About Bangkok
Much of Laem Chabang’s old laid-back charm remains, despite its rapid transformation into the country’s ‘Riviera’ - a major gateway for visiting cruise passengers. Located on Thailand’s east coast, this tranquil region of fruit orchards, gem mines and oyster and orchid farms, is now also a great place for swimming, snorkelling and experiencing traditional Thai village life.
You will be hard pressed to know what to do first when you visit the fascinating nearby capital of Bangkok, a treasury of old temples, fine palaces and extravagant art.
For a taste of Old Asia, tour the fabulously ornate buildings of the Grand Palace, where you will see Buddha statues exquisitely worked in ivory, crystal, silver and gold. Or the Royal Barge Museum – home to the splendid vessels used in royal processions.
For shoppers, Bangkok has everything from fake designer good to fine antiques. Barter your way around the markets of Sukhumvit Road and Siam, or browse the traditional shops on Chinatown’s Chareon Krung Road.