nation adopted the American as a national treasure. Thompson left behind a flourishing industry and a collection of restored teak houses which now encompass part of this tour. An interesting and thought-provoking excursion.

Southeast Asia is a fully fledged leader of the wellness revolution, with Bangkok taking centre stage as one of the leading delegates. Holistic, massage and general well being of the mind, body and soul are available to all of the cities dwellers regardless of class. On any one of Bangkok’s main streets you will be faced with an abundance of massage parlours, beauty salons and holistic options with a variety of price ranges.

The incredibly competitive rates of Thailand’s health industry mean that many travel here for treatment. Even after travel costs, shopping and a trip to the beach are factored in you can still save money after treatment. The quality of Thailand’s health care is of a high standard and the hospitals are more reminiscent of hotels than your traditional sanatorium.

Siam Niramit is a world-class performance that goes back through time and delves into the history and culture of the Kingdom of Thailand. This spectacular show is performed on a gigantic stage – now listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the world biggest. Before or after the show, visit the Thai village. Here, you can also learn and have a go at creating Thai handicrafts yourself!