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When you fly into Bangkok, you are arriving at one of Asia's great cities. This bustling, dynamic metropolis is the pulsing heart of Thailand whose beats was the driving force behind the country's outstanding economic development. It is a modern city of towering office blocks, ribbons of expressways, teeming traffic and a Sky train, the elevated mass transit system that threads its way above Bangkok's main thoroughfares. Yet alongside these futuristic trimmings lie the ancient traditions that visitors love so much - glittering temples and palaces, barefoot monks in orange robs, old wooden building, and ceremonies like the magnificent Royal Barge procession on the River of Kings. Bangkok is the business, financial and political center of Thailand. Yet it remains a fun place to visit; a renowned city of entertainment, cuisine and shopping for the whole of Asia. Hospitality is legendary. All are welcome and many come. Besides the old and the new, Bangkok is in fact two cities, divided by the Chao Phraya, River of Kings. After the destruction of Ayutthaya, King Taksin moved his capital to Thonburi on one side of the river. But Bangkok on the other side was always destined to be the first city. And when the palace and royal chapel were constructed, King Rama I moved the sacred Emerald Buddha image across river in 1782 and Bangkok was born as the capital.

Over the years this Grand Palace and its chapel, the Emerald Buddha Temple has been expanded and embellished by the greatest artisans in the kingdom. Today it is a magnificent tribute to Thai art and architecture, open to the public to admire the glorious buildings and statues, and to pray in the main chapel. Tours to this palace also include a visit to nearby Vimanmek, a superbly renovated golden teak palace built as a residence for King Chulalongkorn.  Inside the d?cor is as it was at the turn of the century,

full of beautiful furniture and furnishings, including fascinating gifts presented by visiting royalty and dignitaries. A portion of Vimanmek has been turned into a museum and showcase for handicrafts and fine silks belonging to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's SUPPORT Foundation. The two palaces are located in the original Bangkok, now known as Rattanakosin Island, an area bounded by the old city walls in which many of Bangkok's finest temples and palaces are found. These include Wat Po, where a vast reclining Buddha displays the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha, exquisitely carved in mother of pearl on the soles of its massive feet; Wat Ratchanadda, with its amulet market and unique Loha Prasat (metal palace), the only one of its kind in the world; and the National Museum, once a former palace and now through its extensive collections the repository of the nation's cultural treasures. Nearby, the Chao Phraya River is a busy Bangkok lifeline, used for transporting goods and people, and reflecting a true vision of Thai life. During the day, boats of all shapes and sizes take visitors to see life on the river and sadjoining canals. Tours go to Ko Kret, and island founded by Mons and fames for the quality of its pottery, further to Bang Pa-in, the attractive summer palace of stunning architectural styles, and even as far as the former capital of Ayutthaya, now a World Heritage Site of preserved ruins of what was once a great city.   Next